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Asheville Academy Faces Penalties for Regulatory Violations

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Therapeutic school environment highlighting mental health awareness

News Summary

Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school for girls in North Carolina, has been fined $45,000 following an investigation that revealed severe violations of mental health service regulations. The penalties arose after the school voluntarily surrendered its license amid tragic events, including the suicides of two students. Findings indicated significant deficiencies in staff training and supervision, raising serious concerns about client safety and care. The academy has discharged all students and currently has no plans to reopen, emphasizing the critical need for improved oversight in therapeutic educational environments.

Asheville

The Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school for girls located in Weaverville, North Carolina, is facing $45,000 in penalties following a state investigation that uncovered significant violations of mental health service regulations. The penalties were imposed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for breaching Article 2 concerning licensing rules and Article 3 related to clients’ rights.

The academy voluntarily surrendered its license on June 4, 2025, shortly after the tragic suicides of two students, aged 13 and 12, which occurred within weeks of one another in May. An investigation by NCDHHS substantiated three formal complaints and highlighted several serious deficiencies in staffing levels and the supervision of clients.

Each violation attributed to Wilderness Training & Consulting, LLC, the parent company of Asheville Academy, was penalized with a Type 1A administrative penalty of $15,000. The issues cited included incompetence and insufficient supervision of paraprofessionals, as well as the failure to adequately protect clients from potential harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Investigation Findings

A survey conducted by NCDHHS found alarming gaps in training and readiness among staff members. For instance, a staff mentor lacked both CPR/AED and First Aid certifications prior to the suicide of one student on May 3, 2025. It was reported that the mentor only achieved certification several days after the incident, indicating severe shortcomings in the academy’s staff training protocols. Moreover, the investigation revealed that some employees were unaware of the locations of critical lifesaving equipment, including the AED and CPR supplies.

Video surveillance indicated that the facility failed to maintain proper structure, supervision, and control aligned with the maturity levels of its clients. Although policies regarding monitoring clients on suicide precautions were in place, they were not consistently adhered to, resulting in significant lapses in safety measures. Additionally, staff communication and documentation practices related to client safety interventions were reported as inadequate.

Closure and Future Implications

Following the grave outcomes, NCDHHS initiated its investigation after the first suicide incident and subsequently suspended new admissions on May 28. By May 31, 2025, all students were discharged from the academy, and there are no current plans to reopen the facility. Further penalties could accrue at a rate of $500 for each day that the identified deficiencies remain unaddressed.

Community Concern

Families and former residents of the Asheville Academy have expressed deep concern over allegations of mistreatment and neglect prior to the school’s closure. The tragic events at the academy underscore a broader public health issue, as suicide stands as the second leading cause of death among children aged 10-14 in the United States.

Conclusion

The penalties imposed on Asheville Academy not only reflect immediate regulatory failures but also highlight an urgent need for improved oversight and standards in therapeutic educational settings. The tragic loss of young lives serves as a continuing reminder of the critical importance of mental health support for vulnerable populations.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Asheville City Continues Undefeated Streak in USL League 2
Asheville Police Department Hosts Junior Police Academy
Asheville Academy Faces Penalties After Violations
Record Graduation of Officers Strengthens Asheville Police Department
Asheville Academy Closes After Student Suicides
UNC Asheville Appoints Interim Head Baseball Coach
Asheville Academy Suspends Admissions After Safety Violations
Buncombe County Board of Education Plans for Expansion
UNC Asheville Opts Out of House vs. NCAA Settlement
Asheville Academy Closes After Investigation and Suicides

Additional Resources

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