My personal journey with Kansas City Girls Academy, a part of the Teen Challenge program, was fraught with medical neglect, emotional abuse, religious abuse and other damaging situations that have left me with lifelong trauma. Unfortunately, my story is not unique. Many young adults have lost their lives due to such programs within the troubled teen industry.

Teen Challenge and similar residential programs are supposed to provide help for struggling teenagers. However, they often employ questionable methods that can lead to severe physical and psychological harm. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that more than half of all teenagers who attend these types of programs experience significant psychological distress (NIMH).

These institutions operate under a veil of secrecy and lack proper oversight or regulation. This allows them to continue their harmful practices without any consequences.

We must put an end to this cycle of abuse by shutting down these facilities. We urge lawmakers to enact stricter regulations on residential treatment centers for teens and demand transparency in their operations.

Please sign this petition if you believe in safeguarding our children's mental health from such damaging environments.

Naomi's Death (fox)

Naomi's Death (ledger)

Teen Challenge (Medicalwhistleblower.org)​

Comments from former students​

Troubled teen industry (HARVARD)​

Paris Hilton (troubled teen industry)

#breakingcodesilence