Certifynd ABA

Bernalillo Academy

place Albuquerque, NM 51-200 employees

warning

This company is backed by private equity (Altamont Capital Partners (majority owner of parent Sequel Youth and Family Services, 2017-2021; parent later sold to founder-led Vivant Behavioral Healthcare in Sept 2021, shortly before this facility's closure))

Private equity ownership may impact company culture, benefits, and long-term stability. Review employee sentiment and risk analysis carefully.

shield Overall Risk Level

error High Risk

Risk Flags

flagFacility ordered closed by NM CYFD in Dec 2021 following investigation into systemic child abuse
flagLicense surrendered Dec 1, 2021 ahead of mandated closure
flagNamed in a 2024 U.S. Senate Finance Committee report on abuse at residential youth treatment facilities
flagMultiple sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the facility/parent company
flagState investigators found inadequate staff background checks and unqualified personnel
flagParent company Sequel Youth and Family Services has closed 20+ facilities nationwide amid abuse allegations

Legal Issues

gavelSexual abuse lawsuits filed against Bernalillo Academy / Sequel Youth and Family Services (per Levy Law and Santa Fe New Mexican reporting)
gavelCase referred to local district attorney for possible criminal charges

Ethical Concerns

policyStaff member allegedly whipped a resident with a tree branch, causing bruising/injuries; case referred to the district attorney
policyInsufficient supervision reportedly allowed child-on-child sexual harassment/aggression
policyReviewers describe the treatment model as built without evidence-based clinical oversight
BBB RatingNR (not rated - insufficient information)

psychology Employee Sentiment

2.9

out of 10

Management1.8
Culture2.0
Flexibility3.0
Compensation2.4
Career Development2.0
Work Environment2.0

thumb_up Common Praises

  • add_circle Opportunity to make a positive impact on at-risk youth
  • add_circle Flexible scheduling for some staff
  • add_circle Responsive HR department
  • add_circle Strong bonds among dedicated core staff

thumb_down Common Complaints

  • remove_circle Chronic understaffing and high turnover
  • remove_circle Reports of physical violence from residents (staff bitten, hit, kicked)
  • remove_circle Favoritism and inconsistent leadership; 'horrible management'
  • remove_circle Poor training and unsafe working conditions
  • remove_circle Treatment model described as lacking evidence-based/clinical oversight