Sent Friday, August 11, 2006 12:12 pm
To
AEMurphy@dhr.state.ga.us Cc
Bcc
Subject Hidden Lake Academy
Dear Ms. Murphy,
I am writng you this letter in regard to Hidden Lake Academy,
a "Therapeutic Boarding School" in Dahlonega, GA. It has come to my attention that your organization is not overseeing HLA properly or requiring them to be licensed to provide therapy and drug addiction services. This appears to be an ongoing issue.
I am a former employee of HLA and was employed there beginning at its inception. I am well aware of its history, policies and procedures and would like to enlighten you on some details. HLA is primarily a treatment center, not a school.
Academics since the beginning have been a "back-burner" issue at HLA. Group therapy, individual therapy, behavior modification and therapeutic "interventions" are the priorities at HLA and all of these "services" are delivered by untrained and uneducated staff, most of whom do not have degrees in the mental health field (several have no secondary education whatsoever) and none of whom are licensed or credentialed to provide these services.
HLA is a dangerous environment in which, by their own admission,
pedophiles, sexual abusers and violent batterers attend. Surely you don't believe that this is a normal population for an "academics only" boarding school. That assessment defies the facts and reality.
HLA is an unlicensed, unregulated treatment center masquerading as a "school" to the detriment of its attendees who are subjected to
psychological quackery, experimental techniques and harsh, punitive behavior modification.
Ms. Murphy, it is incumbent upon you and your agency to examine the facts surrounding HLA. Not to do so is a dereliction of your duties and a disservice to the children being subjected to HLA's "program."
Best Regards,
S***** * *****
