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Troubled teen facilities in Idaho and Wyoming face allegations of abuse and labor exploitation

2023-11-03 21:23:20.057000

An investigation by InvestigateWest has uncovered allegations of child abuse, rape, and racial slurs at Cornerstone Cottage, a youth facility in Post Falls, Idaho. Despite numerous reports of abuse, the facility remains open and has received millions of dollars in funding from foster care agencies. The investigation found that staff at Cornerstone Cottage were not properly trained to handle dangerous situations and that incidents of abuse and neglect were not properly reported. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the state agency responsible for oversight, has not taken any disciplinary action against the facility. The investigation also revealed that Idaho has relatively lax regulations for youth residential facilities compared to other states. The former employees who filed the complaint against Cornerstone Cottage have faced retaliation and have been denied protection under federal anti-discrimination laws. The investigation highlights the need for stronger regulations and oversight in the troubled teen industry.

Two men have filed a federal complaint against Triangle Cross Ranch in Powell, Wyoming, alleging that they were trafficked to the ranch and forced to work under abusive and illegal conditions. The ranch, which claimed to offer therapeutic interventions for troubled children, is accused of subjecting the plaintiffs to forced labor, assault and battery, food and sleep deprivation, physical punishment, and emotional abuse. The plaintiffs are demanding compensation for their labor and injuries. Triangle Cross Ranch has since rebranded as Sunlight Mountain Cattle Ranch, LLC. The ranch's owners have a history of rebranding, and they previously operated as Mount Carmel Youth Ranch. The ranch's license was not renewed in August 2023, and it is not currently licensed to operate as a substitute care provider in Wyoming. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Triangle Cross Ranch, including a class-action lawsuit. Another ranch with a similar business model, Trinity Teen Solutions, has also faced lawsuits and has closed its facility. The decision to deny class-action status for the lawsuits against Triangle Cross Ranch is being appealed. [8db662c3][bf2eda70]

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