An Associated Press investigation has revealed that private, for-profit residential treatment centres for adopted children, often funded by taxpayers, face little oversight despite allegations of abuse and neglect. The probe focused on Calo Programs (Change Academy at Lake of the Ozarks) in rural Missouri, which charges up to $20,000 a month and attracts families nationwide.
Calo promises a lakeside, summer camp-like environment where children heal through bonding with golden retrievers. However, AP obtained hundreds of pages of sheriff's reports from 2020 to 2025 showing incidents including runaways, assaults, and alleged drug use. In one case, a boy jumped from a roof and was airlifted to hospital; Calo said he sustained a sprained ankle.
Two mothers described the facility as reminiscent of 'Lord of the Flies', with minimal treatment and schooling, and poorly trained young staff. Calo denied wrongdoing, stating: 'For nearly two decades, Calo has provided innovative treatment... we are proud of the track record we’ve established.'
Illinois agencies have spent over $35 million sending children to Calo in the past decade. One mother reported that her daughter was sexually assaulted by another child, alleging Calo covered it up. The company said it follows protocol and called for help when needed.
