Utah's troubled teens facility, Diamond Ranch Academy, is being compelled to shut down after the state government declined to renew its license.
The decision was prompted by the deaths of multiple children under the care of the residential treatment center.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services, citing repeated violations, informed Diamond Ranch Academy on Tuesday that it must discharge all children in its care and cease operations by August 14.
Troubling Violations and the Death of Taylor Goodridge
A recent review panel, consisting of three medical professionals, part of a litigation process, concluded that Diamond Ranch Academy had breached the standard of care prior to the tragic death of 17-year-old Taylor Goodridge.
Taylor, a patient at the facility, passed away on December 20. An autopsy report revealed that an untreated abdominal infection had led to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that could have been mitigated with antibiotics.
The state investigation highlighted the facility's failure to provide her with necessary medical attention, despite her experiencing vomiting and exhibiting symptoms for several days prior to her death.
The review panel's findings revealed that Diamond Ranch Academy had neglected Taylor's deteriorating health.
Although she had requested to go to a hospital, her pleas were ignored, and she was not brought to see a doctor.
The facility only took a blood sample on the day of her death, but she passed away before the lab results could be obtained.
Astonishingly, the facility's medical director, Dr. Danny Worwood, had last seen Taylor in February 2022 and was scheduled to visit her the day after she died.
According to FOX13, based on the review of evidence, including medical records and testimonies from students and staff, the panel reached its conclusions.
Rachel Goodrich, a former worker at the Academy, shared her firsthand experience witnessing Taylor's declining health, stating that Taylor pleaded for assistance and expressed her need to go to the hospital.
The panel determined that for a period of approximately one week, from December 13 to December 20, 2022, Taylor experienced persistent vomiting, along with an elevated heart rate, low blood pressure, and noticeable paleness.
Rachel corroborated these findings, recounting an incident where Taylor collapsed in her own vomit and remained unresponsive, despite efforts to help her.
Allegations of Unfair Treatment and Lawsuit
Former staff members of the facility disclosed that management had instilled a belief among employees that children often feigned or exaggerated illness for attention or to convince their parents to take them home.
The review panel emphasized that Taylor had been a healthy volleyball player before falling ill and that her symptoms warranted immediate medical attention.
According to ABC4, attorney Alan Mortensen, who is representing the Goodridge family in their legal action against Diamond Ranch Academy, stated that the facility is solely responsible for its current situation.
According to a press release, Mortensen affirmed that a medical malpractice review board had concluded that Diamond Ranch Academy significantly failed to meet the expected standard of care.
Additionally, Mortensen highlighted that the denial of license renewal by the department was partly due to the occurrence of at least three child fatalities at the facility.
The Department of Health and Human Services justified its decision not to renew Diamond Ranch Academy's license by citing two previous deaths of children in the facility's care.
According to reports, in a legal case from 2016, a 16-year-old boy passed away by suicide during his time under the Academy's supervision.
Furthermore, back in 2009, a 14-year-old boy reportedly died due to complications related to congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Concerns Over the Troubled Teens Treatment Industry
The closure of Diamond Ranch Academy has raised concerns over the entire industry of residential treatment facilities for troubled teens.
The review panel expressed its hope that the state would thoroughly investigate the facility while highlighting the need for scrutiny and reform within the industry.
The tragic death of Taylor Goodridge serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate care and oversight.
As Diamond Ranch Academy faces the repercussions of its actions, the closure of the troubled teens facility in Utah marks a significant step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable adolescents.
The state's decision to revoke the facility's license sends a clear message that negligent treatment and repeated violations will not be tolerated.
It serves as a call for increased accountability within the troubled teens treatment industry and the safeguarding of the individuals who entrust their care to such facilities.
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