Provo Canyon School is a residential treatment center in Utah that has been the subject of controversy for decades. It was founded in 1971 and is currently run by Universal Health Services, one of the largest healthcare providers in the United States. The school has been the focus of numerous allegations of abuse and mistreatment, particularly towards its students.

The Early Years

Provo Canyon School was originally founded as a co-ed school for troubled teenagers. At the time, it was one of the few schools of its kind in the United States. The school quickly gained a reputation for its strict discipline policies and its emphasis on physical labor as a form of therapy.

Many former students have reported being subjected to physical and emotional abuse during their time at the school. Some have even claimed that they were forced to endure solitary confinement, restraints, and other forms of punishment as a way to control their behavior.

The 1980s and 1990s

In the 1980s and 1990s, Provo Canyon School expanded its programs to include separate schools for boys and girls. The school also began to focus more on treating students with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

During this time, the school also faced increased scrutiny from state regulators and the media. In 1998, a former student named Katlin Anderson filed a lawsuit against the school, claiming that she had been physically and emotionally abused during her time there. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

The 2000s and Beyond

In recent years, Provo Canyon School has come under even more intense scrutiny as former students have shared their stories on social media. The #BreakingCodeSilence movement, which was started by survivors of the school, has gained widespread media attention and has led to calls for greater regulation of residential treatment centers.

In 2020, Paris Hilton released a documentary called "This Is Paris" in which she revealed that she had been sent to Provo Canyon School as a teenager and had experienced emotional and physical abuse. The documentary brought renewed attention to the school and has sparked a national conversation about the treatment of troubled youth in America.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Provo Canyon School has been ongoing for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. While some former students have reported positive experiences at the school, many others have spoken out about the abuse and mistreatment that they endured. As the conversation around residential treatment centers continues, it is clear that there is a need for greater regulation and oversight to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable youth.

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