PRACTICE AREAS

INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Current Cases & Investigations

Updates:

Justice Law Collaborative and Island Justice Law File Class Action Lawsuit Against Hyde School (Maine) Alleging Abuse, Neglect, and Forced Labor
Justice Law Collaborative Files Lawsuit Against Trails Carolina (“Trails”) and Family Help & Wellness (FH&W).
Shuttered wilderness therapy camp in western N.C. faces new lawsuits

Media:

WMTW-8 (Maine; July 15, 2025); Former student sues Maine boarding school, alleging forced child labor
NewsCenterMaine (July 11, 2025); ‘Hidden curriculum’: Former students of Hyde School allege decades of abuse
INSIDE Edition (June 9, 2025); Troubled Girls Boarding School Closed for Endangerng Patients
INSIDE Edition (May 25, 2025); Allegations of Abuse, Forced Labor at Arizona ‘Troubled’ Girls Boarding School (JLC’s Kelly Guagenty, Troubled Teen Industry Lawyer, interviewed)

Justice Law Collaborative has experience changing laws to ensure that survivors have access to justice, including:

Eliminating the statute of limitations for childhood physical abuse (along with sexual abuse) in Vermont.
We have also held boarding schools and other schools accountable for abuse and obtained justice for our clients and reform to protect future students and residents.

We are ready to fight for justice, accountability, and reform with you!

TEEN FACILITIES

Across the country, thousands of parents send their children to treatment facilities marketed as educational and therapeutic programs for children struggling with emotional or behavioral issues. With polished presentations, slick brochures, and promises of mental wellness, these facilities mislead families, and the children sent to take up residence suffer the consequences. Known collectively as the “troubled teen industry,” these residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, boot camps, and wilderness programs claim to rehabilitate teens with behavioral challenges.

The troubled teen industry is a $23 billion private, unregulated industry composed of hundreds of programs across the country operating beneath an umbrella of approximately a dozen large entities. Under the misguided guise of “therapy,” vulnerable young people are subjected to physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. They are often neglected, placed in unsafe, unsanitary conditions, or abused sexually. They face forced labor, a lack of education, medication abuse, and damaging isolation from family and peers. Survivors suffer serious impacts, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, trust issues, and physical manifestations of injuries. Some have even died.

Holding Facilities Accountable

Justice Law Collaborative has been fighting not only for individual justice, but also for legislation that has and will dismantle the harmful practices employed by troubled teen facilities. We understand well the systemic abuse and wrongdoings that have been reported publicly through the news and documented by survivors’ stories, including The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping, Hell Camp, and Teen Torture, Inc. These documentaries pull back the curtain on programs that promise education, behavioral therapy, and mental health counseling, yet rarely deliver those services.

The voices that have emerged to sound the alarm come from broken humans who were forced or placed in these facilities, completely cut off from their support networks. The tragic results speak for themselves. In 2024, within days of Teen Torture Inc.’s airing on HBO/MAX, one of the primary survivors interviewed (Evan Wright, who also authored The Seed: A Memoir about his time in a TTI facility), died by suicide.

Through negligence and wrongful conduct, these facilities and programs entrusted with the safety of children inflict great suffering on the residents and their families. Justice Law Collaborative attorneys Kim Dougherty and Kelly Guagenty represent survivors of troubled teen industry abuse and work tirelessly to expose these institutions. Attorney Dougherty also serves as co-chair of the American Association for Justice’s (AAJ) Troubled Teen Industry Abuse Litigation Group, founded to assist attorneys from across the country in their efforts to investigate and litigate cases against troubled teen programs, facilities, wilderness camps, and their respective parent organizations.

Survivors deserve legal advocacy from attorneys who understand what they’ve endured and one committed to holding these programs accountable. Our efforts to date speak volumes.

Justice Law Collaborative’s Role in Troubled Teen Industry Lawsuits

In November 2024, Attorneys Kim Dougherty and Kelly Guagenty filed suit against troubled teen industry facility “Trails Carolina.”
Justice Law Collaborative has stood with and supported Paris Hilton, 11:11 Media, and the aggressive efforts to pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act.
In March 2025, Attorney Dougherty testified alongside Hilton on new legislation passed in Maryland, the Preventing Abduction in Youth Transport Act. As initially outlined, the bill would prohibit “youth transport companies” from restraining and transporting young adults to troubled teen programs; and to create a path for civil penalties to be filed against these companies should they not comply.
Attorney Dougherty has spent years holding the troubled teen industry accountable as evidenced by the Kurn Hattin lawsuit.

Commonly Asked Questions:

WHAT IS TROUBLED TEEN INDUSTRY ABUSE?

Abuse in the troubled teen industry takes many forms: isolation, forced labor, sleep deprivation, physical restraint, humiliation, and denial of medical care. Survivors often report long-term trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trust issues. Many parents are unaware of the egregious abuse, as residents in the program are prevented from communicating with their families, or their correspondence is reviewed and sabotaged by employees in charge. If you or a loved one experienced abuse at one of these facilities, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit.

CAN I SUE A TROUBLED TEEN FACILITY FOR ABUSE?

In most instances, yes. You can sue a troubled teen facility if you or your child suffered abuse, neglect, or serious emotional distress while in their care. Claims may include negligence, assault, false imprisonment, and violation of state and federal laws. Survivors can pursue compensation for physical injuries, emotional trauma, and other damages.

WHAT ARE MY LEGAL OPTIONS AS A SURVIVOR?

Survivors of troubled teen industry abuse may file civil lawsuits against the facility, its staff, and even the organizations or individuals who recommended or funded the placement. In some cases, criminal charges may also apply. Justice Law Collaborative investigated patterns of abuse across multiple programs, providing grounds for class action or mass tort litigation. If you are wondering, “How do I sue a boarding school for abuse?”—you’re not alone.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A LAWSUIT?

Each state operates beneath its own statute of limitations, which dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit. Some states allow extra time for survivors to come forward, especially if trauma impeded or delayed their ability to report. Justice Law Collaborative provides free consultations to discuss all the variables associated with your specific case.

WHY CONSULT WITH A LAW FIRM WITH TROUBLED TEEN INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE?

This area of law requires specialized knowledge about the deceptive practices used by various facilities, the trauma they inflict, and how they hide abuse behind “treatment.” Justice Law Collaborative is a trauma-informed litigation practice, with on-staff social workers and counselors available to support clients and our team members.

If you or someone you love was abused in a troubled teen facility, you are not alone. Contact our attorneys below.

Your voice matters, and we are here to help you take it back.

Contact us for a free consultation today.

Get In Touch

Schools, Boarding Schools, Colleges, and UniversitIES

We have extensive experience representing students harmed as a result of misconduct at a school involving neglect, abuse, violations of Title IX, breach of contract, and claims of wrongful death of students by suicide.

We fight for justice on your terms. At Justice Law Collaborative, our trauma-informed perspective to legal representation ensures you and your family are heard at every stage of a case and empowers you to regain your power. We have extensive experience representing students harmed as a result of misconduct at a school involving neglect, abuse, violations of Title IX, breach of contract, and claims of wrongful death of students by suicide.

The legal process is an effective and therapeutic tool to facilitate the healing process for many individuals and families that we represent. We present those harmed an opportunity to regain their power by holding the responsible parties accountable and through obtaining important change to protect others in the future. Justice Law Collaborative puts our clients’ well-being first and ensures that you have the support you need around you to fight for justice.

The lawyers at Justice Law Collaborative have extensive experience in obtaining substantial financial results that our clients deserve. But our lawyers do not stop there; we have also fought and obtained important changes in law that provide access to justice, and we also force these institutions to implement procedures and protocols that address their misconduct and prevent future harm.

IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED ABUSE AT A SCHOOL, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of students at educational institutions is a recognized and foreseeable risk from which schools have an obligation to protect their students proactively. Schools can be liable if they do not adequately screen candidates before hiring them or if they fail to supervise them once they are hired. They can also be liable for their actions or inactions following allegations of abuse, as well as for failing to implement and enforce safeguards to prevent abuse by school employees, staff members, volunteers, and student peers. Oftentimes, school administrators will intentionally cover up incidents of abuse and harassment to protect their reputation, fostering a culture of abuse and allowing it to continue unchecked for decades.

Abuse at schools can take many forms:

Sexual Abuse and grooming by staff, teachers, coaches, administrators, or other students
Physical Abuse
Hazing, Bullying, and Cyberbullying
Emotional Abuse
Unnecessary and Embarrassing Punishments
Failure by the School to Report Abuse, Mistreatment, and Serious Mental Health Issues
Retaliation for Reporting Abuse or Assault

Justice Law Collaborative is dedicated to changing these statistics:

Hazing rituals are also unfortunately common on college campuses. Hazing generally consists of activities intended to humiliate and degrade students, and often requires students to drink excessive amounts of alcohol in the process. Hazing can result in student attrition, sexual assault, emotional harm, physical harm, and even death.

If you were abused as part of a hazing ritual on a school campus or by a group affiliated with school, please contact us to discus your rights.

IF YOUR LOVED ONE EXPERIENCED DEATH ON CAMPUS, BY SUICIDE OR OTHERWISE, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Schools can be held liable for death or serious injury resulting from the school’s negligent policies and procedures, the school’s misconduct in addressing issues involving students, and the school’s patterns and practices of ignoring and mishandling issues involving the safety and well-being of its students. Unfortunately, this nightmare is all too common on college campuses today.

It is important that you are aware of your rights in the event that your child or loved one is seriously injured on campus. Many colleges and universities have large legal teams and substantial financial resources at their disposal to defend the institution against these claims. It is important that you contact an attorney early in the process to ensure that you and your loved one’s rights are protected, that all relevant documents and evidence are properly preserved, and automatic destruction protocols are disengaged.

In the last several years, numerous wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against some of the country’s largest and most prestigious universities as a result of their failure to adequately protect the students in their care.

Justice for our Clients

The Justice Law Collaborative frequently partners with local counsel in other states and has experience representing clients against schools and Universities across the country. We have settled cases against prominent Universities in Oklahoma, New Hampshire, New York, and California, as well as against numerous grade schools in Massachusetts and around the country.

Kurn Hattin Homes For Children

The Justice Law Collaborative currently represents over forty-five survivors of horrific sexual and physical abuse at Kurn Hattin, a boarding school in Vermont. The survivors suffered varying degrees of sexual, physical, and verbal abuse, and neglect. JLC has been advocating for justice for these survivors for years, and have been working with the Vermont Agency of Education to assist with an independent investigation in to Kurn Hattin. These efforts have included not only seeking just compensation for the survivors, but also an arduous, and successful, push to change the law in Vermont. As a result of the hard work of our firm and the survivors we represent, children who experience childhood physical and sexual abuse in Vermont are able to seek justice at any age, as JLC was at the forefront of eliminating the law that placed an arbitrary timeframe on seeking justice for them and all children suffering such abuse.

Kim Dougherty, a founding partner of the Justice Law Collaborative was instrumental in the passing of this new legislation, testifying in front of law makers in her pursuit of justice for her clients, and all survivors of childhood abuse.

JLC is also working to create a support group for Kurn Hattin survivors with a commitment of funding from the legislature.

The Hyde Boarding Schools of Woodstock, CT and Bath, ME

JLC is currently representing a group of brave survivors who attended the Hyde School (both the Woodstock, CT location and the Bath, ME location). Since its founding in 1966, the school has been marketed as a behavioral modification program for teenagers (ages 14-18) with emotional or behavioral problems.

We at JLC understand that the fight for justice is never-ending, regardless of the verdict. If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance regarding this case, please call our office at 508-230-2700 or email us at survivorsupport@justicelc.com

Michigan State University

JLC also represented survivors of serial child abuser Larry Nassar in their suits against MSU and USA Gymnastics. JLC founding partner, Kim Dougherty, was integrally involved in pushing for answers and accountability for our clients, as well as for all survivors of the horrific abuse. Ultimately not only did she obtain a substantial for her clients against MSU, she also was a part of reaching a settlement of $380million on behalf of the survivors. Attorney Dougherty is most proud of her work as a member of the Restorative Justice Task Force, where she and one other lawyer and survivors ensured that, in addition to monetary compensation, unprecedented commitment to non-monetary change were obtained to ensure protection of future athletes:

“It will be a framework moving forward we think in other cases, not just with athletes or gymnasts, but also other cases involving large institutions,’ said Frederick’s attorney Kim Dougherty, with the Justice Law Collaborative in South Easton.”

Windham Southeast Supervisory Union School District

We currently represent several students who attended schools in the WSESU School District, including Brattleboro Union High School, in Brattleboro, Vermont and are continuing to investigate allegations of abuse during their time as students.

If you were a student in the WSESU School District and would like to speak with an attorney regarding your experience, please call our office at 508-230-2700 or email us at survivorsupport@justicelc.com.

3HO Community

JLC represents a number of survivors of abuse in the 3HO/ Siri Singh Sahib Corporation community. The abuse was wide spread within the community, with many second generation members (members who were born in to the cult) being sent to a boarding school in India that was owned and operated by 3HO/SSSC. The conditions at the school were horrendous and many students faced sexual, physical, and emotional torture during their time there. In addition to being subjected to this abuse, and brainwashing, many members of the organization were denied to opportunity to receive or further their education outside of the few years they were enrolled in one of the schools run by the community, resulting in lifelong struggles.

As a result of so many brave survivors coming forward to share their story, recently, an announcement was made that the organization will be opening a reparations program for survivors of abuse during their time in the community. If you attended Guru Nanek Fifth Centenary School (GNFC, Guru Ram Das Academy (GRD), 4S, or Miri Piri Academy (MPA) or were born in to the 3HO community and you are interested in participating in the program, we can assist you in obtaining and submitting the necessary documentation and personal statements. Please contact us at survivorsupport@justicelc.com if you would like to speak with us.

Sarah Lawrence College

The Sarah Lawrence College case unveiled a distressing narrative that shocked the public conscience, revealing a twisted web of manipulation and coercion within the corridors of higher education. The case revolved around allegations directed at a former student’s father, entangled in a deeply troubling saga of psychological manipulation, financial exploitation, and coercive control over students enrolled at the esteemed institution.

Reports surfaced, alleging that the father, in a position of trust and influence, had orchestrated a chilling scheme, drawing vulnerable students into a coercive dynamic reminiscent of a cult-like environment. Within this distressing backdrop, students purportedly found themselves ensnared in a cycle of false confessions, forced labor, and financial extortion, plunging their academic aspirations and emotional well-being into turmoil.

This complex legal narrative served as a stark illumination of the intricacies surrounding power imbalances, ethical obligations of academic institutions, and the vulnerability of students under the guise of mentorship. The revelations prompted a critical reexamination of systemic weaknesses within educational settings, amplifying the urgent need for robust protective measures and vigilant oversight. We here at Justice Law Collaborative are dedicated to helping survivors of this unsettling situation.

As legal proceedings progressed, the case resonated as a sobering wake-up call, urging the fortification of educational environments against exploitative forces. It underscored the imperative to prioritize a culture of safety, transparency, and ethical guidance, emphasizing the paramount importance of shielding students from manipulative influences and safeguarding their well-being above all else.

We are so grateful to be able to support the survivors sharing their stories and coming forward to speak to our team about the harrowing details of their experiences. If you or someone you know is interested in coming forward, please contact us at survivorsupport@justicelc.com if you would like to speak with us.

Stanford University

Katie Meyer was more than a Stanford University soccer captain. She was a leader, a teammate, and a young woman with an extraordinary future.

In 2022, at just 22 years old, Katie died by suicide following disciplinary action from Stanford University.

Read the entire Katie Meyer Story Here.

INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY NEWS ROOM

Get in touch

At Justice Law Collaborative, every case begins with a conversation. Whether you’re seeking guidance, representation, or have questions about your legal options, our team is here to listen.

Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation using the form here or give us a call. We will ensure your message reaches the right attorney and that you receive a timely, thoughtful response.

JLC East: (508) 230-2700

JLC West: (310) 363-0030