Brighter Path
A controversial facility for boys will be allowed to continue operation for now.
Town of Courtland council members were supposed to vote on whether or not to revoke Brighter Path’s business license.
Instead, they made a motion to table the vote. They have 30 days to make a decision on a motion.
We are told the facility made corrections to the safety violations. That is why they’re still open.
An employee at the facility told WAAY 31 Brighter Path is a good place for kids.
Scott Norwood, public safety director for Courtland, said no child should stay there.
“As a parent, I’d hate for my child to stay overnight in that facility,†said Norwood.
Depending on if you ask employees at Brighter Path, several city leaders, and law enforcement, opinions about the facility clearly vary.
Bill LaPradd, interim police chief, said he’s been in the facility.
“It’s disgusting,†said LaPradd.
As it stands, the Courtland Police Department is looking into allegations made against the facility.
“A subpoena was served today to save records about employees' children and records about children dating back to January 2022,†said LaPradd.
That is just the latest in bad press surrounding Brighter Path.
Council members met to vote on whether or not the facility, which serves troubled boys ages 12 to 18, will remain open. This, after town officials say a routine business fire inspection in March of this year showed exit doors chained and padlocked.
According to a 2020 report from the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, Brighter Path's facilities “are run-down and inadequately maintained.â€
Brighter Path is a government-funded psychiatric residential treatment facility in Courtland.
The report shows dirt and feces on the ground, mattresses too thin to sleep on and blood smeared on the walls.
Tommy James is a lawyer who represents three kids who attended Brighter Path. He claims they are victims of abuse.
“We are alleging punching, kicking, slamming into walls. That kind of thing. By employees in this facility,†said James.
The employee also told me allegations of child abuse are not true and insists Brighter Path is a great place for kids.
