Teens Tormented in Treatment Facility: New Lawsuits Filed Against Camp SAYLA

New Lawsuits Filed Against Camp SAYLA

Morris Haynes partner Jeremy Knowles filed two new lawsuits against a south Alabama “troubled teen industry” residential treatment facility where staff brutally abused and neglected children. Children in the care of Camp SAYLA in Henry County were beaten with broomsticks and extension cords, assaulted with socks filled with potatoes, and forced to fight each other for rewards in a staff-created “bounty system” along with other appalling abuse.

About Camp SAYLA

Camp SAYLA, also known as the Southeast Alabama Youth Leadership Academy, housed non-violent, at-risk teens and operates under contract with the Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS). Inspectors conducted a surprise inspection, uncovered unsafe and unsanitary conditions prompted by abuse allegations, and temporarily suspended the facility’s license. They have since reinstated the license, but no children currently live at Camp Sayla, leaving the facility’s future uncertain.

Staff Arrests and Evidence of Abuse

Camp SAYLA staff member Kenyatta Danzey was arrested in January 2024 and charged with 17 counts of child abuse. Surveillance footage showed Danzey beating children with extension cords and beating them with broomsticks so hard that they broke, along with other horrific abuse.

Legal Action and Advocacy

As Jeremy Knowles notes, “These are not isolated incidents. We have now filed three lawsuits, and we know there are other victims out there. Silence enabled a culture of cruelty, and taxpayer dollars funded it.”

Our legal team is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages and advocating for comprehensive reforms and transparency in the monitoring and regulation of youth residential facilities across Alabama. Knowles says, “Protecting our children must become a top priority: in our courtrooms, classrooms and legislatures. Many people lock away and forget these children. We’ve let them down. It’s shameful.”

Call for Additional Victims

We know there are more victims of Camp SAYLA and other youth residential treatment facilities. Morris Haynes actively holds these facilities accountable and pursues justice. If you or your child suffered abuse at Camp SAYLA or any troubled-teen facility, our team is ready to help you. Call our firm today at (205) 324-4008.

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