Friendly reminder.

[Anonymous]

CCM, no one has sugguested that children be put out on the streets to work for pimps, or that children should be drug pushers, or homeless.

But, by no means is sending any child to a program considered, "the luxury of attending some school."

YOU suggest that parents send their children to "schools that actually help."

WHY DON'T YOU list the names of these "schools that actually help?"  The schools that offer therapy, edication, adequate food, a safe, clean structure to live in,...and that has no history of abuse, neglect, or fraud.

LIST THESE SCHOOLS, OK?

[hanzomon4]

CCM, you mean well and I get your point. However troubled teen programs can be just as damaging as the street and in no way under current law can you reasonably say that program-x is "safer". Institutionalization in a punitive environment devoid of any independent, credible, and accountable oversight is a road to tragedy.
Many of the conditions listed on the parent questionnaire have no place in a punitive residential environment or any behavior "correction" based treatment. Trust me you can't cure depression by locking someone up.

It's also important to note that most abuse is not done out of malicious intent, in fact it's the opposite the "abusers" truly believe that they're doing the right thing... and thats dangerous. The common view and shallow labeling of youth behavior allows one to dismiss themselves from the thought of "tough love" being abuse. The teen in treatment is not a person, s/he is a "troubled teen"(LABEL) who needs to be "fixed" not understood.

 I'm not judging anyones approach to advocacy, I am saying that labeling any program as safe under current law is dangerous. The "troubled teen" is a valuable commodity in an unregulated industry that lacks adequate accountability. Traditional outpatient therapies exist for the parent who is willing to put in the  frustratingly long and hard work. We need to wake up and realize that what these programs promise is far from reality. You cannot beat someone into good mental health, thats not therapy. Parents dismiss traditional therapy because it will not promise them a magical fix. Traditional therapy promises difficult, time consuming, and frustrating work with no guarantee of a sure fix, but thats reality.

[Joyce Harris]

Kev, thank you for your response, and I have some comments..

I think the posters are directing their comments to your project; and are not attacking your character, or intentions.

You stated you wanted to keep "good schools" in front of parent's eyes "if they exist."
You questioning the existence of "good schools" is in direct conflict with your posting of two "schools" that you have already listed in your safety network: Magnolia Christian Center, and Stonesoup.
You are recommending these 2 facilities--so there should be no doubt in your mind that these facilities are what you consider to be safe.

The Referral Business is a lucrative, profitable industry.
Your statement that your referral business "is not a financial opportunity," simply rings hollow.

You state that your goals include "the ability to regulate" these facilities you will refer to.  This appears to be a far-reaching goal.
Licensing agencies, oversight committees, elected officials, advocate "watchdog" websites, have not done an adequate job in this area of "regulation."  In fact, most attempts at "regulation" have not kept children safe from abuse and neglect in these programs/facilities.

Children do need to be safe, and they do need services--no one denies that.  But:  just because a program/school IS NOT a WWASP facility--does not guarantee that the NON-WWASP facility is any safer.

Joyce

[Anonymous]

CCM, you mean well and I get your point. However troubled teen programs can be just as damaging as the street and in no way under current law can you reasonably say that program-x is "safer". Institutionalization in a punitive environment devoid of any independent, credible, and accountable oversight is a road to tragedy.
Many of the conditions listed on the parent questionnaire have no place in a punitive residential environment or any behavior "correction" based treatment. Trust me you can't cure depression by locking someone up.

It's also important to note that most abuse is not done out of malicious intent, in fact it's the opposite the "abusers" truly believe that they're doing the right thing... and thats dangerous. The common view and shallow labeling of youth behavior allows one to dismiss themselves from the thought of "tough love" being abuse. The teen in treatment is not a person, s/he is a "troubled teen"(LABEL) who needs to be "fixed" not understood.

 I'm not judging anyones approach to advocacy, I am saying that labeling any program as safe under current law is dangerous. The "troubled teen" is a valuable commodity in an unregulated industry that lacks adequate accountability. Traditional outpatient therapies exist for the parent who is willing to put in the  frustratingly long and hard work. We need to wake up and realize that what these programs promise is far from reality. You cannot beat someone into good mental health, thats not therapy. Parents dismiss traditional therapy because it will not promise them a magical fix. Traditional therapy promises difficult, time consuming, and frustrating work with no guarantee of a sure fix, but thats reality.

Well said.  In the rare instance that a child actually does need to be removed from the home, it should be a temporary and very briefstay in a hospital setting.  That's not what these places are about, as you well know CCMgirl.  Forcing someone to adopt a set of beliefs doesn't work, even if it's *for their own good*.

[Anonymous]

Taken from the Anti-wwasp website, TeenHelp.us

"Help For Parents of Struggling Teens"

WE have been reviewing these treatment options since 2002....
Please browse through OUR helpful Teen Help resources...
WE can help you make an informed decision....
We do our absolute best to point you in the right direction.
OUR programs are hand-selected...
We can work with you in pointing out what WE believe to be some of the most qualifed, safe, recognied schools.
WE'LL never do this to you!
WE understand it is your right .....
WE work closely with the schools WE refer to.
WE can contact an appropriate school for your child.
OUR preferred method of contact is.....

Question to Mr. August,  Who is the "we" that you refer to throughout this article on TeenHelp.us?
Do you have a staff?
Who is the "we" that you are working with in your referral project?

Question to Mr. August, WHY the lengthy, detailed DISCLAIMER if you are promising to screen, approve and even regulate each of the programs you place on your "safety network?"
Shouldn't you be willing to back up your promises without some DISCLAIMER; since you are assuring desperate parents that the programs are legit, licensed, accredited and safe?

[Anonymous]

TeensHelp.us Disclaimer Information
TeensHelp does not own, control, manage, nor direct any individuals or companies that provide these services. TeensHelp does not assume any liability or responsibility, implied or otherwise for said services, our admissions staff are neither Ed-Consultants nor trained professionals, we merely provide recommendations for services. Therefore, all liability or responsibility for any recommended services is assumed entirely by the service provider, as outlined in their individual enrollment agreements with the parent/sponsors. TeensHelp admissions personnel may receive a fee from the alternative placement option for referring a student to them. Certain sections of the web site may link to other websites or advertisements. Such external web addresses contain information created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of TeensHelp. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control those external Internet addresses and do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness, or correct sequencing of information located at such addresses. Use of any information obtained from such address is voluntary, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference therein to any specific counseling program or facility does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by TeensHelp.

So Teenshelp may receive a referral fee FROM the referred school.

Nope, no conflict of interest there.

 :roll:

[Anonymous]

Kev, thought you said you had no financial motive for your referral project.

Your own words keep proving you are not being honest in your posts.

[Anonymous]

In Mr. August's DISCLAIMER he says "personnel" of TeenHelp may received monetary payments for referring children to these programs.

WHO is this "personnel?"
WHO is the "we" he keeps referring to?

This doesn't seem to be a one-man-show.
Wonder who is helping this boy behind the scenes?

[Anonymous]

My account has been deleted so don't pm me.

I stated that money was not the issue, not that I wasn't going to be paid for providing something I consider to be a valuable service (once it's completed). I believe you should research the word "ad hominem". I don't believe the blame will stop no matter how much I am capable of providing, you are all clearly biased to any type of referral service which is unfortunate. I understand that years or months of dealing with people who clearly want nothing more than more money from families has taken it's toll on you all. I want to see change. I wish you could take a second and breath and realize what side I've been on for the last 2 years (making little or no money the entire time). I paid 160.00 for the first year of hosting for antiwwasp by myself with no regard for my own bank account because it mattered to me to make a difference and stand up for what I believe in. This is no different for me.

To make everyone feel that much better, no teen has yet been placed by this service as it isn't complete, and thus it would be considered again irresponsible behavior to do so. I've received information from parents already, was I blinded by $$ signs? No. I turned them down, unfortunately meaning they probably used a WWASP school already.

I just want to hear where you think the parents are going to turn once they leave antiwwasp.com? Are they going to seek help from the Aspen Group which is not much different from WWASP? No one answers my questions but I'm expected to answer yours.

If I don't do this it won't stop with me. Someone else with less regulation, less oversight, and less passion for helping people is going to spring up in my place. Teen help websites are some of the most sought after domain names I've ever encountered. I can't believe they missed the one I bought.

I have been in contact with several schools asking about placement to the list and I have not approved everyone. I am seeking different facets of placement. I have checked into options besides offering strictly boarding schools, there will also be strictly substance abuse facilities, and if I can manage it outpatient services like the ones mentioned by Hanzoman. Is anyone considering the fact that I wouldn't be here if I completely disregarded your opinions? Why do you not try something more productive like working with me. Clearly your opposition to this hasn't made me falter in wanting to proceed. The only thing you can do that will help the situation is to help me form the guidelines and responsibilites of members in this network. If you choose not to, I will simply do it by myself anyways because of the resolve I have to complete this project.

Maybe I haven't made it clear exactly what this will be. I want it to be well rounded, offering different solutions than the ones being offered and you are all spending way too much time picking apart every detail of the website, and it's not even close to completion. The ads up on those pages serve as placeholders for all concerned parties.

You might ask why put it up if it's not complete? To start to build name recognition, advancing search engine placement, as well as capitilizing on the extra advertising revenue which has already repaid the price of the domain name since purchasing it a week and a half ago.

As for the disclaimer. I'm not stupid. Why would I leave myself open to unnecessary lawsuits and legal opposition? Even if I stand behind teenshelp, it doesn't mean I'm going to neglect my responsibilities to protect myself.

I keep trying to quit here and I take the bait and come back to defend myself because I care about these teens. Not a minute goes by when I don't think about the kids still locked away in SCL. I try to spend a few minutes each day remembering what I went through, just for motivation. The result is that I still endure many nightmares. Just placing myself there in my conscious mind unleashes my unconscious mind in my sleep and often I have nightmares about being back in the facilities on a regular basis. If you think it's easy to endorse a school after being in one and then getting sh*t for it think again. I never could have foreseen the torrent of misplaced energy created by this affair. It's quite disheartening to see so many dedicated people devoted to what I perceive to be the same goals, cast away my work as you have, without trying to become more involved or take an active role in helping me form it.

Don't get me wrong, I understand your opposition to something new. It may be valid, we'll have to see what happens. I just hope that I can come back here in a few months with my results and show you all what I did BY MYSELF.

It should tell you something that although similar services are popping up all the time (http://www.insightpros.com/Alliances.html) I actually feel like coming here and putting up with being disrespected, just to gain more knowledge on how to create this service to help people. I suppose that is why you feel the need to attack me (or my service which is a direct product of me), because I am the only one making myself vulnerable.

[Anonymous]

So how much do these programs pay in kickbacks?

[Anonymous]

I turned them down, unfortunately meaning they probably used a WWASP school already.

After reading what's at anti-wwasp? They'd have to be demons.

I just want to hear where you think the parents are going to turn once they leave antiwwasp.com? Are they going to seek help from the Aspen Group which is not much different from WWASP? No one answers my questions but I'm expected to answer yours.

You want the the answer to that? That depends on where you send them. Send them to ISAC. Send them to fucking Fornits. Send them to me. Very few parents except the truly brainwashed or the truly insane are going to send their kids anywhere after reading this shit.

Then send them to Family Functional Therapy or other real therapies and keep them the fuck away from this industry.

Until you do that and get the hell out of the referral biz, you will be attacked by the anonymous army of the damned, as the next Sue Scheff. Bank on it.

[CCM girl 1989]

So how much do these programs pay in kickbacks?

Why? Are you interested? Why do you give a shit? Look, it's his time, and his energy that he'll be taking to fly around the country, and tour these facilities, to interview these students, and faculty?!!! He could work a 9 to 5 regular meaningless job and collect a paycheck for doing so. Instead he wants to do something he is passionate about, and if he makes money doing it, and he's making this world a better place, why do you give a rats ass?

I believe he has the best of intentions. He does know what to look for in these places since he was in them, as do I. If he does his research, and truely picks the best of schools that are out there, what's the harm? I don't see any of you doing it? Why is that? Oh that's right, you all work regular jobs, because you need to pay the bills, and don't have the time to do it, or the knowledge, or experience. When will you get it through your heads? PARENTS WILL SEND THERE KIDS AWAY REGARDLESS. Granted, some kids need it, some kids don't, and hopefully he can knock some sense into those parents whose kids problems can be worked out from home. Do you really think Kev is such a prick he would turn into the devil himself to sell kiddies off to these schools when they don't need it, just to make a buck? Keep in mind all these fuckers who own these schools, or even refer kids to these schools, have never spent one single day in one themselves?

Why wouldn't you trust Kev, or someone like me, that was in these type of places for years? I was in 3 different places for a total of 4 1/2 years, I do believe that counts for something.

BTW- I am not going into business with Kevin! For all of you out there chomping at the bit to start in on me. I am very happy in my current job, which I love because it involves helping people, and I do make a possitive difference in peoples lives, while making a healthy living. But, don't think for a second I haven't thought about the referral business. I have, I will not lie. But, not for the money factor, I like to be very passionate about my work (it makes it a little easier to get your ass outta bed at 4am in the morning). Don't get me wrong, I make a great living at what I do now, and it does involve very long hours. But, switching to this kind of business wouldn't be much of a change from what I already do! If you ran a top of the line referral agency, it involve a lot of long hours, much like my job does now. I wouldn't be sitting by the phone waiting for random schools to get on my approved list. I know this teen industry inside, and out, and I dare you to say any different. Kev has a pretty good idea, and if he does his homework, and does it well, then he's better then most of those referral jack asses out there. IMO.

I can hardly wait to see your responses! I'm sure they'll all be real positive LOL!!!!!

[Antigen]

You know it's so tempting Ginger to just get in the ring with you (to throw insults back and forth).

Yeah, why bother. After all, I'm just whack, remember?

[Antigen]

PARENTS WILL SEND THERE KIDS AWAY REGARDLESS.

They's gonna buy it from the next nigga anywayz!

[Anonymous]

CCM, lots could be said about you, a former WWASP student even considering the referral business; or it could be pointed out that Kevin does not have anything creditials that qualify him to be making placements in any program.

But, sort of like Ginger posted, why bother?

 I will say, that IMO,You are a fucking, heartless, self-centered bitch
who likes to hear herself talk!