Suspected correlation between the use of restraints and seclusion, and reimbursement at a higher rate for such patients, needs to be seriously examined and if need be amendments made to the proposed legislation to deter such practices.

DESERT HILLS CENTER FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES EVEN UNDER INVESTIGATION, ABUSES CONTINUE

Desert Hills Center for Youth and Families came under investigation for the February 1998 restraint death of 15-year-old Edith Campos. Medical examiners confirmed that Edith had died of asphyxiation after being restrained. Senator Elaine Richardson (D-Tucson), has now called for the treatment facility to be shut down following recent allegations that two teenage girls were sexually molested by an employee who was supervising them.

While they (Desert Hills) are still being monitored and investigated, these allegations are still happening, Richardson said. If they are happening while they are being monitored, whats happening when we don't have their feet to the fire?

These children are placed in the facility for rehabilitation, learning, treatment and to become prepared to enter society from [sic: a] safe environment, Richardson wrote. Instead, they have been exposed to violence, illegal conduct, serious mistreatment and even death. I feel there is no alternative at this time other than to close this facility and cause no more harm to these troubled children.⁷

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