My name is Caya S. a survivor of institutional child abuse, having spent three years as a patient at Youth Care Utah.

Utah has >100 RTC’s. Due to the overflowing amount of RTC’s abuse slides through the cracks. Youth Care Utah needs to be shut down due to physical, mental, and psychological abuse. The other +100 RTC’s need to be looked into. 

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Utah's suicide rate has been steadily increasing over the past two decades. In 2000, the suicide rate in Utah was 15.7 per 100,000 population. By 2019, the rate had increased to 25.2 per 100,000 population.
Furthermore, data from the Utah Department of Health shows that the youth suicide rate in the state has also been on the rise. In 2000, the suicide rate among youth aged 10-17 was 3.7 per 100,000 population. By 2019, this rate had increased to 6.4 per 100,000 population.

Overall, these numbers indicate a concerning trend of increasing suicide rates in Utah, particularly among youth, over the past 20 years. Addressing mental health issues and providing support and resources for those in crisis are critical components of efforts to combat this trend.

I witnessed firsthand the horrifying abuses that occur within these institutions, and I carry the trauma with me to this day. This is not just my story; it's the story of over 120,000 youth currently locked up and away from their families.

The troubled teen industry needs stricter regulations. Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) must be held accountable for their actions. We demand that all RTCs install regulated cameras to monitor activities and prevent abuse. Additionally, victims should have unrestricted access to a phone 24/7 for emergency calls to police or other authorities.

We also call for changes in college applications processes - there should be an option indicating whether an applicant is a victim of the troubled teen industry. Such students should have access to meal plans and housing facilities, including those enrolled in master's programs.

Lastly, we propose scholarships specifically designed for survivors of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI). These individuals have endured unimaginable hardships; they deserve support as they work towards rebuilding their lives through education.

Our fight against institutional child abuse will not end until every young person is safe from harm and has access to opportunities that foster growth rather than inflict trauma. Please join us in demanding these necessary reforms by signing this petition today.

How many RTC’s are in the state of Utah? How many complaints have been filed against youth care Utah ? 

As of my last update in January 2022, there were more than 100 residential youth programs in the state of Utah. Regarding complaints filed against Youth Care Utah specifically, I don't have access to real-time data or complaint records. You may want to check with local authorities or organizations involved in overseeing such facilities for the most accurate and up-to-date information on complaints filed against Youth Care Utah.

There are several reasons why there are more than 100 Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) in the state of Utah:

Regulatory Environment: Utah might have regulations or laws that are favorable for establishing and operating RTCs, leading to a higher concentration of such facilities in the state.

Demand: There could be a higher demand for RTCs in Utah due to various factors such as population demographics, prevalence of mental health issues, or social and economic factors.

Industry Presence: The presence of existing RTCs might attract more facilities to establish themselves in the state, creating a clustering effect.

Geographic Factors: Utah's geography, climate, or natural resources might make it an attractive location for RTCs, especially those offering wilderness therapy or outdoor programs.

Cultural and Religious Factors: Utah has a unique cultural and religious landscape, which might influence the demand for certain types of RTCs, particularly those affiliated with specific faith-based organizations.

Overall, the combination of regulatory, economic, social, and geographic factors likely contributes to the higher number of RTCs in the state of Utah.