Struggles and Controversies in Youth Residential Treatment

Taylor Kiesel, 20, has faced severe sleep disturbances for three years, waking up terrified. She has found solace in her reptile collection, which includes Russian tortoises and geckos. Her journey into animal rescue highlights her fight against personal challenges and less effective mental health treatments.

Taylor’s issues began early in her life. Her father left when she was five. Diagnosed with autism in the first grade, her mental health struggles soon followed. Her mother, Rachelle, recounted a chilling moment when Taylor, only six, expressed self-harming thoughts.

Issues with Treatment Centers

Despite various therapies and hospitalizations, Taylor’s well-being did not improve. A consultant suggested a longer-term stay at Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) in Missouri. However, upon arrival, Taylor realized the environment was troubling. Complaints about the staff and student interactions led Taylor and her mother to become part of a lawsuit involving allegations against CALO.

“The way that other kids treated each other, how the staff would pit us against each other — that was not normal,” Taylor said.

Many families and former staff describe CALO as a chaotic setting. Police files detailed numerous alarming incidents there. Former prosecutor Caleb Cunningham noted repetitive concerns across the youth treatment industry.

Regulatory Concerns and Financial Burdens

Taylor’s stay at CALO was partly covered by her Washington state school district under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law allows students with special needs to receive education in suitable environments, sometimes extending to private programs funded by public means. Despite complaints, CALO remained on approved lists for placements.

The current lack of a national standard for care in these programs means individual states handle oversight. A Senate investigation highlighted companies providing inadequate care while accessing federal funds.

Other families, like Martha and Luca, experienced positive outcomes but faced financial strains. Luca’s treatment, although beneficial, cost the family hundreds of thousands of dollars. Insurance covered only part of these expenses.

Seeking Better Oversight

Both families advocate for increased transparency and regulation. Proposed improvements include a public database of facility reviews, licensing standards, a federal rights bill for children in such programs, and longer retention of security footage after incidents.

As Taylor directs her energy into rescuing reptiles, she continues to transform personal struggles into meaningful action. Her story underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in youth residential treatment facilities.

If you need immediate support, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Additional resources are available through various mental health and educational organizations.