WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 06, 2024) — Imagine it is 2034. What will the world look like for transition-age youth leaving foster care or other children’s services? The newly formed National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth hopes to influence the answer to that question.
We have reviewed the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s report on the death of Robshekaneciona Alegend Jones, who experienced a medical emergency while in a therapeutic hold at our Girls’ Center last November and passed away a few days later.
Over the past eight months, there have been innumerable false accusations made against Youth Villages and its staff regarding the events of Nov. 16, 2023.
Unfortunately, Ben Crump continues to make false and misleading statements, which has been the case since this tragic loss of a child. We reiterate there were no abusive or otherwise inappropriate actions against the youth.
We are awaiting official medical reports, including the autopsy, before commenting on anything medically.
We have been deeply saddened and alarmed by all allegations of inappropriate conduct and abusive behavior at Youth Villages facilities.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a child following a medical emergency that occurred at one of our campuses two weeks ago. We care about every young person that we help. We are heartbroken by this event, and our thoughts are with the child’s family in this difficult time.
I have spent my entire career working to find the best ways to help young people grow, heal and fulfill their dreams. Even as an 18-year-old on my first job as a residential counselor, I understood more was needed to help children with the most serious challenges succeed.
We continue to be heartbroken by the loss of a child following a medical emergency that occurred at one of our campuses two weeks ago. We care about every young person that we help. We are saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts continue to be with the child’s family during this difficult time.
Katie Dilly, Director of Development and Scott Manheimer, Regional Director joined the United Way Community Connections radio show in Nashua, NH to discuss our programs and services and our Holiday Heroes campaign.