VisionQuest seeks appeal of license denial
Quest purposefully misrepresented its history) is unwarranted as VisionQuest intended full and open disclosure throughout this process and acted consistent with that intent at all times,” VisionQuest Director of Operations Carol Keller wrote to Lillian Rainer, head of CYFD’s Licensing and Certification Authority Bureau.
Keller contends in her Sept. 6 letter that VisionQuest’s application is still in its “letter of intent” stage and asks for the hearing and conference so the company can continue with the process.
A CYFD spokeswoman said this week the state intends to fulfill VisionQuest’s requests for a hearing and conference but declined to comment further on VisionQuest’s arguments.
VisionQuest has a $2.9 million federal grant to operate a shelter in New Mexico for immigrant minors who entered the country without their parents and are now in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, according to online HHS records. The company intends to establish a facility near the University of New Mexico’s campus in Albuquerque to house up to 60 boys ages 11 to 17.
But the company’s history, which includes allegations that staff mistreated or abused the at-risk youths in some of its programs, has sparked concern among local advocacy groups. The New Mexico Dream Team’s campaign manager touted the state’s denial of the initial application, saying in a statement it is an “inhumane project that profits from the detention of families and children seeking a better life.”
A VisionQuest spokeswoman has said the company, which operates in six states, “responds immediately to any issues” raised by staff and the kids in its care.
In her letter to CYFD, Keller touted the importance of the planned Albuquerque facility.
“Without this shelter, these children remain in detention centers or other less desirable living conditions with limited or nonexistent support services,” she wrote.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has said all the providers caring for children in ORR custody must have a license. But the department did not answer specific Journal questions about how long VisionQuest has to obtain the license or what happens to the contract if the company fails to get a New Mexico license.