Fornits

Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => The Troubled Teen Industry => Topic started by: Anonymous on January 10, 2008, 12:13:33 AM

Title: Anything to add
Post by: Anonymous on January 10, 2008, 12:13:33 AM
Are there anything, someone will like to add to the Fornits Wiki article about the facility (http://http://www.fornits.com/wiki/index.php/Diamond_Ranch_Academy)?
Title: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on January 10, 2008, 09:22:48 AM
didn't this used to be utah boys academy?
Title: No Utahs boys are now West Ridge Academy
Post by: Anonymous on January 10, 2008, 09:28:26 AM
Fornits wiki about West Ridge (http://http://www.fornits.com/wiki/index.php/West_Ridge_Academy)

No hard feelings. Utah is the prison state of the country, so it is easy mixing them up.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on January 10, 2008, 09:46:52 AM
Quote from: "Guest"
I wonder who owns this program?

Top person depicted on their Administration Staff page (http://http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/staff_bios.php?cat=administration&caption=Administration&extra=01-Administration) is Bryce Zundel, CFO. Both domains are registered under his name as well. Those domains are:

www.strugglingteens.us (http://www.strugglingteens.us) (initial registration July 31, 2002 with Wild West Domains)
www.diamondranchacademy.com (http://www.diamondranchacademy.com) (initial registration August 9, 2002 with GoDaddy)

Go ahead, try clicking on them. The first one gets forwarded to the second one. Several of the pages are also created on the "strugglingteens" site; if you follow what your browser does, you will see them forwarded back to the "diamondranch" site before the journey is done. I imagine he is trying to capitalize on some of the traffic to Lon Woodbury's site.

However, I believe the founder/owner is actually the Rob Dias, as the account a few posts back details.
Title: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on January 10, 2008, 10:46:44 AM
Diamond Ranch has more of that Samoan-LDS cultural interchange going on. Many of the staff describe missionary stints of 2 years in Poland, Brazil, or other...  Lead clinician is from Samoa:

====================

Name:  Fotuopala'au Soliai (http://http://clinical.diamondranchacademy.com/clinicians.php)

Position: Clinical Director/Therapist

Education:Professional Work Experience:Interests:

Although, home (American Samoa) is thousands of miles from Utah, it has been a great adventure learning and understanding who I am and where I came from while away from home. Many of my personal philosophies, hobbies, and volunteer work have been strongly influenced by my Samoan Heritage. As part of my culture I have grown to cherish family ties and understand the importance and value of children to their families and I am gratified to be part of improving those relationships.

Comments on DRA:

Diamond Ranch Academy has helped me gain tremendous insight into adolescent behavior and has been a very effective place in assisting teens in understanding themselves and the reasons for changing their behaviors. I also consider myself a very happy person and very easy to be around. This allows me to develop close and trusting relationships with my students. I also have the ability to set boundaries and not allow youth to manipulate me, thus I am not only easy to get along with, but respected.

Working with parents is another opportunity that I have enjoyed here at DRA. It has been rewarding to understand the different social, economic, and cultural dynamics that have contributed to some of today's issues with our youth, and it is heartwarming to work with parents to see their role in the change process and assist them with new ways to relate to youth that are healthy and productive.
Title: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on January 10, 2008, 04:06:07 PM
Bryce Zundel and Rob Dias? I've never heard of them before. I do find it very interesting how they have 200 acres of property right near Cross Creek Programs which is a WWASP run facility. It seems like that area is getting really built up with programs. But, how do they basically come onto WWASPS turf, and get away with starting their own program? A program that is very similar, if not identical with the way it is structured to WWASPS.

Is there a new sheriff in town? I doubt it. It's their way of becoming more centralized, and doing their best to not be grouped in with WWASP. I'm investigating it pretty hard. I haven't found out yet what binds these people together, or what brought them together? But, I will.
Title: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on January 10, 2008, 04:31:28 PM
Dias is a friend of the Osmond's
http://wwf.fornits.com/viewtopic.php?p=53743#53743 (http://wwf.fornits.com/viewtopic.php?p=53743#53743)
http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=16174#16174 (http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=16174#16174)
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=241317 (http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=241317)
Title: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on January 10, 2008, 05:15:08 PM
Quote from: "Guest"
Bryce Zundel and Rob Dias? I've never heard of them before. I do find it very interesting how they have 200 acres of property right near Cross Creek Programs which is a WWASP run facility. It seems like that area is getting really built up with programs. But, how do they basically come onto WWASPS turf, and get away with starting their own program? A program that is very similar, if not identical with the way it is structured to WWASPS.

Is there a new sheriff in town? I doubt it. It's their way of becoming more centralized, and doing their best to not be grouped in with WWASP. I'm investigating it pretty hard. I haven't found out yet what binds these people together, or what brought them together? But, I will.

Two of their Academic teachers (Doug Heideman, Steve Force) claim Cross Creek lineage on their profiles on the Diamond Ranch website. Another teacher (Jodie Frandsen?) claims experience at Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy, Kolob Canyon RTC, and Integrity House RTC.

Bryce Zundel is a former IRS man.

I believe they started out in Idaho (1999?), that would be Rob and Sherri Dias, and moved to Utah sometime between then and 2002.

They have a system where kids have to plead their cases and get doled out their punishments in a mock court.  Everybody is sitting down, but one of the staff is the "judge," and no one is the kid's "lawyer," 'cept maybe one of the other kids. Consequences! There's a clip on their site; I think the Rob Dias character is the "prosecuting attorney" in that one, sitting back in a pink shirt and going through his papers not looking at the camera.  His son (Ronnie?) is head of Athletics for the place.

I think, but I am not completely certain, that the level of newbies is referred to as "homeless." That would be that initial period where they are separate from the rest of the place and do wilderness and punitive calisthenics. That definitely needs to be confirmed.

They are fond of AA and NA and of incorporating Samoan dance into AA/NA indoctrination somehow.  At least that is how they represent themselves...

I am in the middle of copying and reformatting their accreditation visit (2005) for a later post, hence haven't posted this afternoon...
Title: Diamond Ranch Academy 2005 Accreditation Report
Post by: Ursus on January 17, 2008, 04:41:52 PM
Okay... here is the afore promised accreditation report for Diamond Ranch Academy. Apparently they moved to Utah in 2001. The PDF download (title in doc) is 18 pages. I've included the page break lines except where they would break up sentences.

If you'd rather not download, I've also included the Google cache LINK (http://http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:iIAwO0mUpU0J:www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/accred/reports/TeamReports/DiamondRanch.pdf+Bryce+Zundel&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us) (HTML).

Is this standard language for a report of this type?  Or is this just Utah?  Sounds a bit moralizing. Seems as though a lot of highly subjective judgments are being made, ones which could potentially be swayed based on personal friendships and the like...




The Report of the Accreditation Visiting Team (http://http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/accred/reports/TeamReports/DiamondRanch.pdf)

Diamond Ranch Academy
1500 East 2700 South
Hurricane, Utah 84737


July 28, 2005


Utah State Office of Education
250 East 500 South
P.O. Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200



THE REPORT OF THE
VISITING TEAM REVIEWING


Diamond Ranch Academy
1500 East 2700 South
Hurricane, Utah 84737


July 28, 2005


UTAH STATE OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Patti Harrington, Ed.D.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction


DIVISION OF
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND SCHOOL SUCCESS

Christine Kearl, Associate Superintendent

Brett Moulding, Director
Curriculum and Instruction

Georgia Loutensock, Accreditation Specialist
Curriculum and Instruction


Salt Lake City, Utah



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword — ii
Utah State Board of Education — iii
Diamond Ranch Academy Administration and Staff — 1
Diamond Ranch Academy Mission Statement and Belief Statements — 2
Members of the Visiting Team — 3
Visiting Team Report — 4
Chapter 1: School Profile — 4
Chapter 2: The Self-Study Process — 5
Chapter 3: Instructional and Organizational Effectiveness — 6
Chapter 4: Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) Standards I-XI — 9
Chapter 5: School Improvement Efforts – Action Plan — 11
Chapter 6: Major Commendations and Recommendations of the Visiting Team — 12



FOREWORD

The major purpose of the accreditation process is to stimulate school growth and improvement so as to increase student achievement.

In these efforts, the school staff makes a comprehensive evaluation of the school's programs, operations, and results. The school determines how actual practices align to stated objectives and resulting outcomes. It is a three-phased evaluation: (1) self-evaluation, (2) on-site evaluation by an external team of educators, and (3) implementation using units of the evaluation to improve the school by effecting thoughtful change.

The evaluation, July 28, 2005, was conducted because of the school's desire to ensure quality education for all students in the school, and to increase student achievement.  The entire staff of Diamond Ranch Academy is commended for the time and effort devoted to studying and evaluating the various facets of the total program and to preparing the materials used by the Visiting Team. The excellent leadership given by Bo Iverson, Education Director, is also commended.

The staff and administration are congratulated for their desire for excellence at Diamond Ranch Academy, and also for the professional attitude of all members of the group, which made it possible for them to see areas of weakness and strength and to suggest procedures for bringing about improvements.

While these recommendations may be used to solicit financial support to acquire some of the materials, equipment, and services needed to carry out a more effective program, it is even more important that the faculty and administration utilize them as they continue to evaluate and modify course offerings and administrative and classroom procedures to more dramatically increase student achievement at Diamond Ranch Academy.

Patti Harrington, Ed.D.
State Superintendent
of Public Instruction



UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
250 East 500 South
P. O. Box 144200
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200

District 1
Teresa L. Theurer
66 Canterbury Circle
Logan, UT 84321
Phone: (435) 753-0740   

District 2
Greg W. Haws
5841 West 4600 South
Hooper, UT 84315
Phone: (801) 985-7980

District 3
Edward Dalton
1323 Bryan Road
Erda, UT 84074
Phone: (435) 882-4498

District 4
Richard Sadler
875 Edgewood Dr.
Ogden, UT 84403
Phone: (801) 479-7988

District 5
Kim R. Burningham
932 Canyon Crest Drive
Bountiful, UT 84010
Phone: (801) 292-9261
District 6
Tim Beagley
3974 South 3550 West
West Valley City, UT 84119
Phone: (801) 969-6454     

District 7
John C. Pingree
1389 Harvard Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Phone: (801) 582-5635

District 8
Janet A. Cannon
5256 Holladay Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Phone: (801) 272-3516

District 9
Gary C. Swensen
1101 Framewood Ln
Taylorsville, UT 84123
Phone: (801) 281-8746

District 10
Laurel Brown
5311 So. Lucky Clover Ln
Murray, UT 84123
Phone: (801) 261-4221
District 11
Bill Colbert
14862 S Coalville Way
Draper, UT 84020
Phone: (801) 572-1608   

District 12
Mark Cluff
645 West Hubbard Cir
Alpine, UT 84004
Phone: (801) 756-7623

District 13
Thomas Gregory
1056 West 1150 South
Provo, UT 84601
Phone: (801) 607-4702

District 14
Dixie Allen
218 West 5250 North
Vernal, UT 84078
Phone: (435) 789-0534

District 15
Debra G. Roberts
Box 1780
Beaver, UT 84713
Phone: (435) 438-5843

Bonnie Jean Beesley*     
1492 East Kristianna Cir.
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Phone: (801) 359-0295


Patti Harrington
Executive Officer
Sara V. Sinclair*
1340 North 1500 East
Logan, UT 84341-2851
Phone: (435) 754-0216


Twila B. Affleck
Secretary

* Board of Regents Appointments            1/3/2005



DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY


Board and Administration

Rob Dias — Founder/Owner
Sherri Dias — Owner/Admissions
Bryce Zundel — Financial Officer
Kole Staheli — Executive Director
Bo Iverson — Education Director
Dave Macbeth — Clinical Director
Andrea Kvarfordt — Program Director
Reeve Knighton — Program Director


Clinical Staff

Fotu Soliai — CSW
Jeana Lee  — CSW
Stewart Squires  — CSW
John Brown — CSW
Jared Juett — CSW


Academic Staff

Steve Force — Science, Life Skills
Colby Neilson — Math, Science
Gary Cohu — Special Education
Doug Heideman — History, P.E.
Holly Nowers — Math, Life Skills
Ashley Riddle — English, History
Russell Neilson — English, P.E.
Jody Rich (Consultant) — School Counselor
Herald Hinton (Consultant) — Librarian


Support Staff

Amity Hixson — SPED Para Pro
Stefnee McMullin — SPED Para Pro
Mandy Hallam — P.E./LS Para Pro
Mindy Rawlins — Teacher Assistant
Vanessa Rohbock — Teacher Assistant



DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY


MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Diamond Ranch Academy is to create a nurturing environment where personal accountability will lead students towards academic achievement, emotional health, and a successful future.


BELIEF STATEMENTS









MEMBERS OF THE VISITING TEAM


Ralph P. Vander Heide, Ph.D., Consultant in School Accreditation, Visiting Team Chairperson

Judith H. Vander Heide, M.S., Consultant in School Accreditation



VISITING TEAM REPORT

DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY


CHAPTER 1: SCHOOL PROFILE


a)  What significant findings were revealed by the school's analysis of its profile?

 


b)  What modifications to the school profile should the school consider for the future?



CHAPTER 2: THE SELF-STUDY PROCESS

a)  To what extent has the school community engaged in a collaborative self-study process on behalf of students?


b)  To what extent does the school's self-study accurately reflect the school's current strengths and limitations?





CHAPTER 3: INSTRUCTIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

Diamond Ranch Academy's desired results for student learning (DRSLs) are as follows:




School staff members engaged in a thorough procedure for determining the DRSLs. The staff and SIP team used the "Survey of Goals for Student Learning" published by the National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE), as well as observation of student achievement and educational research, to determine the learning needs of students.

The Visiting Team observed that several indicators of student achievement are given for each DRSL so that progress can be measured. Action steps are clearly outlined in the plans for achieving the DRSLs. For example, an action step for the third DRSL is to "identify incoming students with special needs." The evaluation indicators for this DRSL include "identify student classification" and "teacher observation."

Shared Vision, Beliefs, Mission, and Goals:

a)  To what extent did the school facilitate a collaborative process to build a shared vision for the school (mission) that defines a compelling purpose and direction for the school?


b)  To what extent has the school defined a set of beliefs that reflect the commitment of the administration and staff to support student achievement and success?


c)  To what extent do the school's mission and beliefs align to support the school's desired results for student learning (DRSLs)?


Curriculum Development:

a)  To what extent does the staff work collaboratively to ensure the curriculum is based on clearly defined standards and the Utah Core Curriculum (with inclusion of the Utah Life Skills)?


b)  To what extent does the teaching staff work collaboratively to support the development of a curriculum that focuses on the school's desired results for student learning?


Quality Instructional Design:

a)  To what extent does the professional staff design and implement a variety of learning experiences that actively engage students?


 


b)  To what extent do the professional staff and leadership provide additional opportunities which support student learning?


Quality Assessment Systems:

a)  To what extent has the staff developed classroom or school wide assessments based on clearly articulated expectations for student achievement?


Leadership for School Improvement:

a)  To what extent does the school leadership promote quality instruction by fostering an academic learning climate and actively supporting teaching and learning?


 

Community Building:

a)  To what extent does the school foster community building and working relationships within the school?


b)  To what extent does the school extend the school community through collaborative networks that support student learning?


Culture of Continuous Improvement and Learning:

a)  To what extent does the school build skills and the capacity for improvement through comprehensive and ongoing professional development programs focused on the school's goals for improvement?


b)  To what extent does the school create conditions that support productive change and continuous improvement?



CHAPTER 4: NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION OF ACCREDITED SCHOOLS
(NAAS) STANDARDS I-XI

Standard I – Educational Program


Standard II – Student Personnel Services


Standard III – School Plant and Equipment


Standard IV – Library Media Program


Standard V – Records


Standard VI – School Improvement (This is addressed in the self-study.)


Standard VII – Preparation of Personnel


Standard VIII – Administration


Standard IX – Teacher Load


Standard X – Activities


Standard XI – Business Practices



CHAPTER 5: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS – ACTION PLAN

a)  To what extent is the school-wide action plan adequate in addressing the critical areas for follow-up?



CHAPTER 6: MAJOR COMMENDATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE VISITING TEAM

Commendations:








Recommendations:







Lastly, the school is reminded that accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the school. A primary purpose of accreditation is to protect the public trust. Accreditation promotes voluntary self-regulation, and is a means of showing confidence in a school’s performance (i.e., showing that both quantitative and qualitative standards have been established). An ultimate objective of the self-study and accreditation process should be that schools institutionalize the process of reflective inquiry and thereby become internally responsible for the maintenance of standards—even the creation of standards. The Visiting Team anticipates that Diamond Ranch Academy will continue the process of self-evaluation and ongoing improvement.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Buddha22 on January 18, 2008, 09:42:30 PM
I came across the site 4 months ago, and I thought something was suspicious about it. I was shocked when reading the parents testimonies because of the fact they are fake.  I am no language expert,yet it has the same consistency of writing  patterns for all of them even the students! 

here is a section from the faqs on diamond ranch.

The average length of stay is ten months. We have chosen to forego pressure, intimidation and manipulation, therefore, it takes that long for the lessons to be truly learned and internalized.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Froderik on January 18, 2008, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: "Buddha22"
The average length of stay is ten months. We have chosen to forego pressure, intimidation and manipulation, therefore, it takes that long for the lessons to be truly learned and internalized.

Crafty fuckers.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2008, 02:13:23 PM
Quote from: "Froderik"
Quote from: "Buddha22"
The average length of stay is ten months. We have chosen to forego pressure, intimidation and manipulation, therefore, it takes that long for the lessons to be truly learned and internalized.

Crafty fuckers.

What exactly is the point of even bringing up the "pressure, intimidation and manipulation," if they truly chose to "forego them," eh?
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2008, 02:15:35 PM
The DRA program includes community projects and service learning. Here is a letter from the Washington City Veterans Committee re. one of those projects, addressed to Diamond Ranch Academy's current Program & Family Support Coordinator, Kole Staheli. He has also held other positions at DRA, namely, Executive Director, Program Director, and School Teacher. Note that at least two members of this committee appear to be related to him.




November 20, 2007
Kole Staheli
Diamond Ranch Academy
1500 East 2700 S.
Hurricane, Utah


Dear Kole,

We want to thank you for your support and marvelous participation of Diamond Ranch Academy in behalf of Washington City Veterans. We hoped this day would be one of celebration in the cause of liberty and a remembrance of the individual sacrifice each veteran has made for America. Your students helped accomplish both of these goals.

The students were impressive! They arrived willing to work and were very selfless in their service. I watched them assist the veterans. The youth were attentive and respectful. Their deportment was exemplary. Throughout the day, they were quick to see and address the needs of the elderly veterans. Even though they had started early and were themselves hungry, the students served every single veteran and adult present before they themselves ate lunch. Many of the veterans thanked us again and again for this day. One said, "You don't know what it means." I think we're beginning to. In a time when division and rancor are pressed upon us, to have a few hours of harmony and joy is an absolute ray of hope.

I watched one young woman help Britt Kendall into his car after the luncheon. She was so careful with him, and when he was settled, she knelt next to him to express her own gratitude. Through her tears she said she'd pray for him. That moment was to me the capstone of the entire day. Because she said what I had been feeling. These wonderful men and women have given us more than we can ever thank them for, and the best thing we can do is to pray for them. Will you tell your students that we love them? They help make our celebration feel like home.

Kole, thank you for your personal willingness to serve this community and your support of the cause of freedom. Please know that we are grateful for you and your staff. They are professional in their conduct and are so pleasing to work with. The rising generation needs only to look up to see those they may trust enough to follow. Thank you for the great good you do.


LINK to letter (JPEG Image) (http://http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/images/veterans%20day%20letter%2007.jpg)
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Froderik on January 19, 2008, 02:18:16 PM
Quote from: "Ursus"
Quote from: "Froderik"
Quote from: "Buddha22"
The average length of stay is ten months. We have chosen to forego pressure, intimidation and manipulation, therefore, it takes that long for the lessons to be truly learned and internalized.

Crafty fuckers.

What exactly is the point of even bringing up the "pressure, intimidation and manipulation," if they truly chose to "forego them," eh?

Good point. Such a crock o'binnis.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2008, 02:37:12 PM
Quote from: "Froderik"
Quote from: "Ursus"
Quote from: "Froderik"
Quote from: "Buddha22"
The average length of stay is ten months. We have chosen to forego pressure, intimidation and manipulation, therefore, it takes that long for the lessons to be truly learned and internalized.

Crafty fuckers.

What exactly is the point of even bringing up the "pressure, intimidation and manipulation," if they truly chose to "forego them," eh?

Good point. Such a crock o'binnis.

(emoticon for LMAO if I had one) x 10
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Buddha22 on January 21, 2008, 09:33:13 AM
(in the faqs) what i have found is that they admit the abuse and are proud of it, which is a rarity for these evil programs to do. 
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: psy on January 21, 2008, 01:34:23 PM
Quote from: "Buddha22"
(in the faqs) what i have found is that they admit the abuse and are proud of it, which is a rarity for these evil programs to do.

Well...  It all depends on your definition of abuse.  What they call "Milieu Therapy*" for example, the way they practice it, is straight out of Robert J Lifton's writings on thought reform.  They turn a bad thing into a good thing through spin.  What I find is more effective than calling something "abuse" (even though I might agree), is to explain the facts of what exactly is done, present the other side of the argument, and let parents decide whether or not something is indeed "abuse".  Even if they don't agree that such things are abusive, after reading some Lifton or Singer, they'll have a hard time arguing that the so-called "therapy" is effective in any case.  Milieu control requires a milieu to exist and be sustained.

* "Milieu therapy" is actually a legitimate term, but it doesn't mean what they define it as.  As usual, cults redefine language, appropriting legitimate terminology to mean other things. 

(http://http://www.fornits.com/psy/milieuTherapy.png)

What they define it as (http://http://clinical.diamondranchacademy.com/) is this (commented):

Quote
Milieu (Mill-you) Therapy consists of the entire structure and environment of Diamond Ranch. This includes a token economy and the process of student advancement. It also includes the open ranch setting where students can be outdoors in a beautiful, safe environment. Through milieu therapy, the youth learn the law of the harvest :ftard: , the consequences of their actions (big euphemism here), and basic life and interpersonal skills (like bitching other people out). In it’s simplicity, milieu therapy is everything Diamond Ranch Academy offers your youth.

I also have a hard time believing all of their staff are actually licensed to practice any sort of therapy (they probably have one, and when the inspectors come around, probably claim he runs all the groups  ::) ).  It might be true, but if you take a look on their staff page, a licence number is only listed for one person.  If you want a good exercise at shooting fish in a barrel, look the clowns up and see if they really are certified. Then if you want an exercise in pulling teeth, try and get anything done about it.  This is Utah after all... No wonder they try and teach the kids "Utah Life Skills"

  ::puke::
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Buddha22 on January 21, 2008, 02:44:38 PM
but it is still verbal and psychotraumatic abuse IMO
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on December 08, 2008, 11:22:34 PM
I was a student at DRA from January to July of 2005.  I learned a lot from DRA, though it was from the girls that I lived with - girls that became like sisters to me.  Though there were rare staff members who seemed to genuinely care for our well-being, the program, in general, is incredibly deceptive.  Rob and Sherri Dias would always make a point to interact with us when parents came to visit, but as soon as they left, the Dias' disappeared.  We were forced to do intensive labor and calisthenics, and although they are permitted to use restraints when a student is endangering themself or others, staff members took advantage of this frequently.  Robbie, one of the Dias' son, made a habit of getting physical with kids under even the most trivial circumstances.  If anyone has any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them.  DRA is a disturbing and emotional part of my past, and although parts of it seem good-intentioned, there was something dark and disturbing about the experience as an attendant.

Greer Gaddie
gmgaddie@yahoo.com
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: wdtony on December 09, 2008, 05:21:34 AM
Check out this site-Myspace page?

Looks like they aren't too happy with their experiences at DRA. Says 438 members......wow!

http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus ... 3341893196 (http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupID=100106985&Mytoken=0FA93060-294C-405C-BF519CA6D75C42A3341893196)
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on December 09, 2008, 05:55:48 AM
Dear Miss Gaddie

As we are trying to built a database over all behavior modification facilities and programs in the world, we would like your help with the datasheet over DRA (http://http://wiki.fornits.com/index.php?title=Diamond_Ranch_Academy).

If anything is missing, please add it.

Regards
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on December 24, 2008, 10:42:49 AM
Diamond Ranch Academy has been in business for 10 years with out a single case of abuse or neglect.  Any one that has been to the facility knows that it is an incredible place with staff that sincerely care.  If you have any question or concern, please tour the facility and gather your information from the source.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on December 24, 2008, 07:08:32 PM
Quote from: "The truth"
Diamond Ranch Academy has been in business for 10 years with out a single case of abuse or neglect.  Any one that has been to the facility knows that it is an incredible place with staff that sincerely care.  If you have any question or concern, please tour the facility and gather your information from the source.


Actually, greer has described systematic abuse at your facility. Unlike you, she provides her real name. I'll beleive her over you, child torturer.

Aren't there multiple threads here on fornits about this abduction, captivity and brainwashing center?
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on March 23, 2009, 04:07:09 PM
I was one of the teens that was being abused so badly, I had to escape.  I made it almost a week until they caught me, and when I returned...I wished I would have died.  They ruined my life.  It is now 7 years later, and I still have flashbacks a few times a week.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Anonymous on March 23, 2009, 04:57:50 PM
Quote from: "cjpat6790@yahoo.com"
I was one of the teens that was being abused so badly, I had to escape.  I made it almost a week until they caught me, and when I returned...I wished I would have died.  They ruined my life.  It is now 7 years later, and I still have flashbacks a few times a week.


HI cpat, I know how you feel Cedu Running Springs murdered my sister by hurting her as they hurt you. What will make you feel better is bringing your torturers to justice. Contact the police and fill out a report.

contact these guys, a group to help people like us:
http://www.isaccorp.org/ (http://www.isaccorp.org/)
http://www.caica.org/ (http://www.caica.org/)
http://www.myspace.com/cafety (http://www.myspace.com/cafety)



http://www.heal-online.org/teen.htm (http://www.heal-online.org/teen.htm)

Heal
126 SW 148th St
Ste C100-422
Seattle, WA
98166-1984
206)244-1894

 Cafety and Isca are most active, i thinkthey will walk you through it. If you report abuse, sometimes they are put in prison for what they did. The
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Debra on April 20, 2009, 05:15:00 PM
I am interested in hearing about DRA experiences; good, bad, indifferent.
debsirotiak@msn.com
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Debra on April 20, 2009, 10:21:53 PM
I am seeking information about and/or experiences from people about DRA.
Feel free to contact me directly at debsirotiak@msn.com

Thanks for your candor and a few minutes of your time.

Debra
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on April 20, 2009, 11:34:31 PM
Quote from: "Debra"
I am seeking information about and/or experiences from people about DRA.
Feel free to contact me directly at viewtopic.php?f=14&t=25810 (http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=25810)

Try also doing a search for "diamond ranch" (no quotes needed) for assorted posts that may be hidden in other threads. Some posters may have included contact information.

Are you a parent or journalist? Other?
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Ursus on May 17, 2010, 11:41:01 AM
Perhaps it is all the pressure brought about by the 'Bring Brendan home (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=28785)' campaign, or perhaps it has something to do with the suicide of Marie Osmond's son Michael Blosil (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=24119&p=357404) (who changed his name to Michael Bryan shortly before his death) ... whichever or whatever the case, it appears that Diamond Ranch Academy is doing some PR work to counteract such negative press:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Visit Reports
Posted: Apr 28, 2010

DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY (http://http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/DiamondRanchAcademyBN_100428.shtml)

Hurricane, UT
Fotu Soliai
Executive Director
Maurie Simmons
Admissions Director
877-372-3200
http://www.diamondranchacademy.com (http://www.diamondranchacademy.com)

Visit by Judith E. Bessette, EdD
March 18, 2010

Diamond Ranch Academy is located between St. George, UT and Zion National Park. To insure I didn't get lost once I made the turn onto a red, rutted road, Dan Borchardt from Admissions met me in Hurricane and I followed him to the property. The program is tucked between Gooseberry Mesa to the north and Little Creek Mesa to the south.

Founders Rob Dias and his wife Sherri dreamed for years about starting a boys ranch. Rob grew up in a family that generously opened their home to foster kids. Once Rob started teaching in southern Utah, he began volunteering at local programs serving troubled teens. In 1999, the dream became a reality when Rob and Sherry opened a small program near Boise, ID. The next year, he found the property in southern Utah and moved DRA to its present location.

I was greeted by three inquisitive alpaca...one brown, one black and one cream-colored...part of the small animal care program. I could see several neat rectangular buildings -- dorms, academic buildings and the cafeteria...and a decorative stone wall bisecting the area. The dorms are clean and comfortable, housing up to 4 students per room. Students are invited to decorate their bunk area with pictures from home.

Dan and I met with Fotu Soliai, Executive Director, Ephraim Hanks, Clinical Director and Maurie Simons, Admissions DIrector in the cozy Administration Building. We reviewed the basics -- DRA is a SEVIS approved RTC (residential treatment center) serving boys and girls 12 - 18 on four separate areas of the property that are both age and gender specific. 48 boys ages 12 - 15 live on the Stone Ridge Campus. Another 48 boys --16 to 17 -- live at Lava Falls. The comparable girls campuses are Crystal Springs and Whisper Creek. There are 25 girls on each campus. The stone wall mentioned earlier separates the boys and the girls.

Recently, DRA opened Sage Canyon, a fifth campus for students who turn 18 before they complete the 8 to 10 month program. Currently, Sage Canyon serves only DRA students...but that may change in the future. As of this writing, there are 3 girls and 8 boys.

Students come with a variety of problems including depression, anger issues, ADHD, impulsiveness, oppositional behavior, low self esteem, issues around adoption, divorce and grief/ loss, broken family relationships, communication difficulties, academic struggles and substance abuse. Using a cognitive behavioral therapeutic model (CBT) with an emphasis on choice and accountability, DRA has fine-tuned a token economy using a "sophisticated extrinsic reward system" that runs through every aspect of the program.

Every student has a job -- school. In addition to the clothing, bedding and the like that students typically get upon enrolling in any program, students here also receive a checkbook ledger to record the "wages" they receive for meeting their academic expectations. Students also receive wages for participation in therapy and for residential life.

To simulate the "real world", students must use their earnings to support themselves -- first for basics like rent. Only if they have "savings" can they buy snacks or pay for extra activities like the movies. There's a place for altruism -- students with large savings accounts can "sponsor" other students without savings enabling the latter students to enjoy an activity they cannot pay for out of their own funds.

Just as students meeting or surpassing expectations are rewarded, students falling short are issued citations. One can simply pay the citation or one can go to court. The court has several levels...just like the real world...or the Real Life Transition Program as it's known at DRA.

Students start at minimum wage and get raises based on achievement. The better the student is doing in academics, therapy and residential life -- the more likely they are to be able to apply for additional jobs that range from kitchen helper to serving as a judge on the peer court.

There are ongoing activities in the lives of the students at DRA that do not "cost" the student anything...like birthday celebrations or scheduled weekend outings. The Real Life Transitions Program is designed to offer students a normalizing experience while emphasizing personal accountability.

There is also a level system at DRA. Each level has a series of requirements with staff and peers collaborating on the decision to move each student up. New students start on "O & A" or Observation and Assessment. Student is the next level...followed by Supervisor, Manager, Director and, finally, Graduate. 75 % of DRA students successfully navigate each level.

Students who are not meeting the requirements to receive the salary minimum and have no savings wind up on "unemployment." When you are on unemployment, you get assigned tasks to complete while other students have free time. Tasks can be as simple as completing missing homework assignments or may involve an additional writing assignments regarding an inappropriate behavior or therapeutic lesson. Tasks may also include campus maintenance and beautification.

Students on any level can wind up back on O & A based on circumstances. DRA thinks of this as a time-out...an opportunity to reflect then move forward. Once off O & A, a student returns to the level they left rather than needing to repeat levels. (Until recently, O & A was referred to as "being homeless." Since students were never truly "homeless", this inaccurate description is no longer used.)

There are ten members of the clinical team, each with a case load of 12 - 15. All are licensed as professional counselors, family therapists or social workers with areas of expertise including play therapy, equine therapy, sexual identity issues and reactivity, trauma and substance abuse. A therapy session can happen on the basketball court or during a walk or under a shade tree on campus. Bilingual staff can work with parents who speak only Spanish.

The academic program is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) and the Utah State Office of Education. Using an individualized approach that helps students "own' their learning process, students are supported by certified teachers in traditional classroom settings. DRA can manage IEPs and offers special education assistance and support for mild to moderate learning disabilities. DRA can accommodate a few students with Asperger's but these students must be able to comprehend the token economy.

An appealing aspect of life parents and students alike is the school's commitment to sports and other extra-curricular activities like dance, speech and debate, music and drama. Remember the alpaca? Small animal care is a club offering. Clubs meet every weekday for 3-month blocks. Students get to choose their club activities. I had the pleasure of talking with several girls who had just completed the 4-H block and loved it. They were articulate as they described the service work 4-H involved.

Both boys and girls also have the opportunity to participate in competitive athletics including football, baseball and basketball. A sanctioned AA high school, DRA boys and girls take on other local schools -- and sometimes take the trophy! (Cheerleading is one of the club activities that supports the DRA teams.) I met several young athletes and was impressed with how they interacted with one another and with me, too.

The DRA motto -- healing families, one youth at a time -- speaks to the value they place on parents. DRA offers several parent seminars throughout the year to help parents understand their role in creating and sustaining long-term change in their son or daughter.

If you are looking for an RTC that serves a broad spectrum of issues but still feels very much like a traditional high school that offers normalizing sports and club experiences, take a look at Diamond Ranch.


Copyright ©2010, Woodbury Reports, Inc.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 06, 2012, 01:05:45 PM
We are occupying Dr. Drew! Yesterday there were over 200 tweets sent, multiple comments made to his FB, blog & video. We are not letting up, here's more info...

Let's join CAFETY in letting Dr. Drew know about Diamond Ranch Academy.

Dr. Drew has seemed to offer a voice for the new generation, but on 2/20/12, he offered a year long detention to a mother for her child at Diamond Ranch Academy, free of charge.

Here is the video from 2/20/12 where Dr. Drew and DRA staff try to convince a mother to send her son away: http://www.lctv.com/2012/01/30/the-oppo ... his-future (http://www.lctv.com/2012/01/30/the-opportunity-to-save-his-future)
Notice how the only person who asks what the kid thinks is his mother? She seems to be the only one who cares about him, and it shows how much he will be listened to once he gets to DRA. I find it really ironic that they tell the mother that they need her support and engagement for it to work. What about the kid? Oh yeah, he will be forced into it so who cares if he's on board or not. Does this whole thing look like one big commercial or what? Notice the pressure to make a quick decision.

We need to let him know this is NOT OK & there are many accounts of abuse online about DRA.

CAFETY's campaign against Diamond Ranch Academy and Dr. Drew: http://www.cafety.org/component/content/article/891 (http://www.cafety.org/component/content/article/891)

Dr. Drew Show - Contact Info:

CNN, Show feedback form : http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?124 (http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?124)

Send Video Question to Dr Drew: ireport.cnn.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=577879&hpt=dr_r2

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrDrewHLN (http://www.facebook.com/DrDrewHLN)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/drdrewhln (https://twitter.com/#!/drdrewhln) https://twitter.com/#!/DRDREW (https://twitter.com/#!/DRDREW)

Fornits wiki: http://wiki.fornits.com/index.php?title ... ch_Academy (http://wiki.fornits.com/index.php?title=Diamond_Ranch_Academy)

More info on fornits: https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Afornits.com+ (https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Afornits.com+)"Diamond+Ranch+Academy"

*********************************************************************************

PLEASE REPOST THIS MESSAGE ON FB AND TWITTER:

FACEBOOK:

The Campaign to educate Dr. Drew Pinsky :

On Feb 20th, Dr. Drew recommended Diamond Ranch Academy and programs like it to a struggling family and his viewers.

Dr. Drew, it is irresponsible of you to misinform the public. Please take a moment to educate yourself now.  Then retract your statements.

http://www.cafety.org/involvement/132-t ... our-voice- (http://www.cafety.org/involvement/132-take-action/892-cafety-campaign-to-educate-dr-drew-show-diamond-ranch-academy-survivor-voices-our-voice-)

TWITTER

Dr. Drew promotes Diamond Ranch. Dr. educate yourself and retract. @Drdrewhln @drdrew #OpLiberation #childabuse http://t.co/pI3yFYZV (http://t.co/pI3yFYZV)
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 06, 2012, 01:08:47 PM
We have media attention on this.

They are looking for more info, please post anything you know about DRA in this thread. If anyone knows a Diamond Ranch Academy survivor, please have them contact me at reddittroubledteens@gmail.com so I can put them in touch with the media. Thanks!
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 06, 2012, 01:12:02 PM
DRA survivor account from reddit:

http://www.reddit.com/r/troubledteens/c ... o_diamond/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/troubledteens/comments/qipqo/lets_occupy_dr_drew_he_referred_a_kid_to_diamond/)

samferrara
[+1] 7 points 22 hours ago

I was at DRA for 11 months, and while I was never physically abused, the verbal/emotional/mental abuse was there and I did see other people physically abused. I left DRA during the myspace years (haha) and started a group meant to keep me in touch with a handful of friends I made there. Membership quickly mushroomed and I soon had hundreds of DRA alums organized into a group. Soon I had to close the membership and hand check every single applicant, because staff members from DRA were disguising themselves as former students and gathering information. They kept an eye on what people were saying about them, they spread misinformation, and more. When I was contacted by a girl named Sara Harmon, things got strange. Sara was a survivor of Mormon polygamy, and the Dias family, who own DRA, fostered her for a time. During that time, she alleges that Rob Dias sexually molested her. She referred me to an appearance she made on Larry King. It seemed legitimate to me, so I shared the information with the group. Within a week I was contacted by Rob personally. The conversation went from him wishing me well, asking about my life and how I was doing to him telling me about Sara and how she was an alcoholic (I was sent to DRA for drug addiction, so he wasn't gaining any sympathy from me) how she lead a "deviant lifestyle" and making other attempts at character assassination. All the while, he danced around the actual question I kept drilling him with; "Did you sexually molest Sara Harmon or not?" Eventually he said "NO" but it took a while to get an answer out of him. After this stage of the conversation, he nonchalantly moved on to his next point. He told me about his team of "shark lawyers" whose job it was to "hurt people like you" and then he basically told me to keep my mouth shut. I was not impressed with this threat in any way, and nothing ever came of it. Yes, I kept running my mouth. (obviously)

Rob Dias is a criminal. He hides behing this facade of wanting to help the kids, but the few who really get to know him see him for what he is- another slimey, greedy crook. Everyone who's been at a graduation ceremony at DRA can tell you about his signature crocodile tears. Shame on Dr. Drew; either for not doing his research and seeing that DRA is inhumane, or for seeing it and making his recommendation anyway.

I could go on to detail specific injustices committed, but I'm pretty sure there are plenty of easily accessible records. Anyone who has been fighting this place long enough should probably recognize my name, and I can probably prove my affiliation with DRA, if anyone requires.


pixel8
[+1]Pixie[F,S] 5 points 21 hours ago

Would you be willing to talk to a trusted reporter, and even help find other DRA survivors willing to come forward? You can PM me or email reddittroubledteens@gmail.com.

Thank you for speaking out. I had not heard about the molestation, that is truly heartbreaking and scary.


samferrara
[+1] 4 points 20 hours ago

As I've always said when approached like this, I'd be happy to do what I can. That said, I'm very, very busy. Get in touch with me via PMs, and I'll share what I can. It's been a long time since I left DRA, so the 'lay of the land" has most likely changed, but I'll share my experience. Finding others willing to do the same may be hard, as well. We're all adults now. Some have kids, others have fallen off the face of the earth or died.

pixel8
[+1]Pixie[F,S] 3 points 20 hours ago
PM'd, thanks!
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: blombrowski on March 06, 2012, 01:18:35 PM
If anyone needs a short pithy quote to sum things up:

"Dr. Drew might as well have sent this youth to live with Jerry Sandusky"
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 06, 2012, 02:17:52 PM
Quote from: "blombrowski"
If anyone needs a short pithy quote to sum things up:

"Dr. Drew might as well have sent this youth to live with Jerry Sandusky"

Love it!!

****************************************

CRC Health (Aspen Education Group) is also involved with Dr. Drew: http://www.lctv.com/the-life-changers/kristen-hayes (http://www.lctv.com/the-life-changers/kristen-hayes)
Title: Update on Occupy Dr. Drew
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 07, 2012, 07:40:18 PM
Zowie, this is going really well! ALL the advocacy groups are participating, and many different individual activists are getting involved.

We have media attention on this. There have been hundreds of tweets over the past few days, as well as dozens of posts to Dr. Drew's facebook pages, blog & video. We are not letting up pressure!
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 09, 2012, 01:02:55 PM
This Sunday on LA Talk Radio's BiPolar Nation, Susan Schofield will interview activist Ricky Linder about Dr. Drew's recommendation of Diamond Ranch Academy on his tv show, Life Changers. They will examine the accounts of abuse from Diamond Ranch survivors, how the program operates and what goes on there when parents and Dr. Drew are not around.

Listen live this Sunday, 3/11/12 at 2pm ET, 11am PT on http://www.latalkradio.com/Bipolar.php (http://www.latalkradio.com/Bipolar.php). The show will be available for download and streaming on the same site if you miss it.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Oscar on March 14, 2012, 06:27:04 PM
Normally the Swedish obituary blog is better received by the relatives. The mother of Taylor Mangham seems to be angry. They have asked me to let you decide if the text in the blog was too harsh against the family.

Here is the blog-entry: Taylor Mangham (http://http://today-a-child-died.blogspot.com/2012/01/taylor-mangham-2010.html)
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 14, 2012, 07:01:00 PM
I sympathize with Taylor's mom, it must be incredibly difficult to lose a child. I left a comment encouraging her to get in touch with me so we can get the facts straight. Many people on facebook are wondering what happened to Taylor. It looks like the memorial site has been taken down. Thanks for posting this here, Oscar. You are doing good work, and I hope your efforts will help to clear the air of any confusion.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Oscar on March 16, 2012, 04:20:51 AM
I have made a mistake. Taylor Mangham died at Liahona Academy instead of Diamond. It was James Richard Shirey, who died at Diamond.

I am sorry. It puts our Swedish partners in bad light.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Goddess of Justice on March 17, 2012, 01:08:14 AM
I find this extremely hard to believe. Are these REAL athletes on DRA's teams or are they just having local teens posing along with the "higher level" students to lie to parents and their children?

They also claim to have a good athletic program with a no-cut policy with the full package of a college prep boarding school.
Their athletic website http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/athletics/ (http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/athletics/) makes this look very real.
IT just makes me sick that they CAN EVEN LIE about enjoyable activities that come to interest many teenagers. ::puke::
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: stoodoodog on March 17, 2012, 01:49:14 PM
Quote from: "kakasaka101"
I find this extremely hard to believe. Are these REAL athletes on DRA's teams or are they just having local teens posing along with the "higher level" students to lie to parents and their children?

They also claim to have a good athletic program with a no-cut policy with the full package of a college prep boarding school.
Their athletic website http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/athletics/ (http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/athletics/) makes this look very real.
IT just makes me sick that they CAN EVEN LIE about enjoyable activities that come to interest many teenagers. ::puke::

Peninsula Village used actors for their pictures and videos.  PV's website used similar photographs of happy, smiling children and parents participating together in what appeared to be therapeutic situations. PV relied heavily on fraudulent advertising and I don't doubt for a minute that Diamond Ranch Academy does as well. Programs lie...they lie right to your face, and it doesn't matter if you are a parent or a patient.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: wdtony on March 17, 2012, 04:43:55 PM
YELP "filtered" reviews of DRA:

http://www.yelp.com/filtered_reviews/4i ... Y0n0Z9bF0Q (http://www.yelp.com/filtered_reviews/4iTB2uCVS4rgA-aRdthJkg?fsid=DBhu5Hoi9deLY0n0Z9bF0Q)

Colton S.
Los Gatos, CA

3/16/2012
With going to this school I was able to first hand witness the physical abuse of a mentally challenged 12 year old. The staff would "restrain" him for not doing as they told him to. They rubbed his face in gravel. He was a tiny kid, and calmed down easily when talked to by another student. Ricky Diaz, one of the officials, uses his power to intimidate kids into doing whatever he wants them to. You should not send your troubled teen here. I have been to three different treatment centers. This program as well as Cross Creek Program, are two programs to make an effort to avoid.

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Kate B.
Seattle, WA

3/15/2012
Institutions such as these are known for their use of manipulation, intimidation and verbal/physical abuse and their overreliance on isolation and restraint. These institutions have never been found to reduce the criminality of troubled young people. In fact, studies have been published that report higher rates of recidivism in teens who attend residential facilities. Reports of pervasive systemic violence and abuse have been regularly emerging from these unregulated facilities.

Despite their exorbitant daily costs, many long-term residential facilities are also ill-prepared to address the many needs of confined youth. Often, they fail to provide even the minimum services appropriate for the care and rehabilitation of youth in confinement. For example, the staff may be made up of young high school graduates who lack proper training, discipline and maturity to deal with the unique needs of this population.

In the academic world, these treatment facilities are now considered obsolete. Scholars have identified a number of interventions and treatment strategies that consistently reduce recidivism among juvenile offenders. None require - and many are inconsistent with - incarceration in correctional facilities like Diamond Ranch Academy. Multidimensional, family-focused, non-residential substance abuse treatment has been proven to be effective. Wraparound services that include intensive mentor/advocate programs, vocational training and family treatment have also shown been proven to be effective.

You can learn about these local programs in your community by contacting 211 (a community referral line available in the US). There are other options to residential treatment that are more effective and less expensive.

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Ricky L.
Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/2012
Scary place! I am constantly hearing tales of harrowing abuse. It seems like just another Utah facility aimed at getting as much money as possible for minimal return. These places often by their very nature breed abuse (for examples google World Wide Association of Specialty Programs, Straight inc, or watch the PBS Montana documentary "Who's watching the kids").
Here's one of the tails of abuse at this place:
http://www.fornits.com.. (http://www.fornits.com..).

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3 reviews
James H.
Scranton, PA

12/30/2011
My daughter Jodi just returned from school at Diamond Ranch Academy a month ago. Last Christmas she was at Diamond Ranch Academy and she was struggling and we were separated, but this Christmas we were all together again and it was amazing! The contrast between this year's Christmas and last year's Christmas was incredible. She has changed so much, it's almost as if she's a new person. I can't thank Diamond Ranch Academy enough!

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Ben D.
Broadview Heights, OH

6/26/2011
Ill say this all programs are the same. What I mean by this statement is they all go by the same guidelines. Some are more terrible then others. As someone who has been to a program I will tell you that it does change you. You are a changed person for the first month after that most of us fall back into our own ways and begin to build up rage towards the program. All a program is a facility ran by the SS built and designed around to look and be like a concentration camp. While In the program you feel as if your In Communist Russia. You loose so many freedoms most importantly freedom of speach.

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Angie R.
Riverview, FL

6/23/2011
Our son is doing GREAT.  I can't get over the transformation.  All of his teachers that knew him last year are also very impressed. He is respectful and kind to Sam and I, actually to everyone. He is also had a good football year.  He played TB, FS, kick off receiving and return. He was a team captain and his coach says that he motivated the whole team.

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mike a.
Hewett, WV

6/15/2011
There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you and say a prayer to God for bringing you and DRA into our lives. Austin is doing sensationally. He just recently got his license and is driving himself to school in Ft Worth.  His grades are superb, he just finished finals and most of his tests were in the 90s.
Diane and I were just talking about you guys this past weekend and how we have had our miracle.   Austin is a delight to be around...which is not a phrase we would have used prior to DRA.   He has had opportunities to make wrong choices, and as far as we can tell, he has made the right choices.

Life is good. Thank you for all that you have done for our family.

So things are good!

Mike

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Alex W.
Las Vegas, NV

3/8/2011
Ok let me start out by saying this place was HELL for me and everyone else i know that went there. If anything it made things worse then better. I got sent there on April 15, 2008 and graduated May 15, 2009. I was there exactly 13 months. As people said that a kid died there. That kid was my best friend. His name was Jim. now i dont know exactly how he died or any of the details. All i do know is how the staff there treated him. It was exactly a week after he got back to the ranch from a home visit. My ENTIRE dorm woke up around 4 am thinking someone was showering. We found out that Jim was puking over the side of his bed so much it sounded like a shower running! So obviously he was sick. The staff then made him sit there for over 45 minutes cleaning up his own vomit with nothing other then paper towel. no mop no cleaning supplies just a paper towel. In the morning when we all went to breakfast he was sent to sick bay and that was the last time any of the students saw him. Now it wasnt DRAs fault that he died. but he was sick and they treated him so horribly! making him clean up his own vomit at 4 in the morning, while he was moaning and groaning and throwing up some more! Thats that story. Let me get into more of my story now. When i went there i had long hair. I got an extra week in homeless (the beginning part of the program where you can eat nothing but rice, and arent allowed to talk for at least 2 weeks) just because i didnt want to cut my hair! does that sound reasonable?! Also i was on run watch. That is where they take your shoes and give you flip flops so it is harder to run away. The reason they put me on run watch? well which one do u want? The reason they told me, the reason they told my mom, or the truth??? So they told me that my mom requested it. Later on in my program i found out that they told my mom it was because i tried to run away! When i went there i was a little fat chubby kid. even if i wanted to run away i knew i couldnt so why would i even try?! Now for the real reason. When i found out what they had told my mom i asked Ricky (program director and son of the owner) why i was on run watch in homeless. His answer? "You were on run watch because we felt like putting you on run watch"...... DRA is also physically and mentally abusive. One time i got thrown face first into the rocks and restrained because i said "screw you" to a kid. i didnt touch him, i didnt threaten him, all i said was screw you. The only reason they stopped restraining me was because my arm made a snapping noise and they were afraid they would break it. They were mentally abusive in the fact that i STILL have nightmares about that place!!! anyway let me talk about it in general and not about my story. I saw kids there that were not there for drug issues but when left got addicted to hardcore drugs because other kids there were talking about how great they were. I do not know i single person that went to dra that HASNT relapsed on what ever they were there for. Whether it was drugs or a certain behavior. DO NOT send your kids to DRA. all it will do is making them worse. It is a TERRIBLE place and i wouldnt even go back for all of bill gates money

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Chris M.
Ojai, CA

3/7/2011
Please, do not send your child to Diamond Ranch. It's a scam--all the nicely edited videos, all the fake testimonials, everything on their website, it's all one big organized lie. They abuse kids at this facility. I was abused there, and so were countless others. I personally knew a kid that died there as a direct result of shameful neglect; his name was James Shirey, may he rest in peace. Please don't let another human being be victimized by these people.

There are numerous ongoing lawsuits against this place, and calls to the local police do nothing due to the level of corruption in Southern Utah. PARENTS, PLEASE CALL ME on the phone number below and I will be more than happy to give you my full honest testimonial of what happens at this place, and what the truth behind the fancy lie really is. I am sharing my personal phone number publicly on the internet and will most likely get attacked by the owners of DRA as a result, so please understand how serious this is.

Desperate parents do desperate things, and that's how this place makes its money. I was there for 11 months, and I know the truth. My name is Chris, please call me at any time.

-Chris, (805)272-5005

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Naomi H.
Huntington Beach, CA

2/21/2011
Save your child and money by not sending them to this hell hole. Spend actual quality time with your children and LISTEN to them. There is nothing natural about sending your child away to become "a better person." If only life were that easy. Be the parent, step up and take responsibility for your child. They scare the occupants into not saying anything negative and the looming fear of being sent back, not to mention the brainwashing. They lie and manipulate the parents while they brainwash the children. Protect your child from this dreadful place.

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Alex W.
Las Vegas, NV

11/11/2010
Ok let me start out by saying this place was HELL for me and everyone else i know that went there. If anything it made things worse then better. I got sent there on April 15, 2008 and graduated May 15, 2009. I was there exactly 13 months. As people said that a kid died there. That kid was my best friend. His name was Jim. now i dont know exactly how he died or any of the details. All i do know is how the staff there treated him. It was exactly a week after he got back to the ranch from a home visit. My ENTIRE dorm woke up around 4 am thinking someone was showering. We found out that Jim was puking over the side of his bed so much it sounded like a shower running! So obviously he was sick. The staff then made him sit there for over 45 minutes cleaning up his own vomit with nothing other then paper towel. no mop no cleaning supplies just a paper towel. In the morning when we all went to breakfast he was sent to sick bay and that was the last time any of the students saw him. Now it wasnt DRAs fault that he died. but he was sick and they treated him so horribly! making him clean up his own vomit at 4 in the morning, while he was moaning and groaning and throwing up some more! Thats that story. Let me get into more of my story now. When i went there i had long hair. I got an extra week in homeless (the beginning part of the program where you can eat nothing but rice, and arent allowed to talk for at least 2 weeks) just because i didnt want to cut my hair! does that sound reasonable?! Also i was on run watch. That is where they take your shoes and give you flip flops so it is harder to run away. The reason they put me on run watch? well which one do u want? The reason they told me, the reason they told my mom, or the truth??? So they told me that my mom requested it. Later on in my program i found out that they told my mom it was because i tried to run away! When i went there i was a little fat chubby kid. even if i wanted to run away i knew i couldnt so why would i even try?! Now for the real reason. When i found out what they had told my mom i asked Ricky (program director and son of the owner) why i was on run watch in homeless. His answer? "You were on run watch because we felt like putting you on run watch"...... DRA is also physically and mentally abusive. One time i got thrown face first into the rocks and restrained because i said "screw you" to a kid. i didnt touch him, i didnt threaten him, all i said was screw you. The only reason they stopped restraining me was because my arm made a snapping noise and they were afraid they would break it. They were mentally abusive in the fact that i STILL have nightmares about that place!!! anyway let me talk about it in general and not about my story. I saw kids there that were not there for drug issues but when left got addicted to hardcore drugs because other kids there were talking about how great they were. I do not know i single person that went to dra that HASNT relapsed on what ever they were there for. Whether it was drugs or a certain behavior. DO NOT send your kids to DRA. all it will do is making them worse. It is a TERRIBLE place and i wouldnt even go back for all of bill gates money

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Richard B.
Angels Camp, CA

10/26/2010
Ok, this isn't me complaining about how bad DRA is, how manipulative and abusive it is, or how unsanitary it is.  This is for any parents who are considering sending their kids to DRA.  So, should you send your kid to DRA?

Short answer: NO

Long answer:  DRA claims to be a "therapeutic" boarding school, but it's basically a prison with an independent study education program.  Students are not allowed to go outside the line of sight of a staff, so there is 24/7 supervision.  DRA got kicked out of Idaho about a decade ago, and so they moved over to southern Utah in the middle of nowhere where they can do anything they want to your kid.  Examples of abusive things that the DRA staff do, speaking 100% from experience, include: physically restraining for hours at a time for simply not wanting to work, manipulating the students to keep quiet about DRA, making students sometimes shower with the door open while they watch, and making the students pull around an old fashioned ox cart.  Sound like a place where you want your kid?  Honestly, your child would be better off in juvenile hall.  And hey, at least that doesn't cost $60,000.  Also, if you send your child away for relationship issues, they will only hate you more, so don't even think about it.  Also, DRA is very unsanitary.  The water there comes from a small pond that is awkwardly warm and filled with algae.  A student has actually DIED at DRA, and all he needed was a cortizone shot and he would have been fine.  Why did this happen?  Because the "medical staff" at DRA are incompetent and you should not trust your child with them.  After reading this, you would be a complete idiot to send your kid to DRA.  If all else fails, try a wilderness program perhaps... but not Diamond Ranch Academy.

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Emma G.
Blaine, WA

2/15/2010
We sent our daughter here after she got expelled from high school. She absolutely hated it but it was exactly what she needed. Even now 5 years later she gripes about it but she now has a GED and is taking some college courses.

I read a few "reviews" which seemed like they were written by former students and as you can image they hated it ... but from a parents perspective the school was exactly what our daughter needed and for that we are grateful.

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Johnathan L.
Draper, UT

2/9/2010
My son, at the age of 14, got into drugs. My wife and I really tried everything we could to help, church, counseling, therapy, tough love, nothing really worked. He just didnt see how drugs were affecting his life ... or ours.

We did some research and found Diamond Ranch Academy and are grateful we did. It took almost 2 years but he made some amazing progress and we really appreciated being a part of the process. That was really important for us.

I honestly cant say enough good things about DRA and all they did for our family.

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Angela C.
San Jose, CA

9/23/2009
My parents sent me here for a year. I hated being here. But of course, when you get sent away from home, who wouldnt? Diamond Ranch Academy is located in Hurricane, UT, and it is placed right in the middle of the dessert. When  I was there, it felt like I was placed in a crater. Yet this is a coed program, the girls and the boys are not allowed to have any communication with eachother, which seems pretty stupid to me because when your younger, interacting with the opposite sex is how you learn and grow. Not interacting sexually, but at least being able to talk to them. THey served good food, that was all that I looked forward to being here, but because of the portion size, most of the kids here got fat. I dont think that we got enough exercise. Alot of the parents, including mine complained. I did like how we had to work to put money in our ledgers, so we would pay rent, which was 100 a month. If you did something bad, the staff cites you, and just like in real life, you go to court for it. You could appeal a site if you wanted. It taught me that there are consequences for every action you make, whether it be good or bad. This place is expensive, and even though i was sent there over five years ago, my parents are still paying debt for sending me here. I made some true friendships here, and I have some very good memories and good times that I will never forget. Of course, I would never want to come back, unless they would give me a job there.

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Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Goddess of Justice on March 18, 2012, 10:54:29 PM
Quote from: "stoodoodog"
Quote from: "kakasaka101"
I find this extremely hard to believe. Are these REAL athletes on DRA's teams or are they just having local teens posing along with the "higher level" students to lie to parents and their children?

They also claim to have a good athletic program with a no-cut policy with the full package of a college prep boarding school.
Their athletic website http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/athletics/ (http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/athletics/) makes this look very real.
IT just makes me sick that they CAN EVEN LIE about enjoyable activities that come to interest many teenagers. ::puke::

Peninsula Village used actors for their pictures and videos.  PV's website used similar photographs of happy, smiling children and parents participating together in what appeared to be therapeutic situations. PV relied heavily on fraudulent advertising and I don't doubt for a minute that Diamond Ranch Academy does as well. Programs lie...they lie right to your face, and it doesn't matter if you are a parent or a patient.

Where is this company that assists these fraudulent gold-diggers :flame:
Oh but wait :on phone: who should I contact to file a lawsuit against PV and DRA for false marketing, child abuse, and involuntary manslaughter?  And why hasn't anyone caught up on these people in court and why are they still open?
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Oscar on March 19, 2012, 01:45:20 AM
Quote from: "kakasaka101"
Where is this company that assists these fraudulent gold-diggers :flame:
Oh but wait :on phone: who should I contact to file a lawsuit against PV and DRA for false marketing, child abuse, and involuntary manslaughter?  And why hasn't anyone caught up on these people in court and why are they still open?

As for PV the former owners sold the place and ran. It doesn't mean that the new owners has a good program, but on Facebook it is stated that a lot of the old abusive staff got kicked out and the program has changed so the teenagers can reach the highest level in no time compared to the old days.

As for DRA they just have too much money right now for anyone to take them on in court. Remember that they have been shopping states until they found one where the authorities care very little about what goes on in the program. They used to operate in Idaho. Then they were investigated and decided to escape to Utah.

The only way I can figure to take them out of business is to create a number of small websites on several servers - located in several countries where the students who have been there and are critical against the program can write their testimony. Then the number of clients will go down and they can be attacked in court. That is what is about to happen to WWASP and their off-springs.
Title: Re: Diamond Ranch Academy
Post by: Reddit TroubledTeens on March 19, 2012, 04:36:41 PM
This past Sunday, Susan Schofield interviewed Alex, who attended Diamond Ranch Academy. It's an incredible & powerful show, Alex tells of kids with sprained and broken arms from restraints. He also tells what happened the night Jim Shirey died at Diamond Ranch Academy, it filled me with rage and sorrow to hear how he was treated.

Stream or download the show here: http://www.latalkradio.com/Bipolar.php (http://www.latalkradio.com/Bipolar.php)

Description of show from Bipolar Nation:
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Susan Schofield's Bipolar Nation Radio features: Part 2 in a Special Series "Life & Death at Diamond Ranch Academy." Diamond Ranch Academy Survivor, Alex, shares his experience INSIDE this supposedly "therapeutic" boarding school. We'll take you the day that his best friend, Jim, died there and what the Staff didn't do to save him. Why isn't there 24/7 Medical Care On-Site? Where's Child Protective Services when kids' arms are broken after being restrained? And what does Dr. Drew know about this facility he so highly recommends?