Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy => Topic started by: Troll Control on September 29, 2006, 02:21:13 PM
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From a staff member:
"The attrition rate of counselors and students was so bad that Len instituted a bonus system based on how many students you retained in your PG. If you had a 100% retention rate you would get a bonus of 25% of your salary. (If) it went down to 50% retention that equaled something like at 7% bonus... Obviously this is a big ethical problem."
So, counselors were given financial incentives to keep their kids enrolled by any means necessary.
I have a strong suspicion that this is going to be a very big deal in the lawsuit.
Using a conflict of interest to increase the bottom line. What in hell were these people thinking? This is going to bite you, big time. This is such a clear violation of ethics and patient rights that I'm having a difficult time putting it into words.
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Holy shit!!! If this can be proven by either written policy (obviously highly doubtful, even they can't be that stupid) or employee testimony they are seriously FUCKED!!
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Holy shit!!! If this can be proven by either written policy (obviously highly doubtful, even they can't be that stupid) or employee testimony they are seriously FUCKED!!
Several staff members will testify to this fact - current and former.
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Holy shit!!! If this can be proven by either written policy (obviously highly doubtful, even they can't be that stupid) or employee testimony they are seriously FUCKED!!
It appears that Len passed out a spreadsheet delineating the "bonus structure" based on retention. I'm awaiting delivery of a copy.
Any staff have a copy to post in the meantime?
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What was that? Did you guys hear that sound?
I think I heard Buchi whimper a little...maybe even a sob.
Don't worry Buch, I'm sure Spoonie will get you through this latest "attack by a few disgruntled parents"
Of course if Spoonie's not available I'm sure Chuck might be.
:wink:
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No. of Students...............Bonus..................Rentention
14....................................25.0%....................93% -100%
13....................................22.5%....................86% - 92%
12....................................20.0%....................79% - 85%
11....................................17.5%....................72% - 78%
10....................................10.0%....................65% - 71%
9.......................................7.5%.....................58% - 64%
8.......................................5.0%.....................51% -57%
7 and below....................0.0%.....................50% or below
Guidelines for the Bonus Plan:
The bonus is based on the Retention Percentage.
To Receive a bonus the peer group must graduate OVER 50% of peer group members.
"I'm sorry, Johnny. No, you won't be going home any time soon. I mean, I need the money. You can understand that, can't you? Now get yourself ready - you're going on intervention. I got a call from your folks yesterday and they wanted to bring you home. They feel you've 'grown enough.' Looks like you're just not ready to go home after all..."
This makes me sick to my stomach.
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Look at it this way:
If some counselor had 14 kids in his/her peer group going into the final two months or so before graduation, that one potential drop-out represents a ten thousand dollar bonus.
Do you have any idea what a hideous conflict of interest this represents?
Let's suppose a violent child is two weeks away from graduation and viciously assaults another child, who reports the assault to his counselor. What incentive does a counselor with a ten thousand dollar bonus riding on that kid have for reporting it up the chain of command or calling the police, or recommending expulsion, or seeking proper medical care, or telling the childrens' parents, or ANY OF THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO???
This is insane!
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Georgia Board of Psychologists
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/GaCode/?t ... section=19 (http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/GaCode/?title=43&chapter=1§ion=19)
(6) Engaged in any unprofessional, immoral, unethical, deceptive, or deleterious conduct or practice harmful to the public, which conduct or practice materially affects the fitness of the licensee or applicant to practice a business or profession licensed under this title, or of a nature likely to jeopardize the interest of the public, which conduct or practice need not have resulted in actual injury to any person or be directly related to the practice of the licensed business or profession but shows that the licensee or applicant has committed any act or omission which is indicative of bad moral character or untrustworthiness; unprofessional conduct shall also include any departure from, or the failure to conform to, the minimal reasonable standards of acceptable and prevailing practice of the business or profession licensed under this title;
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/acrobat/PLB/ ... apt510.pdf (http://www.sos.state.ga.us/acrobat/PLB/Rules/chapt510.pdf)
510-6-.02 Disciplinary Sanctions.
(1) The Board shall have the authority pursuant to O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19 to refuse to grant a license to an applicant or to revoke or discipline a licensee upon a finding by a majority of the Board that the licensee or applicant has committed a violation under
O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19 and/or 43-39-13.
(2) For purposes of O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19(a)(6), behaviors (acts, knowledge, and practices) that are unprofessional, immoral, unethical, deceptive, or which fail to meet the minimal reasonable standards of acceptable and prevailing practice of psychology, shall
include but not be limited to any act or practice which violates the Code of Ethics or the Code of Conduct established by the Board. This applies to the psychologist and to anyone under his or her supervision.
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Look at it this way:
If some counselor had 14 kids in his/her peer group going into the final two months or so before graduation, that one potential drop-out represents a ten thousand dollar bonus.
Do you have any idea what a hideous conflict of interest this represents?
Let's suppose a violent child is two weeks away from graduation and viciously assaults another child, who reports the assault to his counselor. What incentive does a counselor with a ten thousand dollar bonus riding on that kid have for reporting it up the chain of command or calling the police, or recommending expulsion, or seeking proper medical care, or telling the childrens' parents, or ANY OF THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO???
This is insane!
Keep in mind that this is PER PEER GROUP. Since all counselors have two groups there is a potential for getting up to 50% of your salary in bonuses if you kept all of your students in both groups. For a counselor making 40K per year, that is a 20K bonus.
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This is revolting. Parents are being lied to, told their kids desperatly need help, when in fact just like all things at HLA, the only thing that matters in the bottom line.
I would really really really love for any one of you God damn retard puppets try and defend this.
I guess I shouldnt have my hopes to high, all of you are to weak, stupid, and impotent to even try.
Not to worry though, I'll be in the front row watching Little Buch, in his little booster seat stammer through some half assed explination while he tries to read Joey's cue cards, at the same time of course I'll be laughing as Chuckie and Spoonie hold each other and cry.
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Georgia Board of Psychologists
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/GaCode/?t ... section=19 (http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/GaCode/?title=43&chapter=1§ion=19)
(6) Engaged in any unprofessional, immoral, unethical, deceptive, or deleterious conduct or practice harmful to the public, which conduct or practice materially affects the fitness of the licensee or applicant to practice a business or profession licensed under this title, or of a nature likely to jeopardize the interest of the public, which conduct or practice need not have resulted in actual injury to any person or be directly related to the practice of the licensed business or profession but shows that the licensee or applicant has committed any act or omission which is indicative of bad moral character or untrustworthiness; unprofessional conduct shall also include any departure from, or the failure to conform to, the minimal reasonable standards of acceptable and prevailing practice of the business or profession licensed under this title;
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/acrobat/PLB/ ... apt510.pdf (http://www.sos.state.ga.us/acrobat/PLB/Rules/chapt510.pdf)
510-6-.02 Disciplinary Sanctions.
(1) The Board shall have the authority pursuant to O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19 to refuse to grant a license to an applicant or to revoke or discipline a licensee upon a finding by a majority of the Board that the licensee or applicant has committed a violation under
O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19 and/or 43-39-13.
(2) For purposes of O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19(a)(6), behaviors (acts, knowledge, and practices) that are unprofessional, immoral, unethical, deceptive, or which fail to meet the minimal reasonable standards of acceptable and prevailing practice of psychology, shall
include but not be limited to any act or practice which violates the Code of Ethics or the Code of Conduct established by the Board. This applies to the psychologist and to anyone under his or her supervision.
Contact Info for GA Board of Psychologists:
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217-3858
Board Offices
478.207.2440
478.207.1354 (fax)
Ms. Dena Kirkman
https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverifi ... laint.aspx (https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/SubmitComplaint.aspx)
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curious that there's been no replies from the HLA sheep...
i suppose they don't want to defend this policy because anyone who had actually RECEIVED the bonus will be reported for ethics violations that will prevent them from being licensed (some day, when you leave HLA you will NEED a license to practice). just a thought.
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Actually, I think you would be hard pressed to find a peer group that retained 50% of its students. They typically lose about 60% of the original group.
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Hello Ms. Kirkman,
I am writing you this letter to inform you about an unethical practice at Hidden Lake Academy (HLA).
Dr. Leonard Buccellato has instituted a "bonus structure" at HLA to combat poor retention of its attendees. Because of rampant attrition, HLA is offering cash "bonuses" to its "Peer Group Counselors" (unlicensed, largely uneducated staff providing therapy to HLA attendees) if they are able to retain members on their case lists. This is highly unethical, if not illegal.
Let me explain. These counselors make about $40k per year to provide therapy for two "peer groups" consisting of 14 or more attendees each. If the counselors can retain attendees, they recieve a financial bonus for doing so, regardless of whether or not those particular attendees are appropriate for treatment or even need treatment at all. This is quite clearly an abhorrent conflict of interest.
Let's have a look at the structure of the bonuses, shall we?
No. of Students...............Bonus..................Rentention
14....................................25.0%....................93% -100%
13....................................22.5%....................86% - 92%
12....................................20.0%....................79% - 85%
11....................................17.5%....................72% - 78%
10....................................10.0%....................65% - 71%
9.......................................7.5%.....................58% - 64%
8.......................................5.0%.....................51% -57%
7 and below....................0.0%.....................50% or below
As you can see from the chart, a $40k, untrained, unlicensed, uncertified "counselor" can receive up to a TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLAR BONUS to keep his/her caseload at HLA, whether the children require HLA's services or not. What incentive does that counselor have to address the real needs of those clients?
Let's suppose a violent child is two weeks away from graduation and viciously assaults another child, who reports the assault to his counselor. What incentive does a counselor with a ten thousand dollar bonus riding on that kid have for reporting it up the chain of command or calling the police, or recommending expulsion, or seeking proper medical care, or telling the childrens' parents, or ANY OF THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO??? This is only one potential scenario for keeping inappropriate clients in treatment against their will.
Ms. Kirkman, I strongly urge you to initiate a full and thorough investigation of this extremely disturbing practice (and many others as well) at HLA. It is incumbent upon you and your organization to put a stop to the abuses suffered by innocent children and to choke off the ill-gotten proceeds from the perpetrators of such abuses.
Should you require further supporting evidence of this practice I will gladly put you in touch with former administrators from HLA who will testify to these facts.
Best Regards,
****** * *****
Please send any information you have to:
Ms. Dena Kirkman
dckirkman@sos.state.ga.us
478.207.1671
She will be spear-heading one of the state investigations into HLA.
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Keep those calls, letters and emails coming. This issue is going to be vigorously examined ion the next three weeks.
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I have received confirmation from an HLA staff member that these bonuses were paid out to several staff.
One is Cheryl Ballow.
Who else has received these ill-gotten funds?
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I have received confirmation from an HLA staff member that these bonuses were paid out to several staff.
One is Cheryl Ballow.
Who else has received these ill-gotten funds?
http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/loadPr ... ?userID=17 (http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/loadProfile.aspx?userID=17)
Cheryl Ballow
Assistant Department Head
B.A. Psychology - University of West Florida M.S. Counseling and Psychology - Troy State University
Cheryl has been at HLA for seven years, as a Peer Group Counselor she has graduated three Peer Groups. Cheryl's interests are Arts and Crafts, painting, sewing, camping, hiking, cycling, interior design and photography.
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Let's contact Congressman Charlie Norwood to see what he thinks of all this:
http://www.house.gov/norwood/ (http://www.house.gov/norwood/)
Washington, DC
2452 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4101
Fax: (202) 226-0776
Augusta
1054 Claussen Road, Suite 316
Augusta, GA 30907
Phone: (706) 733-7066
Fax: (706) 733-7725
Toccoa
315 West Savannah Street
Toccoa, GA 30577
Phone: (706) 886-2776
Fax: (706) 886-2787
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US Senator Saxby Chambliss - GA
http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm (http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm)
North Georgia Office:
100 Galleria Parkway
Suite 1340
Atlanta, GA 30339
Main: 770-763-9090
Fax: 770-226-8633
Washington D.C. Office:
416 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main: 202-224-3521
Fax: 202-224-0103
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US Senator Johnny Isakson - GA
http://isakson.senate.gov/ (http://isakson.senate.gov/)
Washington, DC Office
120 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3643
Fax: (202) 228-0724
Georgia Office
One Overton Park
3625 Cumberland Boulevard
Suite 970
Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 661-0999
Fax: (770) 661-0768
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Amos Amerson - GA District 9
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005 ... mosbio.htm (http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/house/bios/Amerson,%20Amos/amersonamosbio.htm)
698 North Chestatee Street
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533
706.864.6589
Room 401 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404.657.8534
Representative Amos Amerson Bio:
Chairman Science and Technology
HD 9 (R- Dahlonega)
Representative Amos Amerson has led quite a full and exciting life. After being raised on a farm in Washington County, Georgia, he managed to see much of the world through 22 years of military service before retiring in 1978. His last tour of duty was with the Atomic Energy Commission with the Energy Department, during which he coordinated underground nuclear testing with the department of defense. The retired army Lt. Colonel actually has a degree in Nuclear Engineering with a specialty in Radiation Safety, a Master?s Degree in Quantitative Methods and a Ph D in Economics and Statistics. He has served in Vietnam as well as most of the Pacific Region from Korea to Thailand.He was assigned to the Joint Chief?s of Staff Joint Strategic Targeting Planning Staff, which analyzed intelligence to determine the Russian?s capabilities and afterwards planned targets for strategic nuclear delivery. Amos was also the Chief of the Strategic Analysis Section. After his retirement from the military, he taught at the Business Department of North Georgia College from 1982-1998.
The Dahlonega City Council is the group responsible for persuading Representative Amerson to run for his first office. Then, in 1999, a group of concerned citizens urged him to represent Lumpkin County?s needs which they felt were not being met. He ran against the incumbent and won in a runoff that November. For the 2005-2006 Session, Representative Amerson will serve as the Chairman for the Science and Technology Committee, which his background certainly seems to support. Speaker of the House, Glenn Richardson, recently appointed him to the Georgia Technology Oversight Committee. Amerson is also a member of the following committees: Appropriations, Higher Education and Public Utilities and Telecommunications.
Chairman Amerson married his college sweetheart Anne in 1956, the couple met at North Georgia College. Their 3 children later attended the same school. Sadly, the couple?s middle child was taken from them in 1988 from a mountain climbing accident. They now have 2 grandsons who were Pages on the opening day of the new session. His wife Anne is a writer who has kept an oral record of the history of Dahlonega through 4 novels. She has also written for several magazines. Chairman Amerson is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition. When he isn?t busy representing the needs of his constituents, he enjoys golfing, hunting and fishing.
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Just wondering but wouldn't you have to actually be licensed to have to worry about ethical questions? I see all the crapola degrees a lot of these so called counselors have but are any of them actually licensed by any governing board?
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sorry...last post was mine. :wave:
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Just wondering but wouldn't you have to actually be licensed to have to worry about ethical questions? I see all the crapola degrees a lot of these so called counselors have but are any of them actually licensed by any governing board?
The head man (no pun intended) has a license and has self-proclaimed to be overseeing the "therapy" at HLA. Unfortunately most of his actions run afoul of the law as well as ethics. He will be dealt with accordingly by the legal system and the licensing board.
Even though all but one of the counselors are not permitted to practice therapy due to licencing status, they are all still responsible for what happens on their watch. The chickes are coming home to roost.
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If memory serves me correctly the GA Board of Psychologists is having a meeting this Friday. What topics could be on the agenda...... :o
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How about unqualified staff members at an unlicensed theraputic boarding school???
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Hello Ms. Kirkman,
I am writing you this letter to inform you about an unethical practice at Hidden Lake Academy (HLA).
Dr. Leonard Buccellato has instituted a "bonus structure" at HLA to combat poor retention of its attendees. Because of rampant attrition, HLA is offering cash "bonuses" to its "Peer Group Counselors" (unlicensed, largely uneducated staff providing therapy to HLA attendees) if they are able to retain members on their case lists. This is highly unethical, if not illegal.
Let me explain. These counselors make about $40k per year to provide therapy for two "peer groups" consisting of 14 or more attendees each. If the counselors can retain attendees, they recieve a financial bonus for doing so, regardless of whether or not those particular attendees are appropriate for treatment or even need treatment at all. This is quite clearly an abhorrent conflict of interest.
Let's have a look at the structure of the bonuses, shall we?
No. of Students...............Bonus..................Rentention
14....................................25.0%....................93% -100%
13....................................22.5%....................86% - 92%
12....................................20.0%....................79% - 85%
11....................................17.5%....................72% - 78%
10....................................10.0%....................65% - 71%
9.......................................7.5%.....................58% - 64%
8.......................................5.0%.....................51% -57%
7 and below....................0.0%.....................50% or below
As you can see from the chart, a $40k, untrained, unlicensed, uncertified "counselor" can receive up to a TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLAR BONUS to keep his/her caseload at HLA, whether the children require HLA's services or not. What incentive does that counselor have to address the real needs of those clients?
Let's suppose a violent child is two weeks away from graduation and viciously assaults another child, who reports the assault to his counselor. What incentive does a counselor with a ten thousand dollar bonus riding on that kid have for reporting it up the chain of command or calling the police, or recommending expulsion, or seeking proper medical care, or telling the childrens' parents, or ANY OF THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO??? This is only one potential scenario for keeping inappropriate clients in treatment against their will.
Ms. Kirkman, I strongly urge you to initiate a full and thorough investigation of this extremely disturbing practice (and many others as well) at HLA. It is incumbent upon you and your organization to put a stop to the abuses suffered by innocent children and to choke off the ill-gotten proceeds from the perpetrators of such abuses.
Should you require further supporting evidence of this practice I will gladly put you in touch with former administrators from HLA who will testify to these facts.
Best Regards,
****** * *****
Please send any information you have to:
Ms. Dena Kirkman
dckirkman@sos.state.ga.us
478.207.1671
She will be spear-heading one of the state investigations into HLA.