CAERNARVON TWP., Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) says a youth detention center in southern Berks County failed to file a report of suspected child abuse.

DHS says it revoked Abraxas Academy’s certificate of compliance to operate the facility because it failed to report serious incidents involving youth, in addition to failure to provide access after repeated requests by investigators. Abraxas appealed the license revocation and can still operate pending appeal.

Abraxas has two additional licenses that will continue to be subject to inspections, DHS officials say.

A staff member put a hand on a child’s neck and briefly shoved the child’s face to the table after an argument on November 4, 2025, a DHS spokesperson said in its letter.

According to the letter, the academy’s leadership did not file a report about the suspected child abuse as required by Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law.

Additionally, Abraxas did not report to DHS that a staff member allegedly provided contraband to residents or that there was an attempted escape. Officials say the academy is required to report such incidents to DHS within 24 hours.

As a result of the violations, DHS said the academy must reduce the number of youth that it cares for to 25.

DHS released the following statement:

“The Department of Human Services takes seriously its responsibility to protect the health and safety of individuals in care at licensed facilities. DHS licenses and monitors all of its licensed facilities and publicly posts detailed information about licensed facilities, including licensing status and completed licensing inspection reports, on its online provider directory.

Abraxas Academy’s secure detention license was revoked. Abraxas has two additional licenses, and these licenses remain subject to DHS’ periodic and unannounced inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.”

The relevant license revocation information can be found here. 

DHS says it cannot comment further on the investigation.