Assertively Fighting for the Rights of Our Clients
Exposing a Billion Dollar Industry that Harms Children
When families place their children in therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, or other so-called reform institutions, they do so out of desperation and love. These programs promise transformation, claiming to provide customized therapy, education, and a path toward a better future. Instead, far too many children leave these programs traumatized — not healed.
At Mark David Shirian P.C., we are committed to holding this multi-billion dollar industry accountable. We fight to uncover the truth, demand justice, and give survivors the voice they deserve.
What Is the Troubled Teen Industry?
The troubled teen industry is a sprawling, unregulated network of private programs worth more than $23 billion annually. These programs include therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness therapy camps, residential treatment centers, boot camps, and religious academies.
Over 120,000 to 200,000 children are placed in some form of residential youth program each year. As many as 50,000 of these placements are private, arranged by parents who are persuaded by aggressive marketing campaigns and promises of life-changing results.
Despite decades of abuse allegations and multiple government investigations, there is no consistent federal regulation. Some states even exempt religious boarding schools from licensing requirements and oversight entirely, allowing these programs to operate with little accountability.
Why These Cases Are Complex
Bringing these cases to court is challenging. Facilities often destroy records, falsify reports, and cover up wrongdoing. Many of the abusive practices, such as isolation or forced labor disguised as therapy, are not explicitly illegal under current law.
But there is hope. Class actions under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act are being certified for the first time, holding programs accountable for forced labor. Parents are winning claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and emotional distress when they can show they were misled about the programs’ promises.
The Hidden Reality
Survivors, whistleblowers, and Senate investigations have revealed widespread abuse. Documentaries like The Program and Teen Torture, Inc. have exposed the disturbing truth:
70% of teens report worsened mental health symptoms after attending certain programs
- Physical Abuse: teens are restrained, beaten, or forced into unpaid labor
- Psychological Torture: humiliation, isolation from family, gaslighting, threats
- Sexual Exploitation: harassment, coercion, and assault in some facilities
- Neglect: denial of food, water, medical care, or adequate education
- Violation of Rights: banned from speaking with family, stripped of privacy
The harm is profound. Survivors often suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and lifelong trust issues.
A National Movement for Justice
Senate reports have called out the industry’s lack of oversight.
Survivor-led campaigns like Breaking Code Silence are mobilizing thousands to demand reform.
Taking legal action is about more than compensation; it is about joining a nationwide movement to stop systemic abuse.
From Mark David Shirian & Shawn Daniel Shirian
We know how much strength it takes to come forward, and we want you to know you are not alone. When you trust us with your case, we are with you every step of the way. We conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover hidden evidence and expose coverups. We develop innovative legal strategies and pursue every possible claim, including human trafficking, fraud, negligence, and breach of duty.
We provide compassionate advocacy to protect survivors from re-traumatization and create a safe, respectful space where their voices are heard. We are driven by results and work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation and meaningful change for every client we represent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as abuse in these programs?
Abuse can include physical assault, excessive restraint, forced labor, sexual abuse, humiliation, isolation, denial of food or medical care, overmedication, or deprivation of education. Even if a program claims these practices are therapeutic, they may still be illegal.
How do I know if I have a case?
If your child suffered harm while enrolled in a therapeutic boarding school, wilderness program, residential treatment center, or similar program, you may have a legal claim. We will review your case, gather evidence, and determine the strongest legal approach.
Is there a time limit for filing a claim?
Yes. In some states, survivors have only two years after turning eighteen to file a lawsuit. Acting quickly is critical to protect your rights.
What compensation can be recovered?
Compensation may cover medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded to punish extreme misconduct.
Will my child have to testify?
Not necessarily. Many cases settle before trial. If testimony is required, we work carefully to minimize re-traumatization and create a supportive process.
How much does it cost to work with your firm?
There are no upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if we win your case.
We Are Here to Help – Take Action Against Abuse Today
If your child was harmed in a therapeutic boarding school, residential treatment center, wilderness camp, or other troubled teen program, Mark David Shirian P.C. can help.
Contact us at 212-931-6530 for a free and confidential consultation. There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Your story matters. Your child’s safety matters. Together, we can hold the troubled teen industry accountable, create real change and give you the justice you deserve.
Let Mark David Shirian P.C. hold accountable the institutions and corporations that profit from the abuse and exploitation of teens.