North Carolina officials remove children from nature-based therapy program after 12-year-old boy's suspicious death

North Carolina officials have ordered the removal of all children from a nature-based therapy program following the suspicious death of a 12-year-old New York boy. 

The state Department of Health and Human Services stated that new admissions to Trails Carolina have been suspended as the investigation continues. The children will be temporarily taken into the care of the Transylvania County Department of Social Services. The decision was made to ensure the health and safety of the children in the program. Trails Carolina responded, stating that the state’s action denied parents the opportunity to continue caring for their children appropriately. 

The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office has executed search warrants as part of its investigation into the boy's death and noted that Trails Carolina has not completely cooperated with the investigation.

State's Action

The state Department of Health and Human Services has decided to suspend new admissions to Trails Carolina and remove all children from the program following the suspicious death of a 12-year-old New York boy.

Trails Carolina responded to the state’s action, stating that it has denied parents the opportunity to continue caring for their children appropriately.