I'm not sure why you directed your comments to me, but yes, I believe that parents should do their homework if this is the option they are going to choose for their kids. Fact is, they don't. They trust that the state is monitoring these facilities. And as I and others have said over and over, parents can not know what is happening on a day-to-day basis. Neither parent knew their sons were there with one staff that night. I'm sure there are many other things they didn't know. If I were the parent, I'd be considering a suit against the program for neglecting the safety of the teens and staff. If they had been properly supervised, this tragedy might not have happened.
The blame for this attrocity can't be placed solely with the parents. It was reported that the deceased counselor was not happy with the protocol at the facility. He could've spoken up or quit. He could have refused to work alone that night. He could've reported the violations at the facility to licensing- IF he knew they were in violation. I wonder if he was ever given the regulations to read? Since the programs can't seem to comply, perhaps it's time for the state to ENSURE that all staff receive a copy of the regs. I know they require an orientation. If the staff chooses to work in violation of the regs, it's their choice, as are the consequences.
The owner could've abided by regs or have chosen to work alone with the boys that night himself, or to work with Arnett if short handed; which might have prevented the tragedy. He knew he was in violation and even expressed regret. I spect it was a financial decision since he wasn't at full capacity. He put Arnett's life in jeopardy. Arnett chose to work in violation of regs. These two adults made poor choices which resulted in a tragedy.
If I were the family of the deceased I'd be considering a suit against the owner for putting my family member's life at risk.
The real tragedy here is that two young men may be put to death because the families, schools, the program, and society in general failed to prove their real needs.
Cheating? These two obviously came from distressed homes and chances are good that they didn't have the attention for academics. How bout cooperative learning? What a concept. The only people who need to take standardized tests are heart surgeons, rocket scientists, and the like in order to prove competence before they tamper with other health/well being. If educators/programs would recognize the value in teaching cooperation from a place of genuine respect for the individual we'd have less distressed kids, taking legal/illegal drugs to be able to function in a dysfunctional system.
Think these boys were offered options along the way. Mentorships? Training? I imagine these square pegs were expected to fit in round holes. How many times does this tragedy have to repeat itself before the masses get it? Square pegs don't fit in round holes, and no amount of chiseling (mind fucking) and hammering (punishment) is going to change that. They have unique needs that should be respected and provided. Society is dependent on diversity. We need people of all vocations and specialties in order for society to function well. If someone is not an academic, then aid them in being the best mechanic, plumber, carpenter, cook, whatever, they can be.
Society failed these boys and they may loose their lives for the sins of others. Sounds like a famous biblical icon, doesn't it? Two thousand years and no change. They will never know the joy of feeling respected (loved) and finding their true passion in this lifetime.
