Former ‘troubled teen center’ worker says kids in the programs need more attention

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A bill to add more state oversight to congregant care centers, otherwise known as “troubled teen centers,” is moving through the legislature.

There’s been seven deaths reported in these centers in the last four years, and one former worker wants to see things fixed.

Cheryl Bennett has worked with “troubled teen” programs for more than 30 years.

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“I’ve been in the private sector, and I’ve also been in the state-run sector,” Bennett said. “They are extremely different, but the common denominator is the kids.”

Bennett said there’s good and bad that come with these programs, which was evident during a February hearing when people both praised and condemned them.

“I suffered there intensely,” one person told KUTV at the hearing.

“I genuinely would not be here without the help of these facilities,” another said.

Bennett is concerned about kids in these programs not learning basic skills to be a successful adult, as well as getting the attention they need.

“The case workers have between 40-60 kids on their caseload. That’s a lot,” she said.

She said kids will call their case workers but won’t get a call back until days later sometimes, which can upset them.

Bennett said some kids also don’t get enough freedom or privacy.

“I just think there needs to be a committee that is not for the state, not for the program, and is looking at the needs of that child,” Bennett said.

In February, Paris Hilton, who has spoken out against about these kinds of programs and facilities, sent a letter urging lawmakers to support an “admissions committee” before kids are placed in the programs, and an ombudsman to whom they can report abuse.

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