Lawsuit Alleges Teen Sexually Abused at Shuttered Detroit Behavioral Facility

Complaint claims Acadia Healthcare ignored and covered up evidence of abuse at Detroit Behavioral Institute.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a set of metal handcuffs or restraints against a stark black background, the harsh flash creating dramatic shadows and highlights that convey a sense of gritty, investigative urgency without depicting any actual violence.The alleged abuse of a vulnerable teen at a shuttered Detroit behavioral facility exposes systemic failures in the oversight of for-profit treatment centers.Today in Detroit

A new lawsuit alleges that a 17-year-old girl admitted to the now-closed Detroit Behavioral Institute for treatment was instead repeatedly sexually abused by a staff member, including while being physically restrained. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the victim known as Jane Doe, claims the facility's corporate owner, Acadia Healthcare, ignored and covered up evidence of the abuse, allowing a culture of exploitation to persist for years.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and oversight of residential behavioral health facilities, especially those serving vulnerable youth populations. The lawsuit also raises questions about the corporate practices and accountability of large behavioral health providers like Acadia Healthcare.

The details

According to the complaint, the abuse occurred while the victim was a resident of DBI in or around 2015. The lawsuit alleges she was sexually abused by a staff member more than once, including when she was physically restrained. The abuse continued even after her discharge from the facility. The lawsuit also describes instances where the victim witnessed other minors being abused, alleging an environment where staff engaged in inappropriate relationships with residents and misconduct went unchecked.

  • The alleged abuse occurred while the victim was a resident of DBI in or around 2015.
  • The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the victim, known as Jane Doe, in the Circuit Court of Wayne County in 2026.

The players

Jane Doe

A 17-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually abused multiple times by a staff member while a resident at the Detroit Behavioral Institute.

Acadia Healthcare

The corporate owner of the Detroit Behavioral Institute, which the lawsuit claims ignored and covered up evidence of abuse at the facility.

Gould Grieco & Hensley PLLC

The law firm that filed the lawsuit on behalf of Jane Doe in the Circuit Court of Wayne County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She was just a child. She was supposed to be getting help. Instead, the worst thing we could imagine happened to her — and she wasn't the only one. That's what makes this so disturbing.”

— Martin D. Gould, Founding Partner, Gould Grieco & Hensley PLLC

“When you see repeated complaints, several investigations, and ultimately a shutdown, it points to something bigger. Those warning signs were there. It was chosen not to be addressed.”

— Nicholas Wainwright, Senior Attorney, Gould Grieco & Hensley PLLC

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks damages for the harm the plaintiff suffered and alleges 12 counts, including negligence, premises liability, and civil conspiracy. Acadia Healthcare has not responded to requests for comment, but in a previous statement, the company said it takes the allegations seriously but called the picture being painted of its facilities inaccurate.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and proper oversight of residential behavioral health facilities, especially those serving vulnerable youth populations. It also raises broader questions about the corporate practices and accountability of large behavioral health providers like Acadia Healthcare.