US Drops Lawsuit Against Southwest Key Over Abuse Claims

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stopped placing unaccompanied alien children in shelters operated by Southwest Key Programs Inc. due to allegations of sexual abuse and harassment. This decision coincides with the U.S. Department of Justice's move to drop a civil lawsuit against Southwest Key, which had been filed under the Biden administration and alleged a pattern of severe abuse dating back to 2015. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated that the action aims to end the exploitation of minors entering the United States without guardians. The Department of Justice also announced a review of Southwest Key's grants, while the organization, which denies the allegations, has furloughed 5,000 employees due to a funding freeze. Southwest Key, a major provider of shelters for unaccompanied minors, had received significant federal funding for its services. The lawsuit dismissal was part of a broader effort to address ongoing concerns over the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children in U.S. care.