Missouri Boarding School Abuse Victim on New Law: “We Can Finally Say We are Heard”

New requirements are ahead for Missouri’s unlicensed religious boarding schools. Governor Parson has signed into law a bill that will require them to have safety inspections, get background checks for employees and the schools must notify the state of their existence. For years, students at some of these places have reported being beaten, raped, starved, restrained, and isolated long-term. During a ceremonial bill signing Wednesday, Allen Knoll (null), who attended Agape (a-GAW-pay) boarding school in southwest Missouri’s Stockton, says the effort is a step in the right direction.

The law also requires adequate food, medical care, and clothing for students, and the parents must be allowed to visit their children at any time without notice.