Investigation exposes systemic failures at Las Vegas juvenile group homes

State audit reveals abuse, neglect, and safety violations affecting vulnerable teens

A damning investigation has uncovered widespread failures at several Las Vegas juvenile group homes, revealing a troubling pattern of neglect, safety violations, and potential abuse that has prompted state intervention and criminal warrants for former employees.

The facilities, operated under the names Moriah Behavioral Health, Eden Treatment, and Ignite Teen Treatment, have generated more than 300 police calls in the past 18 months, with the majority involving reported runaways and suicide attempts, according to Las Vegas Metro Police records obtained by investigators.

Criminal charges and county action

Court records reveal active warrants for two women who worked at the same location where teenagers were housed, with charges related to alleged violence against a co-worker. Police reports indicate staff claimed surveillance video that may have captured the incident was purged, despite requirements that mental health facilities retain footage for one year.

The situation proved severe enough that Clark County halted all placements at these facilities. A county spokesperson confirmed they had placed 34 youth in Moriah Behavioral Health facilities between December 2021 and January 2025, but determined “their facilities were unable to meet the needs of our clients.”

Nevada’s Division of Public and Behavioral Health suspended the license for one home in March after it failed to correct problems identified in November, according to state officials.

Audit reveals shocking conditions

A December 2024 state audit examining two group homes managed by Ignite Teen Treatment documented extensive health, safety, welfare, and civil rights violations:

Medical and safety failures:

• Incomplete, inaccurate, and missing medication records
• Missing documentation of medical assistance after children’s injuries
• Use of restraints resulting in injuries
• Items accessible that could be used for self-harm
• Missing mandatory reporting documentation
• Absent background check records

Physical environment hazards:

• Broken windows with glass shards present
• Boarded-up windows
• Unsecured pools and hot tubs
• Nine children forced to share one bathroom
• Untreated pool water
• Reports of children climbing on roofs

Administrative failures:

• Weak recordkeeping systems
• Missing denial of rights reporting
• Complaint processes not posted
• Management unable to determine if complaints were filed
• Incomplete personnel records
• Inadequate policies and procedures

Millions in taxpayer funding

Despite these failures, state records show the facilities received $5.5 million in public funding from January 2023 to June 2025. Additionally, private insurance companies were billed substantial amounts – one family documented charges of $4,000 per day, with insurance paying $1,400 daily and families responsible for $280 daily co-pays.

State lawmakers expressed outrage at a January meeting. “These people get money to take care of these children. Let’s put that on the record,” said Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop (D-Las Vegas). “They’re getting money and then they’re not keeping good records, they’re not taking care of the children, they’re failing inspections after inspections.”

Family speaks out

Noah Blumenthal sent his 17-year-old son Asher from New York to Las Vegas believing the facility would provide needed mental health treatment for severe anxiety. Instead, he discovered his son was denied prescribed medications and proper counseling, while being billed thousands daily.

“It is just untenable that an organization like this should be around,” Blumenthal told investigators, saying staff wouldn’t release his son until he threatened to call police. His son reported witnessing other teens “deteriorate” during their stays.

“It’s terrifying that this continues to exist,” the teenager said, speaking out to warn other families considering these facilities based on “beautiful advertising.”

Pattern of problems

The investigation revealed Ignite Teen Treatment had accumulated $94,000 in state fines as of late 2024. Police records show repeated incidents including:

• 19 runaway reports from a single location
• 13 fights and assault/battery incidents
• Multiple suicide attempts
• Various disturbances requiring law enforcement response

When investigators requested an interview with Moriah Behavioral Health CEO Mendi Baron, his attorney demanded to review questions in advance and approve the final report before airing – conditions that violate standard journalistic practices.

Ongoing concerns

While these facilities continue to advertise comprehensive mental health treatment for adolescents ages 12-18, including residential care and outpatient services, the investigation raises serious questions about oversight and accountability in Nevada’s juvenile mental health system.

The exposed conditions suggest vulnerable teenagers seeking mental health treatment may instead face environments that worsen their conditions, all while facilities collect millions in public funds and private insurance payments.

As one affected teenager stated: “A place like that should be able to help you.”

Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/children-health-safety-civil-rights-011458874.html

Category: Local News
Subcategory: Social Services
Date: 07/18/2025