Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program that offers outdoor-based treatment for adolescents and young adults struggling with a variety of mental health and behavioral issues. The Trails Carolina Investigation Program is located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina and has been operating for over 20 years.
In recent years, Trails Carolina “Investigation” has faced a growing number of allegations of abuse and mistreatment from former participants and their families. These allegations range from emotional neglect and physical maltreatment to sexual abuse.
In 2022, a father filed a lawsuit against Trails Carolina, alleging that the program’s negligent business model fosters abuse upon students and that it negligently permitted his 14-year-old daughter’s sexual abuse.
The lawsuit and the subsequent media attention have sparked a public outcry and led to an ongoing investigation by state and federal authorities.
Trails Carolina Allegations of Abuse
The allegations of abuse against Trails Carolina are numerous and varied. Some former participants have claimed that they were subjected to emotional abuse, such as being humiliated, berated, and threatened. Others have claimed that they were physically abused, such as being hit, kicked, and restrained.
There have also been allegations of sexual abuse against staff members at Trails Carolina. In one case, a former participant alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a staff member on multiple occasions.
Investigation
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the program’s compliance with state regulations. The FBI is also investigating the allegations of sexual abuse.
They already uncovered some disturbing findings. For example, investigators have found that Trails Carolina has a history of violating state regulations. (You can also see the Wilderness Therapy death List).
The program has also been cited for violating safety standards, such as failing to provide adequate participant supervision.
The Fallout from the Investigation
The investigation into Trails Carolina has had a significant impact on the program. The program has lost its accreditation from the Wilderness Therapy Association. Several insurance companies have also stopped covering Trails Carolina’s services.
Also, they led to a decline in enrollment at Trails Carolina. In 2021, the program had over 200 participants. As of 2023, the program has less than 50 participants.
Impact on Families
The allegations of abuse at Trails Carolina have had a devastating impact on families. Many parents feel betrayed by the program and struggle to help their children heal from the trauma they experienced.
One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “I sent my son to Trails Carolina because I thought it would help him. But instead, he came home traumatized. He was emotionally and physically abused, and he was forced to do things that he was uncomfortable with.”
Another parent, whose daughter was allegedly sexually abused at Trails Carolina, said, “My daughter’s life was turned upside down by what happened to her at Trails Carolina. She is struggling to cope with the trauma, and it is heartbreaking to see her go through this.”
In addition to the allegations of abuse, the investigation into Trails Carolina has also uncovered other concerns, including:
- Staffing shortages: Investigators have found that Trails Carolina has a history of staffing shortages. This has led to increased workloads for staff members and reduced supervision for participants.
- Lack of training: Some staff members at Trails Carolina have reportedly received inadequate training in dealing with challenging participants and handling allegations of abuse.
- Poor communication with families: Trails Carolina has been accused of poor communication with families. Some families have claimed that they were not informed about allegations of abuse against their children.
The investigation into Trails Carolina is still ongoing. It is important to note that the program has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing. However, the allegations of abuse and the other concerns that have been uncovered raise serious questions about the program’s safety and effectiveness.
Families who are considering sending their children to Trails Carolina should carefully weigh the risks and benefits. They should also be aware of the ongoing Trails Carolina “investigation” and the allegations of abuse.
FAQS
What is the Trails Carolina investigation?
The Trails Carolina is an ongoing investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the FBI into allegations of abuse and mistreatment at the Trails Carolina wilderness therapy program.
What are the allegations of abuse?
The allegations of abuse range from emotional neglect and physical maltreatment to sexual abuse. Some former participants have claimed that they were subjected to humiliation, berating, and threats. Others have claimed that they were physically abused, such as being hit, kicked, and restrained. There have also been allegations of sexual abuse against staff members at Trails Carolina.
What has been uncovered by the investigation?
They have uncovered some disturbing findings, including:
- Trails Carolina has a history of violating state regulations.
- Trails Carolina has been cited for violating safety standards, such as failing to provide adequate participant supervision.
- Trails Carolina has a history of staffing shortages.
- Some staff members at Trails Carolina have reportedly received inadequate training in how to deal with challenging participants and how to handle allegations of abuse.
- Trails Carolina has been accused of poor communication with families.
What has been the fallout from the investigation?
The investigation has had a significant impact on Trails Carolina. The program has lost its accreditation from the Wilderness Therapy Association. Several insurance companies have also stopped covering Trails Carolina’s services. The investigation has also led to a decline in enrollment at Trails Carolina.
What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is still ongoing. It is important to note that Trails Carolina has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing. However, the allegations of abuse and the other concerns that have been uncovered raise serious questions about the program’s safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
The Trails Carolina “Investigation” is still ongoing. However, the allegations of abuse have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of participants in the program.
Families who are considering sending their children to Trails Carolina should carefully consider the risks involved. They should also be aware of the allegations of abuse and the ongoing investigation.
