Bad behavior – Child abuse claims plague Pinehaven youth home in Montana

Two weeks ago, Missoula Police apprehended two runaways from Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch http://www.pinehaven.net/ in St. Ignatius, bringing to six the total number of teenagers who have fled the private youth home for troubled kids since July 15.

The incident, during which two teens made their way to Missoula and allegedly stole a BB gun from Walmart before attempting to break into a car, highlights a problem Pinehaven–and law enforcement–may no longer be able to ignore. A growing number of alumni and former staffers claim that the ranch’s young residents are fleeing from physical and emotional abuse.

by Jessica Mayrer

Full Story: http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/bad-behavior/Content?oid=1401416