Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for troubled teens located in the mountains of North Carolina. While the program claims to help teens overcome their challenges and develop new skills, there have been numerous reports of abuse, neglect, and even death within the program. In this article, we will explore some of the Trails Carolina Horror Stories that have emerged from Trails Carolina and the impact they have had on the families involved.
The Dark Side of Trails Carolina Horror Stories
Trails Carolina is marketed as a therapeutic program that helps teens struggling with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. However, many former students and their families have come forward with stories of abuse and mistreatment within the program.
Neglect and Abuse
One of the most common Trails Carolina Horror Stories from Trails Carolina involves neglect and abuse by staff members. Former students have reported being denied basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care. They have also described being subjected to physical and emotional abuse by staff members, including being restrained and isolated for extended periods of time.
In one particularly disturbing case, a former student reported being forced to eat their own vomit as a form of punishment. These reports of neglect and abuse are alarming and raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of teens in the program.
Death of a Student
Perhaps the most tragic horror story from Trails Carolina is the death of a 16-year-old student in 2019. The student, who had a history of mental health issues, was sent to Trails Carolina by her parents for treatment. However, just two weeks into the program, she died by suicide.
The family has since filed a lawsuit against Trails Carolina Horror Stories, alleging that the program failed to provide proper care and supervision for their daughter. They claim that their daughter was not properly assessed for her mental health needs and that the program did not have adequate safety measures in place to prevent her death.
This tragic incident highlights the potential dangers of sending troubled teens to wilderness therapy programs like Trails Carolina.
Lack of Regulation and Oversight
One of the most concerning aspects of Trails Carolina is the lack of regulation and oversight in the wilderness therapy industry. Unlike traditional therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs are not required to be licensed or accredited by any governing body.
This means that there are no standards or regulations in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students in these programs. As a result, programs like Trails Carolina are able to operate with little accountability, putting vulnerable teens at risk.
The Impact on Families
The horror stories from Trails Carolina not only affect the students who have experienced abuse and neglect, but also their families. Many parents who have sent their children to the program have been left with feelings of guilt, regret, and anger after learning about the mistreatment their child endured.
In some cases, families have been torn apart by the trauma their child experienced at Trails Carolina. This can have long-lasting effects on both the child and their loved ones.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
In the face of these Trails Carolina Horror Stories, many families are seeking justice and accountability for the mistreatment their children experienced at Trails Carolina. Some have filed lawsuits against the program, while others are advocating for stricter regulations and oversight in the wilderness therapy industry.
In 2020, a group of former students and their families came together to form the organization “Breaking Code Silence”. This group aims to raise awareness about the dangers of wilderness therapy programs and advocate for stricter regulations and oversight.
What Can Parents Do?
If you are considering sending your child to a wilderness therapy program like Trails Carolina, it is important to do thorough research and ask important questions before making a decision. Some questions to consider include:
- Is the program licensed and accredited by a reputable organization?
- What safety measures are in place to protect students?
- How are staff members trained and supervised?
- What is the program’s approach to discipline and punishment?
- Are there any red flags or concerning reviews from former students or their families?
It is also important to consider alternative forms of therapy and treatment for your child. Traditional therapy, medication, and support groups may be more effective and safer options for your child’s mental health needs.
Takeaways
The horror stories from Trails Carolina are a sobering reminder of the dangers of unregulated wilderness therapy programs. Families should be cautious when considering these programs and thoroughly research their options before making a decision. It is also important to advocate for stricter regulations and oversight in the wilderness therapy industry to prevent further harm to vulnerable teens.