On September 4, WDIV aired an interview I recently gave. I approached the conversation as an opportunity to highlight the deep commitment of Vista Maria’s employees and the strides we’ve made to improve care, and I’m proud of the transparency I brought to it. Unfortunately, much of this was lost in the segment because the abbreviated and edited interview overshadowed the meaningful progress we’ve achieved.
The truth is, we are confronting today’s challenges head on. In recent months we have:
- Strengthened safety protocols across campus
- Enhanced staff training and support
- Launched new specialized programs to meet the needs of today’s youth
- Engaged in bold planning with MDHHS, Wayne County, and Federation partners to reimagine how care is delivered
Because these efforts were not reflected in the coverage, I want to share the full, unedited interview with you: Watch it here.
As you watch, please know that several criticisms raised on WDIV’s broadcast include significant misrepresentations. I believe it’s important to address them directly, so you have the full context:
Youth Statements
A young woman was interviewed via FaceTime, and others were featured anonymously. While we value transparency, we value HIPAA even more and cannot confirm or deny whether any individual has ever been in our care. Today’s policies around seclusion and other practices are very different from years past, and we are in compliance with current licensing rules.
2025 Allegations Binder: Here Are the Facts
- Of the 167 allegations in 2025, 76 were established as violations (46%).
- Of those, 41 occurred this year, with the others (35) taking place in years prior.
- There were no allegations made in July or August 2025.
- The red and green spreadsheet shared during the interview is not an official State document, nor was it provided by Vista Maria. The origin of the document is unknown and therefore, we cannot confirm the authenticity of it.
- Every allegation is investigated, and we follow all directions from MDHHS at both the state and federal level, regarding corrective action.
Context
The most important element missing from WDIV’s broadcast was context. Caring for young people who have lived through deep trauma and mental health crises is difficult work. The behaviors we see often reflect the pain they have endured. This reality is not unique to Vista Maria. Residential programs across Michigan and the nation are working through the same realities. Mental health care is complex, and incidents happen in every agency. What matters is how we show up for youth in those moments.
Because Vista Maria operates one of the largest programs in the state, our number of incidents may appear high, but the percentage is right in line with industry averages. Serving more youth comes with both greater challenges and greater opportunities to help them heal.
Residential care is an important part of what we do, but it represents only one piece of our mission. Equally vital is our work in foster care, adoption, independent living, and community-based juvenile justice services: creating safe, supportive, and healing environments for the hundreds of youth and families we serve each year.
Staying Focused on What Matters
Throughout our 142-year legacy, we always prioritize children and families. We always push for better solutions even when the road is hard. We lead with transparency. We will never be discouraged by one-sided portrayals because we know the truth: Vista Maria matters. Every child matters.
Kathy
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the U.S. to speak with trained counselors 24/7.