Central Indiana Teen Challenge Sued for Alleged Abuse, Forced Labor, and Exploitation of Minors

Former Residents Allege Systemic Abuse, Trafficking, and Coercion within “Troubled Teen” Program

CohenMalad, LLP has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of nine women who, as minors, were placed in Central Indiana Teen Challenge (now operating as Refuge Girls Academy), a faith-based residential program for teen girls located in Lebanon, Indiana.

The April 8, 2026 complaint alleges that what was presented to families as a safe, therapeutic, and faith-centered environment was, in reality, a system of abuse, coercion, forced labor, and exploitation within what is commonly referred to as the “troubled teen industry.” The young women claim they were taken from their homes, often across state lines, and placed into an environment where they were isolated, controlled, and subjected to ongoing mistreatment.

Examples of Alleged Abuse and Conditions

The lawsuit details numerous examples of what these girls allegedly endured while under the Defendants’ control.

Our clients allege they were subjected to forced isolation, including being placed in a “safe room” for extended periods, sometimes up to 30 days, without meaningful human contact. They further allege they were forced to eat under extreme conditions, including being required to continue eating even while vomiting, and being served “moldy, stale, [and] outdated food” that was repeatedly re-served until consumed.

The complaint also alleges invasive and degrading treatment, including strip searches upon arrival and being required to use the bathroom or shower while personally observed by staff.

According to the lawsuit, our clients were subjected to extensive forced labor, often for hours each day, including cleaning facilities and kitchens, performing landscaping and outdoor labor in extreme conditions, working on the private property of program leadership, and performing unpaid labor for outside organizations and church events.

In some instances, our clients allege they were forced to perform dangerous labor without training, including using heavy equipment. They further allege they were required to cut grass “on hands and knees with child safety scissors, for hours on end.”

The complaint alleges that this labor was enforced through punishment, including deprivation of food, isolation, and physically demanding exertion.

The lawsuit also describes religious coercion as a method of control. Our clients allege they were told their suffering was “God’s will,” and that questioning the program meant questioning God itself.

Isolation, Control, and Lack of Oversight

Our clients allege they were deliberately isolated from their families and support systems.

According to the complaint, communications were monitored, censored, or cut off entirely. Our clients state they were forced to rewrite letters if they mentioned negative conditions, and that phone calls were supervised and terminated if concerns were raised.

The lawsuit further alleges that the program created an environment of fear and compliance through constant surveillance, punishment, and psychological pressure, including restricting basic actions such as speaking, making eye contact, or using the bathroom without permission.

Misrepresentation to Families

Our clients allege that families were promised a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment, but that the reality was far different.

According to the complaint our firm filed, the program did not provide licensed mental health treatment, did not offer a legitimate or accredited education, and left many of the girls significantly behind academically.

Some of our clients allege they later discovered that the “education” they received did not qualify them for a diploma, leaving them with limited options beyond obtaining a GED.

The lawsuit further alleges that Defendants profited from the labor of minor children, while families paid thousands of dollars for their daughters to attend the program. According to the complaint, forced labor “made up the majority of the Plaintiffs’ waking time” and was used to reduce operational costs and support fundraising efforts.

Seeking Accountability

Through the lawsuit these nine young women, now spread out over six states, have come together to seek justice for the harm inflicted on them as minors and hold Central Indiana Teen Challenge and its leadership accountable.

We allege the following counts in this complaint:

• COUNT I: Violations of TVPRA 18 U.S.C. §§ 1595 and 1584
• COUNT II: Violations of TVPRA  18 U.S.C. §§ 1595 and 1589
• COUNT III: Violations of TVPRA 18 U.S.C. §§ 1595 and 1590
• COUNT IV: Attempted Violations and Conspiracy to Commit Violations of TVPRA 18 U.S.C.§§ 1584, 1589, 1590, 1594, and 1595