Pontiac Times

LANSING, Mich. - Sen. Michael Webber is calling for increased scrutiny and accountability for the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHHS) following reports of a pending court settlement between the department and families of patients at Hawthorn Center, the state's only state-run psychiatric hospital for minors.

Webber emphasizes the need for legislative oversight regarding the troubled facility, stating, "This anticipated settlement between MDHHS and Hawthorn families illustrates once more the serious need for increased scrutiny and accountability for the agency charged with caring for so many vulnerable young people in our state." He adds, "Concerns relating to the operation of the Hawthorn Center run much deeper than one disastrous emergency drill. The stories we have heard from families and former patients are heartbreaking, and they deserve answers."

The settlement in question is in response to a controversial emergency drill that caused distress among patients and families. Recent court filings in the Horein v. MDHHS and Woodruff v. DHHS cases have requested stays of proceedings while details of the settlement are worked out between the state agency and the plaintiffs.

Webber has been actively advocating for transparency and accountability at the Hawthorn Center. He had previously called on Senate committee chairs to open hearings on the facility. In July, he joined other legislators in formally requesting the Office of the Auditor General to investigate the hospital following a Protect MI Kids listening session where patient and family testimonies were shared.

Michigan Auditor General Doug Ringler has confirmed that the request will be considered for the office's 2024 audit cycle, indicating a potential thorough investigation into the Hawthorn Center.

In September, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that no criminal charges would be pursued in connection with the unannounced active intruder drill that took place at the Hawthorn Center in December. However, families argue that the drill caused unnecessary panic and psychological trauma. The Horein suit also alleges that the center violated state constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment, substantive due process, and unreasonable seizures.

The pending settlement and ongoing calls for investigation highlight the urgent need for increased oversight and accountability at the Hawthorn Center. Sen. Michael Webber's advocacy on behalf of the affected individuals and families emphasizes the importance of addressing the issues faced by vulnerable young people in the state.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.senatormichaelwebber.com/sen-webber-urges-more-investigation-accountability-with-report-of-pending-hawthorn-settlement/