BlueSprig Pediatrics, alongside its subsidiary Trumpet Behavioral Health, is currently embroiled in a serious legal battle after being sued for allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. The lawsuit, filed on January 8, 2024, in Santa Clara County Superior Court, claims that a now-former behavioral therapist sexually assaulted a female minor during in-home therapy sessions. The civil suit seeks damages for the alleged assault as well as for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of the therapist. This behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit has raised significant concerns about oversight in therapy settings for vulnerable minors.
Allegations and Legal Action
The allegations stem from incidents during in-home therapy sessions, where the therapist is accused of inappropriately touching the minor, who is said to have intellectual disabilities that make her particularly vulnerable. Mark Boskovich, an attorney with Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, the law firm representing the victim, pointed out the serious responsibilities of companies offering in-home therapy services to children, especially those with developmental challenges. Boskovich argued, “Any company that provides in-home counseling services to children has an obligation to monitor that therapist during counseling sessions given that these children have intellectual disabilities that make them vulnerable to sexual abuse.” This behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit underscores the critical need for vigilant supervision and accountability.
Negligent Hiring and Supervision
The lawsuit claims that Trumpet Behavioral Health failed to provide proper oversight, enabling the abuse to occur. The ex-therapist in question had been employed by Trumpet Behavioral Health at the time of the alleged assaults and was reportedly providing therapy at the minor’s home. The civil case brings to light the issue of accountability for companies offering services to vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on the duty of care in supervising staff who have access to minors in private settings. As the behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit progresses, it highlights concerns about the adequacy of monitoring systems within these organizations.
Company Response and Actions
Trumpet Behavioral Health responded to the allegations by expressing their commitment to the safety and well-being of the children in their care. A company spokesperson issued a statement to Autism Business News, saying, “Nothing is more important to us than the health, safety and well-being of the children in our care. As soon as we became aware of the incident, we acted swiftly to terminate the employee, contact law enforcement, and begin an internal review of the situation.” The company has indicated that they took immediate action upon learning of the allegations, ensuring that the therapist was terminated and that law enforcement was contacted. This swift response was part of their defense against the behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit.
Arrest and Criminal Case
The San José Police Department arrested the former therapist on June 9, 2024, after the minor’s parents reported the alleged sexual assault to local authorities. According to a police news release, the arrest followed an investigation into the claims made by the parents. Local media sources have confirmed that the therapist was booked on charges of sexual assault of a minor, though public court documents related to the criminal case have not yet been made available. The ongoing criminal case adds another layer to the behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit.
BlueSprig Pediatrics’ Acquisition of Trumpet Behavioral Health
This case comes shortly after BlueSprig Pediatrics’ acquisition of Trumpet Behavioral Health in October 2023, a move that expanded BlueSprig’s footprint significantly by adding nearly 40 new locations across the country. The acquisition was part of a broader strategy to grow BlueSprig’s reach and services, particularly for children with developmental and behavioral challenges. The deal was backed by KKR, a global investment firm, as part of their ongoing push to expand in the behavioral health market. However, the behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit now casts a shadow over this expansion, raising questions about the oversight and monitoring of therapy sessions, especially as BlueSprig grows its network.
Concerns Over Growth and Oversight
Despite the expansion and growth of BlueSprig’s network, the lawsuit has cast a spotlight on the potential risks involved in scaling these types of services. The case raises concerns about oversight, monitoring procedures, and the protections in place to safeguard vulnerable children from abuse within therapy settings. For BlueSprig and Trumpet Behavioral Health, the legal battle is far from over, and it will likely have lasting effects on the company’s reputation, operational practices, and overall public perception. This behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit could have significant consequences not only for these companies but for the broader behavioral health industry.
Implications for the Industry
As the legal proceedings unfold, both BlueSprig Pediatrics and Trumpet Behavioral Health will face heightened scrutiny over their employee vetting and supervision practices. The case could set a precedent for how behavioral health companies manage and oversee in-home therapy services, particularly when it comes to safeguarding minors from abuse. Given the nature of the accusations, the outcome of this behavioral therapist sexual assault lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of both companies and the broader behavioral health industry.
