KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A Kalamazoo facility for teenagers with behavioral problems has lost its contract with the state and its license to operate.
Thursday’s termination of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ contract with Lakeside Academy comes after the death of 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick.
While being restrained by Lakeside Academy staff members on April 29, Frederick lost consciousness and was found in cardiac arrest by authorities. Paramedics were able to revive his pulse and take him to the hospital, but the teen died on May 1.
An investigation found 10 licensing violations.
Lakeside Academy, located at 3921 Oakland Drive, provided residence and treatment programs for adolescent sexual offenders. The facility offered educational resources, as well as work and volunteer opportunities, medical and dental care.
On Saturday, June 20, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement about the facility, saying she directed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the company that provided staffing for Lakeside will no longer be licensed.
“Protecting our most vulnerable is a top priority of my administration, and the senseless death of a youth at Lakeside for Children in Kalamazoo is intolerable and heartbreaking. We will take steps to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future and make sure there is accountability," the statement read in part.
MDHHS also announced that it will eliminate the use of restraints against youth in its care as well as reforming its policies.
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