NC - 12-year-old dies at Trails Carolina wilderness therapy camp, Lake Toxaway, February 2024

[RickshawFan]

I’m not familiar with bivy bags, other than what I’ve read here. I guess the theory is to provide a small, enclosed space like a cocoon either for comfort, restraint or punishment?

As a person with severe claustrophobia, being placed in something like that would be pure torture and make my panic worse. The pants being removed is worrisome— however, if there was any evidence of SA, I think that would have been mentioned by now?

I tried sleeping in a bivy bag with a thing that pulled over your face. I thought I would suffocate, and the whole thing made me panic. Plus, my face got rained on. There was one design I tried on at the store that had a little pole in it. I couldn’t even get into it. It was this model. LE says something about a pole in this event, so it’s possibly this kind of thing. I say “this kind of thing” because I doubt they bought one of these nice ones.

https://www.rei.com/product/231816/black-diamond-bipod-bivy

IMO what this camp is calling “bivy bags” are not real bivy bags, but some form of restraint. Note: I have a photo ^^^^ of a restraint bag that kinda looks like a bivy bag.

Cynically, if this camp used a real camping-design waterproof bivy bag, that would be to keep the floor from getting soiled. More cynically, it would be a form of torture to tell a child they’d be sleeping in their muck. A waterproof bivy bag would retain liquids. I’m thinking something like this, because the child’s lower half was nude, and LE said something about a piece of plastic on the floor.

I would imagine the camp has these “bivy bags” fastened to the floor, and that’s why the child wasn’t on a bed. Then, they had some kind of lock on the bag?

I don’t trust that the camp didn’t move stuff all around at the crime scene before LE arrived, since IMO they had 1/2 hour to several hours (which I think more likely because of the state of rigor mortis) before they called police.

 

[kaen]

<modsnip: quoted post was removed>
This boy's family must have felt desperate for whatever reason (out of control behavior or struggling to parent him). There are many of these programs who have people who are trained to do the therapy and have lower paid individuals who supervised in between sessions (kind of like hospitals where aides are the people on the front line with nurses supervising). We have an issue that is just not being addressed.

 

[IDK]

Just IMO, these families are not all wealthy though some may be. Desperate families take on second mortgages and loans in order to get what they think is the “best” for their kids.

The facilities likely target wealthier families because they know they’ll be able to keep paying the bills and would agree to extended stays and transfer to therapeutic boarding schools.

A family from church sent their son to one of these places in NC because he was smoking pot. They had posts on FB about the letters they were receiving from him and seemed happy with his progress. He was always a great kid to start with though and some were surprised he was sent there. They were not wealthy AFAIK.

 

[kaen]

The conjecture is that not all are wealthy is very true. Many cash in retirement accounts, college funds, second mortgage their house or take out loans that are advertised for educational programs (in gen ed private schools or special ed schools or therapeutic schools).

Just IMO, these families are not all wealthy though some may be. Desperate families take on second mortgages and loans in order to get what they think is the “best” for their kids.

The facilities likely target wealthier families because they know they’ll be able to keep paying the bills and would agree to extended stays and transfer to therapeutic boarding schools.

A family from church sent their son to one of these places in NC because he was smoking pot. They had posts on FB about the letters they were receiving from him and seemed happy with his progress. He was always a great kid to start with though and some were surprised he was sent there. They were not wealthy AFAIK.

 

[BeginnerSleuther]

when they are hurting themselves and a danger to others, it could be a choice between police involvement or a wilderness camp when parents and professionals have tried everything else

If they are hurting themselves, they need mental health treatment, not a wilderness camp. If they are a danger to others, they need police involvement if it isn't stemming from a mental health issue. If it is a mental health issue, see the first option. There is no behavior for which a traumatizing wilderness camp against their will is appropriate, IMO.

 

[BeginnerSleuther]

Agree, they need the stabilization but then does the family have money to private pay for residential care. It is RARELY covered by insurance and a child living in a hospital setting for months is not a healing environment

The vast majority of children don't need residential care. If they need a state hospital level of care, insurance pays. State hospitals are not like regular hospitals. They are residential for children. But they are for the mentally ill and not for kids who are just rebellious or breaking the law.

 

[Izzylizzy]

Trails Carolina staff where child died blocked social workers, NC health regulators say

Warrants show clearer timeline, disturbing details after boy found dead at Trails Carolina

A News 13 investigation is uncovering new details about a 12-year-old’s death at a wilderness therapy program in Transylvania County.

wlos.com

 

[Izzylizzy]

No matter what was signed by parents/guardians when their child was admitted I hope they all got their kids out of there, like yesterday.

 

[iamshadow21]

Trails Carolina staff where child died blocked social workers, NC health regulators say

Warrants show clearer timeline, disturbing details after boy found dead at Trails Carolina

A News 13 investigation is uncovering new details about a 12-year-old’s death at a wilderness therapy program in Transylvania County.

wlos.com

I am not a doctor or a pathologist, but I doubt he was just fine at 6am and cold and stiff by 7:45am. Rigor doesn't, as far as I know, work that fast. Not even in the woods.

I think something happened at midnight, with that panic attack. I have a strong suspicion he was drugged, restrained, or both, and he died from it.

And the fact that he was naked below the waist really, really bothers me. I hope the pathologist is thorough in checking for sexual assault.

MOO

 

[Izzylizzy]

Alternative To Boot Camps For Troubled Teens In New York​

Trails Carolina
https://trailscarolina.com › boot-camp-for-troubled-tee...



If you're considering boot camp for troubled teens from New York, please contact Trails Carolina at 800-975-7303 for a better alternative. We have helped many ...

 

[GoBuckeyes]

If they are hurting themselves, they need mental health treatment, not a wilderness camp. If they are a danger to others, they need police involvement if it isn't stemming from a mental health issue. If it is a mental health issue, see the first option. There is no behavior for which a traumatizing wilderness camp against their will is appropriate, IMO.

For so many reasons that others have detailed in this thread, it's not as easy as getting them mental health treatment. And police involvement is a HUGE step. If the resources are inadequate outside, they are abysmal inside that system. It's not quite so black and white.

 

[Izzylizzy]

Another big-big bucks industry who targets many parents at their weakest if they're desperate to get their child help in what seems a helpless situation.

Transportation;​

See also: Teen escort company

Many troubled teen institutions offer youth transportation through teen escort companies, in which minors are transported to their facilities against their will. Parents who sign their children up for troubled teen camps will sign over temporary custody to the teen escort company.[26] This transportation is a service offered in the United States and elsewhere, and is a practice that has been criticized on ethical and legal grounds as being akin to kidnapping.[27] Some of the subjects report not realizing they were transported with permission of their parents until days afterward.[28][2][29] Clients have reported being ambushed in their own beds at home, or tricked into believing they are going elsewhere.[30] Those who have been in the troubled teen industry call this process "gooning".[31] There have been incidents where transportation staff have impersonated government officials.[32] Former clients of troubled teen programs have made efforts to pursue legal recourse through civil lawsuits targeting both parents and the companies associated with these programs.[33]"


OMG!

Troubled teen industry - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[tlcya]

Just getting caught up after a long weekend. things that are standing out to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“CJH was laying on his back with his arms on his chest and his knees bent upwards toward the sky.”

According to the warrant, the boy was wearing a hoodie and t-shirt but his pants and underwear were laying next to his shoulder. The warrant said none of the staff interviewed by detectives could explain how his pants and underwear were taken off and ended up next to his shoulder.

“Once they rolled the body, CJH began to foam at the mouth, which could’ve indicated that he ingested some sort of poison.”
Warrant: 12-year-old boy found cold, stiff at NC wilderness camp

ordered to discontinue the use of Bivy Bags. I wasn't sure what a bivy bag is but it apparently is this, which may be the "tarp" like object he was laying on.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camp spokesperson Wendy D’Alessandro said DSS workers were not allowed to talk to children because parents needed to be contacted first.

"So, they never blocked access to the kids," D'Alessandro said. "One of the things that was going on was for any of the children to speak with law enforcement or state agencies, they had to ask the parents' permission. They're required by law to do that. And the parents said 'no.'"
Trails Carolina staff where child died blocked social workers, NC health regulators say

not sure about NC but where I am from by law DSS can talk to any child and in most instances parents are not notified before hand, because let's be honest, in most instances the parent is the abuser the child needs protected from. I get not letting minors speak to LE without a parent present. But DSS not being allowed access to the other minor campers, um, huge red flag for me. HUGE. JMO MOO and all that jazzy jazz

 

[tlcya]

Frothing or foaming at the mouth is a physical symptom. The foam is actually saliva that has pooled in the mouth and throat because the person has lost the ability to swallow. As the patient breathes, the saliva mixes with the air and becomes foamy.
[snip]
Frothing or Foaming Saliva. Is it a Risk to Help? - First Aid By Levande.

 

[kaen]

This is from the NC (About Child Abuse and Child Neglect | NCDHHS.) site. It is referring to a situation where the parent may be the subject of a complaint. If the DSS workers did not have reason to believe that the other children were in danger, they needed to contact parents and get permission as stated from the below excerpt from the website.

"The worker has the right to talk to your child without your permission. However, the worker will only exercise this right if the worker deems that the child's safety warrants it."

Remember that the worker is only trying to make sure your child is safe. Honesty and cooperation will make the process easier. Often the parent is offered needed support."

Here is a section of the law as it pertains to institutional settings (https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_7B/GS_7B-302.pdf) :

" When a report of a juvenile's death as a result of maltreatment or a report of
suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency of a juvenile in an institutional setting such as a
residential child care facility or residential educational facility is received, the director of the
department of social services shall immediately ascertain if other juveniles remain in the facility
subject to the alleged perpetrator's care or supervision, and, if so, assess the circumstances of
those juveniles in order to determine whether they require protective services or whether
immediate removal of those juveniles from the facility is necessary for their protection.
(c) If the assessment indicates that abuse, neglect, or dependency has occurred, the
director shall decide whether immediate removal of the juvenile or any other juveniles in the
home is necessary for their protection. If immediate removal does not seem necessary, the
director shall immediately provide or arrange for protective services. If the parent, guardian,
custodian, or caretaker refuses to accept the protective services provided or arranged by the
director, the director shall sign a petition seeking to invoke the jurisdiction of the court for the
protection of the juvenile or juveniles."

 

[iamshadow21]

Just getting caught up after a long weekend. things that are standing out to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“CJH was laying on his back with his arms on his chest and his knees bent upwards toward the sky.”

According to the warrant, the boy was wearing a hoodie and t-shirt but his pants and underwear were laying next to his shoulder. The warrant said none of the staff interviewed by detectives could explain how his pants and underwear were taken off and ended up next to his shoulder.

“Once they rolled the body, CJH began to foam at the mouth, which could’ve indicated that he ingested some sort of poison.”
Warrant: 12-year-old boy found cold, stiff at NC wilderness camp

ordered to discontinue the use of Bivy Bags. I wasn't sure what a bivy bag is but it apparently is this, which may be the "tarp" like object he was laying on.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camp spokesperson Wendy D’Alessandro said DSS workers were not allowed to talk to children because parents needed to be contacted first.

"So, they never blocked access to the kids," D'Alessandro said. "One of the things that was going on was for any of the children to speak with law enforcement or state agencies, they had to ask the parents' permission. They're required by law to do that. And the parents said 'no.'"
Trails Carolina staff where child died blocked social workers, NC health regulators say

not sure about NC but where I am from by law DSS can talk to any child and in most instances parents are not notified before hand, because let's be honest, in most instances the parent is the abuser the child needs protected from. I get not letting minors speak to LE without a parent present. But DSS not being allowed access to the other minor campers, um, huge red flag for me. HUGE. JMO MOO and all that jazzy jazz

Also, as that post above yours states, these ones who take kids from their homes tend to get custody from the parents to cover that, so surely they have enough parent like authority to grant the child speaking to a social worker? Especially when there has been a death? It's not like these are strange adults approaching kids in a public park, they are literally charged with assessing these children's welfare!

MOO

 

[Shield Maiden]

**After reading the article: The immediate interventions that Dept of Health & Human Services requires for the facility make this seem pretty clear that there is concern about the inappropriate use of restraints, along with the requirement to no longer use "Bivy bags" (what seem similar to tents?) effective immediately. It seems like there is suspicion for inappropriate restraint use potentially leading to his death.

------------------------------------------------------
I am familiar with these situations.

"Taken by two men" meaning his parents either hired (or they were provided by the Wilderness camp) secured transportation to make sure that he got to the camp. Wilderness therapy camp is like residential treatment, but far more hardcore. Substance abuse issues, behavioral issues, mental illness... things that the family hasn't been able to get "under control" at home.

You earn privileges and small rewards based on time there and good behavior. In the beginning, especially given that this kid was only there for a day or two, it is bare bones. No electronics, communication with the outside world, and potentially even isolation from the other people in the camp for the first week or so.

My first thought is suicide or overdose, but who knows his history? The fact that he was reportedly assigned to a cabin with other minors and staff makes me feel like that is less but who knows?

The sanctioned-by-parents kidnapping of their own children is a multi-million dollar business today, and it is NOT illegal. So sad, a total abandonment of one's own child.

 

[tlcya]

The FBI is assisting the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation, a spokeswoman confirmed to WBTV.

Details of the FBI’s role in the investigation were not immediately available.

Detectives are investigating the boy’s death as manslaughter, the warrant said.

Previously, the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office has said an autopsy showed the boy’s death was not natural.
Warrant: 12-year-old boy found cold, stiff at wilderness camp

the camp may not be cooperating, but the FBI is involved, I feel confident they will bring the full weight of their office to bear and assist in shining a light on whatever happened at trails.

Also came across this press release from Trails Carolina from August of 2023, that IMO has not aged well in light of recent events.

I fully expect CJH's death to result in charges in against at least one individual, maybe more, and believe this story is the tip of an iceberg.

 

[Izzylizzy]

I am not a doctor or a pathologist, but I doubt he was just fine at 6am and cold and stiff by 7:45am. Rigor doesn't, as far as I know, work that fast. Not even in the woods.

I think something happened at midnight, with that panic attack. I have a strong suspicion he was drugged, restrained, or both, and he died from it.

And the fact that he was naked below the waist really, really bothers me. I hope the pathologist is thorough in checking for sexual assault.

MOO

The counselors may claim that they just looked in at him and assumed that he was asleep and weren't going to try and rouse him?

His being nude from the waist down is way beyond disturbing and we all know that child sex abuse can run rampant in these environments and covered up by the higher ups, whether they also are perpetrators not.

These camps run like nursing homes they basically get carte-blanche from the state to do what they want, rarely is there ever a surprise inspection and they only come in when a complaint is filed.

My heart goes out to the child and his parents and to think that the parents have to live with knowing these were their son's last memories before passing is a living hell.

I can't believe that LE didn't immediately close the camp while there was an ongoing investigation.


But, no.
They get new regulations that shouldn't be new at all, these kids need to be tracked and assigned an advocate for them and their parents.

"According to the letter, while the investigations are ongoing, NCDHHS has several measures that Trails Carolina must put in place to ensure that, "any children remaining at the camp are safe and protected."

It requires Trails Carolina to do the following:

• Cease new admissions until NCDHSR completes its investigation
• Discontinue use of bivy bags for any purpose for all children or adults at the camp through the conclusion of all investigations in this matter
• Require at least one staff member to remain awake while one or more children are asleep
• Staff who were in the cabin where the decedent resided cannot return to the cabin or campsite
• Permit unlimited and unannounced access by local county DSS staff, law enforcement and NCDHSR investigators to the cabin, campsite, staff, and clients
• Provide by 10 AM each morning to Transylvania County Department of Social Services a list of clients, their group assignment and location at Trails Carolina and whether a restraint of any type was used against that child in the previous 24 hour reporting period
• Thoroughly complete and update the Incident Report provided to NCDHHS in accordance with the Incident Response and Reporting Manual.
• Provide NCDHSR and Transylvania County DSS the names and contact information for parents or guardians for all children at the camp including their state and or county of residence".

Warrants show clearer timeline, disturbing details after boy found dead at Trails Carolina

A News 13 investigation is uncovering new details about a 12-year-old’s death at a wilderness therapy program in Transylvania County.

wlos.com

 

[Izzylizzy]

Just getting caught up after a long weekend. things that are standing out to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“CJH was laying on his back with his arms on his chest and his knees bent upwards toward the sky.”

According to the warrant, the boy was wearing a hoodie and t-shirt but his pants and underwear were laying next to his shoulder. The warrant said none of the staff interviewed by detectives could explain how his pants and underwear were taken off and ended up next to his shoulder.

“Once they rolled the body, CJH began to foam at the mouth, which could’ve indicated that he ingested some sort of poison.”
Warrant: 12-year-old boy found cold, stiff at NC wilderness camp

ordered to discontinue the use of Bivy Bags. I wasn't sure what a bivy bag is but it apparently is this, which may be the "tarp" like object he was laying on.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camp spokesperson Wendy D’Alessandro said DSS workers were not allowed to talk to children because parents needed to be contacted first.

"So, they never blocked access to the kids," D'Alessandro said. "One of the things that was going on was for any of the children to speak with law enforcement or state agencies, they had to ask the parents' permission. They're required by law to do that. And the parents said 'no.'"
Trails Carolina staff where child died blocked social workers, NC health regulators say

not sure about NC but where I am from by law DSS can talk to any child and in most instances parents are not notified before hand, because let's be honest, in most instances the parent is the abuser the child needs protected from. I get not letting minors speak to LE without a parent present. But DSS not being allowed access to the other minor campers, um, huge red flag for me. HUGE. JMO MOO and all that jazzy jazz

Doesn't this indicate that the boy was still alive?


“Once they rolled the body, CJH began to foam at the mouth, which could’ve indicated that he ingested some sort of poison.”