Solstice East Residential Treatment Center (RTC) in Asheville, North Carolina has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of abuse, neglect, and improper practices leveled against the facility by former residents and state health officials. As the troubled teen industry continues to face scrutiny, the calls for the closure of Solstice East have grown louder.
Former Residents Speak Out About Alleged Abuses at Solstice East RTC
In March 2021, a small group of protesters, including former residents of Solstice East, gathered near the Vance Monument in downtown Asheville to decry the alleged mistreatment they experienced at the residential treatment center. Spearheading the protest was Seven Atsila, who claimed to have spent 14 months at Solstice East around the age of 15, during which time he allegedly underwent abuse and neglect.
Medication Mismanagement and Denial of Family Contact
Atsila accused the facility of mismanaging client medications, including overmedicating residents and allowing untrained, unlicensed staff to distribute medications. He also alleged that residents were denied phone calls to their families, effectively cutting off their communication with loved ones.
Allegations of Conversion Therapy and Disrespect for Gender Identity
Perhaps most disturbing were Atsila’s claims that Solstice East refused to respect his gender identity and subjected him to conversion therapy, a widely condemned and unethical practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Another former resident, Isaac, corroborated these allegations, stating that his therapist at Solstice East repeatedly called him “delusional” and compared his desire to change his name to wanting to be called “Tinkerbell.”
State Investigation Finds Numerous Deficiencies at Solstice East RTC
The allegations made by former residents were not the first to be leveled against Solstice East. In 2020, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) launched an investigation into the facility following accusations that surfaced the previous summer.
NCDHHS Report Cites Medication Errors, Restrictive Interventions, and Limited Family Contact
The NCDHHS investigation resulted in a 151-page report that claimed to have found several issues with Solstice East’s operations. According to the report, the state health officials found 115 medication errors between March and October 2020, “indicating a pattern that was not addressed.” The report also alleged instances of restrictive interventions and limiting contact between residents and their families.
Solstice East’s Response and Ongoing Legal Battle
In response to the NCDHHS report, Solstice East submitted a 600-page response, contesting the majority of the allegations. Steven Brigance, the general counsel for Solstice East, acknowledged that some minor issues existed, such as documentation concerns, but maintained that these did not impact the quality of care provided to residents.
Brigance also noted that for approximately two months in 2020, NCDHHS ordered Solstice East to cease admitting new clients while the investigation was ongoing. However, he pointed out that this order had since been lifted, suggesting that NCDHHS deemed the facility’s operations to be proper or that any improper practices were being corrected.
Solstice East Appeals NCDHHS Findings and Continues Operations
Despite the allegations and findings, Solstice East has continued to operate and admit new clients. Brigance stated that the facility is focused on providing care to its current and prospective clients while appealing the NCDHHS findings.
The Troubled Teen Industry and Calls for Reform
The controversy surrounding Solstice East is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader conversation about the troubled teen industry and the need for reform. Trey Binder, who attended other residential treatment facilities as a youth and joined the Asheville protest, spoke about the lasting impact of the traumas he experienced, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues.
Paris Hilton’s Advocacy and Legislation to Regulate the Troubled Teen Industry
High-profile advocates, such as Paris Hilton, have brought increased attention to the troubled teen industry and the need for regulation. In Utah, Hilton-backed legislation aimed at regulating the industry recently passed, signaling a growing movement for change.
FAQs About Solstice East RTC and Alleged Abuses
Q: What is Solstice East RTC?
A: Solstice East is a residential treatment center located in Asheville, North Carolina, that provides care and therapeutic programming for adolescent females aged 14-17 who struggle with various traumas and disorders.
Q: What allegations have been made against Solstice East RTC?
A: Former residents and state health officials have alleged various forms of abuse and neglect at Solstice East, including medication mismanagement, denying family contact, restrictive interventions, disrespect for gender identity, and subjecting residents to conversion therapy.
Q: What did the NCDHHS investigation find?
A: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) issued a 151-page report detailing numerous deficiencies at Solstice East, including 115 medication errors, restrictive interventions, and limiting contact between residents and their families.
Q: How has Solstice East responded to the allegations?
A: Solstice East has contested the majority of the allegations in the NCDHHS report and submitted a 600-page response. The facility acknowledges some minor issues but maintains that it provides quality care to its residents.
Q: Is Solstice East still operating?
A: Yes, Solstice East is still operating and admitting new clients, despite the ongoing legal battle and calls for its closure from former residents and advocates.
Q: What is the troubled teen industry, and why is reform being called for?
A: The troubled teen industry refers to a network of residential treatment facilities, wilderness programs, and other programs aimed at addressing behavioral and emotional issues in adolescents. However, there have been numerous allegations of abuse and unethical practices within the industry, leading to calls for increased regulation and reform.
Moving Forward and Protecting Vulnerable Youth
As the controversy surrounding Solstice East and the troubled teen industry continues to unfold, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth seeking assistance. Thorough investigations, accountability, and meaningful reforms are necessary to ensure that residential treatment facilities provide ethical, compassionate, and effective care. By addressing these issues head-on, we can work towards creating a system that truly supports and empowers young people in their journey towards healing and growth.