Copyright 1992 The Atlanta Constitution
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution
March 6, 1992, Friday
SECTION: STATE NEWS; Section D; Page 1
LENGTH: 216 words
HEADLINE: Center administrator denies clients' allegations
BYLINE: By Diane Loupe STAFF WRITERregulations; investigations; facilities; abuse; public; hospitals
BODY:
C. Suzanne Hardman-Broder, administrator of Straight Inc., denied that clients were abused or mistreated and claimed that the state regulators did not discuss such allegations with her.
Straight Inc., which has been operating in Marietta for almost 11 years, is part of a Florida-based chain of adolescent drug-treatment facilities that has come under fire in other states. Officials in California, Virginia and Florida have investigated complaints of abuse, in some instances closing facilities.
Clients at the Marietta facility alleged they were:
Called a "slut," "tramp" and a "hell-raiser" in front of a group.
Denied access to water, medical care and sleep.
Physically restrained and not permitted to leave even if they were an adult.
Other problems detailed by the regulators included:
The facility couldn't prove their psychiatrist evaluated a client who swallowed a bottle of cough medicine and some whiskey, and slashed his arm.
One counselor had only a general equivalency diploma; three others had only bachelor's degrees with majors in psychology.
Ms. Hardman-Broder said the allegations "concerned' her but noted, "I also have worked with dysfunctional people who tend to say things when they want to prove a case that may be exaggerated or taken out of context."
LOAD-DATE: March 7, 1992
