A Pause on Glenwood

What We Know, What We Don’t, and Why That Matters

A Pause on Glenwood: What We Know, What We Don’t, and Why That Matters

Over the past several days, many of you have reached out regarding a civil lawsuit filed against Glenwood Inc. at Sicard Hollow.

I initially shared information about the lawsuit because it is a matter of public record and because allegations involving vulnerable children deserve careful attention. Since then, I have heard from current families, former employees, and members of the broader disability advocacy community.

After much reflection, I want to clarify where I stand.

First: a civil complaint is not evidence of wrongdoing. It is a legal filing that outlines allegations to be proven, or disproven, in court.

Second: this matter is reportedly under review by the Birmingham Police Department and the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Until those investigations are complete, there are limits to what anyone outside of that process can responsibly conclude.

Since sharing the filing, I have heard from multiple families of current residents who have given overwhelmingly positive accounts of their experiences at Glenwood. I know these families personally. I know their children. I have seen firsthand the progress some of these children (now adults) have made, and by all observable accounts, they are thriving in their current placements.

That does not negate the seriousness of a lawsuit. But it does matter when assessing the broader picture.

I have also heard from former employees and one individual who described concerns related to workplace professionalism in certain areas of the facility. These accounts reflect dissatisfaction with aspects of staff conduct or culture. It is important to note that such reports are anecdotal and do not, in themselves, establish that residents were harmed or that systemic failures occurred. Workplace professionalism and resident safety are not automatically synonymous.

Is any residential facility perfect? Almost certainly not.
Does a lawsuit automatically define an entire institution? Also no.

Here is what I believe firmly:

Glenwood must exist. It simply must.

Facilities that serve individuals with severe autism and developmental disabilities are not optional luxuries in our community. They are essential. For many families, residential care is not a preference, it is the only viable option when needs exceed what can safely be managed at home.

Alabama does not make this easy.

Our state provides limited legislative support, inconsistent funding structures, and chronically strained Medicaid resources for families navigating complex disability care. Residential centers like Glenwood operate within a system that is often underfunded and under-prioritized at the state level.

If deficiencies are exposed (whether through this case or any other) they should be addressed transparently and promptly. But in the absence of completed investigations by law enforcement and DHR, I see no benefit in fueling sensationalism around an institution that serves some of our most vulnerable residents.

I recently received a letter from Glenwood’s CEO, Christy Castleberry, outlining the organization’s position and affirming that they take allegations seriously and that there have been no findings of sexual abuse to date. I am including that letter for transparency.

Letter from Christy Castleberry, CEO

Going forward, I will continue to follow the lawsuit as it progresses through the courts, monitor for any findings from police or DHR, and share publicly available information as it becomes available.

What I will not do is speculate, editorialize beyond available facts, or amplify unverified claims.

Advocacy requires discernment and evidence. Vulnerable families deserve both safety and stability.

If this case reveals systemic failures, those should be corrected. If it does not, that matters too.

Either way, our broader conversation must include something we often ignore: meaningful funding and legislative support for disability services in Alabama. If we want excellence in care, we must demand excellence in policy and funding.

Until more is known, I am pressing pause on deeper commentary.

I remain committed to transparency. I remain committed to the safety of individuals with disabilities. And I remain committed to handling this responsibly.

— Catey