Ohio Lawmakers Propose Stricter Oversight for Troubled Youth Treatment Facilities
By Nexio News
Ohio lawmakers are pushing for stronger state intervention in youth residential treatment facilities following reports of violence and neglect at one of the state’s largest centers. A new bill, House Bill 811, would require regulators to take swift action—including shutting down facilities—when serious violations occur.
The legislation comes months after an investigation by The Marshall Project – Cleveland exposed dangerous conditions at Mohican Young Star Academy, a youth treatment facility in Perrysville. State officials are now seeking to revoke the facility’s license, citing repeated failures to protect residents.
A Crisis in Youth Treatment
Under the proposed bill, Ohio’s Department of Behavioral Health would lose its discretion in handling troubled facilities. Instead, the agency would be required to suspend admissions, deny license renewals, or shut down centers with documented cases of abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions.
Democratic Rep. Crystal Lett, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure was inspired by reports of escalating violence at Mohican. “This isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening right now,” Lett told Nexio News. “If my child were in one of these places, I’d want immediate action.”
Mohican, which recently rebranded as Empowering to Elevate Academy, has faced multiple state investigations. Police were frequently called to the facility after residents assaulted staff, escaped, or vandalized nearby properties. In December 2025, Ohio moved to revoke its license, citing failure to report abuse, improper restraints, and lack of staff training.
Legal Battle Over State Funding
Mohican’s owners have denied wrongdoing and filed a lawsuit against Ohio, claiming the state is trying to avoid paying $750,000 in allocated funds. In court filings, the state argued that the facility failed to protect residents from “physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.”
A hearing on the license revocation is set for May 7.
This isn’t the first time Ohio has tried to shut down Mohican. In 2021, Attorney General Dave Yost sued the facility over improper restraints, but the case was dismissed. A later attempt to revoke its license also failed.
Pattern of Problems in Ohio Facilities
Mohican isn’t the only facility under scrutiny. Disability Rights Ohio, a watchdog group, has documented systemic issues at multiple centers:
- Sequel Pomegranate Health Systems (Columbus) surrendered its license in 2021 after reports of abuse.
- Youth Intensive Services (Youngstown) was found to have rampant abuse and runaway cases but remained licensed until public pressure forced its closure.
Addison Torrence, a former resident of Sequel Pomegranate and now an advocate with ACTION Ohio, praised the bill. “Youth safety must come first,” Torrence said. “Delays only put more kids at risk—this law ensures the state can act fast.”
What’s Next?
If passed, HB 811 would mark a major shift in Ohio’s oversight of youth treatment centers. Lett hopes it will prevent future tragedies.
“This is a 911 moment,” she said. “If we don’t act, more children will be hurt—or worse.”
— Reported by Nexio News
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