Family sues after the son's death

Salt Lake City-a family in Utah is suing Discovery Ranch, a facility for the treatment of teenagers in Mapleton after her 17-year-old son died last autumn. The family claims that negligence and systemic failures in the facility would have led to his death.

According to the lawsuit submitted on Thursday, Biruk Silvers had thoughts of suicide in the past, and he had informed experts in the facility that he had specific plans, similar to how he died.

His family claims that none of this had been informed of them, and the facility and the employees decided not to give him the necessary supervision.

“It was really shocking for us to see how neglected and unattended he was there,” said Biruk's mother Katy Silvers.

Biruk died on November 5, 2024.

On November 6, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services published four knowledge against Discovery Ranch: did not meet the customer needs, the health and security of a client, violated the guidelines on suicide prevention and did not report a critical incident within a period of 24 hours.

Three weeks after his death, DHHS put the facility on a three -month license.

(Silvers family)

The Silvers also sue Pilcrow Advisors, an educational advisory practice that Discovery Ranch recommended, and the University of Utah, which Biruk's psychiatrist started, as well as several people who worked in the facilities. The lawsuit claims that everyone is negligent in their care of the 17-year-old.

KSL examinations received a statement in April from the Department of Professional License of Medical Failure Management, in which he found that the plaintiffs violated the standard of care.

Katy Silvers told KSL TV that the lawsuit was not about money, but about taking people accountable.

“He deserves to be treated because of his mental health struggles and not to be punished for her,” she said.

KSL TV turned to all organizations mentioned in the lawsuit.

Discovery Ranch announced KSL TV that many of the allegations of the silver do not agree. Both the Discovery Ranch and the University of Utah expressed sympathy for the family, but said that they could not comment on due to ongoing legal disputes.

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Resources for suicide prevention

If you or someone you know 988 suicide and crisis lives at 988 which is answered by crisis consultants on July 7th, 365 Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All views of the Legacy Crisis Hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also combine with a crisis supplier at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

Additional resources

• Safeut: Parents, students and educators can contact a licensed crisis consultant by downloading this Safeut app or by phone at 833-3safeut (833-372-3388)
• Safeut Frontline: First aiders, including firefighters, law enforcement authorities, EMS and health professions, can be rounded free of charge with a licensed crisis consultant Safeut Frontline app.
• Safeutng: Members of the National Guard can recently round with a licensed crisis consultant Safeutng app.
• Utah warm line: For non-crisis situations, if you need a hearing pipe, when you recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 speaking 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute Offers a variety of programs and services, including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy and medication management, substance consumption and addiction restoration, children's and teenage programs as well as psychological health services for mothers, including birth trauma, loss of pregnancy, infertility and perinatal mood disorders.
• Liveonutah.org is a nationwide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources and changing Utah's culture in relation to suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith groups, LGBTQ+, young people, employers, suicide prevention as well as crisis and treatment options.

The counties in Utah offer services for mental health and substance disorders. The centers are operated by the thirteen authorities for mental health and substance consumption throughout the state and offer therapy, treatment with substance disorders, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment and much more.

You can find this resources and further information here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community -related resources

Center for mental health at work Offers suicide prevention and reaction for employers.