Acadia Healthcare: Michigan court sent minor to Lakeland Behavioral Health Despite Numerous Warnings of Sexual and Physical Abuse of Children

May 28, 2026

A Michigan mother says she repeatedly warned the court about abuse allegations tied to a Missouri youth treatment center before her teenage son was sent there anyway. Cheryl Karpinski told reporters that officials in Grand Traverse County placed her son at Lakeland Behavioral Health System despite a long history of reported sexual and physical abuse allegations involving staff and residents at the facility.

According to reporting by Interlochen Public Radio, at least five children from Grand Traverse County were sent to the Missouri facility as Michigan continues facing shortages in in-state youth mental health placements. Court records and lawsuits cited in the report describe allegations spanning more than a decade, while former staff members have faced criminal charges tied to abuse of minors.

Karpinski said she feels the system ignored clear warning signs and failed to protect vulnerable children. The case is drawing renewed scrutiny to the practice of sending youth across state lines for psychiatric treatment, especially to facilities that have already faced repeated accusations of abuse and neglect.

(Source: Interlochen Public Radio, May 27, 2026)