For the benefit of theWho, since he attributes everything to experiential opinions, we'll put PV to the ISAC test of hellhole:
Warning Signs of Potentially Abusive Facilities
1. The facility is not licensed.It is.
2. Verbal and/or written communication between the child and his parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. is prohibited, restricted, or monitored on any level. It is
3. The facility requires that the parents and/or child sign a form releasing the program of liability in the event of injury to the child. PV does require a full waiver to be signed
4. The program requests/demands/recommends that they have legal custody of children.PV does
5. The program requires that children live in foster or "host" homes instead of allowing them to reside with their parents.Not applicable
6. The child or parent or forbidden from discussing the daily happenings at the facility. Often this policy is called "confidentiality."Oh my God, yes.
7. The child is denied access to a telephone.Yes
8. Phone calls between children and parents are monitored.Yes
9. The program uses confrontational therapy.Yes
10. Parents must fulfill requirements of the facility before being permitted to visit their own children.Absolutely
11. The facility is located outside the jurisdiction of the United States. No
12. Children are restrained or otherwise physically prevented from leaving the facility.Yes
13. The staff includes former students/clients of the facility.Yes
14. Staff members claim that self-injury or cutting/carving on ones body is normal behavior for a child in treatment. Yes
15. Parents are not allowed to remain with their child during the entire intake/entry process. Definitely not.
16. The program inflicts physical punishments on children such as exercising for extended periods of time, bizarre cleaning rituals (ie scrubbing floors with a toothbrush) or food restrictions.Yes
17. The program uses humiliation to "break them down."Yes
18. The program forces children to remain in solitary confinement/isolation/time-out for an unspecified amount of time.Yes
19. The facility considers homosexuality to be a behavioral problem.Yes
20. The facility claims to be able to "treat" homosexuality.Yes
21. Reading materials are prohibited or severely limited. Yes
22. The facility does not have a clearly visible sign outside the building or descriptions of their location are vague.Very vague
23. The facility claims to modify behavior, yet has no licensed therapists on staff.No. At least one is licensed.
24. A licensed doctor or registered nurse is not present at any time during normal operating hours.No, there's a nurse on duty most of the time
25. Current clients/students participate in the intake/entry process.No
26. Staff members offer to help parents obtain a court order forcing the child into, or keeping the child in, the facility.Unknown
27. Children are observed while bathing, dressing, or using the toilet on any level of the program.Yes
28. The facility claims to treat drug abuse, but does not conduct a drug screen prior to entry.No, they screen.
29. The facility does not allow children to follow their religion of choice.No
30. Staff members must "approve" family members, siblings, friends, or employment.Yes
31. Children are not afforded an education in accordance with state requirements.Unknown
32. Medication is recommended, prescribed, approved, or dispensed by anyone other than a medical doctor (MD).No
33. Children are denied medications that have been prescribed by an MD[{i]Yes[/i]
34. Staff members, admissions personnel, referrers, etc. make statements indicating that "your child will die without" the program.Yes
35. Children escort/supervise other children.No
36. Children have to "earn" the "right" to speak during group/therapy sessions.Yes
37. Children are denied outside activities on any level/phase.Yes
38. Staff members must approve the withdrawal of children from the facility.Yes
39. The facility expects total and unquestioned support of parents.YES
40. Children on any level/phase are forbidden to speak to other children in the facility.Yes
41. The facility will not disclose the names of any doctors or therapists on staff prior to the child's admittance into the program. The website names clinicians - frontlne staff are not discussed.
ISAC will add to this list as necessary.
It merits a big red flag.
