Sens. Patty Murray and Ron Wyden of Washington and Oregon, respectively, are launching an investigation into abuse of children with special needs and mental health issues at residential treatment centers, NBC reported July 22.
The senators requested information from the heads of Vivant Behavioral Healthcare, Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Healthcare about all of their locations and programs, the report said.
The companies were asked for documentation on employee training, policies for restraining or secluding children, and the number of maltreatment and abuse incidents over the past five years. The senators also requested information on contracts, funding sources and expenses, and how they provide education to the children in their charge, the report said.
Sens. Murray and Wyden requested the information by Aug. 4.