Trending...
- Heritage at South Brunswick Introduces New Ferndale Floorplan: The Largest Single-Family Home Design in the Community - 221
- City of Spokane Staff on Hand at Disaster Assistance Center
- International Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Freedom of Religion and Expression in South Korea
Mental health industry watchdog, CCHR, calls for increased legal action to protect vulnerable youth from abuses in psychiatric facilities.
LOS ANGELES - Washingtoner -- Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, a mental health industry watchdog, welcomes the increasing numbers of attorneys representing survivors of the troubled teen treatment system, seeking justice for the abuse many have suffered in behavioral hospitals. On August 27, three Alabama law firms filed a lawsuit against a for-profit behavioral hospital for youths, detailing the severe physical and emotional abuse inflicted on a 17-year-old boy, identified as "M.C.," while he was a resident there in 2023.[1]
"What M.C. endured is a betrayal of trust, and we are committed to seeking justice on his behalf," attorney Tommy James said, adding, "No child should endure what this child and others have faced at this facility. The conditions and treatment are horrendous, and those responsible must be held accountable. It is heartbreaking and enraging to see children subjected to such inhumane treatment."
A recent U.S. Senate Finance Committee report "Warehouses of Neglect: How Taxpayers Are Funding Systemic Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities" (RTFs) noted: "Children, entrusted to the care of behavioral health providers, are routinely subjected to the risk of abuse…." Further, children at RTFs suffer "sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional abuse at the hands of staff. Mistreatment is endemic to the conditions at RTFs."[2]
As testimony to this, since the report's release, a behavioral health associate at an Arkansas facility was arrested and charged with sexual indecency with a child patient. A lawsuit was filed against an Illinois RTF alleging that a staff member repeatedly sexually assaulted a 24-year-old patient. Moreover, one major behavioral hospital chain is paying a $400 million settlement in New Mexico related to children placed in a foster care setting where they were repeatedly sexually abused.[3]
CCHR says the abuses may be far greater. While the Senate report does not specify how many adolescents are subjected to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it's known that several of the investigated hospital chains deliver it. For instance, at least three psychiatric hospitals downplay the risks of ECT while promoting unproven and potentially deceptive theories. As of 2018, one such facility in Florida conducted 900-1,000 ECT treatments annually and claims that the 460 volts of electricity delivered through the body is safe.
More on Washingtoner
Such claims of "safety" are particularly concerning when considering the financial incentives tied to ECT. The adverse effects of ECT can prolong the length of a hospital stay; thus, its delivery can increase profits.[4] The Senate report addresses how "At its core, the RTF model typically optimizes profit over the wellbeing and safety of children. The rampant civil rights violations that children experience in RTFs are a direct consequence of the industry's model."
ECT continues to be administered despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending it be banned for use in children and be considered torture if given without consent. A Tennessee RTF misleadingly claims on its website that ECT induces a "minor seizure that can help the brain reset itself…." and "modifies the neural circuitry and chemistry of the brain." However, no clinical trials exist to substantiate these claims.
Furthermore, the site falsely claims that ECT does not erase memories and blames any "brief memory impairment" on the anesthesia used to administer ECT, which "often returns over time." However, experts clearly link the memory loss to the electroshock.
John Read, Ph.D., who has researched the impact of ECT in many studies, points out that in 2023, the WHO and United Nations said, "ECT is not recommended for children, and this should be prohibited through legislation." Yet, he adds, "ECT is still being used on children and adolescents" and it is "probable that developing brains are particularly susceptible to the memory loss caused by ECT." Among ECT's many adverse effects, he wrote, "is the long-term memory loss found in between 12 and 55 percent of patients. The American Psychiatric Association admits that 'ECT can result in persistent or permanent memory loss.'"[5]
In a recent landmark decision, the California Supreme Court says there are serious risks from ECT like memory loss and brain damage. The court's decision emphasized that patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks of their treatments, and ECT device manufacturers can be held accountable for failing to disclose these risks.[6]
The troubling association between ECT and brain damage is further compounded by dozens of lawsuits that have been filed across the United States by survivors harmed by electroshock devices. ECT and brain damage have been inextricably linked since their inception, according to one Los Angeles law firm.[7]
More on Washingtoner
CCHR says more lawsuits are needed to help protect troubled youths from not only sexual and physical abuse in RTFS and youth "wilderness camps," but also the prescribed treatments they are given.
CCHR is calling for urgent and comprehensive action to protect vulnerable youth from pervasive abuses within psychiatric facilities. It urges increased legal scrutiny and accountability for institutions that administer harmful treatments, such as ECT and psychotropic drugs.
For those affected, CCHR offers a reporting form on its website where patients can confidentially REPORT ABUSE.
About CCHR: Established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and eminent professor of psychiatry, Dr. Thomas Szasz, CCHR has helped achieve hundreds of laws that empower patients with informed consent rights and ban damaging treatments.
Sources:
[1] "Alabama youth home staff instigated fights, gambled with residents as teen was brutalized, lawsuit claims," AOL.com, 27 Aug 2024, www.al.com/news/2024/08/alabama-youth-home-staff-instigated-fights-gambled-with-residents-as-teen-was-brutalized-lawsuit-claims.html
[2] Senate Finance Committee Staff Report, "Warehouses of Neglect: How Taxpayers Are Funding Systemic Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities," 12 June 2024, p. 11
[3] "Dem Candidate Lobbies For Healthcare Company Found to 'Put Profits Ahead of Children's Safety'" Nevada Globe, 12 Aug 2024
[4] Draper B, Luscombe G. Quantification of factors contributing to length of stay in an acute psychogeriatric ward. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 1998; 13:1–7
[5] John Read, Ph.D., "Is It Time to Ban Electroconvulsive Therapy for Children?" Psychology Today, 17 Nov. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-through-the-looking-glass/202311/is-it-time-to-ban-electroconvulsive-therapy-for
[6] "Wisner Baum Prevails in Landmark Win for Patient Autonomy in CA Supreme Court Ruling," Wisner Baum, 20 June 2024, www.wisnerbaum.com/blog/2024/june/wisner-baum-prevails-in-landmark-win-for-patient/
[7] www.wisnerbaum.com/defective-medical-device-injuries/ect/
"What M.C. endured is a betrayal of trust, and we are committed to seeking justice on his behalf," attorney Tommy James said, adding, "No child should endure what this child and others have faced at this facility. The conditions and treatment are horrendous, and those responsible must be held accountable. It is heartbreaking and enraging to see children subjected to such inhumane treatment."
A recent U.S. Senate Finance Committee report "Warehouses of Neglect: How Taxpayers Are Funding Systemic Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities" (RTFs) noted: "Children, entrusted to the care of behavioral health providers, are routinely subjected to the risk of abuse…." Further, children at RTFs suffer "sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional abuse at the hands of staff. Mistreatment is endemic to the conditions at RTFs."[2]
As testimony to this, since the report's release, a behavioral health associate at an Arkansas facility was arrested and charged with sexual indecency with a child patient. A lawsuit was filed against an Illinois RTF alleging that a staff member repeatedly sexually assaulted a 24-year-old patient. Moreover, one major behavioral hospital chain is paying a $400 million settlement in New Mexico related to children placed in a foster care setting where they were repeatedly sexually abused.[3]
CCHR says the abuses may be far greater. While the Senate report does not specify how many adolescents are subjected to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it's known that several of the investigated hospital chains deliver it. For instance, at least three psychiatric hospitals downplay the risks of ECT while promoting unproven and potentially deceptive theories. As of 2018, one such facility in Florida conducted 900-1,000 ECT treatments annually and claims that the 460 volts of electricity delivered through the body is safe.
More on Washingtoner
- Canadian Aerospace Defence Talent Expo (CADTE) Launches National TalentThread Initiative to Strengthen Canada's Future Workforce
- 5.6 Million EUR in Q1 Project Awards for Integrated IoT Solutions / Data Analytics Subsidiary of Smart City Developer: Affluence (Stock Symbol: AFFU)
- Merger Advancement For Embodied AI Co in Robotic Systems Serving High Value Hospitality, Gaming & Real Estate Sectors: MBody AI Corp. (NAS DAQ: MBAI)
- Hollywood In Pixels Announces Honorees for The 9th Silver PIXel Awards
- New Research Finds a Good Deal Is All It Takes to Get Americans Booking a Last-Minute Vacation — and Most Already Have One on Their Mind
Such claims of "safety" are particularly concerning when considering the financial incentives tied to ECT. The adverse effects of ECT can prolong the length of a hospital stay; thus, its delivery can increase profits.[4] The Senate report addresses how "At its core, the RTF model typically optimizes profit over the wellbeing and safety of children. The rampant civil rights violations that children experience in RTFs are a direct consequence of the industry's model."
ECT continues to be administered despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending it be banned for use in children and be considered torture if given without consent. A Tennessee RTF misleadingly claims on its website that ECT induces a "minor seizure that can help the brain reset itself…." and "modifies the neural circuitry and chemistry of the brain." However, no clinical trials exist to substantiate these claims.
Furthermore, the site falsely claims that ECT does not erase memories and blames any "brief memory impairment" on the anesthesia used to administer ECT, which "often returns over time." However, experts clearly link the memory loss to the electroshock.
John Read, Ph.D., who has researched the impact of ECT in many studies, points out that in 2023, the WHO and United Nations said, "ECT is not recommended for children, and this should be prohibited through legislation." Yet, he adds, "ECT is still being used on children and adolescents" and it is "probable that developing brains are particularly susceptible to the memory loss caused by ECT." Among ECT's many adverse effects, he wrote, "is the long-term memory loss found in between 12 and 55 percent of patients. The American Psychiatric Association admits that 'ECT can result in persistent or permanent memory loss.'"[5]
In a recent landmark decision, the California Supreme Court says there are serious risks from ECT like memory loss and brain damage. The court's decision emphasized that patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks of their treatments, and ECT device manufacturers can be held accountable for failing to disclose these risks.[6]
The troubling association between ECT and brain damage is further compounded by dozens of lawsuits that have been filed across the United States by survivors harmed by electroshock devices. ECT and brain damage have been inextricably linked since their inception, according to one Los Angeles law firm.[7]
More on Washingtoner
- GitKraken Introduces GitLens 19, Bringing Human and AI Workflows Together in One Workbench
- LĪNA Universal Balm Nominated for "Best Clean Skincare Product" at CertClean Beauty Awards
- Spokane: SPD Arrest Level III Registered Sex Offender for Failure to Register
- SPD Detectives Investigating Suspicious Deaths in Northeast Spokane
- Bronze Stevie Award Recognizes Satyadhar Joshi for AI Research and Public Policy Engagement
CCHR says more lawsuits are needed to help protect troubled youths from not only sexual and physical abuse in RTFS and youth "wilderness camps," but also the prescribed treatments they are given.
CCHR is calling for urgent and comprehensive action to protect vulnerable youth from pervasive abuses within psychiatric facilities. It urges increased legal scrutiny and accountability for institutions that administer harmful treatments, such as ECT and psychotropic drugs.
For those affected, CCHR offers a reporting form on its website where patients can confidentially REPORT ABUSE.
About CCHR: Established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and eminent professor of psychiatry, Dr. Thomas Szasz, CCHR has helped achieve hundreds of laws that empower patients with informed consent rights and ban damaging treatments.
Sources:
[1] "Alabama youth home staff instigated fights, gambled with residents as teen was brutalized, lawsuit claims," AOL.com, 27 Aug 2024, www.al.com/news/2024/08/alabama-youth-home-staff-instigated-fights-gambled-with-residents-as-teen-was-brutalized-lawsuit-claims.html
[2] Senate Finance Committee Staff Report, "Warehouses of Neglect: How Taxpayers Are Funding Systemic Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities," 12 June 2024, p. 11
[3] "Dem Candidate Lobbies For Healthcare Company Found to 'Put Profits Ahead of Children's Safety'" Nevada Globe, 12 Aug 2024
[4] Draper B, Luscombe G. Quantification of factors contributing to length of stay in an acute psychogeriatric ward. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 1998; 13:1–7
[5] John Read, Ph.D., "Is It Time to Ban Electroconvulsive Therapy for Children?" Psychology Today, 17 Nov. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-through-the-looking-glass/202311/is-it-time-to-ban-electroconvulsive-therapy-for
[6] "Wisner Baum Prevails in Landmark Win for Patient Autonomy in CA Supreme Court Ruling," Wisner Baum, 20 June 2024, www.wisnerbaum.com/blog/2024/june/wisner-baum-prevails-in-landmark-win-for-patient/
[7] www.wisnerbaum.com/defective-medical-device-injuries/ect/
Source: Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Filed Under: Government
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Stop Bleeding Cash on Mediocre Talent. Build a Powerhouse Remote Team Instead
- Crownlight Strategies® Announces Federal Trademark Registration
- Spokane: PPE Available to Those Returning Home After New Evacuation Downgrades
- Spokane Police Respond to a Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
- New Book Calls 'Sense of Belonging' the Missing Link in Student Success
- Tacoma City Council Set to Join Pierce County's Efforts to Launch Unified Regional Approach to Reduce Homelessness
- Igbozue Connecticut USA Celebrates 2026 Summer Family Picnic
- KT Medical Staffing Addresses the Questions Families Forget to Ask Before Bringing Private Nursing Care Home
- Private Autopsies Give Arizona Families Answers After Nursing Home and Care Facility Deaths
- OPUS Global Data Solutions Launches Food Trader Plus, Bringing Operational Control and Deal-Level Profit Visibility to Food Brokers
- Phinge CEO DeMaio Unveils Speech to Congress: User Data Sovereignty vs Tech Surveillance Capitalism, Asserting Foundational 2021 App-Less Patents & IP
- Michael Maertens Hired as Century Fasteners Corp. – Chief Financial Officer
- Built to Last: Why BSI Is Among the Nation's Fastest-Growing Companies, and One of Its Best Places to Work
- Bent Danholm's The Architecture of Demand Reaches No. 2 in Amazon Real Estate Sales
- Contracting Resources Group Named to Inc. 5000 for the Ninth Time
- ImagineX Named to 2026 Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies
- ASSIST Software Becomes One of the First European Companies Certified to ISO/IEC 42001
- The World's No.1 Superstar® Enters the Occult with New Track and Cinematic Visual "Under Your Spell"
- PricZone Launches Online Shopping Platform Offering Electronics, Gaming, and More
- Heritage at South Brunswick Introduces New Ferndale Floorplan: The Largest Single-Family Home Design in the Community