A group home in Johnston for at-risk adolescent boys has been at least temporarily closed by the state.
The home was closed after state officials received complaints the boys had been locked in a room for a week and had been without working showers and toilets.
Robert Pidgeon, CEO of Connecticut-based Community Solutions Inc, which operates the home and contracts with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, said Tuesday the water pump failed, so the home was without enough water pressure for a week. He said the boys were taken elsewhere for showers.
He also said the teenagers were allowed to leave their rooms but not the house as staff investigated reports of theft. He said the punishment probably lasted too long.
Rhode Island child advocate Jametta Alston said she had no reason to doubt the allegations.
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