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Wyalusing violations uncovered
license revoked
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The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has revoked the license of Wyalusing Academy in Prairie du Chien after a child was seriously injured there in June.

The investigation of Wyalusing Academy by the DCF has revealed a recent history of ongoing violations. Prior to the current incident, Wyalusing had received 73 rule violations citations during monitoring visits and 17 violations citations during document/desk review since June 30, 2010. The violations have resulted in eight enforcement actions on the part of DCF since January 31, 2011 and prior to the current revocation.

Information from the most recent violation which led to the license revocation is limited. The injured child’s age, gender and specific injuries have not been released due to confidentiality requirements under state and federal law in regards to the protection of minors and health care privacy. What is known is that the facility failed to seek medical attention for the child for more than 24 hours after the June 24 incident.

DCF determined the history of violations demonstrates either an inability or unwillingness to ensure compliance with state law and agency guidance.

Wyalusing Academy has filed an appeal to the license revocation with the State. During the time of appeal, the Wyalusing Academy may continue to stay open and provide service for the children and youths currently placed there. However, the Wyalusing Academy may not take any new clients until the appeal process has been concluded.

Mary Beth Specht, the Executive Director of Wyalusing Academy, was unavailable to answer questions about the investigation earlier this week.

The residential treatment facility works specifically with male and female children and adolescents who are lower functioning or significantly below grade level. They offer treatment for emotional disorders, conduct disorders, behavior disorders, mild mental retardation/neurological impairment, aggressive behavior, impaired social relationships, delinquent activity, and sexualized behaviors.