Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => The Troubled Teen Industry => Topic started by: Anonymous on May 22, 2003, 07:00:00 AM
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Strugglingteens.com has banners to WWASP/Teen Help websites, even though Lon W. and his clueless sidekick Jena have voiced their concerns over the WWASP/Teen Help operation. I guess money talks!
A banner on Strugglingteens.com points to: schoolsforteens.com
Registrant Contact:
NA
Roger Lichfield (roger@teenhelper.net)
NA
P.O. Box 925
Laverkin, UT 84745 US
NA,
US
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All consultants who place kids in "behavior modification" schools, or the like, are in it for the money. I don't beleive there is even one consultant who is out there who is placing kids in these programs because they are "concerned" about the teens.
It is exploitation. They are feeding off the neeeds of others for their own profit. They are in part responsible for the abuse that is occuring.
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It's not just the consultants. THEY ALL ARE. The sick thing is that only damage is done by these programs. NO GOOD. Destroying lives for profit.
People are joining cult-like groups and are too brainwashed to notice. Some people will go along with anything as long as they think everyone else thinks they are doing the right thing. Having the "groups" approval is very important. Stubborn following fools on a path of greedy destruction. Like the Pied Piper.
It's sickening to know that this has been going on for over two decades and nothing has been done. So many traumatized lives that never recovered in those years and still are trying. Lives that were supposed to have been "saved." Just heart breaking. :cry:
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On 2003-05-22 04:52:00, Carey wrote:
"All consultants who place kids in "behavior modification" schools, or the like, are in it for the money. I don't beleive there is even one consultant who is out there who is placing kids in these programs because they are "concerned" about the teens.
It is exploitation. They are feeding off the neeeds of others for their own profit. They are in part responsible for the abuse that is occuring."
No, I think most of them are just as brainwashed as their cows.
I think it's important to know the enemy. If you're looking to bust them or get them to confess to racketeering, I think you're taking the high road. These people do not know that what they're doing is wrong. They think they're doing something good. They really, truely and honestly believe that kids who listen to devil music or argue with parents or flunk or skip school or whatever the complaint are evil, dangerous and sick and could use a little brainwashing.
Here's a current event that illustrates the point.
http://tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/7867 (http://tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/7867)
Essentially, because of their zealous faith in the idea that drugs that are currently illegal are the root of all evil, these people who have sponsored, lobbied for and will probably vote to approve this legislation are willing to sacrifice the integrity of our election process for the cause.
Think they'd make the same kind of legal exception for the EPA? Probably not. Think a different pack of congresscritters would hesitate to do so if they had the majority? I don't. And you would think that a bunch of lawyers, judges, congresscritters and policy analysts would consider the implications.
But, to their minds, that's something completely different. They don't know that they're brainwashed zealots and so they can't imagine that any other zealot cause but their own could be seen as worthy of compromising election laws.
Do you see what I'm getting at here? They think it's OK to kidnap kids out of their beds, drug and shackle them if need be, because they think their cause is so just. It's not asif they hide the fact. They advertise the "escort services" right on the front of their home pages. It's more a bad case of higher purpose than a bad case of greed. If it were just greed, well they might lobby for broader legal gambling and invest themselves in that. After all, there's more money in it and the victims are willing participants.
A free people ought...to be armed...
George Washington, 1790
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Antigen, Point well made!!!
I think my statment was an over simplication of a very complex issue. I agree with you on the fact that they see what they are doing as noble because they truely believe, like my ex believes, that it is ok to risk a kids life (since they seem to be heading down a destructive path) in order to save their life. I don't buy that logic, but I know alot of people do.
But....I do beleive they are in the business of child placement because of what they can earn doing so. In otherwords, I don't think they would be in this "profession" if they were not being paid for it.
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Hi everyone,
I am really sticking my neck out on the chopping block here. I just wanted everyone to know that there are some folks, such as myself, that are NOT in it for the money.
I have worked in several different program environments and have seen the devastation the wrong program can cause kids. I have also witnessed families that are being taken advantage of both financially and emotionally. On the other hand, I have seen kids that have grown tremendously with the help of loving parents and a good solid program that is able to address that teens individual issues. I do not suggest the same program for every kid. Each teen is an individual with their own special set of challenges.
Trust me, Teens At Risk Referral Services is NOT in it for the money. I only charge $800.00 for the entire length of stay regardless of the program. That fee includes monthly contact with the program, reports to the family, and we VISIT the teen at the program often. I'm sure right now there are many of you going "yeah, right!" But yes, right. I don't know of ANY other Ed. Consultant or referral source that actually takes the time to MAKE SURE the program they have suggested is RIGHT for the kid and the family.
OK, so why just Utah programs? Because that is what we, at TARRS, know. I have either worked with the owners/operators of the programs or have visited often enough to thoroughly understand each program. Just an FYI I DO NOT refer to ANY WWASP programs. In my opinion~~ They are just CREEPY. I have actually called to drop by and check them out for myself, and they told me they do not allow visitors. What is that all about??? Truely makes you wonder what is going on behind those barred doors. There are a couple of other programs I WILL NOT refer to. Just because they are in Utah does not give them the green light in my eyes.
So anyway guys, I feel my heart is in the right place. I AM concerned about the kids. I don't want to see any teen at a program if they really don't need one. So many other options first.
Go ahead, chew me up and spit me out.
http://www.teensatrisk.net (http://www.teensatrisk.net)
Lee Ann
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Okay, since you asked for it -- Please list all the programs you have worked for in the past 10 years or so and what your "job title and duties" were. Second, $800.00 bucks per kid is still a chunk of change regardless of what others charge. Obviously this is a higly competitive business and there are only so many "heads" to fill those empty beds.
:flame:
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Lee Ann,
You sound like a caring individual. However, I am an old lady who raised three adopted children. I learned a lot that neither my husband or I received from our teacher training. All three of my children gave us trouble, but because teachers are not overpaid we did not have the funds for even the cheapest program.
First of all, parents need to understand that adolescents are going to test the boundaries that includes experimenting with alcohol, sexual activity, (unfortunately), belligerence, and family values. Very few teenagers do all of the above. But they need to do it to break the very strong bonds with their parents so that they can go out into the community as functioning adults.
As a parent it is your job to observe, try to maintain control with adult compromises, and to be there when they fail. You do not send them away where you have no private contact with them and do not see them regularly. That is not being a loving, concerned, conscientious parent.
If your child has a serious, diagnosed mental condition like Bipolar/Manic-depressive illness, Clinical Depression, Schizophrenia, etc., you seek the help of more than one psychiatrist, and if the psychiatrists feel the child should be hospitalized, you find the closest hospital so you could visit the child at a moments notice.
Therefore, if you live in Texas or California, you do not send them to Utah no matter how well they license these schools. And besides, if they are so great at monitoring these "schools", how come the WWASP school has existed for so long? Robert Litchfield started Provo Canyon and sold it before opening Cross Creek Manor. Cross Creek is the WWASP flagship school and I would not recommend it. Why isn't Utah doing more to make the school more humane?
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Lee Ann Wrote: "Just because they are in Utah does not give them the green light in my eyes."
Of course being in Utah doesn't give them the green light, Utah = RED LIGHT!! Utah has probably had more abusive programs than any other state.
P.S. it looks like you were just plugin you for profit biz
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Lee Ann you said "you are NOT in it for the money." Well then, would you be doing it for free? Would you be placing kids in programs if there were zero dollars in it for you? I hardly think so.
I am not going to say anything negative about you personally because I do not know you personally. However, the fact that your site states that you can have children placed in a program within 48 to 72 hours tells me right away that you are part of the problem. How on earth in 48 to 72 hours can you determine what a child needs as far as placement and what school would best suit that child. You also say that this 48 to 72 hours can be held up depending on financing and transportation. RED FLAG...RED FLAG...what else do I need to say.
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Lee Ann wrote:
I only charge $800.00 for the entire length of stay regardless of the program. That fee includes monthly contact with the program, reports to the family, and we VISIT the teen at the program often.
At $800 for the entire length of stay, you must have some pretty excellent travel agent to "visit the teen often" and still make a profit. I find this very difficult to believe.
I have a few questions.
How are you qualified to determine what environment a teen needs? Do you have a degree in psych? Do you diagnose?
Do you interview the teen as well as the parent?
Have you ever rejected a client and suggested family therapy?
Have you ever told a parent that their teens problem is that they have an ignorant and lazy parent?
Do you personally confirm that all programs you refer to are licensed, and with the proper license? eg: Not a Therapeutic facility listed with the state as a traditional boarding school.
Does your state require you to be licensed to place teens out-of-state?
Do you ensure that parents and programs follow the requirements of ICPC?
Are you ever compensated (gifted) by the parent or program?
You're not in it for the money?
What, are you independently wealthy or have a wealthy husband? Everyone is into their livlihood and will do what is necessary to make a living. Pahleez.
For the record, the Ed Con (and I do think they are cons) who assisted my ex in our son's incarceration
1) never met my son, OR ex for that matter.
2) did not know if an evaluation had been done-she didn't bother to ask.
2) made a referral over the phone on Fri, son enrolled on Mon.
3) violated the ICPC.
4) was not licensed to refer out-of-state.
5) referred to an unlicensed program-said she referred based on "the owner's reputation".
6) earned several thousand dollars for a brief phone call.
7) was not privy to the semi-starvation diet teens endure while on restriction.
:cool: was not aware of the monitored phone calls or screened mail.
9) didn't know that my son had been referred to the TBSs newly opened AND unlicensed boot camp which they sold as a wilderness leadership program...yeah right, then why employ ex-military.
She apparently was not in possession of a Parent Manual, or had never interviewed one of her placements. In her defense, she was an older woman who seemed very nieve...probably just as dupped as the parents.
As for the facility- at the parent workshop before the first visit, the Head Master told parents they would receive a $250 refund if they showed documentation that they had used an Ed Con. Inferring that it would be a good idea to kick that back to the Ed Con he said, "We can't compensate the Ed Con, but parents are free to use the refund as they choose".
Come on...you do not provide a community service. It's a business, and for many of us, is highly questionable. The Industry you support is nothing short of a psych scam. No therapy should include the risk of death or emotional distress.
If you're truely interested in helping teens, you might consider abandoning your support of this abusive industry and figure out how you can really help. You could start by helping their demented parents who have more money than sense.
I have a general request to those who erroneous refer to these psych facilties as "schools". They are not. They are psych facilities with an academic component. And the only thing teens learn is "how to manipulate the manipulators".
Deborah
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Deborah, you hit the nail right on the head!!!
This is a sick industry from the consultants who recommend them, to the escorts who take them there, to the the owners and staff who run them. Anyone and everyone who has profited off of these facilities should be held accountable.
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Hi Carey,
I'm very curious to hear your story with the Industry. I've gathered little bits and pieces and it sounds like we may have had some similarities (but don't we all). The story seems to be the same with minor differences. Is it posted somewhere that I might read it without you duplicating? If so, please provide a link.
Thanks for the work you do in exposing the truth.
Deborah
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Hi Deborah,
My boys were at Dundee. I can give you the links to articles on what has happened. That will probably be the esiest thing to do to give you a little history on my experience. Then if you have any questions you can ask away.
http://www.strugglingteens.com/news/let ... carey.html (http://www.strugglingteens.com/news/lettertoeditor/bockcarey.html)
http://fornits.com/anonanon/articles/20 ... 1021-0.htm (http://fornits.com/anonanon/articles/200210/20021021-0.htm)
http://www.ticotimes.net/archive/01_17_03_2.htm (http://www.ticotimes.net/archive/01_17_03_2.htm)
http://www.ticotimes.net/archive/03_20_03_2.htm (http://www.ticotimes.net/archive/03_20_03_2.htm)
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm (http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm)
I am sure this is a similar bad experience that alot of us parents share.
I promise you, they have not seen or heard the last of me.
Carey
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Please excuse me while I take just a moment to toss in a "YAY JANET!" and a "Thank you!" to her for her earlier post. Granted, there are teenagers out there with serious problems, there are real, deep cases of depression and addiction (just like in adults, but no one seems to notice that either). Sending a child away from family and friends, cutting them off from whatever social network they have, and forcing them into homes and facilities hundreds or thousands of miles from home does not, at least to this halfway sane mind, seem right on any level.
I know there are people, like Lee Ann, who say and may truly believe that they're doing the right thing, that what they do is helping. But, I was always told that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. A real service would be helping those parents who don't have the financial means to cut back and work part time to spend more time getting to know their child. Real service to help would help parents and families work through the process of adolescence, instead of simply sending the problem away. A good public service would involve maybe even someone to listen, to offer a neutral, getting nothing financially out of dragging it out forever opinion. Someone who didn't have an interest in exploiting a kid, but in helping a kid deal with the shit that gets dealt to teenagers and young adults these days.
It's really easy to get so involved in something that you don't see ulterior motives. Believe me, I've been there done that and all I got was this lousy t-shirt and matched baggage. You get so caught up in "maybe this is what it takes to get me or help me (or my kid)" and you don't take the time to really even get to the root of "is this even an issue?" It's sad but true, and happens so many times. It happened to me, and to probably a lot of people who read these and other boards. Point is, once you realize something's not right, it has to be acted on. A parent has to trust their kid enough to know the difference between NORMAL teen angst and depression and that kind of thing, and something more. When I finally broke down and told my parents, look this is messing with me worse than what you sent me here to get over, they listened. I'm fortunate in that.
I guess my point is, if someone really wants to help, help the family get itself back together. Do what you can to help a single mom working a couple of jobs have a break or two to sit down and if nothing else, just eat a decent meal with her kid. Or, help parents find things for their kids to get involved in, band or sports or anything that lets them have a positive outlet for things they might be holding inside. Support the local after school programs in your area, if you want to help. Think about how many kids $800 bucks would pay for band uniforms for, or how many kids that would feed supper to, so that parents could be home to deal with things. Sorry to ramble on so... thanks for reading.
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1. Because of my longevity in the "industry" I have had the opportunity to see, hear, experince and relate to parents. I have seen unjust things go on such as parents lied to, kids punished for the smallest infraction and programs NOT follow through with what they promise. I know the truth of what goes on "behind closed doors" within these programs.
2. I am not qualified to diagnose. I can tell the parents the difference between a quack and a good therapist/psychiatrist through personal knowledge ( mostly working directly with these folks in a program seting) Some of these professionals are great ~ others jerks.
3. I am very open to interviewing the teen. I would prefer that the teen knows what is going on versus being dragged out of their bed in the middle of the night.
4. Yes. I have rejected families. I feel that an out-of-home placemnt is the LAST resort. So many options to begin with. Clergy, state human services, private therapy, school counselors etc. One of the first things I ask a family is if they have exhausted all other forms of intervention.
5. I feel it is VERY important for the ENTIRE family to be getting treatment at the same time. What good does it do a teen to learn skills that will help them in their lives, then just return to the same nightmare. What a waste of time and money on the parents part and how frustrating for the teen.
6. Yes. I am FIRM that a program must be properly licensed. I know that that does not guarantee a perfect program, but they have at least met the minimum requirements to have a facility open. I have stated before that there are several "licensed" programs I WILL NOT refer to.
7. My state does not require licensing for out of state placement.
8. I require an ICPC to be submitted to the sending AND recieving state. This means both an ICPC A on entering the state and an ICPC B when the program is completed. An ICPC is the only way to make sure that the teen will recieve protection of the state child protective services.
9. I do have an $800.00 fee that barely covers the cost of all the services I provide. I DO NOT charge programs for referring to their program. This way I can be completely impartial as to the needs of the student. Not just send all teens to one program that will pay upward of $2,000 per kid as many other referral servcies require. Truth is, I personally know many folks that will ask a program up front if they will pay a fee. If they say no, they will not refer to that program even if it would benefit the student the most. That is SO wrong!
10. Usually the students that are placed within 48 - 72 hours are kids that are being dicharged from a hospital setting or a detention center. The family may not feel safe with their teen at home or they feel they are not properly trained to address their teens demanding issues. I certainly didn't mean that if a parent gets a wild hair I will be willing to help them have their child kidnapped and dragged off to a torture facility to help punish the kid.
11. Sorry to hear of the challenges you had with
an "Ed. Con." I personally know many, many ed. cons that never leave their office, never meet the family and certainly NEVER visit their client once he/she arrives at the program. Why be bothered. They are able to collect upwards of $6,000.00 per student they refer. What makes them so special? Most sit in plush offices and could care less what is REALLY happening to their client. At least I am willing to get dirty in the trenches helping parents fight, in some cases, for their kids lives.
Truth is I am on your side. Parents are going to continue looking for help for their kids. I am not afraid to tell the truth about programs for the money. Further damaging a teens life is not worth any amount of money. I am NOT in it for the profit. And yes, if I was independantly wealthy, I would be doing this for free.
I hope this has answered some of your questions. Lee Ann
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Lee Ann, can you tell us a few of the programs you refer teens to?
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Anybody notice the "non-answers" to the question about WHAT programs Lee Ann worked for over the past 10 years? Job Title and Duties?
Not a good sign.
:wave:
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Well, here's a few I found. She worked for the infamous Skyline Journey.
May 8, 2001) Lee Ann Fielding, Admissions coordinator for Skyline Journey, Nephi, Utah, 866-822-8336, a new short-term wilderness program, announced Mark Wardle has joined them as Program Manager. He has 11 years experience in wilderness programs, most recently with SageWalk in Oregon and On Track in Texas.
(September 6, 2001) Lee Ann Fielding, Admissions Coordinator for Skyline Journey, 866.822.8336, sent this picture of " SUDS", their traveling shower.
KOLOB CANYON WELCOMES NEW TEACHERS
(May 15, 2002) Lee Ann Fielding, Admissions, Kolob Canyon, Koosharem, Utah, 435-638-7594, welcome their new teachers:
Aug 2002 Red Fern Ranch Sanpete County, Utah
Lee Ann Fielding - Admissions Director 435-638-7416
FROM LEE ANN'S WEBSITE:
Why a Utah Program?
*Utah's programs have set the standard for all other states and programs. Utah is the only state that regulates and licenses programs for teenagers.
They also have the most deaths logged. While I don't believe for a minute that licenses and regulation ensures teen's safety, especially from mind*uck, the latter statement is not true. I have documents stating the numerous times the Utah Lic Dir has "overlooked" violations.
*Utah's age of adulthood is 18
We all know that this means a parent can incarcertate their teen longer...which also means more $$ for the programs.
*The Fielding's have over 20 years combined experience working directly with troubled teens and their parents in various Utah programs.
Didn't find anything for husband Len.
*We offer solutions for:
1. Alcohol use
2. Drug use
3. Out of control or illegal behavior
4. Running away
5. Sexual promiscuity
Shouldn't this read, "we offer referrals to programs that claim to address these issues".
*The state of Utah has a very strict Code of Conduct that each program is required to follow. State officials visit each program regularly to ensure that your teen is well cared for and that state policy is being met. Teens At Risk Referral Services will not refer to a program that is not licensed and is not in good standing with the state.
Hmmmm, folks should have a read about Stettler (Lic Dir) at these links:
http://web.outsidemag.com/magazine/1095/10f_deth.html (http://web.outsidemag.com/magazine/1095/10f_deth.html)
http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... een01.html (http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives/1995/8/seen01.html)
http://www.sltrib.com/2002/Jul/07172002/utah/754298.htm (http://www.sltrib.com/2002/Jul/07172002/utah/754298.htm)
http://www.sltrib.com/2002/jul/07192002/utah/754809.htm (http://www.sltrib.com/2002/jul/07192002/utah/754809.htm)
http://departments.bloomu.edu/crimjust/BOOT.html (http://departments.bloomu.edu/crimjust/BOOT.html)
http://courtlink.utcourts.gov/opinions/ ... r12_98.htm (http://courtlink.utcourts.gov/opinions/appopin/fisher12_98.htm)
http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10122002/utah/utah.htm (http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10122002/utah/utah.htm)
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Please take a look at http://fornits.com/anonanon/peaars.cgi (http://fornits.com/anonanon/peaars.cgi)
Search on terms like lichfield, dundee, "tranquility and bay" or any other related terms to find all articles that contain those terms. Anyone and everyone, please let me know about any related news items that are not already contained in that archive!
Thanks,
Ginger Since you [US "drug tsar" McCaffrey] control a federal budget that has just been increased from $17.8 billion last year to $19.2 billion this year, is asking people like you if we should continue with our nation's current drug policy like a person asking a barber if one needs a haircut? --
Orange Country, California
Los Angeles Times
29 March 2000
--Judge James P. Gray
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Hi all,
I have been out of town. Hope everyone had a great Memorial weekend. Non- Answers???
I am not ashamed of any of the programs I have worked at. Skyline Journey, Kolob Canyon, Red Fern Ranch, Sorenson's Ranch and Aspen.
As I believe I said earlier, they have all helped me better understand what a program should and should not be. I know I do a wonderful service for parents who are looking for a program. For instance, just this past week I saved a kid from going to a program that I personally wouldn't send my dog too. This is what I am trying to do. Help parents make informed decisions! I keep getting attacked and all I am trying to do is keep parents from sending their child to a horrible place. About 80% of the parents I talk to have already made up their minds about sending their teen away.
I only refer to Utah programs. And again I am selective to which programs I refer to. I will NOT send a teen to ANY WWASP programs.
I believe TARRS is the only referral service including Ed. Cons, that have actually worked directly with kids at any program. (If anyone knows different, I would love to know).
There are some states that legal age is as low as 14! That is unbelievable to me. As far as I am concerned at 14 these kids are still babies. Since 18 is the age of majority in Utah, parents can still have a say in what happens to their teen. It has nothing to do with $$ for these programs. I worked with a boy whose parents were so desperate that 3 hours before his 18th birthday, they had him escorted to Samoa where the legal age is 21. Very extreme!!!
I agree, if people, mostly parents, were more invovled with what their kids were doing, there wouldn't be as great a need for "programs". With a combinded family of 10 kids,( we had custody of all 10) trust me, I know how hard it is to be there for every kid ALL the time. But it can be done. When it comes right down to it, all our kids really want is our time.
Lee Ann :smile:
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There's something you ought to know about the history of these treatment cults. Every single one that we know of has started out with the aim of providing a kinder, gentler program than the one before. It works a whole lot like the way a church congregation will sometimes split off over some theological or other difference.
In the end, though, there simply is no humane way to change anyone's behavior against their will. The only way to do it is to break their will. Psychic murder, is the way one investigator described the process.
No matter how badly you want to believe you're doing something good, what you're really doing is helping parents to hire people to do things to their children that would land them in prison if they got caught doing it at home.
I view the TOUGHLOVE movement as being very similar to the quacks who convince people that their parents made them bear children for satanic sacrifice and it just slipped their minds until about the 30th hour of 'therapy'. There's nothing wrong with most of these kids. Even those that do have serious problems usually work them out in the normal course of growing up. If you care at all about the kids and parents, quit feeding the parents' sick and sadistic fantasies.
And I should tell you one other thing. Of all the survivors of all these programs, the ones who went on to staff usually have the most severe problems when they come out the other end. Getting beat up is no fun at all. But having the sanctity of your own mind and personality violated to the point where you'll do it to others is a lot harder to live with in the long run.
Good luck with that. I think it's going to be a rough ride for you.
The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.
Anonymity Anonymous (http://fornits.com/anonanon)
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I'm putting this here so it's in a ST thread.
I was having a passionate debate with a mother who had incarcerated her daughter. And of course, the usual responders chimed in.
I went back today. There was a message from the mom, "I started this thread and am going to ask the moderator to end it. Enough is enough!"
I tried to login and reply, mostly to address her arrogance, but several times I got the error message that the password I provided was wrong.
Anyone else ever have this problem?
I imagine it could be a technical error, but it's never happened before. Will try again later.
Deborah
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Deborah, are you still having this trouble? Could you give me a little more info so I can look into it? I certainly haven't blocked you.
An Animated Cartoon Theology:
1. People are animals.
2. The body is mortal and subject to incredible pain.
3. Life is antagonistic to the living.
4. The flesh can be sawed, crushed, frozen, stretched, burned, bombed, and plucked for music.
5. The dumb are abused by the smart and the smart destroyed by their own cunning.
6. The small are tortured by the large and the large destroyed by their own momentum.
7. We are able to walk on air, but only as long as our illusion supports us.
-- E. L. Doctorow "The Book of Daniel"
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there is a new story in the tico times of June 13 titled (something like) "plenty of finger pointing in dundee ranch closure" apparently its in the print version, because i couldn't access it online.
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see tico times of 6/13: lots of finger pointing in dundee closure; not sure if its available online yet; may be only in print version?
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Sorry Ginger,
I didn't make that clear enough.
The problem is at ST (StrugglingTeens).
No probs here.
Deborah
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Anonymous,
How do you know it is in the Tico Times if it is not on line? How were you able to see "the finger pointing" that you say is in the article? Unless you live in Costa Rica, I do not see how you could have recieved a hard copy of the June 13 paper on June 15.
Just trying to understand what you are getting at...and where you are getting it from.
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My experience of that forum is posts can and will be deleted without explanation except by private email. Second, the board seems to be a gold mine for program recruiters all competing for their share of "desperate parents" seeking placement advice. One thing that is new is the REPORT A POST button. What that's all about???
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For Lee Ann,
Just because you wouldn't refer your dog to one Utah-based organization doesn't qualify you as an expert. Try being more specific about your reasons for blackballing certain organizations in favor of others. Or is that not part of the $800.00 deal?
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This post was sent to the Struggling Teens forum by me a couple of days ago, in response to the never-ending "You've done such a great and loving thing for your child by sending him away to get help" postings. It appeared, but was deleted by moderator Jena when she checked the next day. I have received one private message question about it from a reader, which brings up something interesting. This is about the 3rd deleted post (out of 10 I've made) and I am AMAZED that these ST parents don't seem to have a clue about WWASP, or any such facilities or programs.
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Dear Sue,
Your post, copied below, has been deleted from the "Parenting Issues" forum on Strugglingteens.com because it is hostile and also contains names and/or locations of specific programs.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks
Jena Martin
Board Moderator
Sue Kolbo
Member
Member # 3362
posted June 12, 2003 10:36 PM
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I cried tonight...first time in a couple of months. I went into the bathroom and husband ("Grandpa") found me sitting on the side of the tub with a towel over my head, crying. Sometimes it overwhelms me, and I wish I were dead.
This is a support forum, but Jena has made it clear that it is not a support forum for parents/grandparents in my situation. I have a child in an internationally controversial program...one who has not spoken to her mother in the 7+ months since she was dropped off in Mexico, one who tries to teach herself out of books without any teacher, one who still cannot talk to *anyone* except in "rap" group circles, one who gets 30 daily minutes drill running around the interior courtyard inside the 24-foot walls for physical exercise outside, one who lives in a world without parents, friends, peers, world news, one who somehow knows that she is in it for at least another year....
She has been cut off from us, her grandparents, because we are not "positive and supportive of the Program", and so she exists in this netherworld of random rules and punishments meted out by kids barely beyond her in age and length of prison term. She is in **** , and so are we.
This is to all you thoughtful, caring, desperate, searching parents who investigate, visit, check references, and communicate with either your children or their therapists on a regular basis:
Be careful what you preach. When you are in the grocery check-out line, when you are waiting in the Jiffy Lube lounge, when you are speaking at a luncheon with other parents about how successful your child has been in your chosen placement: to every potential parent with a problem child, whether a real problem or simply adolescence, your advice is powerful. The majority of parents with problems will first check the Internet. They will be bombarded with marketing...every Google search for Teen Help, troubled teen, teens in crisis, etc....will return an 800 number for a company who promises to fix *all* ills. This same company has had numerous facilites closed, most recently in Costa Rica, for abuse. There is no horseback component, no hiking in the mountains, no mingling with local culture, no safe and loving environment. This is a cult of brainwashing which will return to you a compliant child, after much time and much money spent. What the rest of that child's life holds is a crap shoot.
I read here and take some solace in the care each of you seems to bring to your child's problems. Please remember that not everyone is so involved. Temper your enthusiasm for your child's successes when talking to others, for they may not be so diligent as you. A whole different "solution" is hammering at their door. Please don't be responsible for sending another teenager to such a fate. Thank you.
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Posts: 10 | From: Red Bluff, CA | Registered: Dec 2002 | IP: Logged |
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[ This Message was edited by: KarenZ on 2003-10-16 19:41 ]
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This is the first time I have seen this website in my internet research. I have a son at SUWS of the Carolinas right now. He will be done there in a week. I had pretty much decided to send him to King George but he asked my to check out Coronado for him so I've been doing that. After reading many of your posts, I'm seriously reconsidering my decision to send him to any boarding school. He is really a good kid but is in danger of failing school because he has skipped so much and he has issues with drugs and alcohol. There are no good private day school options in S. Florida where I live. Any advice?
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[ This Message was edited by: KarenZ on 2003-10-16 19:43 ]
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individual counseling, family counseling, help from "resource" type teachers at a regular school, talking to the school about testing to qualify for extra help, tutoring, engage family members, perhaps to help him keep busy w/other activities *meaning other than hanging w/friend and doing drugs*, summer school, i resorted to begging my son, serious conversations wherein i tell him he is the most important person in the world to me, that i love him more than anything and will do anything to help him succeed. grandparents? when it getts to be too much, grandparent will help? daytime boarding school? or maybe a monday thru friday, home on the weekend type of facility? Check websites for warning signs of abusive treatment facilities or "behavior modification" programs, keep that checklist in mind when you are looking, if you have to resort to a residential placement. my son will never go to a residential placement again. its just too frightening. make sure there are professionally trained people who can work with him and that there is open communication (not sensored)between you and your son. hell, i'm no expert and dont know the extent of your son's problems but other than the drugs, my son had a real problem cutting class. why doesn't he want to go to school? I read up on adolescent depression, just to help me be more empathetic if anything, to understand how he feels or consider WHY he doesn't want to go to school. good luck, its do hard, but dont give up on him. keep trying! :wave: