A Texas “faith-based organization” meant to take care of child survivors of sex trafficking, was found to be trafficking the girls instead of caring for them.
Seven girls, ages 11 to 17, were discovered to have been victimized by nine employees at The Refuge Ranch in Bastrop, according to U.S. District Judge Janis Jack, who called an emergency court hearing Thursday.
The Texas Tribune reports that the children remained in the facility for more than a month after the abuse was first reported before they were removed. A current Refuge Ranch employee reported to state authorities on Jan. 24 that the girls were being medically neglected, as well as physically and sexually abused. However, the court and those who monitor children in foster care were not notified about the abuse until Thursday. The Refuge Ranch is contracted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).