Child Dead at NC Facility Amid Neglect Claims

A young girl has died at the Cornerstone Treatment Facility in Anson County, prompting investigations by local police and state authorities. This tragic event occurs less than two months after three other girls escaped from the Wadesboro-based facility. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services had previously investigated Cornerstone, issuing a report in February that cited a "history of elopement" among clients and a lack of goals and strategies to address it. This deficiency was classified as a serious neglect violation, requiring correction within 23 days.

A former employee, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns about the facility's operational standards. She stated that overnight staff were supposed to conduct resident checks every 15 minutes, but this protocol was not always followed, and documentation was allegedly falsified. The former employee also revealed she quit after witnessing a resident exhibit suicidal behavior, feeling she was not sufficiently trained to manage such situations. She believes the child's death could have been prevented and that the facility is ill-equipped and undertrained to care for its residents. The district attorney is reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the child's death and indicated that charges could be filed if negligence is discovered. Cornerstone officials have not yet responded to requests for comment.