Federal Government Halts Child Placements at Southwest Key Shelters

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has ceased placing unaccompanied migrant children in shelters run by Southwest Key Programs amid allegations of sexual harassment and abuse. A July 2024 lawsuit by the Department of Justice spurred this decision, relocating children to other facilities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Wednesday that it has halted the placement of unaccompanied migrant children in shelters managed by Southwest Key Programs. The decision comes in the wake of serious allegations from a Department of Justice lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, accuses employees of the organization, which operates 27 shelters across Texas, Arizona, and California, of engaging in unlawful sexual harassment and abuse of children in their care.

In response to these grave charges, all children previously housed in Southwest Key shelters have been relocated to other facilities, marking a significant move towards ensuring the safety and well-being of these vulnerable young individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)