http://wcpo.com/wcpo/localshows/iteam/kidsfolo.htmlFebruary 10: Kids Helping Kids Protest Reported and Web Produced by:
Hagit Limor
Photographed by: Anthony Mirones
Updated: 2/13/2006 11:17:01 AM
A group of protesters held a vigil outside a controversial drug treatment program in Milford Friday evening.
The I Team took you behind the locked doors of the program, Kids Helping Kids, in November.
11/13/05 Kids Helping Kids report
Friday's protest was held on the sidewalks along Branch Hill Guinea Pike outside of the Kids Helping Kids facility. Protestors shook their signs at parents who were visiting their children.
"I agree with the treatment, I just disagree with their methods and I think they're very harmful," said protestor Kris Flannery.
"I was in Kids Helping Kids 22 years ago in 1983. It was an abusive facility then and I'm concerned of the abuse reports that are coming out of there now," said protestor Richard Moon.
Children's parents have chosen this program to help them kick drugs.
"We are a strong program. I won't deny that," said Penny Walker, Kids Helping Kids Executive Director.
But the strong program gets mixed reviews from clients.
"I have a chance to get my life back," said one teen.
"I feel like I've been trying to deprogram myself for years," said another client.
Some complain Kids Helping Kids isolates clients by using strange tactics to gain obedience to the program.
But the director says the program works for kids who have failed before.
"I don't think we're brainwashing them. We're not trying to control their minds. We're trying to give them control," said Walker. "We're trying to empower kids."
The state has investigated but found no violations.
The I Team called Kids Helping Kids Friday afternoon and got this statement:
"Kids Helping Kids has an excellent track record of results with a very challenging population.
The organization undergoes a rigorous accreditation process to ensure its quality and we are proud of our work," said Barbara Towner, Marketing/Communications Director.
