I was there for 7 years in the '70's and I hated every single day of my life! 5 times i tried committing suicide while i was there because of it. I tried escaping multiple times and finally succeeded when they took us to the movies one night. Many times did I witness abuse by the staff and other residents. I even watched on 16yr old boy kicked to death by the staff. That was covered up by the state with the claim that he died of a cardiac arrest.. I didn't need psychiatric help when my mother first put me there, but I HAVE needed it ever since!

I was a patient there at the age of 13, some 40 years ago. I was a very disturbed teenager. I spent a year at Hawthorn and to this day,I know that it changed my life. I received the help I needed and always remember being treated with much care. The staff was exceptional and put up a lot from some very disturbed young people. That place changed my life!

If your child is here take him or her out unsafe place ,My son has got abused multiple times ,by staff so listen to your child



They are telling the truth Run I'm seeking legal help right now

I stayed here back in the late 60's. I hated it at first but as I was there I didn't want to leave. I made many good friends that I have lost contact with. Would like to find a way to contact some of the staff and patients that were there in 68/69. My name was Kathleen Tomczak, I was 11/12 when I resided there.