Closure of Hampton Psychiatric Facility

The Hampton Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Pickens, which has been the subject of numerous calls and around 100 patient escapes in the past 13 months, has closed its doors. The closure follows a violent incident involving several juvenile patients. The facility is moving its residents to other locations for consolidated and comprehensive care. Police Chief Randal Beach expressed concern for the well-being of the facility’s residents, with whom he had developed a close relationship. He also mentioned ongoing cases involving assaults at the facility, which have contributed to the city’s crime rate. The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has been involved in ensuring the safe relocation of the residents. The company’s president, Jason Upham, stated that no current staff members face charges, but the staff member involved in the recent fight will be terminated.