Ohio Youth Facilities Under Fire After Report Reveals Abuse, Neglect

Disability Rights Ohio released the report after carrying out 75 visits to residential treatment centres over six years. Investigators said they found repeated cases of abuse, neglect, bullying, intimidation, and unsafe treatment practices.

The report also described painful restraint methods, including chokeholds and punches involving children in care.

Residential treatment facilities are meant to support children with serious behavioural and mental health needs. Some of the centres in Ohio care for children as young as five years old.

Child protection advocates say the findings show serious safeguarding failures. They warn that children can face harm when facilities lack strong oversight and accountability.

Disability Rights Ohio said urgent reforms are needed to improve safety in the centres. The organisation wants stronger staff training, better monitoring, and faster action against facilities that fail to protect children.

It also called for a statewide registry to prevent abusive workers from being rehired at other treatment centres.

Advocates believe families should receive clearer information about facilities with repeated safety violations. They say transparency can help parents and guardians make informed decisions about children’s care.

The report has also renewed debate about how residential treatment centres are regulated in Ohio. Safeguarding experts argue that licensing alone does not guarantee child safety.

Instead, they say children need systems that provide regular monitoring, quick intervention, and strong accountability measures.

As calls for reform continue, child welfare groups say protecting children in institutional care must remain a top priority.