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!!