Staff in an Alabama youth home stand accused of instigating violent fights between residents and failing to protect one resident from physical, verbal, and emotional abuse by other residents and staff. Attorneys have filed a lawsuit on behalf of the father of the teenage victim. The complaint details horrific abuse, alleging that the facility’s staff not only failed to intervene but actively promoted the violence for their own entertainment.

This latest suit is part of a growing wave of legal action targeting Alabama’s troubled residential treatment facilities (RTFs).

The teen, whose identity is being protected due to their age, suffered severe physical and emotional trauma as a result of the violence. The complaint accounts for three incidents of attacks against the teen, referred to as “M.C.”

A 30-minute assault by two other residents resulted in the teen suffering a bloodshot eye and bloody ear, but the facility did not render medical aid.

A second assault injured M.C.’s eye, which to this day produces distorted and blurry vision. Once again, the teen was not given medical treatment.

The third attack–prompted by a disagreement over snacks—left M.C. with a black eye—and yet again, no medical treatment.

During one particular incident, the teen was severely beaten while the staff stood by, watching and laughing. In other episodes, staff was not watching and did not intervene to help the teen. He also endured multiple attacks while he slept.

The teen’s father noted various injuries during visits.

The lawsuit seeks damages for the harm caused and aims to expose the culture of violence within the facility. Defendants include Brighter Path Tuskegee (previously known as Sequel Tuskegee); its executive director Theresa Mitchell; and other individuals yet to be identified. Pensacola attorney Caleb Cunningham of Levin Papantonio; Birmingham attorneys Tommy James of Tommy James Law and Jeremy Knowles of Morris Haynes; and Tuskegee attorney Walter McGowan of Gray, Langford, Sapp, McGowan, Gray, Gray & Nathanson represent the victim’s family. 

Attorney Caleb Cunningham Speaks Out

Cunningham condemned the facility’s actions, saying, “It is appalling that those entrusted with the care and safety of vulnerable children would instead use them as pawns in their twisted games. This lawsuit seeks not just to hold the facility accountable but to send a message that this type of abuse will not be tolerated.”

Cunningham emphasized the need for systemic reform in Alabama’s RTFs, pointing out that this is far from an isolated incident. “Unfortunately, what happened to this young man is part of a larger pattern of abuse and neglect in these facilities. It’s time for the state to take action and protect these children from further harm,” he added.

Previous Lawsuits Highlight Systemic Failures

The abuse in Alabama’s youth homes is not new. Over the past year, Cunningham, James, and Knowles have filed multiple lawsuits against youth RTFs in the state, shedding light on widespread mistreatment.

One such case involved the Laurel Oaks Behavioral Center in Dothan, Alabama, and its parent company, Universal Health Services, being sued over the sexual assault of a child by other residents.

The lawsuit alleged that the facility failed to provide adequate supervision and training, leading to the abuse of a vulnerable child under its care. The suit highlighted how institutional failures create an environment ripe for exploitation and abuse, particularly when staff members lack the necessary training to protect the children in their charge.

Another set of lawsuits exposed discrimination against disabled children in Alabama’s state care system. The plaintiffs in that case accused the state of systematically denying disabled children the same protections and opportunities as their non-disabled peers. The suit brought attention to the intersection of disability and neglect, revealing how children with disabilities were disproportionately subjected to isolation and inadequate care.

These lawsuits have forced Alabama to confront the deeply embedded issues within its RTFs, but advocates argue that far more needs to be done to ensure the safety of these vulnerable children.

Congressional Report on RTFs Exposes Legal Blind Spots

A Congressional report published in June citing two of Cunningham’s RTF cases has added fuel to the fire, uncovering significant legal blind spots in the regulation and oversight of RTFs across the country. The report, which was based on years of investigation into the treatment of children in these facilities, revealed that many RTFs operate with little to no accountability.

The findings show that abuse, neglect, and mistreatment are rampant in RTFs nationwide, with a disturbing lack of oversight allowing these issues to fester. The report called for stricter regulations, better training for staff, and more robust protections for children in state care.

Commenting on the report, Cunningham noted that the legal system has long failed to adequately protect children in these environments. “This report is a wake-up call for lawmakers and the legal community. We need stronger laws, better enforcement, and a real commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society,” Cunningham said.

The Road Ahead for Alabama’s Troubled RTFs

The allegations against Alabama’s youth home come at a time when the state is already facing intense scrutiny for its handling of children in residential care. With lawsuits piling up and the Congressional report shedding light on systemic failures, the pressure is mounting on state officials to take meaningful action.

Reforms in Alabama’s RTFs could include stricter licensing requirements, increased oversight, and better training for staff. In the meantime, families like the one in this case are seeking justice in the courts, determined to hold these institutions accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

As the legal battles continue, the hope is that these lawsuits will lead to greater protections for children in state care and prevent further abuse in the future. “No child should have to endure the kind of trauma our client went through,” Cunningham said. “We will keep fighting until these facilities are safe for every child.”