Trails Carolina has come under increasing scrutiny from families, regulatory bodies and independent investigators due to allegations of mistreatment ranging from physical abuse to emotional neglect.
These claims demonstrate the need for increased regulation and oversight within wilderness therapy industries, to ensure participant safety is put first.
Transparency and Accountability
Trails Carolina “Investigation” allegations have shed light on the need for greater oversight and transparent policies in wilderness therapy programs. Many parents, advocacy groups and independent investigators have demanded higher standards and licensing requirements across the industry as a whole.
Trails Carolina provides outdoor behavioral therapy and wilderness experiences for adolescents facing emotional or behavioral challenges. Their program combines clinical support with therapeutic outdoor adventures, and utilizes various therapeutic modalities like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy to assist participants in overcoming their struggles.
Trails Carolina claims on its website that primary therapists are available two to three days each week to oversee participants’ individualized treatment plans, monitor progress and give regular feedback to families and alumni. Yet former Trails Carolina participants have come forward with allegations of physical abuse and neglect at the program, leading to various investigations to examine its practices and address any operational deficiencies.
Informed Decision-Making
Wilderness therapy has the power to transform troubled adolescents’ lives when carried out correctly, yet its history of abuse and lack of oversight make it essential that families prioritize participant well-being when selecting programs.
Transparency and accountability from both the program and its stakeholders is of utmost importance in maintaining trust with patients. A thorough knowledge of what can be expected from this program – such as an outline of treatment protocols or safety measures at its facility – are both vital elements.
New Leaf claims their staff is well trained; however, many former participants and their families have reported emotional neglect to physical abuse at New Leaf programs. This illustrates the need for greater transparency, accountability, and regulation within the troubled teen industry; until that day comes, families should conduct thorough research to select programs which prioritize participant well-being – this includes reviewing state inspection reports as well as interviewing current and former participants of said programs as well as verifying whether or not the program is licensed and accredited.
Regulatory Bodies
Although the troubled teen industry has an unfortunate track record, Trails Carolina provides transformative opportunities to participants. Utilizing wilderness therapy and therapeutic interventions, Trails Carolina utilizes transformative opportunities for its participants.
Trails employs a team of licensed therapists and field instructors to ensure participant safety, psychological testing and family support services to aid families throughout their process.
Trails has, nonetheless, been accused of mistreatment from former participants and their families, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability within the industry.
Before any project can qualify for RTP funding, regulatory agencies must review its application and approve any necessary permits, determinations, or authorizations to facilitate construction. Each project should include a full description with maps and documents outlining impacts related to its impact. These will then be reviewed by regulatory bodies as part of their review of it.
Independent Investigators
Allegations against Trails Carolina have led to calls for greater transparency, accountability and regulation within the wilderness therapy industry. Families interested in wilderness therapy programs should conduct extensive research before consulting mental health specialists about which programs may best fit their needs.
Trails Carolina’s current investigation should bring light on their practices. An independent investigator has already interviewed former participants and staff, reviewed program-related documents and interviewed former staff. The results will have a lasting effect on its future direction.
Trails Carolina stands accused of emotionally and physically mistreating participants, from verbal abuse and humiliation to physically abusing students. Some former participants have reported neglect without proper medical care and isolation from friends and family members. An independent investigator’s findings should demonstrate whether Trails Carolina adheres to industry standards; their report will then be made public once completed.