Child Treatment Facility's License Revoked After Sexual Abuse Allegations

ZELIENOPLE (KDKA) -- The state's Department of Human Services is revoking the license of a local treatment facility that deals with children who have mental health conditions.

The DHS received reports of sexual abuse via a telephone hotline it operates, ChildLine.

The allegations at Glade Run Lutheran Services in Zelienople, Butler County do not involve adult staffers, rather the young clients and patients themselves.

Police Chief Jim Miller told KDKA's Kym Gable one of the children is as young as 8 years old. He says interviews have been conducted and the information turned over to the District Attorney.

DHS Secretary Ted Dallas told KDKA by phone, "We received allegations of some of the youth and children at that facility engaging in inappropriate activity. That prompted an investigation and a review ...that subsequently turned into the action we took today."

Inspections from June through September led to several recorded violations, including inadequate supervision, failure to report missing children and workers sleeping during their shifts.

Glade Run issued a statement on its website:

"Glade Run Lutheran Services is not closing. We have appealed (the) decision and our appeal has been accepted by the DHS. Glade Run's continuum of service stretches across western PA and includes residential, in-home, in- community, and school based mental health, autism, and educational offerings to over 4000 individuals annually."

The DHS says Glade Run can operate during the 30 day appeal process.

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