A former supervisor at a youth treatment center in northern Indiana, Dena Sue Patel, is facing charges of sexual misconduct after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenage resident at the facility. This incident is not isolated, as it is the third time since 2019 that staff members at Pierceton Woods Academy have been accused of sexual abuse or misconduct. Despite these allegations, the Department of Child Services (DCS) in Indiana has continued to send children to the facility, raising concerns about the safety of the residents.
An investigation by ProPublica and IndyStar found that DCS has received at least 27 reports of sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior by staff at Pierceton Woods since 2017. Former employees have also raised concerns about the lack of oversight at the facility, with some staff members allegedly ignoring signs of abuse and supervisors failing to take appropriate action.
While DCS has the authority to require corrective action or stop sending children to Pierceton Woods, the agency has done little to address the ongoing issue of abuse at the facility. Despite allegations of abuse and a lack of oversight, Lasting Change Inc., the faith-based nonprofit that manages Pierceton Woods, has continued to receive millions of taxpayer dollars in funding from the state.
Lasting Change has denied allegations of covering up abuse and claims to report all allegations promptly to DCS for investigation. The company also highlights its long history of serving children in need, despite the recent controversy surrounding Pierceton Woods.
Despite these assurances, concerns remain about the safety of residents at Pierceton Woods and the lack of accountability and oversight by DCS. The ongoing allegations of abuse highlight the need for stronger regulatory measures and oversight to protect vulnerable children in residential treatment facilities.
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