Introduction:

My name is Corey. At the age of seven, I experienced severe abuse as a patient at Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health Facility. Betrayed by those meant to care for me, I faced physical and psychological torment, isolation, and taunting when I tried to report the abuse. My resistance in self-defense only led to further mistreatment, causing lasting trauma. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident; many children suffer in silence within similar institutions, and together, we can change this.

The Issue:

Mental Health America reports that over 7.7 million U.S. children have psychiatric disorders, yet their safety in these institutions is often overlooked. Legal protections are insufficient, leaving our most vulnerable children at risk. A recent U.S. Senate report has urgently highlighted systemic abuse and neglect in youth residential treatment centers, demanding reform now.

Our Demands:

Implement Stricter Child-Protection Guidelines: Ensure comprehensive training and strictly enforceable anti-abuse policies for all staff, making it clear that every employee is responsible for child safety.
Establish Safe Reporting Mechanisms for Children: Create multiple, anonymous, and accessible reporting channels where children can report abuse without fear of retribution. This is critical to ensure their voices are heard.
Ensure Transparency and Accountability: Conduct frequent, unannounced inspections and audits by independent third-party agencies to maintain transparency. We need to see change, and this is how we ensure it.
Executive Action for Immediate Change: Urge government leaders to issue an executive order now to implement these protections nationwide. The time for action is now to protect our vulnerable children.

Background on the  Mentel institution parent company :

The U.S. Senate report has highlighted (identity withheld research the senate report if you want to know), the parent company of Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health Facility, for allegations of abuse and neglect. Despite ***'s claims that these reports are “faulty” and “misleading,” ongoing investigations critically suggest a pressing need for reform.

Call to Action:

Sign this petition to support the Protecting Our Children's Voice And Lifeline Act. Let's ensure no child endures what I went through. Together, we can give these children the voice they desperately need and push for systemic changes that safeguard their well-being. Your signature can make a difference today