St. Cloud Youth Center Fined For Head-Banging Incidents

ST. CLOUD (AP) - A St. Cloud youth center has been fined after authorities say three teenagers suffered injuries from "daily and persistent" head-banging.

The Department of Human Services says the incidents at St. Cloud Children's Home took place in May and resulted in multiple concussions, facial injuries and head trauma. State investigators found that facility managers either instructed staff to allow the head-banging or to not intervene until there was "imminent" damage.

The teens suffered from a range of mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, intense anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

The center has been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and submit a plan on training staff on head and brain injuries.

Trina Dietz with center operator Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud says the facility plans to appeal.