Workers charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 17-year-old girl

Three former workers of Parmadale Family Services are charged with involuntary manslaughter and child-endangering in the death of a 17-year-old girl. The death occurred after the girl was restrained face-down by the workers. One of the workers also faces charges of felonious assault and inciting to violence. They are scheduled to be arraigned in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on September 17.

Earlier this year, the Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) urged state officials to ban the use of face-down, or prone, restraints in all types of settings. Shortly after, the Governor called for the formation of a group of state agencies to develop a statewide restraint policy. An executive order was signed by the Governor on August 3 banning the use of prone restraints. See OLRS' Restraint and Seclusion News section for updates on changes and activities in restraint and seclusion practices and policies.

News coverage

• Parmadale workers indicted in death of Faith Finley (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• Three charged in Ohio teen's death (Herald-Dispatch)
• Three indicted in Barberton girl's death (Akron Beacon Journal)
• Cleveland: 3 charged in teen's restraint death (NBC Cleveland-Akron)
• Victim's Twin Reacts to Sister's Death (Fox News Cleveland)

Article posted September 3, 2009