Interesting topic, regardless. At CEDU, they were well prepared. Whether a student was being sincere or manipulative in trying to escape a program, CEDU was more manipulative in making sure they were unsuccessful. Hence the locked up telephones and physical isolation. Actually, CEDU manipulated my parents into lying that I would be sent to lock up if I tried to escape. Even though I had never even shoplifted, let alone abused drugs or acted violently.
The ONLY way to get out of CEDU was to split, try to commit homicide, slit your wrists, or conspire to or commit arson. I, of course, was unwilling to do any except split. Which I did. I never even gave my parents a reason. I think the only reason my Dad allowed me home (because my Mom wanted me gone) was because he was not comfortable with the fact that CEDU would never allow him to express skepticism.
So, to answer your questions:
1. Claiming it was a mistake I was sent there
I only said this once because I learned quickly what happens when you question the program. And, I was mis-placed. But I also do not believe any one should be sent to a therapeutically and academically fraudulent facility
2. Saying I was innocent to everyone at the program.
I never claimed to be innocent of anything, but looking back, I was fairly innocent and certainly naive. I was honest about anything I did. But really, I didn't do anything horrible. I didn't go there because I did something horrible. I wonder if CEDU can say it was innocent to me? Because I'll bet you a million bucks if I asked a staff member that question they could not look me in the eye and say yes. In fact, I would love to meet any of them now, as an adult, when they have no power over me. No, not to threaten them, but just to meet on equal footing.
3. Claiming my parents were abusive to the program -
I never lied about my parents. I also never claimed they were abusive. I did not talk about them much because I discerned quite quickly that CEDU exploited all revelations and made no sincere effort to repair family dynamics. In fact, CEDU introduced my parents to lying to me. At least before CEDU, they were direct.
4. Writing to my parents that the program was abusive.
Impossible. CEDU censored all letters going out. My letters were totally Pollyanna - the hills are alive with the sound of music.
5. Threatening my parents if they didn't release me I'd harm myself
Nope - too melodramatic. And only undermines your own credibility.
6. Sending letters telling them I'd never forgive them
Nope. Although CEDU may have allowed this expression though... familial division worked for them.
7. Running
Yes, twice. Second time successful, thank God. This wasn't manipulative though. I just wanted to get the fuck out. Even my dad is glad I did that.
8. Harming myself
No. Again, melodramatic and would only serve to undermine my own credibility. And why would I want to hurt myself?
9. Threatening to not take my medication that I needed
During my time, CEDU did not espouse medications. I also wasn't on any. I am still not on any. In the '90s, CEDU figured out how medicating kids could work for them (CEDU)
10. Refusing to participate in the program
You did not refuse to participate unless you were begging for emotional terrorism. But I split when I realized that I would need to bully and terrorize others to level up. I made the decision to split after a propheet (24/7 "experiential) where it became obvious I did not batter people enough. I knew it would not be tolerated much longer, and the thought made me sick.
I am not a splitter by nature. At that time, I was passive and scared. I never ran away from home before. I just couldn't stomach what was happening.
