Aug 19: Allegations of Sexual Abuse at Provo Canyon School in Utah
What is Provo Canyon School? Provo Canyon School (PCS) is a long-running residential treatment facility for youth in Utah, founded in 1971. Over time it expanded to multiple campuses and today markets itself as a psychiatric/behavioral treatment program for adolescents. Public records and reporting note that PCS has been owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS) since 2000. Survivors from across the country have described harrowing experiences at youth residential programs—ranging from physical and emotional abuse to sexual assault. Provo Canyon School in Utah has been a focal point of those allegations, particularly after Paris Hilton publicly shared her story. PCS says it promotes “best practices” for youth behavioral health on its website, but independent investigations over many years have documented troubling controversies about restraint, isolation, overmedication, and alleged abuse. Numerous lawsuits seeking monetary damages on behalf of affected...