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A Mental Health Center in Turmoil

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 30, 2008

PAST AND PRESENT

•In late 2005, the Department of Children & Families stopped Tampa Bay Academy from admitting new patients after finding inadequate staffing, abuse complaints and an alleged sexual assault. DCF renewed the academy's license after subsequent inspections.

•Two weeks ago, the Agency for Health Care Administration, which now has oversight, ordered the removal of 54 children and teenagers from the children's mental health center. Inspectors say residents sexually preyed on workers and on one another, and a poorly equipped staff did little to stop them.

•The academy disputes the allegations of sexual assault and denies it has exposed children to danger. It has appealed the state's order to suspend its license, but an appeals court on Monday denied its emergency request to halt the suspension before it takes effect Jan. 9.

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