COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Rep. Crystal Lett, D-Columbus, on Wednesday introduced legislation aimed at tightening oversight of residential youth treatment facilities following a high-profile investigation into violence at a central Ohio center.
House Bill 811 would remove discretionary authority from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and instead require the agency to suspend or shut down facilities that show documented patterns of violence. The proposal comes in response to findings at the Mohican Young Star Academy, where reports of repeated incidents involving youth and staff raised concerns among lawmakers and advocates.
“Families deserve to know their children are safe,” Lett said in a statement. “When a facility demonstrates ongoing violence, the state should not have the option to delay action.”
Under current law, the department has flexibility in determining whether to intervene in troubled facilities. HB 811 would establish clearer thresholds for enforcement, mandating closure or suspension once specific criteria related to repeated violent incidents are met.
The Mohican Young Star Academy came under scrutiny after an investigation revealed multiple allegations of assaults and inadequate supervision. The findings prompted calls for reform from both lawmakers and child welfare advocates, who argue that existing oversight mechanisms allow unsafe conditions to persist.
Supporters of the bill say it would create accountability and prevent prolonged exposure to harmful environments. Critics, however, caution that automatic closures could limit access to treatment beds for vulnerable youth if not paired with expanded resources elsewhere.
The legislation has been referred to committee, where it is expected to receive hearings in the coming weeks.
