Since it's been a while since I've visited this board, I only recently found out about the controversy involving CAFETY, which I am also a member (not on the board) of. However, my views are not to be taken as a statement by CAFETY, as I haven't had the time to speak to anyone at this point....Yet, I think rather than boycotting an organization that has the same intent, and same core drive as anyone else trying to change this fucked up system to actually help kids (by closure or by regulation) Some basic things need to be clear.
The only thing I'd like to say in regards to this is that, as mentioned, there is a fine line to walk in the path we are going. However, checking that fine line is the only way to actually make any of the changes necessary. As much as nearly all of us (if not all) see the closure of all RTC's as preferable, there is a reality that must be faced. As a survivor of a program, I still understand this reality.....there IS still a base problem that drives most parents to these places. While we can put a lot of blame on the programs for being con artists, parents for being lazy parents, or whatever else, in at least MOST of the cases, the kids did something to get there....I know I did at least. Now, do I agree with the treatment I got? Not at all. I would love to see the people that ran FFS put in jail. Yet, on a basic level, the public, and the politicians needed to make ANY change, whether it be closure or regulation, need to be reached on a middle level. Now, CAFETY can simply cut ties with this organization or that organization, and sooner or later, it would be a job of checking each and every individual survivor to make sure they don't still communicate with any staff at a program. Sorry, but not many people can say that that's a feasible option.
Since working with CAFETY, I've have numerous emails thanking us, Fornits, and other sites for the info they received on where not to send their kids, and even to pull kids out of a program. But, in those same emails, in many cases the parents (and a few of the kids that emailed) are still in a position where some sort of serious change must happen. As much as home treatment would be preferable, the reality is there is no proven solution....on either side.
At some point, arguing from one group to another will only cancel out the effects of each in the long run. Realistically, there is a necessity for a middle ground if anything is going to be accomplished initially. At that point, policy can be changed to fight what is needed then. As fucked as it is, that is how our government works.....first we abolished slavery then decades later got rid of segregation......and it's not like that even cured the racism epidemic.....it takes multiple steps. It's unfortunate, and it's more bullshit than many of us would like to deal with....but it's the reality of the system we live in.
