GLEN MILLS, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Glen Mills Schools, a youth detention center in Delaware County that was shut down after an alleged cover-up of years of physical and sexual child abuse, will be reopening under a new name.
As of Jan. 13, officials say, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has entered into a settlement with Clock Tower Schools, granting a provisional license to the nonprofit to operate residential and day treatment programs for 20 court-ordered boys at the former Glen Mills Schools site. The former school had a 400-student capacity.
The boys’ reform school closed in 2019 after a Philadelphia Inquirer investigation revealed decades of physical and sexual abuse. Students were removed from the campus, and DHS revoked all licenses, two months later.
Last April, DHS denied Clock Tower Schools' bid to take over the facility, because it had failed to meet all requirements. The nonprofit appealed
Under the new agreement, Clock Tower is required to pay for an independent, on-campus monitor, which will have full access to the campus and student and staff records. And officials say DHS will have additional oversight during a provisional period.
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Officials say eight Clock Tower employees with ties to Glen Mills Schools — including Executive Director Christopher Spriggs — have been carefully vetted, and each has sworn “that they did not have knowledge of, nor did they participate in, any incidents of child abuse.”
Clock Tower Schools issued a statement last week that reads, in part: “The Clock Tower Schools welcomes the opportunity granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide critically needed residential treatment, trauma-informed care, and education for children in need. We look forward to serving vulnerable youth and families whose children are entrusted in our care.”
Citing the state’s shortage of beds and facilities for juvenile care, a DHS spokesperson said the Clock Tower Schools settlement is the appropriate path forward and sets a new standard for oversight and accountability.
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“There has been a 29% decrease in beds in secure facilities over the past three years, and this has led to waitlists that delay treatment for these youth as our facilities exceed their licensed capacities.”
In January, a $3 million settlement was approved for former Glen Mills Schools students who accused staff of abuse, civil rights violations, discrimination and intimidation. Former students may be eligible for cash, reimbursement of education, or both.