Holding Officials Accountable in Utah

[Anonymous]

Well, well, well .... guess abusing one's gas card is a real no-no in Utah, a state where kids have been killed in wilderness programs, but no one is ever held "accountable" and where for just $300 bucks, one can be licensed to run a group home or program for kids and make half a million dollars or more a year.

http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05222004/utah/utah.asp

[cherish wisdom]

Is it any surprise that an official in Utah would be dishonest. Look at how they have turned a blind eye and deaf ear to all of the abuse, torture and murder of teen-age children in their state! They need to be held accountable for much more than fudging about how much gas they use in their State vehicles.  
These people who license and oversee the 200 youth facilities should be held accountable for the abuse, injury and death of hundreds of children.  When reports come in these authorities ignor them. The people of the State of Utah are oblivious to what is going on in their own backyards.  It would be great to send out a mass mailing to all of the residents of Utah "DO YOU HEAR THEIR SCREAMS" would be a good title.  

To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.
http://laissezfairebooks.com/product.cfm?op=view&pid=FF7485&aid=10247' target='_new'> Thomas Jefferson

[Anonymous]

On 2004-05-22 22:30:00, cherish wisdom wrote:

"Is it any surprise that an official in Utah would be dishonest. Look at how they have turned a blind eye and deaf ear to all of the abuse, torture and murder of teen-age children in their state! They need to be held accountable for much more than fudging about how much gas they use in their State vehicles.  

These people who license and oversee the 200 youth facilities should be held accountable for the abuse, injury and death of hundreds of children.  When reports come in these authorities ignor them. The people of the State of Utah are oblivious to what is going on in their own backyards.  It would be great to send out a mass mailing to all of the residents of Utah "DO YOU HEAR THEIR SCREAMS" would be a good title.  

To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05242004/utah/169269.asp

[Anonymous]

There's obviously cooruption in Utah. Sounds like this is also coming out because it is an election year. What needs to be done is an expose on Ken Stettler who has been supporting these programs even when children die. He supported those in North Star when Aaron Bacon died as a result of starvation and cruelty.  These programs abuse the children because they know they can get away with it because Stettler is at the helm.

[Deborah]

Ironically, I was just going through my files- some which I haven't seen in a couple of years- and found this reply from Stettler to Dateline. It's no secret his friends- "fellow saints"- ran North Star.

http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... een01.html
WOODBURY REPORTS BULLETIN
July 18, 1995
The following is a copy of a letter sent to Stone Phillips, Dateline NBC by Ken Stettler, Program Coordinator, Division of Youth Corrections, Dept. Of Human Services, State of Utah. Permission granted.

July 13, 1995
Dear Mr. Phillips: After viewing your segment Wednesday night concerning North Star Expeditions, Inc., and the tragic death of Aaron Bacon, I've been quite concerned that an erroneous message was presented that desperately needs to be corrected. Several of the parents supporting North Star remarked that the State (namely me) had recommended the program to them for their children. I receive numerous calls daily from parents enquiring about various programs for youth that operate in the State of Utah. Although I try to assist parents in making an educated choice by sharing with them any substantiated concerns or complaints about a program, I strictly adhere to a personal policy to never recommend any one program over another. With 160 plus youth programs currently licensed in the State, it would be grossly inappropriate to do so. How these parents construed the opinion that I recommended the program - I can only suppose that, if in fact they did speak with me about North Star, then they heard what they wanted to hear, and perhaps the lack of prior complaints about the program was interpreted by them as an endorsement. I am grateful their children were helped by the program, but continue to be deeply saddened by the Bacons tragic loss. I still recommend that parents do all they can to check out a program before enrolling their child. Visit the program. Interview staff, clinicians, administrators, and program participants. Contact the State licensing agent to inquire about complaints, concerns, history, etc. But, beware if the agent recommends any program over another, it simply is not ethical. It's not fair to other programs, the parents who are enquiring, and certainly not to the child who may be enrolled. The parents are the only ones who can determine which program best suits the personal needs of their child. No one else has that right, or responsibility.
Best Personal Regards,

Ken Stettler Program Coordinator

[Anonymous]

THIS was "sucking all the energy out of the county's universe?"  Guess the county residents haven't yet woken up to the fact that there are BIGGER issues to worry about like allegations of child abuse in a number of Utah based private schools and programs for troubled youth.

Oh well, at least Sorenson has admitted the allegations raised against him were true and has resigned.

http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05252004/utah/169504.asp

[cherish wisdom]

Ken Stettler is part of the problem. He promotes these programs and ignores reports of abuse and violations of codes and laws.  I have received hostile e-mails from Ken Stettler as a result of the complaints I filed against Provo Canyon School.  He does nothing to protect the children and everything to protect the financial interestes of the programs. His quote that it wouldn't be fair to the programs sickens me.  

He obviously has a conflict of interest.  It is time for all of you who desire a change in the State of Utah to start a letter campaign asking for his resignation - particularly since Anson Arnett died as a result of his department ignoring violations.  How many more must die?  Ken Stettler must be receiving some type of payoff from these programs.  Someone needs to investigate this.  

Being a street cop, witnessing the tragedy firsthand, I've become
convinced that drug prohibition -- not drugs themselves -- are driving the HIV epidemic and the systemic crime that has swamped our criminal justice systems.
--Vancouver Police Const. Gil Puder

[darkhunterhope]

On 2004-05-25 16:10:00, cherish wisdom wrote:

"Ken Stettler is part of the problem. He promotes these programs and ignores reports of abuse and violations of codes and laws.  I have received hostile e-mails from Ken Stettler as a result of the complaints I filed against Provo Canyon School.  He does nothing to protect the children and everything to protect the financial interestes of the programs. His quote that it wouldn't be fair to the programs sickens me.  



He obviously has a conflict of interest.  It is time for all of you who desire a change in the State of Utah to start a letter campaign asking for his resignation - particularly since Anson Arnett died as a result of his department ignoring violations.  How many more must die?  Ken Stettler must be receiving some type of payoff from these programs.  Someone needs to investigate this.  

Being a street cop, witnessing the tragedy firsthand, I've become
convinced that drug prohibition -- not drugs themselves -- are driving the HIV epidemic and the systemic crime that has swamped our criminal justice systems.
--Vancouver Police Const. Gil Puder

"

Who is this man named Ken, what part does he play in all this evil doing?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any information about Copper Hills Youth Center, in West Jordan, Utah- just outside of Salt Lake City?  It has been highly recommended as a therapeutic and nurturing facility for troubled kids.

[Anonymous]

highly recommended by whom?

[Anonymous]

Copper Hills has been recommended by a therapist treating my son- whose borderline criminal behavior and inability to control his impulsivity seems to have escalated way beyond home-based treatment/counseling options.

[Anonymous]

On 2004-05-30 20:23:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Copper Hills has been recommended by a therapist treating my son- whose borderline criminal behavior and inability to control his impulsivity seems to have escalated way beyond home-based treatment/counseling options."

See, that "borderline criminal" is what always worries me.  I wonder if we're talking about shoplifting, molesting smaller children, aggravated assault, petty theft (other than from mom and dad), shooting up heroin, smoking crack/crank OR are we talking about missed curfews, a joint or two, maybe something harder once, underage drinking, underage sex, maybe a DUI, or truancy.

My understanding is that juvie jail is less bad than the programs.  Unless he is an active danger of violence to himself or others, let him do time if he breaks the law and don't mess around with this "borderline" criminal song and dance.

If he *is* an active danger of violence to himself or others, put him in a *real* mental hospital (not a "program") and have him evaluated.  If he's mentally ill and dangerous, let them get him stabilized and ready for outpatient care.

If he's drug or alcohol addicted, if he wants to do AA or NA, let him.  If he doesn't, offer the non-12-step alternatives you can find here:
http://www.orange-papers.org/

Also, if he's over 14, consider whether other adult family members would be interested in letting him move in and possibly taking over guardianship.  Sometimes adolescents do better with adults who aren't their own parents.

It's also your check and balance against a bad program decision---if other relatives or the parents of his friends will take him in to live with them, then your decision that he needs to be sent to a program is clearly the wrong one---some other adult who's willing to put their money where their mouth is and take on another mouth to feed thinks so, it's a pretty safe bet you're overreacting because of your being too close to the situation.

That can happen to anyone.

Also, keep in mind your therapist may be getting some sort of kickback from the school for recruiting for them---it's been known to happen in this industry.  A lot.

[Anonymous]

I looked at their website.  The boys program is under construction, so no info.  This isn't really the best place to get constructive recommendations.  By the time you get to needing outside help, you've probably already asked relatives to take him in.

Look for a program that has parent support for your own personal development, support groups, and what they have in the way of transitional after care.  If this one does, go and tour, talk to the kids that are there, the staff, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anon is right, juvie is definitly the better wake-up call.  Sending kids to live with another family member is also good advice unless that relative is ill-equipped to deal with more serious behavioral difficulties which believe it or not, is also THE PROBLEM with most programs.  If a therapist is working with the child and family, do not let them OURSOURCE the problem.  Find a therapist that is willing to go the distance and not pass ya'll off on one of these pricey programs that do more harm than good.  Community based services are always the way to go, along with AA and Al-Anon programs for teens on the margin.  Beware there is no magic bullet (cure) for adolescence and lots of kids will straighten out on their own.  It just takes time.

[Deborah]

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,270018446,00.html

Who runs Utah?
Behind-scenes efforts helped cut crime rate
© 2001 Deseret News
By Lucinda Dillon and Bob Bernick Jr.
Deseret News staff writers

Utah is a state of 2.2 million, but a couple of dozen people call the shots here.
      Months of research by the Deseret News tells a comprehensive story about those Utahns who have power and influence.
      In Utah's complex society, power revolves around religion, politics and money ? in that order, according to the findings in the newspaper's study.
      After a 10-month survey of powerful and influential people, the Deseret News named the three considered the most influential of all in Utah. They are:

      No. 1 ? President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
      No. 2 ? Gov. Mike Leavitt.
      No. 3 ? Jon Huntsman Sr.,industrialist and philanthropist.

"This is kind of like the Utah way of doing things. Some problems so rattle us, we want all sectors to work together," he said. "But we're a conservative state. We don't want government to do everything. So we work like this ? church, private business, government ? to accomplish something." Having the church, Huntsman and Leavitt work quietly for a special goal "is quite natural," Wilson said.

Utah is unique in its power structure ? no other state has 70 percent of its residents identifying with one religion. And few states can match the dominance of one political party ? four out of the five members of Utah's congressional delegation are Republicans, as are all state executive officers and two-thirds of the Utah House and Senate.

      For many Utahns, daily life revolves around church, work and activities like school and recreation. Reflecting those priorities, President Hinckley, 90, was listed as the most influential person in the state.

      The longtime church leader was also often named as a man who holds great power but rarely uses it; a man who can, if he chooses, influence people behind the scenes; a man who can stop a project dead if he so desires.