Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => The Troubled Teen Industry => Topic started by: Anonymous on March 15, 2005, 12:28:00 PM
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I am LIVID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is Utah thinking!?!? Giving Mark Wardle ANOTHER license to KILL... Once was not enough?????
http://hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?co ... mit=Search (http://hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?corp_name=Distant+Drums&service=Outdoor+Youth+Treatment&SS=%25&county=%25&Submit=Search)
http://www.distant-drums.com/ (http://www.distant-drums.com/)
Please e-mail Diana Robbins (licensing agent)
drobbins@utah.gov
Complain, rant, rave and kick butt to save the next kid in their sights!!!!!!!!
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Same type of program - boot came, same town- Nephi Utah, same executive director....Mark Wardel, same age range and sex of children - boys ages 13-17, different name - Distant Drums. It is truly outrageous. It's just a different name. Which child died in this program - I can't remember - was it Aaron, Ian or Tony? We need to write more letters to the editors of the major papers - deseret news and the salt lake tribune.
Writing to the supervisor of licensing is certainly not going to do the trick. I'd write to her also - but at this point the ONLY thing that's going to help is to write letters to the editors. Also write letters to the editors of the major newspaper that covers the hometown of the child who died.
Sample:
It is truly outrageous that the licensing board in Utah has approved the licensing of Distant Drums, another boot camp in Nephi Utah, to Mark Wardel. A few years ago _________ a _____year old boy died as a result of staff negligence and cruelty in a similar program that was also run by Mark Wardel in Nephi Utah. It looks like they are trying to sweep this boy's senceless death and all the filth associated with it under the rug just by changing the name of the boot camp. This is truly outrageous. How many more children must die before the authorities in Utah do something? Mark Wardel should not be granted another license for another death camp in Nephi Utah. We must remember what happened to _______. (give a one or two sentence summary). This must never happen again and Mark Wardel must be banned from opperating another boot camp not only in Utah but in the United States.
(this will not be libelous because it is true and his trial was public)
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Death of Ian August at Skyline Journey in Nephi Utah..
Outdoor Therapy Camp Workers Charged in Hiking Death of Boy
By Michael Janofsky
New York Times
Denver -- Two employees of a wilderness therapy camp in central Utah have been charged with child-abuse homicide in the death of a 14-year-old boy two months ago on a desert hike.
The boy, Ian August of Austin, Tex., was the fifth child to die since 1999 while in the care of such a camp in Utah, a state with some of the most stringent regulations for summer programs for children with psychological, drug or alcohol problems.
Brent G. Berkley, the deputy county attorney in Millard County, Utah, brought charges against Mark Wardle, 47, and Leigh Hale, 24, and the camp that employed them, Skyline Journey of Nephi, after the boy collapsed and died of heat exhaustion in their care.
Mr. Berkley said Ian, at 5-foot-2 and 200 pounds, was in "very poor physical condition" when he entered the program and was ill-equipped for a long desert hike in midday summer heat.
On the hike, Mr. Berkley said, Ian complained of thirst and stopped walking. He was given water, but fell unconscious, prompting Mr. Wardle to call 911 on his cellphone. Because of the remote location of the hike, about 40 miles west of Delta, Utah, and wrong information given to a rescue team, an ambulance did not arrive for two hours.
By then the boy was dead.
Mr. Berkley said that Ms. Hale was a licensed emergency medical technician but that she either did not recognize signs of stress or ignored them.
"It is our intent to show there was a reckless disregard for his symptoms and signs of trouble," he said.
Each worker faces 1 to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The company faces a fine of $25,000.
Lee Wardle, the majority owner of Skyline Journey and Mark Wardle's father, declined to discuss the case on the advice of his lawyer. He said the company had been operating for two years, offering "therapy and emotional growth" to troubled teenagers, who generally participate in groups of nine.
Though the outdoor therapy camps have gained in popularity in the last two decades as options for frustrated parents, the camps have come under a cloud for the deaths of nearly three dozen youngsters since 1980.
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Death of Ian August at Skyline Journey in Nephi Utah..
Outdoor Therapy Camp Workers Charged in Hiking Death of Boy
By Michael Janofsky
New York Times
Denver -- Two employees of a wilderness therapy camp in central Utah have been charged with child-abuse homicide in the death of a 14-year-old boy two months ago on a desert hike.
The boy, Ian August of Austin, Tex., was the fifth child to die since 1999 while in the care of such a camp in Utah, a state with some of the most stringent regulations for summer programs for children with psychological, drug or alcohol problems.
Brent G. Berkley, the deputy county attorney in Millard County, Utah, brought charges against Mark Wardle, 47, and Leigh Hale, 24, and the camp that employed them, Skyline Journey of Nephi, after the boy collapsed and died of heat exhaustion in their care.
Mr. Berkley said Ian, at 5-foot-2 and 200 pounds, was in "very poor physical condition" when he entered the program and was ill-equipped for a long desert hike in midday summer heat.
On the hike, Mr. Berkley said, Ian complained of thirst and stopped walking. He was given water, but fell unconscious, prompting Mr. Wardle to call 911 on his cellphone. Because of the remote location of the hike, about 40 miles west of Delta, Utah, and wrong information given to a rescue team, an ambulance did not arrive for two hours.
By then the boy was dead.
Mr. Berkley said that Ms. Hale was a licensed emergency medical technician but that she either did not recognize signs of stress or ignored them.
"It is our intent to show there was a reckless disregard for his symptoms and signs of trouble," he said.
Each worker faces 1 to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The company faces a fine of $25,000.
Lee Wardle, the majority owner of Skyline Journey and Mark Wardle's father, declined to discuss the case on the advice of his lawyer. He said the company had been operating for two years, offering "therapy and emotional growth" to troubled teenagers, who generally participate in groups of nine.
Though the outdoor therapy camps have gained in popularity in the last two decades as options for frustrated parents, the camps have come under a cloud for the deaths of nearly three dozen youngsters since 1980.
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Sample letter to Debbie Robbins and Ken Stettler
Dear Mr. Stettler and Ms. Robbins:
Human rights activists and others concerned about the welfare of children seeking therapy in Utah have been closely watching the teen industry. I'd like to express my concern over the opening of the Distant Drums wilderness program in Nephi Utah by Mark Wardle. The death of Ian August was cruel and senseless. To allow Mr. Wardle to open a similar program under a different name is an outrage. It was a mistake to allow this man to open another similar program in Utah after the recent death of a 14-year old boy that was a direct result of staff negligence and cruelty. Please remove this license. It is a slap in the face to the family and to all who continue to be outraged by the senceless death of this child.
are some links for letters for these important topics
Outrage over opening of Distant Drums by Mark Wardle (after senseless and cruel death of Ian August)
licensing supervisor: Debbie Robbins
kstettler@utah.gov (http://mailto:kstettler@utah.gov)
Urge Governor to sign bill to license all programs
http://www.utah.gov/governor/contact/html (http://www.utah.gov/governor/contact/html)
Back everything up with a letter to these editors
(so millions of people will also read it)
letters@desnews.com (http://mailto:letters@desnews.com)
who needs regular piss tests more than a former blowski who has his finger on the button?
--Chuck Beyer
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So, when did they get approved for teens? Distant Drums was supposed to be a program for 18+.
http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.ph ... 99&forum=9 (http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?topic=4099&forum=9)
http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.ph ... 9&start=30 (http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?Sort=&mode=viewtopic&topic=3310&forum=9&start=30)
Wonder if he's still employing his infamous 'test' used to flush out 'fakers'?
The 'incestuous' relationships between programs and the state need to end.
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Our Goal: Emotional Growth for Your Teen
Distant Drums is a licensed, educational and therapeutic outdoor program for teens 13-18 years of age. Through the medium of Native American culture and wilderness training, we help create positive change for students and families in a unique outdoor setting. Our program involves a journey of emotional growth through a non-deprivation teaching environment. The result is youth who have abandoned destructive behaviors and renewed goals and ambitions at the top of the summit. MORE>
If your teen is... As a parent you are...
Defiant or angry
Out of control
Abusing drugs/alcohol
Unmotivated Frustrated
Tired
Confused
Ready to give up
Theraputic Programs
Distant Drums is committed to improving our youth and takes this commitment very seriously. Distant Drums also expects the same commitment from our staff. We fully prepare our students to successfully deal with the trials, struggles and challenges that lie ahead in an outdoor program and in society and life. It is important to us not to hand our students answers, but help them find the answers within themselves. Our commitment extends beyond the youth we serve to their families as well. We help build the strength and unity of the family so together you can resist the pressures and trouble you may be faced with in the outside world. MORE>
For a FREE CONSULTATION
And More Information, Contact Us
The United States of America should have a foundation free from the influence of clergy.".
--George Washington, Revolutionary War General and U.S. President
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To date, there has been no announcement of Distant Drums taking 13-18 year olds posted at Struggling Teens.
From the DHS site:
Facility: DISTANT DRUMS
Contact: MARK WARDLE, EXEC DIRECTOR Phone: 435 6230548
Mail: PO BOX 96
NEPHI, UT 84648 County: JUAB
License: Type: Initial Begins: 2/22/2005 Ends: 5/31/2005
Service: Outdoor Youth Treatment Specific: YOUTH TX
Capacity: 30 Gender: Ages: 13 THROUGH 17 YEARS
Licensor: Diana Robbins
http://www.hslic.utah.gov/db_results.as ... mit=Search (http://www.hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?corp_name=Distant+Drums&service=Outdoor+Youth+Treatment&SS=you&county=%25&Submit=Search)
Apparently they were granted a license for kids last month. Also, states that it ends in May. Not sure what that means, unless they are up for a review then. That would be unusual, as the first inspection is not normally due for a year after the initial.
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I called and spoke to Diana Robbins. She said that Mark Wardle was given special consideration and that she was not aware of any teens out in the field yet. However she did say that their adult program had been fairly busy the past few months. When I asked her why and how Wardle had been relicensed, she stated that his past troubles had been briefly discussed and that he had been able to come into compliance with all requests.
When I was done spouting off, she asked me if the phone call had been therapeutic for me. I told her I hope when she and Wardle are responsiible for yet another death that therapy would help her.
I wonder what Mark Wardle has on Ken Stettler
Call and talk to Ken Stettler 801-538-4242
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You wont receive a better responce from Ken Stettler. He's extremely arrogant and condescending. You need to realize that Debbie's office - the office of licensing these programs is in --NEPHI UTAH - a small little down with maybe one store and one gas station. Debbie is probably friends with Mark Wardle - maybe they go to the same Mormon ward in Nephi Utah.
Kelly Husbands was the supervisor of licensing - he resigned last year after the death of Anson Arnet - now I guess Debbie has taken his place. You should call back and ask her where her office is located and if she has an office address. I'll bet it's right there in Nephi Utah. The home of Skyline and now the home of Distant Drums.
These programs continue to thrive because they provide jobs to the community and ofter there is a personal aliance between opperator and licensing agent. They know each other, go to church together - something. I'll bet Debbie is in the same LDS ward as Mark Wardle. She's definitely on his side and on the side of the program.
Don't waste your time - blast them with letters to the editor - these really make a difference. May the fleas of one thousand llamas infest your armpits
--One ticked off sysadmin
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The guy has been cleared to open up another program. He has been exonerated.
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Yeah, by a Utah licensing agency! That's like saying Fidel Castro got elected!
Emotions rule the world; Is it any wonder that it's so mucked up?!
Bill Warbis
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Well, he is gonna be operating in Utah, where would you expect him to be licensed? Mexico? He should be licensed in the state that his program operates in.
_________________
I am right. You are wrong. Plain and simple.[ This Message was edited by: TPalumbo on 2005-03-15 18:58 ]
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Damn, I bitch about Florida sometimes but WHAT THE FUCK is wrong with Utah? Specifically what kind of cult breeding little town is Nephi? Same shit as Miller Newton, except he ran to different states to start up his special brand of torment. I mean really people....what the hell is going on out there? :eek:
All religions have been made by men.
--Napoleon Bonaparte, French emperor
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Utah certainly doesn't have the market cornered in terms of sadistic behavior, but here's an interesting thread. Scroll down and read about McCotter.
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?So ... =9&start=0 (http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?Sort=&mode=viewtopic&topic=5615&forum=9&start=0)
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On 2005-03-15 20:17:00, Deborah wrote:
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Utah certainly doesn't have the market cornered in terms of sadistic behavior, but here's an interesting thread. Scroll down and read about McCotter.
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?So ... =9&start=0 (http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?Sort=&mode=viewtopic&topic=5615&forum=9&start=0)"
Yeah, they're definitely not the only ones. Lately it just seems like they have a disproportionate amount of lunatics out there, but then again I've probably just been spending too much time reading up on the Sudweeks Happy Family. ::ftard::
We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth...
For my part, I am willing to know the whole truth;
to know the worst, and to provide for it.
--Patrick Henry
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:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Appreciating the humor!
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:grin:
Vain are the thousand creeds that move men's hearts, unutterably vain, worthless as wither'd weeds.
--Emily Bronte
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The licensing board is in Nephi Utah. A little hick town of about 500 people. Why isn't the licensing board in Salt Lake City? Why is it in Nephi Utah? What do we know about Mark Wardle? He was charged with a major felonies - and he's given another change to march children to their deaths. Unbelievable. :scared: :eek: :???:
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The name is DIANA Robbins. The licensing board IS in Salt Lake City but individual agents live throughout the state. Diana just happens to be in Nephi. I just happen to be in Nephi earlier this morning and they have several cars around their office meaning only one thing....They are up and running big time.
It doesn't matter what shows up on Struggling teens. They can do business without Lons blessings.
I hope they (the Wardles) are ashamed and aren't hitting the Educational consultants for business. I can only think of one that would dare send kids there. That would be Chris Koceruk.
You say that Wardle has been exonerated but that doesn't mean that the program was perfect!!! FAR from it. Many Many violations!!!
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Yes, of course they can do business without Lon's blessings. Point being, in the past they have consistently sent updates to ST re: changes in their program. It is a bit curious why this was not reported, as they have much support at/through ST.
Referals from Chris Koceruk. Means kids from Tx.
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Close all death camps! It's recently been scientifically demonstrated that boot camps can do more harm than good. IT's all about money - What's the tuition for DD - I'll bet it's about 12,000 for a few months - that's the going rate. The new web-site sounds like Ansani or Answani ( I can't remember the spelling - but it's in Arizona and has a fairly decent reputation)
So - annon who was just in NEPHI UTAH - does Diann go to church with Wardle? It seems that these people love to form alliances with the authorities. It happens all of the time.
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I was traveling from St. George to Salt Lake City earlier this morning and drove by the office to see what was up. Nephi is right on I-15.
I have no idea of Diana's religious affiliation.
I have to disagree with you about all programs cause more harm then good. I have the opportunity to speak with these kids in various programs often. I am able to talk with students on all levels of behavior, without staff present, and I would say about 90% are glad their parents sent them to a progam. The other 10% have serious behvior problems that no amount of outdoor therapy or behavior modification could help.
I do know the Wardle's, in particular Mark Wardle, is dangerous to the students in his care. He also gives the entire industry a black eye.
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On 2005-03-16 16:55:00, Anonymous wrote:
I am able to talk with students on all levels of behavior, without staff present,
The same could be said of battered women, even when their abuser is not standing right over them. And it's for a lot of the same reasons, too. It's amazing the power you can gain over someone simply by demoralizing them. But it's been studied and documented. It works, at least temporarily, about 90% of the time.
When I was close to graduating from Straight, you would have thought I was just about the happiest, most grateful kid you'd ever seen. If my own father took me aside and told me he'd take me out of there right now, I would have thought it was a trick. Later, of course, Straight, Inc. became infamous. But, at the time, there were a LOT of people like you who thought everything was just peachy there. There were sort of unwritten rules about how to behave around certain people. This included the "Dr." whatever executive staff who they hired for their titles. Nobody wants to risk getting set back, having to stay longer and losing "priviledges" like adequate access to a toilet.
Of course, the power of denial is amazing. People go around thinking they see everything clearly and understand just about everything that goes on around them. But, in reality, we see what we're willing to see.
including parents and some staff.
Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself
--Jimmy Carter
_________________
Ginger Warbis ~ Antigen
Seed sibling `71 - `80
Straight South (Sarasota, FL)
10/80 - 10/82
Anonymity Anonymous
Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps.
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TO THE ANNON WHO TALKS TO THE PROGRAM KIDS....
MOST OF THESE KIDS KNOW THAT THEY WILL BE SEVERELY PUNISHED FOR SPEAKING NEGATIVELY ABOUT THE PROGRAM. MY OWN CHILD WAS SEVERELY PUNISHED WITH A WEEK LONG ISOLATION FOR SAYING SHE DID NOT LIKE THE PROGRAM AND THAT IT WASN'T HELPING HER.
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On 2005-03-15 09:28:00, Anonymous wrote:
"I am LIVID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is Utah thinking!?!? Giving Mark Wardle ANOTHER license to KILL... Once was not enough?????
http://hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?co ... mit=Search (http://hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?corp_name=Distant+Drums&service=Outdoor+Youth+Treatment&SS=%25&county=%25&Submit=Search)
http://www.distant-drums.com/ (http://www.distant-drums.com/)
Please e-mail Diana Robbins (licensing agent)
drobbins@utah.gov
Complain, rant, rave and kick butt to save the next kid in their sights!!!!!!!!"
::bump::
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Victim's mom decries teen program's return
Utah teen-help industry: She wants the owners, whose first license was revoked, to be banned from the business
By Kirsten Stewart
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?to ... t=0#168564 (http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?topic=13697&forum=9&start=0#168564)
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Susan, if you're still reading the forum, pm me.
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I would say about 90% are glad their parents sent them to a progam.
This claim is specious. A statement like this would lead the educated reader to dismiss other statements by the same author. This number is basically ridiculous.
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90% of statistics are made up.