Senate investigation reveals abuses, neglect at federally funded youth treatment centers WPXI [Video]

WASHINGTON — Monique Payne was just 14 years old when she was placed in a youth residential treatment facility (RTF) in Massachusetts. Her mother sent her there to get mental health treatment.

Tragically, Monique died while in the facility’s care in 2006 from an untreated brain tumor that swelled.

“I sent my child to get the care she needed, and she was brought back in a casket to me. How does that happen?” Monique’s mother Theresa Payne told our Washington News Bureau.

An investigation found Monique had been complaining for days about headaches, but 911 was only called “after she stopped breathing and turned blue.”

Her family came to Capitol Hill to spread awareness about Monique’s story this week and to shine a light about dangers inside RTFs that are supposed to help kids and teens.

“They’re children being treated as animals,” said Miriah Payne, Monique’s twin sister. “They’re treated as if they’re disposable.”

“I want change,” said Ashley …