Ridge Creek "School" - Serious Safety Issues/ORS Violation

[Troll Control]

It's interesting that although Len Buccellato is just now "officially" announcing "Ridge Creek School" (RCS is HLA for those of you who don't already know they just changed their name), RCS already has a sordid history of ORS violations including extreme violence, unreported incidents, police involvement, arrests, assaults, failure to follow treatment plans and a generalized underpinning of poor/unqualified staffing.

RCS has been hit with many serious ORS violations already and it sure looks like there will be plenty more to come.  Parents, beware Ed Cons promoting RCS and don't fall for RCS marketing spin.  They are already in serious trouble with watchdogs and they are reportedly colocated on a property where RCS principals also operate a privately run Georgia DOC juvenile lockup facility where convicted criminals are sent to do their time on a contract basis.  

This is a recipe for disaster for children who need legitimate help.

[Troll Control]

Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

R 0000 Opening Comments.
The purpose of this visit was to conduct an investigation into Ga., 77483.
R 0709 290-2-5-.07(d) Inspections and Investigations.
SS=D
Failure to Allow Access. Failure to allow access of the department's representative to the institution, its staff, or
the children receiving care at the institution or the books, records, papers, or other information related to initial or
continued licens
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on a requested record review and staff interview the agency failed to allow acces to the
institution's resident case records.
Findings include:
Upon a request by the surveyor to review the facility's residential case records on 1/26/2010 at
11:00 am, the surveyor was told by Staff A that the requested records were not accessible at the
time of the inspection due to the agency having technical difficulties with their electronic filing
system.
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 5:00 pm with Staff A revealed that their system " Best Note"
is down and that all information is stored there.
R 0840 290-2-5-.08(6) Staffing.
SS=D
Page 1 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

Staffing. The institution shall have sufficient numbers of qualified and trained staff as required by these rules to
provide for the needs, care, protection, and supervision of children. All staff and volunteers shall be supervised to
ensure that assigne
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
****Based on file review and staff interview the agency failed to provide for the needs, care,
protection, and supervision of children.
Findings include:
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 11:30 am with Resident #1 revealed that ( he/she recalls the
incident in question and it began when- on the day of the incident (1/9/2010),) all of the students
were in the Student Activity Center (SAC). Resident #1 stated that he/she was approached by
Resident #2 who inquired if he/she made a derogatory statement, referencing two other students
that are known by all of the students to be "a couple" and whom Resident #1 had written a racial
slur on the wall approximately a week prior. Resident #1 stated that as the confrontation
continued, a group of other students became involved . ( and the argument began to become
threatening.- delete) Resident #1 stated that during the argument, Resident #4 approached
him/her from behind and "punched him/her in the back of the head twice". Resident #1 reported
that Resident #4 was then restrained by staff? and that Resident #2 responded by becoming
irate and blocked the exit doorway that staff members were attempting to exit thru with Resident
#4. Resident #1 stated that he/she could hear the remaining students "plotting on how to hit
him/her" and then Resident #2 began to approach him/her, but "was restrained on the ground by
Staff B". Resident #1 reported that Resident #2 accompanied by Resident #3 began to fight Staff
B, punching and kicking the staff member in the face and torso area while the remaining group
of students attempted to bombard him/her. Resident #1 stated that he/she ran out of the
building, slipped on the ice covering the walkway, and fell into some shrubbery. Resident #1
stated that he/she could hear the other resident attempting to follow after him/her; however,
Resident #7 "blocked the exit way and instructed him/her to run" . Resident #1 stated that
he/she and another student left the area; however, he/she was soon stopped by a group of
residents who continued to strike him/her. The other students held them off while he/she locked
him/herself in a car until staff members arrived. The police responded shortly afterwards.
(Resident #1 stated that upon returning to his/her room, it was discovered that someone had
broken his/her electric guitar which he/she estimated to be worth four thousand dollars.- Pam
questioned the relevance. I thought you were trying to show that the residents were obviously
unsupervised at that time as well to have been able to destroy property in a bedroom, but she felt
the connection needed to be made more clear. You can either leave as is, delet or add more)
Page 2 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Result
Resident #1 stated that he/she received an injury to the eye when hit by Resident #4 and
scrapes/scratches from falling into the shrubs. Resident #1 reported that he/she recalls four staff
members on duty; however; one had gone to get lunch. Resident #1 stated that staff members
did not intervene during the onset of the altercation and only responded once he/she had been
struck by Resident #4.
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 12:00 pm with Resident #4 revealed that ( he/she recalls the
incident in question. Resident #4 stated that - delete ) on the day of the incident (1/9/2010),
Resident #1 was "being racist" and wrote derogatory statements using inappropriate language
in reference to ( African Americans- race ) . Resident #4 stated that while in the SAC, Resident #1
then verbalized derogatory statements using inappropriate language ( in reference to African
Americans- regarding race ) and that "a group of students got mad and beat Resident #1 up".
Resident #4 stated ("staff members- do we know which ones so that we can add their
non-identifiers? If not, leave as is) were attempting to contain the situation and deal with all of
the other students but that other students ultimately pulled ( him/her- use non identifier. unclear
if this is referring to staff or resident) away so that Resident #1 would not get beat up that bad".
Resident #4 stated that he/she recalls three to four staff members being present at the time of the
incident.
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 12:30 pm with Resident #5 revealed that he/she recalls the
1/9/2010 incident ( in question- delete) and that "all of the trouble started a few weeks ago when
Resident #1 wrote "a racial slur" on the bathroom wall and staff members did not give Resident
#1 a consequence for the act. Resident # 5 stated that specifically, the incident in question
began when the students were made aware that Resident #1 had made a ( verbal- delete) racial
slur when Resident #1 and #2 began to argue. Resident #5 reported that a group of students
attempted to "fight" Resident #1 and were "able to get a few hits in when Resident #1 ran out of
the building". Resident # 5 stated that he/she and a group of other residents attempted to follow,
however were stopped by Resident #7, who ultimately "restrained and then drug him/her back
into the building. " Is this where the end of quote goes?
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 1:00 pm with Resident #6 revealed that (he/she recalls the
incident in question. Resident #6 stated that on the day of the incident (1/9/2010), ( he/she-
Resident #6?) became involved in a conflict with Resident #1 upon gaining knowledge that
Resident # 1 wrote a derogatory statement ( towards African Americans- regarding race) on the
wall. Resident #6 stated, during this occurrence, he/she confronted Resident #1 about the act
and Resident #1 assured him/her that "nothing like that would happen again". Resident #6
stated that on the day of the incident in question, which was approximately a week later,
Page 3 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Result
Resident #1 verbalized a racial slur directed at two students of different races that are involved in
a relationship.
File review conducted on 3/30/2010 of the agency's incident report, dated 1/9/2010, revealed that
the incident occurred on 1/9/2010 at approximately 4:00 pm, when staff members heard an
argument going on in the movie room of the Student Activity Center (SAC). The report states that
Staff members B, C and D observed Resident #1 being confronted by Resident #2, #4, #5, and #6
in regards to "a racist comment that he/she made towards another student". The report states
that the students surrounded Resident #1 and that staff members "tried to defuse the situation"
when Resident #4 moved behind Resident
#1 and "began to repeatedly hit Resident #1 in the head". The report stated that Staff D placed
Resident #4 into a "double arm bar restraint" while Resident #1 was escorted by Staff members
B and C into the main room of the SAC. The report states that Staff C instructed Resident #1 to
leave and go to the dorm, but Resident #1 refused to comply. The report then states that
Resident #2 "jumped in front of" Resident #1 and stated that Resident #1 was not leaving.
Resident #2 then yelled to Resident #4, #5, and # 6 asking "do they have his/her back" and will
they participate in assaulting Resident #1. The report continues to describe various efforts
employed by Resident #2 to rally residents and instances in which the residents were
disobedient and disrespectful to staff members. Ultimately the report states that Staff B got
between Resident #1 and #2 and that Resident #2 "shoved Staff B and then slapped Resident
#1". The report states that Staff B then "escorted Resident #2 to the ground and that Staff C
grabbed his/her legs". The report states that while Staff B attempted "to get into the proper
seated double arm bar restraint, Resident #3 "ran up and repeatedly kicked Staff B in his/her face
causing his/her lips to split, nose to bleed, and bruising on the forehead". The report states that
"other students and Staff D pulled Resident #3 off of Staff B and that Staff C got up to help with
the restraint. The report then states that Resident #1 ran out of the front door of the SAC and that
Resident #4, #5, #6, and #8 followed after him/her. The report continues to state that Resident #2
attempted to follow and that ultimately Staff B "placed him/her in a standing double arm bar
restraint" when Resident #3 intervened and attempted to punch Staff B. The report states that
Staff B was able " to dodge the punch and that two other residents restrained Resident #3
"followed by Staff D". The report states that "outside of the dorm, Resident #1 was hit several
times in the face; his/her right eye was swollen the next day.
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 5:05 pm., with Staff A revealed that staff to client ratio at the
time of the incident was 6 staff members to 40 students. Staff A stated that he/she believes that
the number of staff members was suitable; however, he/she believes that staff members reaction
to the incident was inappropriate- was it indicated how so? If not, leave as is.). Staff A stated
Page 4 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

that additionally there was "one clinical worker on call that lived on campus and that he/she and
another staff member arrived on campus" after being notified of the incident.
R 0861 290-2-5-.08(7) Staffing.
SS=D
Reporting. Detailed written summary reports shall be made to the Department of Human Resources, Office of
Regulatory Services, Residential Child Care Unit via email or fax on the required incident intake information form
(IIIF) within 24 hours.
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on file review and staff interview , the agency failed to submit a detailed written summary
report to the Department of Human Resources, Office of Regulatory Services, Residential Child
Care Unit within 24 hours.
Findings include:
File review conducted on 1/26/2010 at 12:00 pm of the agency's incident report, dated 1/9/2010,
revealed that the local county sheriff's office was contacted regarding this incident and as a
result Resident #2 and #3 were arrested and detained. The agency did not make a report of the
incident to the Department of Human Resources, Office of Regulatory Services, Residential Child
Care Unit within 24 hours of its occurrence.
Interview conducted on 1/26/010 at 5:15 pm with Staff A revealed that the agency was not aware
that a report was required to be made to the department in connection to police involvement with
residents and that he/she was under the impression that charges had to have been filed by the
agency.
R 0862 290-2-5-.08(7)(a-g) Staffing.
Page 5 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

SS=D
This [detailed written summary] report shall be made regarding serious occurrences involving children in care,
including but not limited to:
(a) Accidents or injuries requiring medical treatment and/or hospitalization;
(b) Death;
(c) Suicide attempts;
(
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on file review and staff interview, the agency failed to submit a detailed written summary
report regarding serious occurrences involving children in care.
Findings include:
File review conducted on 1/26/2010 at 12:00 pm of the agency's incident report, dated 1/9/2010,
revealed that the local county sheriff's office was contacted regarding this incident and as a
result Resident #2 and #3 were arrested and detained. The agency did not submit a detailed
written summary report regarding serious occurrences involving children in care.
Interview conducted on 1/26/010 at 5:15 pm with Staff A revealed that the agency was not aware
that a report was required to be made to the department in connection to police involvement with
residents and that he/she was under the impression that charges had to have been filed by the
agency.
R 1413 290-2-5-.14(1)(d) Behavior Management.
SS=D
Residents shall not be permitted to participate in the behavior management of other residents or to discipline other
residents, except as part of an organized therapeutic self-governing program in accordance with accepted
standards of practice that is con
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on file review and staff interview, residents were allowed to participate in the behavior
management of other residents.
Page 6 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
Findings include:
File review conducted on 3/30/2010 of the agency's incident report, dated 1/9/2010, revealed that
the incident occurred on 1/9/2010 at approximately 4:00 pm, when staff members heard an
argument going on in the movie room of the Student Activity Center (SAC). The report states that
Staff members B, C and D observed Resident #1 being confronted by Resident #2, #4, #5, and #6
in regards to "a racist comment that he/she made towards another student". The report states
that the students surrounded Resident #1 and that staff members "tried to defuse the situation"
when Resident #4 moved behind Resident #1and "began to repeatedly hit Resident #1 in the
head". The report stated that Staff D placed Resident #4 into a "double arm bar restraint" while
Resident #1 was escorted by Staff members B and C into the main room of the SAC. The report
states that Staff C instructed Resident #1 to leave and go to the dorm, but Resident #1 refused to
comply. The report then states that Resident #2 "jumped in front of" Resident #1 and stated that
Resident #1 was not leaving. Resident #2 then yelled to Resident #4, #5, and # 6 asking "do
they have his/her back" and will they participate in assaulting Resident #1. The report
continues to describe various efforts employed by Resident #2 to rally residents and instances in
which the residents were disobedient and disrespectful to staff members. Ultimately the report
states that Staff B got between Resident #1 and #2 and that Resident #2 "shoved Staff B and
then slapped Resident #1". The report states that Staff B then "escorted Resident #2 to the
ground and that Staff C grabbed his/her legs". The report states that while Staff B attempted "to
get into the proper seated double arm bar restraint, Resident #3 "ran up and repeatedly kicked
Staff B in his/her face causing his/her lips to split, nose to bleed, and bruising on the forehead".
The report states that "other students and Staff D pulled Resident #3 off of Staff B and that Staff
C got up to help with the restraint. The report then states that Resident #1 ran out of the front
door of the SAC and that Resident #4, #5, #6, and #8 followed after him/her. The report continues
to state that Resident #2 attempted to follow and that ultimately Staff B "placed him/her in a
standing double arm bar restraint" when Resident #3 intervened and attempted to punch Staff B.
The report states that Staff B was able " to dodge the punch and that two other residents
restrained Resident #3 "followed by Staff D". The report states that "outside of the dorm,
Resident #1 was hit several times in the face; his/her right eye was swollen the next day.
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 5:30 pm with Staff A revealed that he/she acknowledges that
"students were involved in the behavior managment of other students; however, maintains that
the agency does not allow students to participate in the behavioral management of other
students."
Page 7 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
R 1420 290-2-5-.14(2)(c)2. Emergency Safety Interventions.
SS=D
Emergency safety interventions policies and procedures shall include: ...
2. Provisions for the documentation of each use of an emergency safety intervention including:
(i) Date and a description of the precipitating incident;
(ii) Description of the
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on file review and staff interview the agency failed to document provisions for the
documentation of each use of an emergency safety intervention.
Findings include:
A file review conducted of the agency's incident report, dated 1/9/2010, indicated that emergency
safety interventions were carried out on several residents; however, there was no provision for
the documentation (on the provisions - delete) for each use.
File review conducted on 3/30/2010 of the agency's incident report, dated 1/9/2010, revealed that
the incident occurred on 1/9/2010 at approximately 4:00 pm, when staff members heard an
argument going on in the movie room of the Student Activity Center (SAC). The report states that
Staff members B, C and D observed Resident #1 being confronted by Resident #2, #4, #5, and #6
in regards to "a racist comment that he/she made towards another student". The report states
that the students surrounded Resident #1 and that staff members "tried to defuse the situation"
when Resident #4 moved behind Resident #1 and "began to repeatedly hit Resident #1 in the
head". The report stated that Staff D placed Resident #4 into a "double arm bar restraint" while
Resident #1 was escorted by Staff members B and C into the main room of the SAC. The report
states that Staff C instructed Resident #1 to leave and go to the dorm, but Resident #1 refused to
comply. The report then states that Resident #2 "jumped in front of" Resident #1 and stated that
Resident #1 was not leaving. Resident #2 then yelled to Resident #4, #5, and # 6 asking "do they
have his/her back" and will they participate in assaulting Resident #1. The report continues to
describe various efforts employed by Resident #2 to rally residents and instances in which the
Page 8 of 9
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
1/26/2010
3/30/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC- MOUNTAIN BROOK ACADEMY
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

residents were disobedient and disrespectful to staff members. Ultimately the report states that
Staff B got between Resident #1 and #2 and that Resident #2 "shoved Staff B and then slapped
Resident #1". The report states that Staff B then "escorted Resident #2 to the ground and that
Staff C grabbed his/her legs". The report states that while Staff B attempted "to get into the
proper seated double arm bar restraint, Resident #3 "ran up and repeatedly kicked Staff B in
his/her face causing his/her lips to split, nose to bleed, and bruising on the forehead". The report
states that "other students and Staff D pulled Resident #3 off of Staff B and that Staff C got up to
help with the restraint. The report then states that Resident #1 ran out of the front door of the
SAC and that Resident #4, #5, #6, and #8 followed after him/her. The report continues to state
that Resident #2 attempted to follow and that ultimately Staff B "placed him/her in a standing
double arm bar restraint" when Resident #3 intervened and attempted to punch Staff B. The
report states that Staff B was able " to dodge the punch and that two other residents restrained
Resident #3 "followed by Staff D". The report states that "outside of the dorm, Resident #1 was
hit several times in the face; his/her right eye was swollen the next day.
Interview conducted on 1/26/2010 at 5:35 pm with Staff A revealed that he/she acknowledges that
there was no documentation of the identified emergency safety interventions described.
R 9999 Closing Comments.
This visit was concluded with an exit conference. A preliminary inspection report was submitted
to the agency on 4/12/2010. A plan of correction is due ten days after receipt of the survey.
Page 9 of 9
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

R 0000 Opening Comments.
The purpose of this survey is to conduct an investigation for self reported incident #GA00083346.
R 0840 290-2-5-.08(6) Staffing.
SS=G
Staffing. The institution shall have sufficient numbers of qualified and trained staff as required by these rules to
provide for the needs, care, protection, and supervision of children. All staff and volunteers shall be supervised to
ensure that assigne
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
****Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to have sufficient numbers of
trained staff to provide for the protection of children in care.
Findings include
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #1's incident report, dated 6/10/2010, revealed that at
9:15 pm, Staff A went into Resident #1's room to talk with him/her about some issues Resident #1
has been struggling with throughout the day. This report indicated that Resident #1 was sitting at
the computer with another resident and Staff A began questioning Resident #1. This report stated
that at this time Resident #1 picked up the computer and threw it against the wall. The report
indicated that Resident #1 then proceeded to pick up his/her chair and broke the glass window.
This report revealed that Staff A proceeded to direct Resident #1 outside to where he/she could
calm down and regain his/her thoughts. The report then stated that Resident #1 said he/she was
not going outside until he/she dealt with something first. The report went on to state that
Resident #1 got up and ran to a room where Resident #2 was located, which was down the hall in
this dorm. This report stated that Resident #1 and #2 began fighting. According to this report
other residents began to jump in by punching and kicking Resident #1. Staff A wrote that other
staff attempted to break up the fight and was assisted by Staff B.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Staff A's training, revealed that on April 28-30, 2010 he/she
received full certification in Therapeutic Aggression Control Techniques-2 (TACT-2). Staff A's
date of hire was 3/15/2010.
Page 1 of 11
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Staff B's training, revealed that on April 28-30, 2010, he/she
received verbal certification on TACT 2. Staff B's date of hire was 1/29/2010.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Staff C's file, revealed that he/she has not been trained on any
emergency safety interventions. Staff C's date of hire was 6/1/2010.
Interview with Staff D was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:46 pm. Staff D stated that Staff B did
complete the full TACT-2 training, but received verbal certification because she/he has a smaller
stature than the residents.
Interview with Staff A was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 2:15 pm. Staff A reported that the incident
happened on 6/10/2010. Staff A said he/she was coming in the dorms around 9:15 pm and was
going to follow up with Resident #1 as he/she requested earlier for another issue. Staff A
reported that Resident #1 was sitting at his/her computer and talking with another resident. Staff
A said Resident #1 was crying and picked up the computer and pushed it away. Staff A said
he/she offered to speak with Resident #1, but Resident #1 refused. Staff A said Resident #1 then
picked up a chair and said "not until I finish some business." Staff A said Resident #1 then threw
the chair against the window causing it to shatter. Staff A went on to state that Resident #1 ran
out of his/her room towards Resident #2's room. Staff A said Resident #1 was screaming and
running causing residents to look. Staff A said when he/she got to the room there was Resident
#1 and #2. Staff A said he/she arrived in the room the same time Resident #3 and #4 entered. Staff
A reported that there was a split second where it was just Resident #1 and #2 alone in the room,
so he/she was able to pull Resident #2 to the side. Staff A said Resident #1 was on the floor when
Resident #3 and #4 started kicking Resident #1. Staff A then stated that he/she was trying to
cover Resident #1 and deflect as many of the kicks as possible. Staff A said about 10 seconds
after he/she arrived in the room, Staff C entered; however, Staff C wasn't able to assist as much
because he/she was not trained in emergency safety interventions. Staff A said Resident #1
received about 10-15 kicks to the face and blood was everywhere. Staff A then reported that
Resident #3 pushed Staff C to the side. Staff A recalled that Staff B came in the room right after
Staff C. Staff A stated that Resident #4 pushed Staff B through a crowd of residents that were
outside the room blocking the entrance. Staff A then reported that Staff B was able to get back up
and restrain Resident #4. Staff A said when Resident #4 was restrained, he/she could be heard
and got the residents to leave the area. Staff A said Staff B was able to get the aggressors out of
the room. Staff A said he/she walked Resident #1 out of the room and and took Resident #1 to
the emergency room with Staff B. Staff A stated that Staff C was on his/her second day of work,
so he/she was trying to get the residents away, but did not restrain anyone. Staff A indicated that
Resident #1 had a broken nose, 2 chipped teeth, but no concussion. Staff A recalled that there
Page 2 of 11
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and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
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7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
were about 15 residents present in the doorway at the time of the incident. Staff A reported that at
the time of the incident there were 29 residents total, including the ones that were fighting, and
three staff members on duty for that dorm.
Interview with Resident #1 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 2:42 pm. Resident #1 reported that at
the beginning of the day he/she had a fight with another resident that day, who was later picked
on by Resident #5. Resident #1 said she/he told his/her counselor about the issue and the
counselor spoke with Resident #5. Resident #1 said later that day Resident #2 came to his/her
room and threatened him/her. Resident #1 said he/she got angry and ran down the hall to
Resident #2's room. Resident #1 said they started fighting and all he/she can remember is being
attacked by others. Resident #1 said Staff A was trying to keep Resident #2 off of him/her, while
Staff B was trying to enter the room. Resident #1 stated that some residents blocking the door.
Resident #1 said residents were hitting him/her. Resident #1 said he/she went to the hospital and
was diagnosed with a broken nose and swelling. Resident #1 said Staff A and B took him/her to
the emergency room. Resident #1 said he/she blacked out a little when he/she was hit to the
head. Resident #1 reported that staff knew he/she was getting angry throughout the day, but Staff
A did what he/she could. Resident #1 said he/she told his/her counselor that day that he/she was
being antagonized by Resident #5. Resident #1 said he/she thinks that Staff A knew about the
problems he/she was having and that's why Staff A came to the room to talk. Resident #1 said
Staff C didn't get in the room, but Staff B was trying to keep people out of the room.
Interview with Staff C was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:00 pm. Staff C said on June 10th, he/she
noticed something was going on when Resident #1 broke a window. Staff C said Staff A was with
Resident #1. Staff C said he/she was floating around the dorms when he/she heard yelling. Staff
C said Resident #2 was in the hallway when Resident #1 made it into Resident #2's room. Staff C
said it was a "mad rush" between residents and staff going to the room. Staff C said when he/she
made it in the room, he/she saw Resident #2, #3, and #4 beating on Resident #1. Staff C stated
that he/she grabbed the shoulder of Resident #3 while Staff A was shielding Resident #1. Staff C
said Resident #3 was able to break free and kick Resident #1. Staff C said Staff B came in the
room after having some trouble entering due to residents blocking the doorway. Staff C said Staff
B was able to get Resident #4 to leave the room. Staff C said he/she didn't know the cause of the
fight and did not know there was tension going on that day. Staff C said he/she was with a group
of residents earlier that day when Resident #1 accidentally hit one of the residents with a stick.
Staff C said he/she was told later that this was the cause of the tension throughout the day. Staff
C recalled that there were approximately 27-30 residents present on the day of the incident and
there were 4 staff members assigned to that dorm. Staff C said he/she is not sure if all four staff
members were present, but one could have been administering medication at that time.
Page 3 of 11
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and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
Interview with Resident #2 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:15 pm. Resident #2 stated that
he/she doesn't feel like staff did their job, because it took staff 5 minutes to intervene with the
fight. Resident #2 reported that Resident #1 started the fight by coming after him/her. Resident #2
said Resident #1 charged at him/her and there was no staff around. Resident #2 said Resident #1
struck first and he/she doesn't remember what happened next. Resident #2 said he/she doesn't
remember how the fight ended because he/she "pretty much blacked out."
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. Resident #4 did report that
staff could have done more because they knew Resident #1 was "heated" that day, but they just
let everything unfold.
Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that the
day of the incident his/her roommate, Resident #5, came to him/her and said he/she was afraid
that Resident #1 would kill him/her. Resident #3 said later that night he/she and Resident #2
asked Resident #1 why was he/she threatening Resident #5. Resident #3 said he/she was in
Resident #4's room when he/she heard a crash and screaming. Resident #3 said he/she saw
Resident #1 run by the room. Resident #3 said someone said that Resident #1 just broke a
window and was trying to attack Resident #2. Resident #3 said Resident #2 is one of his/her best
friends and he/she thought about Resident #1's threats to others. Resident #3 said he/she was
afraid that Resident #1 would injure Resident #2. Resident #1 said he/she was thinking that
Resident #1 had a piece of glass from the broken window. Resident #3 then admitted that he/she
pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and hit him/her.
Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple times. Resident #3 said staff
intervened when Resident #1 was on the floor knocked out. Resident #3 said Staff B was
watching at the door, and Staff C had his/her arm around Resident #3's body. Resident #3 said
his/her arms were by his/her side in the hold by Staff C. Resident #3 indicated he/she stopped
fighting at that point. Resident #3 said it could have been prevented because staff knew Resident
#1 was angry that day. Resident #3 said the counselor talked with Resident #5 and told him/her
that Resident #1 threatened to kill him/her. Resident #3 said he/she is not sure how many staff
members were present this day or how long it took Staff A to enter the room.
Interview with Staff B was conducted on 6/29/2010 at 2:50 pm. Staff B reported that all day there
were rumors about Resident #1 wanting to beat up Resident #5 and that Resident #5's friends
went into Resident #1's room and asked why he/she was threatening Resident #5. Staff B
reported that Resident #1 got angry and Staff A tried to speak with Resident #1. Staff B indicated
that Resident #1 threw a chair at the window and Staff B was standing in the doorway. Staff B
Page 4 of 11
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and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

said Resident #1 then came out of the room forcefully and pointed at Resident #2. Staff B
indicated that Resident #1 and #2 went into the room and Staff A and B ran down the hallway
after them. Staff B said the other residents were there and Staff B stood over Resident #1. Staff B
reported that Resident #3 and #4 were in the room kicking Resident #1. Staff B said she/he went
behind Resident #4 and took him/her by the arm. Staff B said Resident #4 left the room. Staff B
said she/he doesn't know what Staff C was doing because everything happened so quickly. Staff
B said she/he doesn't think that Staff C physically restrained anyone. Staff B said she/he did not
use a TACT2 restraint, she/he just took Resident #4 by the arm to escort out the room. Staff B
said Resident #4 wasn't fighting back. Staff B said Resident #4 was the only one she/he
physically touched. Staff B reported that Resident #4 is his/her size and has a good rapport with
him/her, so it was easier to get Resident #4 out of the room. Staff B said Resident #3 followed
and then Resident #2 exited the room. Staff B said Staff A got Resident #1 out of the room. Staff B
indicated that there were about 35 residents total in the dorm this day. Staff B said there were 3
staff members in the room. Staff B said one staff member was administering medication with
about 10 other residents. Staff B said 2 hours before the actual fight, a resident approached a
counselor and said it might be a fight and Resident #1 should be monitored. Staff B said Resident
#1's counselor told the leader of the reflections group (where Resident #1 was located at the
time). Staff B said the group leader sent Resident #5 off campus to keep his/her separated from
Resident #1. Staff B reported that Staff A was waiting to speak with Resident #1 after the
reflections group. Staff B reported that Resident #1 was supervised close that day, but by the
time he/she got into the dorms he/she was beyond calming. Staff B reiterated that one staff
member was dispensing medication at the time of the fight and one staff member was monitoring
the residents that were waiting for medication. Staff B said she/he did not have to physically
restrain anyone. Staff B stated that the ratio is typically 4 staff to 30 residents, but sometimes
there are just 3 staff members. Staff B said as far as she/he knew, staff was talking about
monitoring Resident #1 that day. Staff B said she/he was standing in the doorway of the room
when Resident #1 came out forcefully, but due to the size difference, she/he moved and could
only follow Resident #1. Staff B said the incident happened fast and the residents moved toward
the room quickly. Staff B said the residents wouldn't move and hs/he had to push his/her way
through the door to enter the room. Staff B said the fight started about 30 seconds before she/he
entered the room.
Page 5 of 11
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Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Result
R 1003 290-2-5-.10(b) Assessment and Planning.
SS=C
A service and room, board and watchful oversight plan shall be developed by the child's Human Services
Professional in concert with the child's primary Child Care Worker, meaning the worker who has responsibility for
supervision of the child in the living
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to have completed Service, Room,
Board, and Watchful Oversight plans to include activities to be followed by staff in pursuit of
stated goals and objectives for two of four plans reviewed.
Findings Include
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #1's Individual Service Plan, dated 5/11/2010,
revealed that the plan did not include activities to be followed by staff in pursuit of stated goals
and objectives. Resident #1 was admitted nearly two months ago.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #4's Individual Service Plan, dated 2/11/2010,
revealed that the plan did not include activities to be followed by staff in pursuit of stated goals
and objectives. Resident #4 was admitted nine months ago.
During interview with Staff D on 6/28/2010 at 4:56 pm, he/she acknowledged the findings.
This rule was previously cited on 12/10/2009 and 12/3/2008.
Page 6 of 11
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Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

R 1011 290-2-5-.10(d) Assessment and Planning.
SS=F
The service and room, board and watchful oversight plan shall be updated by the Human Services Professional at
a minimum of every six months and pertinent progress notes and data shall be incorporated in the plan to
measure attainment of stated goals and
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
****Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that the Service
Room, Board, and Watchful Oversight Plan is updated by the Human Services Professional at a
minimum of every six months for one of four files reviewed.
Findings Include
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #2's individual Service Plan, dated 10/30/2009,
revealed that the plan is outdated. Resident #2 was admitted over eight months ago.
During interview with Staff D on 7/16/2010 at 2:42 pm, he/she acknowledged the findings after
he/she checked the agency's data base for the current plan.
This rule was previously cited on 12/10/2009 and 12/3/2008.
R 1402 290-2-5-.14(1)(b)2. Behavior Management.
SS=D
Such Behavior management policies and procedures shall incorporate the following minimum requirements: ...
Page 7 of 11
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Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

2. Behavior management shall be limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
service plan pursuant to Rule
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that behavior
management is limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
Room, Board, and Watchful Oversight Plan and in accordance with the prohibitions as specified
in the rules and regulations.
Findings Include
Interview with Resident #2 was conducted on 6/2820/2010 at 3:15 pm. Resident #2 said he/she
doesn't remember what happened during the incident, but he/she knows that he/she was in a
fight. When asked if he/she received a consequence for fighting, Resident #2 indicated that staff
sent him/her to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #2's Individual Service Plan, dated 10/30/2009, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said first staff
spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on campus. It consists of a tavern and
the residents sleep on wooden boards.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #4's Individual Service Plan, dated 2/11/10, did not
reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, Resident #5 came to him/her and said he/she was afraid that Resident #1 would kill
him/her. Resident #3 said later that night he/she and Resident #2 asked Resident #1 why was
he/she threatening Resident #5. Resident #3 said he/she was in Resident #4's room when he/she
heard a crash and screaming. Resident #3 said he/she saw Resident #1 run by the room.
Resident #3 said someone said that Resident #1 just broke a window and was trying to attack
Page 8 of 11
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
Resident #2. Resident #3 said Resident #2 is one of his/her best friends and he/she thought about
Resident #1's problems and remembered Resident #1 threatened others. Resident #3 said he/she
was afraid that Resident #1 would injure Resident #2. Resident #1 said he/she was thinking that
Resident #1 had a piece of glass from the broken window. Resident #3 then admitted that he/she
pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and hit him/her.
Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple times. Resident #3 said he/she
was sent to the wilderness intervention program and slept on a flat sheet of wood. Resident #3
said he/she was in the wilderness intervention program for 1 week.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #3's Individualized Service Plan, dated 4/1/2010, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be utilized as a behavioral
management method.
During interview with Staff D on 6/28/2010 at 3:46 pm, Surveyor asked about the wilderness
intervention program. Staff D reported that wilderness intervention is used as a behavior
management technique.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Intervention Curriculum, revealed a
form labeled "Odds and Ends". This form states the following: "Students are responsible for
maintaining their gear, equipment, and personal hygiene. If students break, lose, or do not
maintain equipment--they may have to do without (Stay within policies and procedures, and
safety). Keep wilderness student off main campus. No student is allowed in the shelter until
completion of Solo." This form also indicates that tents are utilized.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes: extra sleeping pad, pillows. The
schedule dated May 3, 2010 indicates the following: "solo starts at 9:00 pm, students can only
communicate with staff, journal about life goals, and objectives."
Cross reference Tag 840
Page 9 of 11
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Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Result
R 1808 290-2-5-.18(2)(c) Physical Plant and Safety.
SS=D
Each child shall be provided his or her own personal bed and mattress that is no shorter than the child's height
and at least thirty inches wide. Clean sheets, pillows and pillow cases, blankets or bed covering shall be provided
and sheets and pillow case
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that each child shall be
provided his/her own personal bed and mattress with pillows, blankets or bed covering.
Findings Include
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes extra sleeping pad and pillows.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said that first
staff spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on the campus. It consists of a tavern
and the residents sleep on wooden boards.
Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, he/she pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and
hit him/her. Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple times. Resident #3
said he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program as his/her consequence and slept
on a flat sheet of wood. Resident #3 said he/she was in the wilderness intervention program for 1
week.
R 9999 Closing Comments.
Page 10 of 11
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and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results

An exit conference was conducted onsite. There was one rule violation related to self reported
incident #GA00083346. There were four rule violations found during the investigation. The
preliminary report was mailed on 7/12/2010. The plan of correction is due ten days after the
receipt of this report.
Page 11 of 11
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[RobertBruce]

It's interesting that although Len Buccellato is just now "officially" announcing "Ridge Creek School" (RCS is HLA for those of you who don't already know they just changed their name), RCS already has a sordid history of ORS violations including extreme violence, unreported incidents, police involvement, arrests, assaults, failure to follow treatment plans and a generalized underpinning of poor/unqualified staffing.

RCS has been hit with many serious ORS violations already and it sure looks like there will be plenty more to come.  Parents, beware Ed Cons promoting RCS and don't fall for RCS marketing spin.  They are already in serious trouble with watchdogs and they are reportedly colocated on a property where RCS principals also operate a privately run Georgia DOC juvenile lockup facility where convicted criminals are sent to do their time on a contract basis.  

This is a recipe for disaster for children who need legitimate help.

I know DJ, it is just horrible to read about how inner city kids are beating up on one another.
Grow the fuck up.

So Danny, because they're inner city kids, you don't feel they deserve any help?

[scroft]

Just for clarification sake for those of you who don't actually have the insight that I do, the majority of the students at RCS are actually NOT inner city. Another point is that my daughter attended that school and luckily we were able to get her out of there. All of this is true, as well as incident in Dec. with my daughter, where she was severely beaten, at the same time as a counselor. Gues who had to pay the medical expenses ? I did, because the privacy rights, of the other student had to be protected, as well as even though inadequate staffing allowed for this to occur, RCS did not pay.
Two points : 1) after reading these posts I definitely am pursuing legal action. 2) This school needs to be shut down immediately.
The kids are running that place. Nearly all the kids are having sex in the dorms, in the bathrooms at the SAC, in the bathrooms in the "school" bldg, everywhere !
Poor education, unqualified staff, abuse and many other incidents.

Some families are selling their homes and spending life savings to send their children there. Obviously filing complaints does not work. I also have reason to believe drug trafficking as I have filed complaints on this already. Complete mismanagement of medication, unmarked bottles, little baggies of drugs and no original prescriptions to be found. I gladly will provide more information on the specifics of the numerous incidents at RCS. All the children's health and safety are in danger there. Due to confidentiality, I have no contact information for any other parents, but to hope that they google and find this site.

Nov 2009 to May 31, 2010 my daughter was at that "school". I am now paying for counseling for her to be treated for the trauma received from that school, in addition to the issues that were present prior to her attending.

Having met many of the parents, during this time, they are most definitely not inner city. It is a sad situation. I do hope that this school gets shut down as soon as possible, and hopefully can refund me some of my money to put towards continued care now. Any attorney's please feel free to send me your information. So far the two I have seen are in LA and TX. I am in Nashville, TN.

[Troll Control]

Just for clarification sake for those of you who don't actually have the insight that I do, the majority of the students at RCS are actually NOT inner city. Another point is that my daughter attended that school and luckily we were able to get her out of there. All of this is true, as well as incident in Dec. with my daughter, where she was severely beaten, at the same time as a counselor. Gues who had to pay the medical expenses ? I did, because the privacy rights, of the other student had to be protected, as well as even though inadequate staffing allowed for this to occur, RCS did not pay.
Two points : 1) after reading these posts I definitely am pursuing legal action. 2) This school needs to be shut down immediately.
The kids are running that place. Nearly all the kids are having sex in the dorms, in the bathrooms at the SAC, in the bathrooms in the "school" bldg, everywhere !
Poor education, unqualified staff, abuse and many other incidents.

Some families are selling their homes and spending life savings to send their children there. Obviously filing complaints does not work. I also have reason to believe drug trafficking as I have filed complaints on this already. Complete mismanagement of medication, unmarked bottles, little baggies of drugs and no original prescriptions to be found. I gladly will provide more information on the specifics of the numerous incidents at RCS. All the children's health and safety are in danger there. Due to confidentiality, I have no contact information for any other parents, but to hope that they google and find this site.

Nov 2009 to May 31, 2010 my daughter was at that "school". I am now paying for counseling for her to be treated for the trauma received from that school, in addition to the issues that were present prior to her attending.

Having met many of the parents, during this time, they are most definitely not inner city. It is a sad situation. I do hope that this school gets shut down as soon as possible, and hopefully can refund me some of my money to put towards continued care now. Any attorney's please feel free to send me your information. So far the two I have seen are in LA and TX. I am in Nashville, TN.

Hello, scroft.  Thank you for posting your experience at RCS.  It is indeed dangerous and violent.  Len Buccellato has run other facilites the same way - uneducated staff, phony degrees, no treatment plans, violent kids, sexual predators, etc, etc, etc.  This is no surprise to anyone here.  We've all seen it before when RCS was called "Hidden Lake Academy" and amassed over 1600 pages of ORS violations, but due to cozy relationships between "regulators" and Buccellato, HLA never faced any consequences for their mammoth violations.  It appears RCS is now getting the same free pass from ORS.

Of course, all of us who know about RCS know it is not populated with "inner city kids," but rather "upper and middle class suburban kids."  There are several "pro-program" trolls here who will do and say quite literally anything to spin abusive shitholes like RCS as "gentle" and "effective" and to paint all of you parents who were snookered and had their kids hurt, maimed, raped or killed as "disgruntled by the expense of the program."  Keep that in mind when you see posters like "DannyB II" and "Whooter" posting.

If I were you I'd call Phil Elberg immediately and get the ball rolling with an attorney who knows how these places operate and has won several big cases against programs like RCS.  He's an attorney out of NJ, which is kinda far for you, but he's by far the best.

In the meantime, please post your experiences here in detail to warn others and attract co-litigants.  People here will be happy to help with your research and uncover similar cases.

Again, thanks for posting your experience and I look forward to hearing more about it.

[Troll Control]

Complete mismanagement of medication, unmarked bottles, little baggies of drugs and no original prescriptions to be found. I gladly will provide more information on the specifics of the numerous incidents at RCS. All the children's health and safety are in danger there.

I was wondering, did you file complaints to ORS directly?  If not, please do so and if they fail to act on your complaint they can become a target of future lawsuits as well.  There are already a lot of people ready to sue ORS based on their HLA experiences, and you seem to have a great case based on injury to your daughter when the violence and lack of staff had already been reported to ORS who did not act as the law requires.

[Troll Control]

See what I mean, scroft?  He's going to be making up "quotes" of you soon, too.  Of course, what he posts isn't vested in reality.

Please don't let this troll discourage you from posting your experiences.

scroft, please also be aware that this person trolling me works for the same type of program as RCS (Aspen Education) and at one time admitted to brokering a deal between HLA and Aspen Education for Aspen to buy the then-floundering HLA.  

This is how their employees behave.  Imagine what they do to kids behind closed doors?  How they fabricate "treatment records" and "incident reports"?  This type of person is caring for your kids right now at RCS, parents.  Think about it.

Please check your PMs if you haven't already.  Information on how to proceed legally against RCS has been sent to you.  A few other parents would like to help you and receive your assistance as well.  Good luck.

[Jill Ryan]

Is there any way to stay on topic and not allow this thread, like other threads, to be derailed.

If any parent wishes to file a suit against Ridge Creek, please keep in mind the State and the Federal government  is well-aware of Ridge Creek, formerly HLA.  Although Georgia's agencies enjoy immunity, it is penetrable where negligence, ignoring their fiduciary responsibility, and corruption can be proven.  There is a track record with Georgia's oversight agencies, discrepencies with reports of incidents, ORS, LCSO, etc. it is not good.  In 2007, Keith Bostick, then of Georiga's ORS, now under DHS-Residential Child Care stated that if HLA had one more incident, they would shut them down.  

Children's rights - Federal.  Stay out of the State, if possible.  Check with your attorney if GAO agents can be deposed and you can somehow get access to their records.  It is all there.   Send a letter, for a track record ,to the Governor's Office, Educational Oversight Department, they too are aware.
Any other Georgia agencies, there is a "red Flag" so to speak, regarding HLA/RC.  You will be sent to "special handlers."
DJJ - Contract with Lumpkin County and State.
Georgia has  FOIA forms, but as with the ORS, now DHS - RCC, unless specifically stated, they will send you 4 pages of thousands and plead ignorance, until pushed.

[Ursus]

Why do you make things up to deceive the readers?

Uh, yeah, like there's no industry types on Fornits.  Wait a sec...one of them is you, Mr. Aspen Fiduciary!

Remember when you claimed to have access to RB's treatment records via an HLA staff member on this board?  Or your true love, Ottawa5 whose stated goal was to open her "own program along the lines of CEDU"?  

Your explanation is laughable, troll boy :rofl: .

….. do you have LINKS to the original posts for all this material? Or are you just making this up as you go along?

Great catch, Ursus, you are on to his MO too I see.   I dont even know who Ottawa5 is.  I did a search on ottawa5 and it turns out that I never had any contact with this poster, not even one post! DJ is starting to lose it I think.  Why does he continue to make this stuff up?  What is the point?  No wonder he didnt provide links its all just fabricated.

Does anyone even know who this Ottawa5 poster is?

FOR THE RECORD: the above quote by me was copied, edited and pasted from another of my posts, originally addressed to Whooter, that designation having been neatly lopped off by Whooter himself. It would appear that this kind of posting behavior functions as a means of perpetrating more of his myths, in this case to intimate the lessened credibility of other posters.

Here is another time that he tried this.

Ya gotta wonder whether he also uses this tactic to intimidate other posters from chiming in, not to mention derail and/or kill conversation in key threads, confusing the naive reader in the process...

[Ursus]

If any parent wishes to file a suit against Ridge Creek, please keep in mind the State and the Federal government  is well-aware of Ridge Creek, formerly HLA.  Although Georgia's agencies enjoy immunity, it is penetrable where negligence, ignoring their fiduciary responsibility, and corruption can be proven.  There is a track record with Georgia's oversight agencies, discrepencies with reports of incidents, ORS, LCSO, etc. it is not good.  In 2007, Keith Bostick, then of Georiga's ORS, now under DHS-Residential Child Care stated that if HLA had one more incident, they would shut them down.  

Children's rights - Federal.  Stay out of the State, if possible.  Check with your attorney if GAO agents can be disposed and you can somehow get access to their records.  It is all there.   Send a letter, for a track record ,to the Governor's Office, Educational Oversight Department, they too are aware.
Any other Georgia agencies, there is a "red Flag" so to speak, regarding HLA/RC.  You will be sent to "special handlers."
DJJ - Contract with Lumpkin County and State.
Georgia has  FOIA forms, but as with the ORS, now DHS - RCC, unless specifically stated, they will send you 4 pages of thousands and plead ignorance, until pushed.

Is Georgia's Keith Bostick anything like Utah's Ken Stettler? Namely, all up for passing the buck for the next coupla decades? Hidden Lake Academy, if I'm not mistaken, had plenty more incidents after 2007...

[Whooter]

Why do you make things up to deceive the readers?

Uh, yeah, like there's no industry types on Fornits.  Wait a sec...one of them is you, Mr. Aspen Fiduciary!

Remember when you claimed to have access to RB's treatment records via an HLA staff member on this board?  Or your true love, Ottawa5 whose stated goal was to open her "own program along the lines of CEDU"?  

Your explanation is laughable, troll boy :rofl: .

….. do you have LINKS to the original posts for all this material? Or are you just making this up as you go along?

Great catch, Ursus, you are on to his MO too I see.   I dont even know who Ottawa5 is.  I did a search on ottawa5 and it turns out that I never had any contact with this poster, not even one post! DJ is starting to lose it I think.  Why does he continue to make this stuff up?  What is the point?  No wonder he didnt provide links its all just fabricated.

Does anyone even know who this Ottawa5 poster is?

FOR THE RECORD: the above quote by me was copied, edited and pasted from another of my posts, originally addressed to Whooter, that designation having been neatly lopped off by Whooter himself. It would appear that this kind of posting behavior functions as a means of perpetrating more of his myths, in this case to intimate the lessened credibility of other posters.

Here is another time that he tried this.

Ya gotta wonder whether he also uses this tactic to intimidate other posters from chiming in, not to mention derail and/or kill conversation in key threads, confusing the naive reader in the process...

We all agreed, at the time, that this was justified because of the double standard that Ursus set-up.



...

[Troll Control]

Why do you make things up to deceive the readers?

Uh, yeah, like there's no industry types on Fornits.  Wait a sec...one of them is you, Mr. Aspen Fiduciary!

Remember when you claimed to have access to RB's treatment records via an HLA staff member on this board?  Or your true love, Ottawa5 whose stated goal was to open her "own program along the lines of CEDU"?  

Your explanation is laughable, troll boy :rofl: .

….. do you have LINKS to the original posts for all this material? Or are you just making this up as you go along?

Great catch, Ursus, you are on to his MO too I see.   I dont even know who Ottawa5 is.  I did a search on ottawa5 and it turns out that I never had any contact with this poster, not even one post! DJ is starting to lose it I think.  Why does he continue to make this stuff up?  What is the point?  No wonder he didnt provide links its all just fabricated.

Does anyone even know who this Ottawa5 poster is?

FOR THE RECORD: the above quote by me was copied, edited and pasted from another of my posts, originally addressed to Whooter, that designation having been neatly lopped off by Whooter himself. It would appear that this kind of posting behavior functions as a means of perpetrating more of his myths, in this case to intimate the lessened credibility of other posters.

Here is another time that he tried this.

Ya gotta wonder whether he also uses this tactic to intimidate other posters from chiming in, not to mention derail and/or kill conversation in key threads, confusing the naive reader in the process...

We all agreed, at the time, that this was justified because of the double standard that Ursus set-up.



...

For an explanation of Whooter's behavior, please see here.

[Jill Ryan]

Yes, 'stonewall' for as long as possible.  I received 6 pages , if I recall( see former posts), then my private counsel stepped in and miraculously, over 2,000. documents within a week, after over a year.  The same transpired with ISAC when they requested docs on HLA from the ORS.



SORRY, AN ASIDE - FEDERAL CONTACT FOR PARENTS/CHILDREN SEEKING FEDERAL INTERVENTION AGAINST STATE AGENCIES IN GEORGIA . HOWEVER, SOME BACKGROUND -

US ATTORNEY GEORGIA   SALLY QUILLIAN YATES  (404) 331-4437  MS. YATES INTERNED AND WORKED FOR KING AND SPALDING DURING HER CAREER.  KING AND SPALDING REPRESENTED HLA FOR A TIME, DURING THE CLASS SUIT.  BUT, MS. YATES WAS NOT WORKING FOR KING AND SPALDING AT THE TIME.

[Whooter]

Someone challenged your education history and you got pissed off and started editing and updating your history.

After you edited your posts you wrote this:  which is your education history:

DJ, On June 30, 2010 you posted this:

June 30 post on DJ's education

A few hours before you posted the above you went and cleaned up your history going back 5 years.  Here is an example.  Notice the edit stamp at the bottom says:

June 30, 2010

DJ cleaned up all his history going back 5 years

Another one!  Oh No! DJ was busy cleaning.

Why would you go back 5 years and start editing all your education history just before you posted an update if you have been honest all along?

Just asking.  Why do you accuse others of lying when you deceive the posters here on fornits for 5 years about yourself and education history.

Do you want to tell everyone why you left the industry?  Were you truthful about that too?  Did you have a change of heart or were you forced out because of background checks?  Do you want to take a  look at that next?

See anyone can play the same game you do, DJ.  You have just spent years fabricating an image under the user name Dysfunction junction.



...

[Ursus]

In 2007, Keith Bostick, then of Georiga's ORS, now under DHS-Residential Child Care stated that if HLA had one more incident, they would shut them down.

Is Georgia's Keith Bostick anything like Utah's Ken Stettler? Namely, all up for passing the buck for the next coupla decades? Hidden Lake Academy, if I'm not mistaken, had plenty more incidents after 2007...

Yes, 'stonewall' for as long as possible.  I received 6 pages , if I recall( see former posts), then my private counsel stepped in and miraculously, over 2,000. documents within a week, after over a year.  The same transpired with ISAC when they requested docs on HLA from the ORS.


US ATTORNEY GEORGIA   SALLY QUILLIAN YATES  (404) 331-4437  MS. YATES INTERNED AND WORKED FOR KING AND SPALDING DURING HER CAREER.  KING AND SPALDING REPRESENTED HLA FOR A TIME, DURING THE CLASS SUIT.  BUT, MS. YATES WAS NOT WORKING FOR KING AND SPALDING AT THE TIME.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused... Was Sally Yates part of the stonewalling? Or are you suggesting that  she would be a good resource for parents to contact? Or, none of the above?