What Was Red Rock Canyon School?
Red Rock Canyon School, once located in St. George, Utah, was part of the troubled teen industry—private residential treatment facilities designed to help minors with behavioral issues. While intended to provide support and rehabilitation for troubled youth, Red Rock Canyon became notorious for its history of abuse and neglect.
The school, like many others in the troubled teen industry, was shut down in 2019 following mounting allegations of mistreatment, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of students.
Despite its closure, the legacy of harm caused by the school and its staff continues to affect those who were subjected to its practices. One of the most harrowing stories is that of a young woman who is now seeking justice through a civil lawsuit, highlighting the systemic failures at Red Rock Canyon and its parent company, Sequel Youth and Family Services.
The Allegations Against Red Rock Canyon School
A lawsuit accuses Atonio Kavea, a former staff member at Red Rock Canyon, of sexually abusing and impregnating a student when she was just 15 years old. The lawsuit claims that multiple adults at the school, including Kavea’s sister, Asiah Kavea, who worked as a supervisor, not only ignored the warning signs of abuse but also facilitated private, unsupervised interactions between the victim and the perpetrator.
The victim, identified as P.R. in the lawsuit, was placed at Red Rock Canyon School in 2017 at the age of 13. The suit alleges that shortly after her arrival, Atonio Kavea began grooming her for a sexual relationship. This abuse continued over the course of 2018, and P.R. eventually became pregnant with Kavea’s child. DNA testing later confirmed that Kavea fathered the child of another Red Rock Canyon student around the same time.
The lawsuit asserts that when staff members became aware of the relationship, no action was taken to protect P.R. or remove Kavea from the facility. Instead, the abuse was concealed, and P.R. was punished with a drug test after Kavea allegedly gave her THC.
The lawsuit claims that once P.R.’s pregnancy became known, she was removed from the program and sent back to California, all in an effort to limit the facility’s liability.
The Broader Issue of Troubled Teen Facilities
The allegations against Red Rock Canyon School are not isolated. The troubled teen industry, which operates numerous facilities across the United States, has long been under scrutiny for its lack of oversight and its failure to protect vulnerable children in its care.
In the case of Red Rock Canyon, the school had been the subject of multiple investigations before its closure, including police being called to the school 72 times in 2017 alone. Furthermore, 24 staff members were investigated for child abuse during that time. Despite these troubling patterns, many of these facilities continue to operate under limited oversight, and the young people they harm often struggle to find justice.
Red Rock Canyon’s closure followed these ongoing allegations, but the question remains: how many more young people were subjected to similar abuse at Red Rock Canyon or other facilities in the troubled teen industry? How many victims have yet to come forward?
A Call to Survivors: Justice for Abuse at Red Rock Canyon and Other Youth Facilities
If you or someone you know experienced abuse at Red Rock Canyon School, Sequel Youth and Family Services, or any other youth detention or residential facility, it is important to know that you are not alone, and justice is possible. Survivors of abuse in these settings often face unique challenges, including trauma, fear, and uncertainty about how to seek justice.
Many survivors may hesitate to speak out due to shame, fear of retaliation, or a lack of awareness about their legal rights. However, it is never too late to pursue justice. Laws in many states have evolved to extend or eliminate statutes of limitations for filing claims related to childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to take legal action even if the abuse occurred years ago.
At Helping Survivors, we specialize in supporting victims of abuse in juvenile detention centers, residential treatment facilities, and other institutions designed to care for vulnerable youth. Our team of compassionate attorneys is here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and hold those responsible accountable.
Take Action: Seek Justice and Support
If you were a victim of abuse at Red Rock Canyon School or any other similar facility, it’s important to take action. By coming forward, you not only take control of your healing process but also help ensure that others who have suffered in silence can find justice too. The legal system provides an opportunity to hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable, while also securing compensation for the harm you’ve endured.
Contact Helping Survivors today for a confidential consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you understand your options and take the first step toward justice. You deserve to have your story heard.
