ZELIENOPLE — A prehearing conference for Glade Run Lutheran Services’ appeal regarding its license loss is set for Tuesday.

Glade Run, a residential treatment facility fostering nearly 100 youths ages 8-21, was stripped of its license for its 56-bed facility by the state Department of Human Services in October after a two-month investigation into child-on-child sexual abuse.

“The purpose of the conference is to specify the issues on appeal, determine if a hearing is necessary, schedule the hearing date and address any other issues such as necessary accommodation for a witness’ language or disability,” Diana Fishlock, department deputy press secretary said.

The state Department of Human Services and the Zelienople police began their investigations in August after a boy was found to have injuries consistent with sexual abuse while receiving medical treatment.

Through interviews, the state health department found that seven youths ages 8-13, mostly male, were engaging in sexual activity while campus personnel were not adequately doing their duties in routine checkups.

Children will be moved from the facility if it closes, although it is unknown where they would go. The campus has three other treatment facilities that are not involved in this matter.

Glade Run immediately appealed the state decision to strip its license.

If Glade Run wins the appeal, it will be permitted to retain it license and continue operating as any other facility.

However if it loses, Glade Run has the right to appeal to the Secretary of Human Services, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, or both.

“A stay to continue operating pending appeal is possible in any of those scenarios, but the ultimate result of Glade Run losing its appeal would be revocation of the license and closure of the facility whose license was revoked,” DHS press aide Alison Gantz said. Glade Run may reapply for a license if it loses its appeal.