In an October 2025 report, Disability Justice documented dangerous conditions at Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center in Cañon City, one of only a handful of psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Colorado. The conclusion: Instead of providing consistent care and support, Southern Peaks has left many children desperate to escape.
The report is the product of more than three years of monitoring visits, interviews with nearly 50 children, and input from families, advocates, and staff. DLC shared a series of internal recommendations with Southern Peaks before issuing a public report.
Key Findings
- Excessive restraint and seclusion: Southern Peaks staff frequently restrain children — an average of 75 times per month, as of May 2025 — compared to few or no such incidents at similar facilities. Children also reported injuries from restraints.
- Lack of consistent treatment: Southern Peaks suffers from frequent therapist turnover and a lack of consistent mental health care. Despite recent improvements, children describe the facility as the worst they’ve encountered.
- Substandard conditions: Children liken Southern Peaks to a jail — with metal beds, dark rooms, and raw or undercooked food.
- Broken promises on youth voice: Programs like the Youth Advisory Council and recreations clubs have lapsed, leaving children with fewer opportunities to offer feedback or engage in positive activities.
Read the full report: Conditions at Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center.