FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2023

RE: Requesting Immediate Action

Governor Whitmer, 

I am writing to you today to express my profound concern regarding a recent WXYZ article outlining serious allegations surrounding the conduct of Hawthorn Center; Michigan's only state-run psychiatric facility for minors.

These allegations include instances of patient escapes, inhumane living conditions, and an overall lack of transparency between Hawthorn Center and the families of patients.  A notable incident included an unannounced active shooter drill in December of last year which rattled patients and staff alike.  This is now the subject of pending litigation.

As you are aware, incidents such as those alleged against Hawthorn Center are nothing new, especially when it pertains to state-run facilities which specialize in the care of minors.  Just months ago, the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center was once again in the media due to allegations of unsafe living conditions and the sexual and physical assault of a twelve-year-old boy.  From August to October of 2022, it was reported that this same facility saw numerous escapes, significant understaffing, overcrowding and additional safety concerns

Governor Whitmer, this cannot and must not be allowed to continue.  The safety and well being of children, whether they are in the care of their parents & legal guardians or in the care of the state, is paramount.  I'm sure you can agree that there is no room for negotiation in that.

It is for these reasons that I urge your office and the office of the state Attorney General, Dana Nessel, in collaboration with the state Auditor General and the MDHHS, to open an immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of Hawthorn Center and the Wayne County JDC.

Further, I believe the People of Michigan deserve answers as to why this alleged conduct was allowed to remain un-checked for years while the state continued to pour tax-payer money into these facilities.

I look forward to your response.

Thank you,

Christian Charette

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