Were You Abused in a Arkansas Juvenile Detention Facility?

14-year-old patient raped by hospital worker

The BridgeWay mental-health hospital admitted wrongdoing after a 14-year-old patient was raped by one of its workers. A judge ordered the facility to pay $2.5 million in damages.

Settlement: $2.50M

12-year-old girl sexually assaulted at hospital

A Pulaski County jury ordered The BridgeWay hospital to pay $4 million in damages to the parents of a 12-year-old girl. The child was sexually assaulted while under the hospital's care.

Settlement: $4.00M

Joely Clements Death Lawsuit

Family filed a lawsuit against Rivendell Behavioral Health after the death of 20-year-old Joely Clements. Clements had received treatment for drug abuse at the Rivendell facility prior to her death.

UHS State Settlement Agreement

Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital was included in a state settlement agreement involving Universal Health Services (UHS). The settlement appears to be part of a broader agreement with UHS facilities including Rivendell.

Staff member charged with sexual indecency involving juvenile resident

A worker at Piney Ridge Treatment Center was charged with allegedly showing nude videos and photos of herself to a juvenile resident. Prosecutors later dropped the sexual indecency charge against the Fayetteville behavioral treatment center worker.

DHS investigation into forced medication of 12-year-old

The Arkansas Department of Human Services confirmed an investigation into Piney Ridge Treatment Center after a family claimed staff members forced their 12-year-old child to take medication against their will. The investigation was opened following the family's complaint.

Staff routinely chemically restrained and physically abused children

A U.S. Senate report found that staff at Piney Ridge Treatment Center routinely simultaneously chemically restrained children and engaged in other abusive practices. The facility was highlighted in a Senate hearing on abuse at Arkansas youth psychiatric facilities.

Monitors report neglect, inappropriate sexual behavior, and unsanitary conditions

Disability Rights Arkansas reported allegations of neglect, sexual incidents between residents, and unsanitary conditions at the facility based on visits in September 2019. The report also documented excessive use of restraints and other concerning practices.

Discipline violations including physical injury risks

Piney Ridge Treatment Center failed to comply with four licensing standards related to discipline, including violations of standards that prohibit physical injury. State inspectors flagged multiple discipline-related issues at the Northwest Arkansas child treatment facility.

Nurse Stephen Carter Sexual Abuse Case

In 2015, a woman filed a lawsuit against Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital and Stephen Carter, a nurse at the facility, after Carter engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct. The case involved abuse of a patient by a staff member at the facility.

Former Therapist Kissing Case

A former therapist at Rivendell Behavioral Health Services was charged with kissing a 15-year-old boy who was being treated at the facility for sexual disorders. The therapist was criminally charged in connection with the inappropriate contact.