Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last yr.

Indiana Youth Center Loses License Amid Abuse and Mismanagement Allegations

The Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center in Richmond, Indiana, has had its residential licenses revoked by state regulators following a series of violations, including sexual abuse and inadequate supervision.

Several items remained on the shelf of a small commissary at Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center in February. No residents remain.
Darrell "Flash" Gordon is CEO and President of Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center in Richmond.
A Bible passage is posted in the chapel at Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center, a faith-based nonprofit that provided residential treatment service to troubled youth before DCS revoked the Richmond facility's license in February.
Image

Overview

  • State regulators revoked Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center's licenses due to a history of violations including sexual abuse, inadequate supervision, and failure to report incidents.
  • Former employees and state inspection records reveal a pattern of problems at the facility dating back to at least 2019.
  • Darrell Gordon, the center's CEO and former Notre Dame football champ, is criticized for focusing on personal branding at the expense of the center's operations.
  • Wernle has received over $32 million from the Department of Child Services since 2019, despite ongoing issues.
  • The center's board stands by Gordon, attributing the problems to post-pandemic staffing challenges and supporting his external activities.