Glen Mills Schools Settlement: A Step Toward Justice for Abuse Survivors

In a significant development for survivors of institutional abuse, the Chester County Intermediate Unit has reached a $3 million settlement with former students of Glen Mills Schools, a reform school in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. This settlement comes after years of allegations of abuse and neglect at the institution, which was once highly regarded. The agreement establishes two funds: one for the ongoing educational needs of the students and another for damages.

The settlement aims to provide some measure of restitution to the hundreds of students who suffered abuse at the school. However, many, including former student Sergio Hyland, believe the settlement amount is insufficient given the severity of the abuse experienced. Hyland, who attended Glen Mills in the mid-90s, expressed that the financial compensation pales in comparison to the trauma endured by the students.

The Allegations and Legal Proceedings

The allegations against Glen Mills Schools are severe and include physical and emotional abuse, as well as educational neglect. According to a lawsuit filed by the Education Law Center, Juvenile Law Center, and the law firm Dechert LLP, students were often subjected to beatings for minor infractions and were threatened into silence. Educationally, the school failed to provide meaningful instruction, offering little more than a GED book or limited credit recovery programs.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services revoked the school's license in 2019, citing "gross incompetence, negligence, and misconduct." Despite the settlement with Chester County Intermediate Unit, legal proceedings continue against other defendants, including Glen Mills employees and officials from the state's Departments of Human Services and Education.

Impact on Survivors and Future Implications

The settlement provides a pathway for former students to access compensatory education services, including tutoring, art, and music courses, as well as therapy and mental health services. Students who experienced or witnessed abuse have until January 19, 2024, to apply for relief from the settlement funds.

While this settlement represents progress, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of institutional abuse. The case underscores the need for systemic changes in how juvenile justice facilities operate and are monitored. As Hyland pointed out, the criminal justice system's treatment of youth requires reevaluation to prevent future abuses.

The Future of Glen Mills Schools

Despite the closure of Glen Mills Schools, efforts to reopen the institution under a new name, Clock Tower Schools, have been met with resistance. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has denied licensure attempts, citing concerns about the new nonprofit's ties to the shuttered school. Critics, including Hyland, argue that any institution rising from the ashes of Glen Mills will be inherently flawed and harmful.

Attorney Commentary: Ashley DiLiberto, Esq.

As an attorney specializing in cases of institutional abuse, I find the settlement between the Chester County Intermediate Unit and former Glen Mills students a crucial step toward justice, albeit an incomplete one. The $3 million settlement, while providing some relief, does not fully address the depth of harm experienced by the students. It's essential for survivors to have access to comprehensive support services, including mental health care and educational opportunities, to aid in their recovery.

Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of accountability and oversight in juvenile justice facilities. Institutions entrusted with the care of vulnerable youth must be held to the highest standards to prevent abuse and neglect. The ongoing legal proceedings against other defendants in this case are vital to ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.

As we move forward, it is imperative to advocate for systemic reforms that prioritize the safety and well-being of children in institutional settings. This includes rigorous monitoring and evaluation of facilities, as well as clear channels for reporting and addressing abuse. Only through such measures can we hope to prevent future tragedies like those experienced at Glen Mills Schools.

Source:

https://whyy.org/articles/pa-glen-mills-school-abuse-case-settlement-chester-county/