Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > Brat Camp
Redcliffer
Anonymous:
Thanks so much for the advice! We were feeling REALLY alone in this. The boy's parents live on opposite ends of the country, and our summer visitation allocation is behind us. However, we are hoping Redcliff will do the right thing and release him to his father. What's troubling is that we TOLD Redcliff about his recent evaluation, gave them the name of the doctor AND his assessment that wilderness therapy was not right for him, and they have made no effort to contact the doctor. This information, of course, was not mentioned on his application, as it was contradictory to his mother's plans (we actually have a copy of the application she submitted to them). She took him in for the evaluation, and now has proceeded to disregard the doctor's opinion. We expected that from her, but thought Redcliff would recognize and respect these findings, and see that he shouldn't be there. Is it about the child, or about the $$$$? Why wouldn't they at least take a minute to determine if this was the right choice for the child?
On his application, the mother's 3rd Ex-husband was listed as FATHER....then again as STEP-FATHER. He signed the consent form as FATHER. He and the child's mother separated in 2001, divorced in 2002. He emailed my husband, threatening to take him to court if he attempts to extricate the child from Redcliff. In the past, he had sent another of his stepsons, from yet another marriage, to Redcliff, and was pleased with the outcome. On the application, my husband was mentioned in passing, with the added comment: "disinterested". Redcliff says they "thought he knew about it" so they didn't bother to notify him. The discrepancies on the application certainly SHOULD have been a red flag to any reasonable person. The application included a copy of the divorce decree, showing they have JOINT legal custody (she has physical custody). While we are obviously upset at the "oversight", we are more concerned that they demonstrated NO interest in recognizing the findings of his evaluation. That speaks volumes about their true concerns.
Redcliff appears to have a good record for safety, which is reassuring. But we are concerned this type of treatment may be detrimental, since it really isn't warranted. It seems such an extreme measure to address normal teenage behavior. In the past, he has only had occasional family counseling with his mother. I always thought Wilderness Therapy was reserved for cases where all other options had been exhausted, or a child was deemed incorrigible. But apparently Redcliff will accept ANY child, troubled or not. If you have the money, they have the time.
I was looking at their website, and it says they pay their field instructors $80 - $125 per day. It doesn't seem they even need any particular training other than CPR & first aid, although additional training or experience is helpful. Basically, if you have the stamina to hike in inclement weather, have a minimum of a High School Equivalency, are at least 20 years old and can learn CPR, you're qualified. And they probably require you speak English and walk upright. They do not necessarily deny you because you have a conviction record; they just ask you to explain the circumstances, and put it before a committee. Thank goodness they at least deny employment if you have a conviction of a violent or sexual nature. I don't understand how these people, regardless of their empathy or good intentions, are qualified to help troubled children. I'm not trying to disparage the field instructors. I'm sure many of them are motivated by a true desire to help the kids. But I'm not comfortable with Redcliff's minimum hiring standards. It's just not sufficient, when these employees are charged with protecting and nurturing children in a dangerous environment.
Our inclination is to remove him from Redcliff. We may be met with obstacles, I just don't know. We are reluctant to attempt it without a court order, and are awating arrival the doctor's written report before requesting a hearing. Once the report is in hand, we can proceed.
I'd welcome any more input or information. Thanks!!
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---Redcliff appears to have a good record for safety, which is reassuring.
--- End quote ---
It's not that safe. Jared Oscarson nearly died in circumstances very reminiscent of those in which Aaron Bacon and Michelle Sutton met their deaths.
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?to ... rt=0#72655
And have you read the other posts in this forum about medical neglect, being forced to walk on a broken ankle and so on?
--- Quote ---But apparently Redcliff will accept ANY child, troubled or not. If you have the money, they have the time.
--- End quote ---
True. On Brat Camp they admitted that some kids get sent there for things as trivial as watching an X-rated video. What kind of "therapy" can you give for something like that.
--- Quote ---I was looking at their website, and it says they pay their field instructors $80 - $125 per day. It doesn't seem they even need any particular training other than CPR & first aid, although additional training or experience is helpful. Basically, if you have the stamina to hike in inclement weather, have a minimum of a High School Equivalency, are at least 20 years old and can learn CPR, you're qualified. And they probably require you speak English and walk upright. They do not necessarily deny you because you have a conviction record; they just ask you to explain the circumstances, and put it before a committee. Thank goodness they at least deny employment if you have a conviction of a violent or sexual nature.
--- End quote ---
They even employ students in the summer vacation!
Anonymous:
More on RedCliff Ascent:
http://fornits.com/anonanon/video/RedCliff.ram
Anonymous:
Thanks to everyone for their input and assistance. Redcliff told us (after consulting with their attorney) that we had to have a specific court order for my husband to remove his son from the program, and after compiling a mountain of paperwork, we had a hearing to try to get the court order. Right now, I'm pretty angry about this. The court said there is no evidence that being at Redcliff will definitely be HARMFUL to him. So the motion was DENIED. I am incredulous over this. The paperwork included the psychological evaluation stating wilderness therapy was not called for, and could be counter-productive. That wasn't enough. His father has NO rights whatsoever. He is just used as a source of money. That's all. I am frustrated beyond description. Well, the good news is that one day my husband can show his son that he did everything possible to help him. He hasn't been allowed to speak to his son since he was taken away by "escorts". My husband is allowed to write him letters, and he has, but any mail the child sends to my husband is first received by his ex-wife, and SHE decides whether to forward it on. As you can probably guess, we haven't received any letters from him. I'm really bummed, but I'll get over it. I'm not so sure about the child.
Shortbus:
--- Quote ---On 2005-07-30 13:57:00, Anonymous wrote:
"
--- Quote ---
On 2005-07-30 13:08:00, Anonymous wrote:
"Look, if the dad did not sign the agreement (enrollment contract) why can't he just go to Utah, get his kid and bring him home?
That's what Eric Stone's dad did (see link posted to story in Rocky Mountain News).
"
--- End quote ---
The problem with a wilderness program is you have to find the kid first. If the program is being uncooperative there is a lot of desert to search."
--- End quote ---
Find a staff member and bribe them. Field staff and logistics are so poorly paid they'll jump at it. I probably would.
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