MN Investigating Child Abuse at Nexus Gerard Family Healing in Austin

State investigators have uncovered evidence of sexual abuse and neglect at a youth treatment facility in Austin, according to a report issued on November 5 by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

The Minnesota Inspector General is investigating allegations of child abuse by Nexus Gerard Family Healing, ABC 6 News – kaaltv.com reported. The residential facility provides treatment services for children with mental health diagnoses.

Investigators said cameras recorded video in common areas but not audio. The abuse and neglect findings involved incidents on multiple unknown dates between October 2025 and February 2026.

According to the report, a staff member identified as SP1 had inappropriate interactions and sexual contact with three youths. The same staff member also provided marijuana or THC vapes to several youths during that period.

A second staff member, identified as SP2, provided nicotine vapes and THC cartridges to youths between October 2025 and February 2026. Investigators reviewed facility and medical records alongside 24 interviews with youths, family members, social workers, probation officers, and staff.

Local law enforcement officials told investigators they received multiple reports but did not investigate further. No criminal charges have been filed yet regarding the incidents.

Two children also reported a third staff member became aroused during physical restraints. The Department of Human Services said that evidence of these claims was not found, as the staff member denied the allegations alongside staff members who witnessed the restraints.

Nexus Gerard Family Healing issued a statement addressing the state investigation:

“The behavior of this former employee is appalling and intolerable. The care and safety of the young people we serve are paramount and we are deeply dismayed that a former employee could not be trusted.”

The organization said that a young person felt safe enough to speak up back in April. Management reported the allegations immediately, began an internal investigation, and cooperated with the state examination.

Nexus said that reporting led to a change of leadership and staffing in the affected unit, program restructuring, a temporary reduction in client numbers, and an increased focus on supervision and culture. Over the past year, the organization implemented leadership oversight, centralized compliance, restructured clinical leadership, and increased auditing.

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