School in Springville, Utah
About the Provo Canyon School
Provo Canyon School (PCS) is a psychiatric youth involuntary residential treatment center in Provo, Utah, owned by Universal Health Services since 2000. The school claims to use an “Acuity Based Care” (ABC) model to assess and meet the needs of its residents.
However, the facility has faced numerous accusations of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse throughout its history. Allegations include the use of psychotropic drugs, physical restraints, humiliation, starvation, and solitary confinement.
The school has been the subject of multiple lawsuits, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, for abuses ranging from medical negligence to violations of constitutional rights. High-profile cases, such as those involving Paris Hilton and Kat Von D, have brought renewed attention to these issues. Both celebrities have spoken publicly about their traumatic experiences at PCS, describing it as abusive and damaging.
PCS was initially reported in 1978 when three adolescents attempted to escape, leading to a high-speed chase. The facility changed ownership several times, being bought by Charter Behavioral Health Systems in 1986, which later went bankrupt. Universal Health Services acquired PCS in 2000. Recent incidents include a police report in 2023 about methamphetamine found at the school and a riot in the same year.
Despite its controversial history, PCS claims to provide year-round education and various academic programs. It is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission.
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