(Source: MIRS.news, Published 11/13/2023) In a letter to House Behavioral Health Subcommittee Chair Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor), Rep. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown) requested the subcommittee hold a hearing to look at instances where the state juvenile mental health system has failed greater Detroit families.
She specifically referenced the Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Wayne County, which is temporarily housing children within an adult facility, and the Hawthorn Center in Novi, which lawmakers have previously requested an audit of.
In addition to the 17 patient escapes Thompson said have been reported since 2020, the center was recently subjected to lawsuits after holding an unannounced shooter drill.
Though the suit was not successful, Thompson said she's spoken with families who have loved ones in both facilities and who have expressed "concern and outrage" about communication barriers, restrictions on weekends, health concerns, erratic education services and limited recreation and outdoor time.
"Standing up for families and making sure children in our region and throughout the state are safe are my top priorities in the Legislature," Thompson said. "There have been several reports and accounts about troubling issues at these two facilities. Even as months go by, there has been no accountability and very little commitment to remedying these situations so they don't continue to happen in the future."
She said in addition to parent stories, several children's mental health advocacy organizations have reached out to her office to express concerns.
"I was recently told that Democrats in the Legislature would be looking into these matters," she said, "But we need more urgency. Families have heard for months that these issues are going to be looked at, and they still are demanding answers."
Thompson, who was joined in signing the letter by Reps. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) and Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township), said it's imperative the House committee conduct a hearing and develop a plan to address concerns about the facilities.
