An anonymous supporter shared this response with WDIV:
What disappointing reporting. I’m sure you didn’t actually expect readers to comb through the 700 pages, but I did. While some violations are certainly alarming, I couldn’t help but notice the blatant disconnect between the “allegations” in your story, versus the truth of the investigative reporting done by the State.
For example, you report about allegations of seclusion, when the investigations clearly state either no violation, or no violation based on incorrect consultation between the organization and their State partners. The one instance where a violation was established, starting on pg. 660, it was related to the failure to update “Sleeping Room Hours” policies and procedures. While updating policies is still a critical issue and the violation is warranted, your version of this State investigation is grossly misleading.
You also call out “Sexual Assault Allegations” yet, on starting on pg. 244 of the reports, it clearly states that, after an extensive investigation with youth, staff, and State caseworkers (confirmed by video footage), there were no violations. Rather, this child’s therapist stated that they may be experiencing psychosis and post-traumatic stress symptoms from past experiences. So, this violation is not about sexual abuse, but rather the staff’s failure to properly report the youth’s initial allegations. While adequate reporting is still a critical issue and the violation is warranted, your version of this State investigation is, once again, grossly misleading. You also mention that there was a former staff and former youth who reported being in a relationship at the time of their interview, but you failed to mention that this interview occurred not only after the youth had left Vista Maria, but also after the staff was terminated for inappropriate behavior. All other allegations of sexual misconduct/abuse were unsubstantiated, and many youth interviewed actually reported feeling safe at Vista Maria. Where’s that in your story?
Why not report on the bigger issue at hand? That young people in our community are hurting so badly, that they need this intensive of mental health care? That they are hurting so badly, that they’re fighting with each other, antagonizing staff, and punching holes through walls? Are there areas where Vista Maria needs to improve? Yes. But, by downplaying the progress that has been made since this story first broke in April, you are doing an injustice to this organization, and to our community that relies on fair, multi-dimensional reporting.
Maybe instead of tearing down the therapists, social workers, and floor staff that are showing up every day to care for these kids, you should be a part of the solution. Raise awareness for the growing mental health crisis among teens. Educate yourself on the complexities of trauma. Volunteer. Or, least of all, be fair in your reporting. I “Expect More” out of my local news team. Do better.