Was there or wasn’t there sex trafficking at The Refuge, the Bastrop residential treatment center? A Texas Senate hearing dove deep into the allegations. But despite its charge to investigate, the committee didn’t have a conclusive answer. | via TPRNews
In late February, staff allegedly assisted two youth with running away from the semi-rural Bastrop facility and may have assisted them in obtaining a hotel room.“I think there's trafficking going on under my nose, and they didn't elevate it either,” relayed Masters.
In testimony before the Special Committee, McCraw indicated the situation was not as widespread as original reports last week from DFPS. Initially, a letter to federal court monitors alleged that seven youth had been abused or trafficked by as many as nine staff members. Both numbers appear to be inflated, and the letter was a draft, including caveats to be addressed, and was not intended to be sent as written.
He said Rangers found that complaints were at times duplicated and some were about issues with medical care and supervision.“I've heard someone say, 'well, they weren't actually trafficking the child.' Well, if you're taking nude photos, and you're helping them escape, then you are putting them right into the hands of those who would exploit them,” said Sen. Joan Huffman, who represents parts of Houston.
In December 2021, a Refuge staffer was flagged as not able to work with children unsupervised but then was allowed to work with children unsupervised. HHSC staff were quick to point out that the person played no role in current allegations against the organization.
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