Police Search for Escaped Children in Raleigh, North Carolina

Authorities in Raleigh, North Carolina launched an extensive search Sunday night after seven children escaped from a mental health facility.

The incident took place during a “blockage” at the South Campus around 8:05 PM, as noted in a release from the Raleigh Police Department.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered that seven boys had left the facility on foot,” the release stated.

Holly Hill provides treatment for mental and substance use disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

K-9 units and drones were utilized to aid in the search that lasted nearly three hours. By 10:50 PM, all seven juveniles had been located and returned, according to police reports.

“These teens were not deemed armed or dangerous, and there was no threat to the nearby community during this occurrence,” the department emphasized.

This escape marks the third such incident from Holly Hill Hospital since 2024. In March of the previous year, five teenagers fled over a span of three days, and in June, a 16-year-old girl also escaped the facility. Following the March incident, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued citations to hospitals for several violations related to care standards, particularly those aimed at preventing patient escapes.

Despite these repeated issues, Holly Hill Hospital continues to expand its services. In August, a new unit opened at South Campus, designed to accommodate adults with less severe mental health needs, focusing on those needing substance use treatment.

Moreover, the hospital has introduced a “Patriot Assistance Program” targeting veterans and active duty service members, which includes a new 32-bed hospitalization unit.