CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — A lawsuit has been filed against a residential program by the family of a teenager who allegedly developed an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member, raising questions about the program’s oversight and accountability.
The complaint was lodged on September 10 in the county’s court of common pleas against AMIkids Sand Hills, a non-profit organization. The suit claims neglect in handling communications between 31-year-old Florence Garland White, who worked at the facility, and the then-15-year-old boy. The lawsuit states that the teen was admitted to the program in January 2025 following an incident where he was caught joyriding with a friend in his father’s work van.
Concerns arose when the boy’s probation officer contacted his parents in May regarding inappropriate letters found in his possession. Additionally, another resident in the AMIkids program reported that the boy was leaving his bed at night to meet with White. Subsequently, an employee alerted the boy’s mother about self-harm incidents that led to a hospitalization.
According to Anna Magann, the boy’s legal representative, when the mother reached out to the AMIkids director, she was reassured that the interactions between the teenager and White were minimal. However, the boy contended that multiple meetings had occurred. Magann claims the director dismissed the issue, portraying White as “young and naive,” rather than taking appropriate action against the staff member.
The teenager was removed from the AMIkids program before its scheduled end, while White remained employed there until charges were pursued. Magann stated that White continued to send sexually explicit text messages to the youth even after he left the facility, reportedly referring to him as “Demon Boy” or “Demon Baby.”
“AMIkids failed to act when it had the opportunity to protect a child in its care,” Magann said. “Instead of prioritizing the safety of all residents, it safeguarded a perpetrator until an investigation was initiated.”
AMIkids Sand Hills is part of a nationwide initiative dedicated to rehabilitative services for youth. Attempts to reach the Sand Hills office for comment on the lawsuit have not yielded a response.
This situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety protocols in places meant to support vulnerable youth. The lawsuit, along with its implications, could prompt further scrutiny of the organization’s practices.
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