This is very interesting.
Let's get a few things straight. I appreciate the opportunity to address this.
I don't have a BOARD, never have. I do have a highly screened LISTSERVE that I sat up over two years ago with some very distinguished members- ex-parents, advocates, authors, and activists, some who have not had any direct contact with the industry at all; but who were interested in exploring and discussing the atrocities of "Teen Help Industry" in general. It is called Teen Help Activism. Hence, the reason Sue may have had an interest in what was happening there.
At the time of its inception, I knew very little about the industry, but wanted to understand more about the warped individuals who had seized control of my son and my rights. I had no idea there was an arm of WWASP refered to as Teen Help and never intended the list to be focused on WWASP. My son was in a non-WWASP facility- I used the term Teen Help to describe the entire industry, as many did and do. The idea for a listserve was hatched on the "We've Been There" message board, and is still posted there.
Jeff has been a member of that list from very early on, but at no time identified himself as a Pure representative. His membership to the list was approved by the other members. Several said he would definitely be an asset to the group and no one opposed. And honestly, when the day is done, I don't care if he is there. I have no private or hidden agenda. I wanted a private place to share information with others without being subjected to miserable pro-program messages that made their way onto every message board I had found. I didn't want to hear one more person tell me to relax, all was well, let the program work. Although Jeff never disclosed much about himself, he has shared some important information with others and has never once promoted or mentioned Pure. Under those conditions he is welcomed to remain a member, as the purpose of the listserve is to share information.
Over the months I did notice that all Jeff's post were pertaining to WWASP, but thought, of well, that's who his beef is with. I still support any effort he makes in the direction of exposing the truth about that particular program/conglomerate.
A number of other members of my listserve who will remain unnamed, post here regularly and absolutely know that I am anti-any program or ed con and have no affiliation with anyone. They are not anonomous posters and have no affiliation with anyone either.
As to Sue's comment that she had been in contact with me- IF she ever had any contact with me she either used an alias or did so via another person. I don't know who Donna H is?? I assume Sue was attempting to case me out to see if I was friend or foe, and APPREARS (according to this email) to have had Jeff keeping tabs on my listserve.
Oh well, I'm sure they all found out soon enough, as she states, that I was "all over the map, with an agenda that is not exactly clear". That's because there was NO AGENDA, but to share information, vent, and vision. She might have mentioned the lengthy discussion that occured regarding the creation of an alternative to the illegal incarceration of youth. Something along the lines of a free safe house for teens who were having problems with their parents. I'm sure that one blew her mind.
I obviously wasn't a candidate for the Pure camp, but Sue was apparently interested in any information that may have been shared on my LISTSERVE (not a board) which might serve her agenda.
There was a time, in dire desperation, that I emailed any and everyone who had any connection to the industry and appeared to be speaking the truth about it. I was seeking information, advice or referals to attorneys. I remember mailing Ginger, Wes, Barbe, Alexia, and others I've forgotten, and several attorneys- but never Lon or anyone else in the business of placing teens. I wanted help getting my son out, not in finding a placement. And I trusted no one who played any role in the industry. It could've happened that I stumbled onto her website in a search, but I feel certain I would not have sought advice from an Ed Con. If I did, I do not remember it and it would not have been more than a request and response, because we are absolutely not on the same page, in terms of what constitutes "helping" teens.
And, as I've said here before, aside from despising what she does for a living- I don't have any personal beef with her. What I know about her is what I have read here. If she instigated the class action, I really don't care. If it is successful, I will be pleased. If the entire industry goes down, even better still.
Deborah
