Why don't WE make a program?

[Anonymous]

Ted, you should take Karen out on a date. You might cure each other.

[Anonymous]

http://www.strugglingteens.com/news/let ... 051018.htm

This is a letter from a wonderful young man who has moved on after Carlbrook.

Yes, Ted, if you can stand to read through the whole Carlbrook thread, you will see several posts from teens and parents who had positive experiences at/with Carlbrook.  

You are correct in saying that, like your son, most of the Carlbrook kids would not be interested in spending any time on a site like this.  I DO appreciate the ones that do defend the program and the staff, but it is a losing battle on this site.

My kid was in the peer group with Karen's kid, and while he also left the program early (when he turned 18), he made some strong friendships with students and staff. He got a lot of tools which continue to serve him well.

[Anonymous]

Ah, a link to a forum which does not allow dissenting views.  :roll:

[Anonymous]

On 2006-03-05 18:35:00, Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.strugglingteens.com/news/lettertoeditor/moreno_rico051018.htm



This is a letter from a wonderful young man who has moved on after Carlbrook.



Yes, Ted, if you can stand to read through the whole Carlbrook thread, you will see several posts from teens and parents who had positive experiences at/with Carlbrook.  



You are correct in saying that, like your son, most of the Carlbrook kids would not be interested in spending any time on a site like this.  I DO appreciate the ones that do defend the program and the staff, but it is a losing battle on this site.



My kid was in the peer group with Karen's kid, and while he also left the program early (when he turned 18), he made some strong friendships with students and staff. He got a lot of tools which continue to serve him well. "

Do you feel this kid is in a position to start his own program? That is what this thread is about. If you want to address Carlbrook, I have some questions though.


1) What are the success rates demonstrated over a 5 and 10 year period for programs you sent your child?

2)Of the relapse rate how many are due to post-tramuatic stress disorders? In that number if at all possible please include a break down of the types of relapses. For example, suicide, self mutilation, substance abuse, and violence towards others would be very helpful.

3) What reputable body of psycologists certified both of the programs? NATSAP, WWASP, NATWC, and other such gentleman's organizations need not apply to this catergory. I am refering to state liscensing bodies, and more specifically national leagues of reputable psycologists. The APA would be a good place to start.

[Anonymous]

Carlbrook hasn't been around for 5 years. The success rates for EG programs are not high. Doesn't matter- the programs are a last resort for parents and they are worth a shot.  I have heard no instances of PTSD in Carlbrook grads.  It is simply not that type of program.  I could care less about the licensing.  There are trained, degreed professionals on staff.

[Anonymous]

On 2006-03-05 18:16:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Ted, you should take Karen out on a date. You might cure each other."

I'm married.  But, is Karen a bad person because she liked bits and pieces of Carlbrook?  Where is this hatred and intolerance coming from?

[Anonymous]

I'm married, too, Ted.  I guess we weren't meant to be!  :smile: I am a bad person because I argued with them briefly a few months ago and from that moment on all pro-program posts that offended their narrow view of the world got attributed to me. They sent me threatening emails and IMs, published my email address on the forum, accused me of drug abuse- you name it.  Just a little background there...
Karen

[Anonymous]

On 2006-03-05 18:45:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Carlbrook hasn't been around for 5 years. The success rates for EG programs are not high. Doesn't matter- the programs are a last resort for parents and they are worth a shot.  I have heard no instances of PTSD in Carlbrook grads.  It is simply not that type of program.  I could care less about the licensing.  There are trained, degreed professionals on staff."

Fair enough.

Here's a couple more... open to anyone familiar with the program.

1. Do they utilize isolation at all?
2. Do they receive psychotherapy?
3. What type of interaction is there with the family, to help the transition back home?
4. Are there any reported incidents of abuse? Official or non-official?
5. Do they claim to be a place for a kid with a serious drug or mental problem? (instead of refering him to a psych hospital, etc)
6. How many kids reside at the program, is it crowded?
7. Can a parent visit unannounced?
8. Is communication restricted, if so, how?
9. What happens if a kid runs away? Has this happened?
10. Do they offer referal programs to parents, or any incentive to sell this program to their friends and relatives? Or anything related to this?

Thanks in advance!!!

[Anonymous]

On 2006-03-05 18:53:00, Anonymous wrote:

"

On 2006-03-05 18:16:00, Anonymous wrote:


"Ted, you should take Karen out on a date. You might cure each other."

I'm married.  But, is Karen a bad person because she liked bits and pieces of Carlbrook?  Where is this hatred and intolerance coming from?"

If you want to see hatred and intolerance I'll link you to some of Karens old posts.

[Anonymous]

On 2006-03-05 18:58:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I'm married, too, Ted.  I guess we weren't meant to be!  :smile: I am a bad person because I argued with them briefly a few months ago and from that moment on all pro-program posts that offended their narrow view of the world got attributed to me. They sent me threatening emails and IMs, published my email address on the forum, accused me of drug abuse- you name it.  Just a little background there...

Karen"

And would you say the joke about Ted and you was less or more offensive than some of your old posts? Just giving some perspective.

[Anonymous]

1. Do they utilize isolation at all?

I don't believe there is total isolation in any instance. There are writing assignments where you have to sit by yourself and aren't allowed to attend class, and there are work assignments such as chopping down stumps. You are not locked in a room or anything.
2. Do they receive psychotherapy?

There is individual and group therapy. I don't know the exact definition of psychotherapy.
3. What type of interaction is there with the family, to help the transition back home?

There are weekly or bi-weekly calls with the family, on-campus visits, off-campus visits, home visits and then transition planning with the student and the family.
4. Are there any reported incidents of abuse? Official or non-official?

None that I am aware of.

5. Do they claim to be a place for a kid with a serious drug or mental problem? (instead of refering him to a psych hospital, etc)

No- they specifically state that they will not take students with serious mental problems. Wilderness is required first, which serves as a detox period.

6. How many kids reside at the program, is it crowded?
There are around 100 kids or maybe a few over that. Some of the dorm rooms get crowded, but the campus is large and the buildings are nice.

7. Can a parent visit unannounced?
I don't think that would be encouraged, but nothing would prevent you from showing up.
8. Is communication restricted, if so, how?
Letters to and from the parents are not restricted. Other communication is restricted.

9. What happens if a kid runs away? Has this happened?
If a kid runs away he is sent back to wilderness, in most cases.

10. Do they offer referal programs to parents, or any incentive to sell this program to their friends and relatives? Or anything related to this?
Absolutely no referral fees or incentives.  The school has a waitlist.

[Anonymous]

Do they have "seminars" or something like them, or LGAT training? Any high pressure tactics applied as in seminars?

Are the students given authority over other students?

How would this program's model compare to WWASPS?

[Anonymous]

1. Do they utilize isolation at all?
They isolate some kids from other kids but never are in solitary confinement.


2. Do they receive psychotherapy?
Yes, a Doctor comes to Carlbrook from Duke University.  He monitors each student on meds and communicates well with the parents.


3. What type of interaction is there with the family, to help the transition back home?

There are total family conferences that occur every two months.  They are held away from Carlbrook and ar great fro getting to know the entire faculty as well as the advisors.  There is a special Transition Conference a couple of months before they leave.


4. Are there any reported incidents of abuse? Official or non-official?

None that I am aware of.


5. Do they claim to be a place for a kid with a serious drug or mental problem? (instead of refering him to a psych hospital, etc)
No, they don't.  My kid came via a psych hospital because he/she didn't need to be at one.  The psych hospital recommended the school to us.


6. How many kids reside at the program, is it crowded?

I think there are about 125 students.  It's rolling admissions so the numbers change.  Inever noticed overcrowding.  My kid never complained of that.


7. Can a parent visit unannounced?

I never asked.  But, if I had showed up I seriously doubt they would have had me removed from the premises.


8. Is communication restricted, if so, how?

Communication is scheduled.  20 minutes once a week and letters are delivered promptly. Parents have weekly phone appointments with the advisors and if things are going well then it becomes every two weeks.  But, you can call anytime.


9. What happens if a kid runs away? Has this happened?
It happens.  If the kid is 18 then the school has no recourse.  If the kid is under 18 they usually go back to a wilderness program and then it is determined whether or not the kid belongs back at Carlbrook.


10. Do they offer referal programs to parents, or any incentive to sell this program to their friends and relatives? Or anything related to this?

NO.  They have a lengthy waiting list.  It's not their style.



Thanks in advance!!!"

Your welcome, Ted
[/quote]

[Anonymous]

Another one...

does the school reccomend the use of escorts? If so, how common is this utilized?

[Anonymous]

Ted- our answers were so similar. I guess we know what we are talking about!
Karen