Child called 911 over abuse at Alabama children's behavioral health facility

A 16-year-old resident at Owens Cross Roads, Ala.-based for-profit youth psychiatric treatment facility Sequel TSI suffered abuse so severe she called the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program and 911, al.com reported June 1.

According to a lawsuit, an employee allegedly screamed at her and pushed her to the ground after learning she called 911, the report said. The employee then allegedly put their knees on her back and ordered another girl to hold the teen's arms down.

"She was [then] repeatedly kicked in the face and head by other residents," the lawsuit alleges. Staff allegedly watched and did nothing to stop the assault, the report said. It was only stopped when police arrived.

The abused teen was later hospitalized and treated for a broken jaw and severe bruising to her face and ribs, the report said. Her jaw was wired shut for two months, causing her to lose 20 pounds.

Sequel TSI said in May it would be closing and reopening as Brighter Path Owens Cross Roads, the report said.

The teen had called the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program several times to ask for help before calling 911, the report said.

ADAP filed an immediate jeopardy complaint against the facility in December, the report said. The complaint alleged that staff used violent and illegal restraints against the teens, most of whom are in foster care.

The complaint also alleged that one employee strangled a teenage resident, the report said.

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