A federal judge has approved a $2.3 million class-action settlement against Trinity Teen Solutions, a now-closed Wyoming facility for troubled girls, after former residents accused the ranch of forced labor and abusive conditions. The decision ends four years of litigation but leaves lingering controversy over accountability in the broader troubled teen industry.
Allegations of Abuse and Forced Labor
The lawsuit, brought by more than 250 former residents, alleged that the Catholic therapeutic ranch forced teen girls — some as young as 13 — to perform grueling manual labor, including repairing fences, castrating animals, and installing irrigation pipes. Plaintiffs said injuries were ignored and that they were subjected to humiliation and punishment for not completing tasks.
While Trinity Teen Solutions denies any wrongdoing, the plaintiffs say the program exploited vulnerable youth under the guise of treatment.
“I was just very happy to be able to give the 15-year-old me a voice,” said Amanda Nash, one of the lead plaintiffs.
Others were less satisfied. Former resident Anna Gozun declined to join the settlement, criticizing the nondisparagement clause and the lack of formal accountability.
“This settlement feels more like a forced ending than a fair resolution,” she said.
Settlement Terms and Implications
The $2.3 million payout will be divided among those who resided at the ranch from 2010 to 2022 and performed what the suit defined as “agricultural labor.” Payments will vary based on length of stay.
While the settlement includes a clause preventing recipients from disparaging Trinity or its owners online, it does not bar participants from sharing true personal experiences.
State Response and Regulatory Loopholes
Despite years of complaints, Wyoming officials allowed Trinity to maintain its license up to its closure in 2022. A 2022 NBC News investigation revealed that state officials were reluctant to act unless children were in immediate danger.
Even after public scrutiny and internal evaluations, no criminal charges were ever brought, and the ranch was never formally shut down — it closed voluntarily with its license still intact.
A separate lawsuit against a nearby boys ranch, operated by the same family, also settled privately last year.
Troubled Teen Industry Under Fire
The case highlights mounting scrutiny of the loosely regulated troubled teen industry, which includes private residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and faith-based boot camps. These programs often operate outside federal oversight, especially if they don’t receive government funding.
Recent national attention — fueled by high-profile survivors like Paris Hilton — led Congress to approve a bipartisan measure last year requiring a multiagency study of the industry’s practices and oversight.
For advocates and survivors, the Trinity settlement is a step forward, but far from the systemic change many have long demanded.
