Trails Carolina has long been known for offering wilderness therapy programs designed to aid troubled adolescents find healing and growth. Unfortunately, recent allegations of abuse and neglect from former students and parents paint an alarming picture.
These accounts demonstrate the need for increased regulation and accountability within the troubled teen industry. Let’s explore some of the allegations surrounding Trails Carolina Horror School.
Abuse
Over the past months, former Trails Carolina participants and their families have made several disturbing allegations, ranging from emotional neglect to physical maltreatment. It is imperative that this matter is thoroughly and impartially investigated; otherwise it poses serious threats to participant safety and well-being.
Many of these stories feature allegations of physical abuse by staff members. Individuals were restrained physically, placed in solitary confinement and forced to perform labor without adequate equipment or supervision – some even being denied basic necessities like food and water.
Numerous independent investigations have been undertaken to ascertain the veracity of allegations made against Trails Carolina. These investigations have exposed a pattern of abuse and neglect which must be addressed for future Trails Carolina participants’ wellbeing and safety. It is crucial that parents thoroughly research any wilderness therapy program before enrolling their child into it, and if there are concerns, please seek legal advice before enrolling their child into such programs.
Neglect
trails carolina horror stories was created to assist troubled teens regain control of their lives, but has led to several tragic stories as well as allegations of neglect and abuse which prompted regulatory agencies to initiate an investigation of this program.
Multiple former students of Trails Carolina staff members have come forward with accounts of physical and emotional abuse by them, including being denied basic necessities such as food and water and being forced into labor without adequate equipment or supervision.
Zachary D’Zurilla died from hypothermia in 2013, which his family held Trails Carolina program accountable for. They say it took five hours before calling for assistance and denied Zachary access to medication and medical care; as a result, an investigation by Department of Health and Human Services is now being undertaken into his death.
Inappropriate Treatment
Many former Trails Carolina participants and their families have reported horrific accounts of mental and physical abuse at Trails Carolina, leading to state investigations as well as criminal proceedings. Furthermore, its employment policies have come under criticism – specifically regarding whether staff has sufficient training and experience.
Many former participants allege that staff mistreated them emotionally by humiliating, using vulgarity and insulting their self-esteem. Furthermore, these former participants reported restricted communication with parents as well as social isolation techniques being utilized during their stays at the program.
However, some staff members have reported being unqualified to manage certain situations, such as medical emergencies. Others have been charged with drinking on duty or engaging in inappropriate relationships with participants.
Unprofessional Behavior
Many former participants and their families have reported instances of unprofessional conduct from staff at Trails Carolina, such as physical harm, emotional abuse and neglect. Such allegations should be thoroughly investigated.
These unsettling allegations have cast the wilderness therapy program into disarray, yet it should be remembered that these stories do not represent its entirety; there have been plenty of positive testimonials from people who have personally experienced its benefits.
Trails Carolina wilderness therapy program aims to reconnect adolescents with nature and themselves while building self-resilience skills necessary for life’s challenges. While no single solution fits all, extensive planning must take place so as to meet individual participant’s needs; nevertheless, its success has been proven in numerous cases among both adolescents and their families.