A DISABLED woman has been evicted from her care facility after her dad exposed what he calls a pattern of abuse at the hands of staff.
Lauren Carter, 37, who suffers from cerebral palsy and partial blindness, was allegedly forced out of a state-licensed Ohio facility after her dad complained about her treatment during a TV interview.
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Greg Carter, Lauren’s father, filed a lawsuit accusing the Takoda Trails facility of allegedly abusing his daughter in 2022, NBC local affiliate WCMH reported.
Takoda Trails is a state-licensed facility for developmentally disabled people located in Fairfield, Ohio.
Greg’s civil lawsuit, filed in November 2022, described a disturbing incident at the adult home where Lauren’s throat was slashed, leaving a significant wound that required stitches.
No one was ever arrested for the injury.
When the dad made his accusations public with a TV interview in January 2023, his family was slapped with an eviction notice for Lauren just hours later.
During the interview, facility staff approached Greg and the reporter, stating they were not allowed on the property, according to the lawsuit.
The interview with a local TV station lasted from 11 am to 1 pm.
Greg said that at 2:44 pm that day, he received an email telling him Lauren would be evicted in 30 days.
The dad said the facility claimed he made “unfounded accusations.”
The home told Greg they could no longer meet Lauren’s needs due to his actions as her guardian.
The lawsuit claimed the facility violated Lauren’s constitutional rights, including retaliation for her father’s First Amendment actions.
Attorneys for the Carters argue the eviction notice lacked specifics, preventing the family from appealing the decision properly.
The Carters’ legal team emphasized the case isn’t just about what happened to Lauren – the legal action aims to protect other families from alleged retaliation for speaking out.
Greg has long opposed the idea of his daughter living in a care facility, but financial hurdles have made it nearly impossible for him to care for her at home.
Since 1995, Lauren has lived at multiple facilities, enduring injuries at each one.
Family attorneys’ statement
“We hope this lawsuit serves as a warning to those who provide government-funded services to developmentally disabled individuals and their families. It should send a clear message: violating the rights of vulnerable individuals will have consequences,” Richard Resenthal, another attorney for the Carters, said.
“This lawsuit isn’t just about what happened to Lauren Carter – it is about making sure that no other family is afraid to speak out. It is about holding those in power accountable so that parents, disabled people, guardians and advocates can fight for change without fear of retribution,” said Michela Huth, an attorney for the Carters.
Source: WCMH
Her father claims the state’s refusal to help cover her home care costs forced her into this cycle of facilities and group homes.
The lawsuit highlights the toll the eviction took on the family, including financial strain and a disrupted sleep schedule, as they struggled to care for Lauren.
Without the support of a facility, Greg and his wife are unable to work, leading to mounting pressure.
LAUREN’S LAW
Greg’s fight to protect his daughter inspired him to introduce Lauren’s Law, a bill to ensure that families can have cameras in their loved one’s rooms at care facilities, according to CBS affiliate WKRC.
The bill aims to prevent abuse by allowing electronic monitoring in certain circumstances, but it was amended by lawmakers.
Under the current version, facilities would have the final say on whether cameras are allowed, leading Greg to oppose the changes.
Lauren’s experiences have been documented through 16 incidents that she faced during her time in Ohio’s care system.
Though Lauren’s Law failed to pass in the last legislative session, it remains a central issue for Greg, who continues to push for better oversight of care facilities.
Meanwhile, Lauren now lives in a group home that allows her father to monitor her room with a camera, a small victory after years of struggle.
The Carters’ legal battle aims to send a message to facilities that violate the rights of vulnerable residents that actions will have consequences.
Greg Carter remains determined to advocate for change, pushing to prevent future families from enduring similar treatment.
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities has also been criticized in the lawsuit for refusing to provide the Carters with financial assistance to care for Lauren at home.
Takoda Trails didn’t immediately respond to a request for a comment by The U.S. Sun.
