Florida Girls’ Facility Closes

Umatilla, Fla. — The Umatilla Academy for Girls will close its doors following a critical report from the state Department of Juvenile Justice that highlighted several operations violations, according to a department spokesperson.

The facility, which did not meet standards for monitoring suicidal wards, according to the report, also had numerous staff violations, including an incident where a girl was dragged down a hallway by her ankles. Another procedural violation occurred when workers decided not to send a girl who swallowed 2-inch nails to the hospital.

Officials from Diversified Behavioral Health Solutions, a private company that operates the facility, say closing the facility only a year after it opened its doors prevents operational glitches from being worked out.

DJJ officials say the 29 wards at the facility will be relocated to new facilities based on their treatment needs, but the department will attempt to keep the wards as close to home as possible.

Umatilla faced problems from its inception, according to reports, with construction delays that forced the facility to open later than planned. The facility also suffered from high turnover and staffing shortages.

The facility’s first wards included 20 girls who were transferred from another problematic facility, the Florida Institute for Girls near West Palm Beach. That facility closed last year after three workers at the facility were arrested for having sexual relations with wards, and numerous other problems. That facility was initially operated by Premier Behavioral Solutions before Lighthouse Care Centers was selected to replace the company.