LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Representative Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown) called on the Michigan House of Representatives to address several alleged instances of mistreatment and neglect at a state-run youth psychiatric care and juvenile detention facilities at a press conference on Thursday.

Among the other legislators and those gathered at the conference was Jami Vaugh, whose minor son was assaulted on surveillance video at the state managed, Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Westland.

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“No child should ever have to endure what my son did, and no parent should either,” Vaughn said in a statement, “He asked me how did this happen, and I can’t give him an answer. The people responsible need to be held accountable.”

Vaughn family attorney weighs in.

Family Attorney Arnold Reed also called on action from elected officials.

“We’re here because we’re asking our leaders for change,” Reed said. “Can the men and women [in the Legislature] join with Rep. Thompson and put politics aside? Can we come together for the sake of our children and our mothers?”
He also demanded for those responsible to be held accountable.

“Is this going to serve as a clarion call to investigate thoroughly and put an end to this abuse that has been going on for far too long, or are we going to turn a deaf ear like we have been for so many months and hours and days and minutes? We need to stop the abuse and neglect and hold people accountable.”

Rep. Thompson’s efforts for legislative priority.

Rep. Thompson shared how she became involved with the family.

“I have listened to Jami’s story and commend her for her courage to share it. I have listened to stories from impacted individuals and families who have loved ones housed at Hawthorn Center in Northville. There is a clear trend of unethical and unacceptable conduct within what are supposed to be care facilities,” said Thompson, who serves on the House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee, the House Health Policy Committee, and the House Health Policy Subcommittee on Behavioral Health. “I simply do not understand why these cries for help and calls for change continue to be ignored in Lansing when state government and departments administer these facilities. How many more children must suffer and have their well-being jeopardized before elected officials look into this? That’s a question I have been openly asking for months.”

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After sending a letter to the chair of the House Health Policy Behavioral Health Subcommittee Chair Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor) urging a formal hearing to address concerns of abuse and mismanagement at Walter Reuther and Hawthorn in October with no movement, Rep. Thompson has continued advocating for the families involved.

What’s next?

The nonpartisan state Office of the Auditor General recently announced it will look into allegations and procedures at state-run psychiatric hospitals as part of its 2024 audit cycle, following a letter from Thompson and other legislators in July of last year asking for a review.