'Disturbing' allegations prompt closure of Walpole troubled youth program

WALPOLE, Mass. — A program for troubled youth in Walpole is closing and its future is in doubt.

The move follows documented allegations of child abuse and neglect - and an expansive state investigation.

The Home for Little Wanderers in Walpole will soon be closed after a history of problems on campus.
Boston 25 News discovered a state report from Sept. 15 place the organization on probation and prohibited them from accepting new students.

The in-depth review found multiple serious incidents that went unreported.

The review also found incidents where a child was physically restrained for over 20 minutes with no notification to their parent or guardian.

Another incident was also reported where faculty employed a teacher without a Mass. educator license.

Administrators at the Home for Little Wanderers also confirmed to Boston 25 News that they filed reports against themselves after becoming aware of multiple incidents of possible child abuse and neglect.

Executives say they were disturbed enough by the number of reports that they chose to re-examine their entire program - deciding to shut it down and surrender their residential and school licenses - with plans to reopen the program in the future.

The news of the closure comes as a relief to neighbors who say police are often called to the property.

"I'm pleased, actually. Police are often speeding down the street - there have been a number of incidents," said neighbor Bruce Gutierrez.

Currently, the home hosts boys and girls up to the age of 17 with behavioral and mental health issues.

They say a new proposed program could lead to a single sex or smaller age groups, but the Home for Little Wanderers has also been fighting an internal problem. Boston 25 News discovered administrators terminated and filed charges against an employee at the Walpole location for stealing about $50,000 over the course of several months.

The Home for Little Wanderers tells Boston 25 News they have begun the process of moving the children currently in their care to other facilities - both inside and outside the program. They indicated they have plans to begin new operations by fall, however, state officials could not confirm if they have received any applications for new permits from the Home for Little Wanderers.

Cox Media Group