The state of North Carolina plans to revoke the license of Trails Carolina, a wilderness camp for troubled youths where a 12-year-old boy recently died after spending less than a day at the program. It was determined that the camp had violated several state regulations, including failing to protect clients from abuse. The violations were documented during an investigation completed by the Department of Health and Human Services. The camp was given 10 days to respond and provide supporting documents or a plan of correction. Additionally, Trails Carolina was fined $18,000 for the violations, and admissions were suspended indefinitely.
Trails Carolina is a private, for-profit wilderness program that serves children struggling with behavioral issues or depression, often referred by their parents. The children at the camp typically have diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The incident involving the 12-year-old boy, identified only as CJH, has prompted an ongoing criminal investigation by the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office. The boy was found dead with his pants and underwear removed, and the cause of death has not yet been determined. Trails Carolina has stated that preliminary information suggests the death was accidental, but the sheriff’s office has indicated that it did not appear to be natural.
It is unclear whether the violations leading to the license revocation are directly related to the boy’s death at Trails Carolina. The specific details of the violations that endangered the health, safety, and welfare of clients have not been disclosed by the Department of Health and Human Services. The camp has faced scrutiny for failing to comply with regulations, leading to the decision to revoke its license. After the tragic incident involving the 12-year-old boy, the remaining 18 campers were removed from the facility in February.
Trails Carolina has not immediately provided a comment regarding the license revocation and the ongoing investigation into the boy’s death. The camp’s reputation has been tarnished by these recent events, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the children enrolled in such programs. With the license revocation and fines imposed by state authorities, Trails Carolina may face further consequences for failing to meet regulatory standards. The impact of these incidents on the families of the children who attended the camp and on the broader community highlights the importance of ensuring proper oversight and accountability in programs catering to troubled youths.
