In a response to the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy at Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy camp in Transylvania County, North Carolina, state officials have announced the immediate removal of all children from the camp's care. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) made the decision in order to ensure the health and safety of the children, as reported in a news release on February 16, 2024.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child's death is ongoing, with state and local authorities working in collaboration. The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office, along with the NCDHHS and Transylvania County Department of Social Services (DSS), have been closely involved to ensure the safety of all the children at Trails Carolina.

Parents have been notified of the situation, and the children will be temporarily placed under the care of Transylvania County DSS. The NCDHHS expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the child who passed away and assured them that a thorough investigation is being conducted. The press release stated that appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

Trails Carolina, in response to NCDHHS' intervention, criticized the state's actions as "negligent and reckless," believing that the impact of their intervention extends beyond the immediate circumstances. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that four young boys were illegally and unauthorizedly removed from the camp on February 6 by the Sheriff's Office, heightening concerns about the handling of the situation.

The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the child's death. Preliminary findings, as well as information from conversations with officials, staff, and experts, point towards an accidental death. However, the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office has been accused of maintaining a biased approach in an apparent attempt to close down a program that has reportedly helped thousands of families.

The decision to remove all children from Trails Carolina temporarily has raised concerns among parents who believe the program is safe and effective. They feel that the state's actions have disrupted their children's treatment and have been driven by false and misleading information from the Sheriff's Office.

The impact of the state's intervention has been far-reaching, leading to the displacement of 18 vulnerable children who were receiving specialized care for severe mental health diagnoses. This has caused permanent and unnecessary harm, as finding alternative programs and matching children for placement typically takes several weeks. Parents and staff at Trails Carolina are left grappling with the tragic loss and continue to seek answers regarding the events leading up to the child's death.

As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that a comprehensive understanding of the situation will emerge, providing clarity and closure to the grieving family, the camp, and all involved parties.