DENVER, July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Schools that use a so-called "tough love" approach to help troubled teenagers have recently become the subject of sharp -- even sensational -- criticism. Now, these schools have decided to respond vigorously to their detractors and have hired Freeman Wall Public Relations, a Denver-based public relations firm, to do so.
These schools are members of an organization known as the World Wide Association of Specialty Schools and Programs (WWASPS), based in St. George, Utah. WWASPS'' mission and function is to offer support services to its eight independently owned and operated member schools for troubled teenagers in the U.S., Mexico and Jamaica, and -- until recently -- in Costa Rica.
In May, 2003 Costa Rican authorities caused the Academy at Dundee Ranch to close, after students were effectively "released" by local law enforcement officials. Student rioting and vandalism followed.
WWASPS and its affiliated schools have caught the attention of national and international media, especially in the aftermath of the Dundee Ranch fiasco. The New York Times initially dedicated a two-page feature on the story, followed by articles and stories in a number of national media outlets.
"This was a highly charged, dramatic story and many unsubstantiated rumors were given a voice. We decided we needed specialty advice and counsel from Freeman Wall Public Relations to help us get out the facts of our programs to the media and others in an even-handed way," said Ken Kay, WWASPS President.
"Our programs are controversial, there''s no doubt about it. However, hundreds of kids who have graduated from our school will attest to the fact that WWASPS schools put them on the path to a productive life," added Kay.
Said James Wall of Freeman Wall Public Relations: "We took on this project to start disseminating the truth and to try to make sure reporters and others are told the whole story."
"Youth rehabilitation programs are complex, emotionally-charged and can be open to misinformation. WWASPS-affiliate schools deal with young people who are on their way to a life of crime, violence, drugs and possible early death. This has to be borne in mind when looking at WWASPS schools and what they are trying to achieve."
For media inquiries related to WWASPS and its individual schools, please call James Wall or Tony Monterastelli at (303) 232-3870, or
jwall@freemanwall.com.
Freeman Wall Public Relations
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