Rock River Academy closing following reports of abuse, misconduct

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5. From The Chicago Tribune:

January 28, 2015, 12:01 PM

A prominent but troubled Rockford residential facility for youths is closing following Tribune reports that children inside the center were assaulted and lured into prostitution.

The 59-bed, all-girls Rock River Academy told the Tribune in a written statement Wednesday that it is voluntarily terminating its contract with the state Department of Children and Family Services, which stopped sending juvenile wards to the facility in December following the Tribune reports.

"This decision will regretfully result in the closing of the facility as Rock River does not have enough non-ward residents to remain viable," the statement said.

DCFS sent monitors to Rock River and placed the facility on intake hold after the Tribune's "Harsh Treatment" series detailed violence, sexual assaults and frequent running away at the center, which serves girls with behavioral and mental health problems.

Link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/rtc/chi-youth-treatment-rock-river-20150128-story.html