The Salt Lake Tribune has initiated its first crowdfunding attempt, seeking to raise $10,000 to obtain public records related to Utah's troubled teen treatment centers. The funds are intended to cover redaction fees required by the Utah Department of Human Services to access state reports and basic inspections.
Once the records are obtained, the news organization plans to build a database that will make inspection reports and sustained complaints available to the public for free.
The effort follows reporting by Jessica Miller regarding the rehabilitation industry in Utah, where youth residential treatment centers are prevalent but face scrutiny over oversight. The project aims to address difficulties in accessing state documents that include investigations into abuse or neglect.
According to the report, obtaining these records from the Department of Human Services involves redaction fees estimated at more than $6,000. The initiative seeks to make information about whether centers are keeping children safe as accessible as restaurant inspections found online.
The reporting project has previously covered various issues within the industry, including misconduct claims at Provo Canyon School and a riot at Red Rock Canyon School involving staff charges of child abuse.
While the goal was to provide transparency for parents seeking information on facilities, an update noted that the initial $10,000 goal was met by more than 100 supporters, and the news organization is in the process of requesting these records.
