Youth Story: "I was Handcuffed to a Desk for 6 Hours"

This comment was made on a Facebook post about a complaint made by youth about mistreatment at Valley of the Moon Children's Home.

It says, "Portia its good you didnt experience the bad of valley. I worked in a group home with recent kids from valley and many including myself experienced some really bad situations from the staff. I dont know the commenter is above or what they stand for... but I am glad there is a light being shined on the situation. If they are innocent the court will find that. I was handcuffed to a desk for 6 hours when I was there for being upset over my sibling being taken from me. I didn't harm staff or myself. I simply did not comply when I was told to do some activity I sat in the common room. Instead of taking the time to help me though feelings, they got frustrated and dragged me to the front office and was handcuffed to the desk where I cried until I passed out from sadness and exhausten. I am not part of this class action, and this is the first of it I am hearing. Some staff members though are completely burned out and kids deserve better then that. I also had staff who really helped me there. The legal system will work its way to the truth either way. ."

This comment was taken from a public Facebook page. We have made them private because we think people should have the right to decide where they tell their story with their name. 
 
Press Democrat Complaint Facebook Post

Youth Story: "I Was There On and Off and Was Definitely Mistreated"

This comment was made on a Facebook post about a complaint made by youth about mistreatment at Valley of the Moon Children's Home.

It says, "I was there on and off and was definitely mistreated. Isolated and outcast from other teens. I was forced to be completely alone. I was also tackled by a male staff member and was held on the ground for 10+ minutes. Not fun. I hate this place. however, a handful of staff was supportive and caring, whereas the others were creepy, rude, antagonizing and just plain fucking idiots. I honestly wish social workers and parents could realize how shitty these kids are being treated here. No child should ever have to go through this kind of hell."

This comment was taken from a public Facebook page. We have made them private because we think people should have the right to decide where they tell their story with their name. 
 
Press Democrat Complaint Facebook Post

Youth Story: Staff Watching Mass Showers, Restraining Pregnant Child for Sneaking Food

This comment was made on a facebook post about a complaint made by youth about mistreatment at Valley of the Moon Children's Home.

It says, "This place sucks. My siblings and I were in and out of this place for years. Sure it was "better" then being with an abusive mother, but it also wasn't a safe place. When I got there I was separated from my sister and brother and placed a group of other kids my age, I had to show with these kids while staff watched, having to share clothes, wear shows that were way to small for me because they couldn't buy any that fit me. When kids picked on me, my sisters and brothers would come to my rescue but they would get in trouble, and lose points. The kids picking on me would get off with a warning. Not only was in a strange place, I was scared and all I wanted was to be with my siblings, but if you were in the age group you couldn't sit with them or do the same activities. One night, during a cooking activity this girl pushed m and locked the door, when a staff finally heard me yelling, I was told to sit down for being disruptive. I saw a male staff pin down a pregnant teen for sneaking food from the kitchen. (Sure, she shouldn't have been sneaking food but to pin down a pregnant person is extremely uncalled for and abusive). The good thing that came from this place was, my siblings and I had a break from an abusive home, and the best thing was when I met my parents and finally got to go home with them."

This comment was taken from a public facebook post. We have made them private because we think people should have the right to decide where they tell their story with their name. 
 
Press Democrat Complaint Facebook Post

Youth Story: "When I Was There in 2004 They Would Strip Search Me."

This comment was made on a facebook post about a complaint made by youth about mistreatment at Valley of the Moon Children's Home.

It says, "Yes they do have strip searches when I was there in 2004 they would strip search me :( which at the time I thought was not part of their protocal since they would strip search only some and not all."

This comment was taken from a public facebook page. We have made them private because we think people should have the right to decide where they tell their story with their name. 
 
Press Democrat Complaint Facebook Post

Youth Story: "I Have Seen it Plenty Times Where Kids Get Thrown to the Ground"

This comment was made on a Facebook post about a complaint made by youth about mistreatment at Valley of the Moon Children's Home.

It says, "I have been there and been threw the foster care system and some of those staff are amazing & some are ruthless and very disrespectful. I have seen it plenty times where kids get thrown to the ground."

This comment was taken from a public Facebook page. We have made them private because we think people should have the right to decide where they tell their story with their name. 
 
Press Democrat Complaint Facebook Post

"It was very obvious that some staff hated her." A Parent Speaks on Valley of the Moon Children's Home

This comment was taken from a public facebook page. We have made them private because we think people should have the right to decide where they tell their story with their name. 
 
Press Democrat Complaint Facebook Post

Strip Search Form

Foster youth were strip searched on mass at Valley of the Moon Children's Home. This is the form which staff used to document their strip search forms. It is form Meds 206. It requires staff to view the child fully naked and check their genitals.