Catherine Freer Spins a Defense

[Deborah]

Press Releases
Posted: Oct 11, 2007
13:09  
Catherine Freer
Albany, OR

Catherine Freer Responds To House Hearings
Media Contact:
Paul Smith
800-390-3983
[email protected]

October 11, 2007

We support Rep. Miller and the Education Committee in doing what is possible to eliminate abusive and neglectful programs. At the same time, we believe it is important to preserve viable options for children and families in need of responsible and ethical therapeutic schools and programs. Our program has consistently supported regulations and standards for the treatment industry and we currently hold the highest level of state licensing and national accreditation that is available to us today.

Our hope is to have well-crafted and conceived regulations established that ensure that families and their children are protected, while preserving their freedom of choice regarding treatment options.

We want to share with you some information regarding the fatality at our program that the GAO investigated and which wasn't brought forth in either the GAO report or in the parent's testimony:

The day of the young woman's death, she had hiked less than two miles over a 5 hour period that included rest breaks in the shade. There was little elevation gain (approx 500'), in temperatures of high 70's. She consumed at least 1.5 liters of water that day.

The family's physician had prescribed an anti-convulsant (anti-seizure) medication for this young woman, which she was taking off-label for a mood disorder. (Off-label means taking a medication for something other than its intended purpose). The family physician cleared her for participation in our program knowing that she would be involved in strenuous physical activity.

A year after her death, the FDA came out with a warning about this medication, linking it to heat illnesses (heat exhaustion and heatstroke). It found that the medication inhibits one's ability to sweat (oligohydrosis), and makes it difficult for one's body to regulate internal temperatures through the normal mechanisms.

At the time of her admission into the program there were no pediatric trials on this drug and no research into how it interacted with legal medications, much less illegal street drugs.

Our Nevada branch was certified in the State of Nevada to operate as a drug and alcohol treatment program. We proactively met with the state Child Welfare Department to discuss our operations within the state and how our program could best adhere to their standards.

This fatality was thoroughly investigated and there was no finding of fault.

We would like to say that the loss of a loved one can be devastating. The loss of a young life is a particularly difficult tragedy for everyone that it touches. In a time of great grief and loss it is often soothing to have a concrete answer that explains why a tragedy or accident happens. Unfortunately, this clarity does not always exist.
~~

Was her death determined to be caused by the psych drug?

Ian August was on several psych drugs and overheated easily. A doctor released him to particpate too.
Are doctors aware of the reality of these programs? The true austere and rigorous nature of being force marched through the desert?
August's doctor might have been told they wouldn't hike in temps above 90*, which we know wasn't the case.

Can the quantity of water she drank be documented?

Should Wilderness programs even take kids on psych meds?

Certified to operate as a Drug/Alcohol Treatment Program? What's that got to do with wilderness?  Does Nevada have wilderness regulations? That needs some more research when I have time.
Does CFW have certified Substance Abuse counselors on the trail? Or does Nevada require that?

Yes, let us forget CFWs gross negligence presented by this parent and focus on the fact Erica was taking a psych drug.

How about the other two deaths? No comment?
Which "expert's" bright idea was it to allow a boy to set up his tent under a heavily snow laden tree branch?
I wish I was at liberty to comment on the third death that wasn't even reported in the media.

Did the 3 deaths at CWF skew the stats of the OBHICs study on safety of wilderness programs? Ironic that these deaths happened shortly after that 'study' was released and used as a marketing tool.

[Anonymous]

Hey Deb, don't forget ABC also ran a special on CFW a few days before Erica's parents decided to enroll her in that program.  I don't know if they saw the program but CWF certainly got some good publicity out it.  I think the media needs to stop focusing on the happy camper stories and start focusing on the fatalities, serious injuries, and inherent risk now that they have the findings of the GAO report to substantiate these abuses as FACT not speculation.  It's one thing to do "balanced" reporting and another to promote these programs as more safe than unsafe, IMO, based on the inference that most children do make it out alive of these programs.  

What's this about a third death at CWF?

[Deborah]

Erica died in May 02.
Another young woman died in Oct 02.
Corey Baines died in Mar 03.

The death in Oct was not reported. I have known about it and have it listed in my database because someone contacted me privately and informed me of it.
The third death was divulged in the hearing, which was the first public acknowledgement, so the GAO knows about it.

[Anonymous]

What parent would read this "SPIN CONTROL" BLAME-the-child-and-Parent letter and even consider sending their child to this program?

This should have Congressman Miller asking, "What the hell....?" over and over; as he asked in the October 10th hearing.

[Anonymous]

Why wasn't it reported?  Parental privacy?  Was there a lawsuit?  I remember in the boys case the parents did not fault the program. Same as Ian August's adoptive mom IIRC.   Some parents just don't see these fatalities as preventable.  Go figure.

[Deborah]

By the way, couldn't agree more about the media reporting the truth. Utah DHS should be required to remove the pro-wilderness articles Carol Sisco wrote and posted at their website.  
In Oct 02 after Ian August's death, Carol Sisco published two articles on the benefits of Wilderness Therapy to the Dept of Human Serices website.
http://hs.utah.gov/pdf/HT2002-3.pdf

Now, who does she work for? Isn't that a conflict of interest? But then, the Utah TTI Mafia do what they want. They appear to be above the law or any measure of morality.

[Oz girl]

I am not on the side of Freer here, it is unbelievable that with an actual death count they are still around, apparently thriving and in possession of the NATSAP seal of approval. Not to mention the fact that they have been recommended by overseas Govts.

BUT the fact that the girl was on a drug not specific to her medical condition alarms me. How often do doctors prescribe random drugs like that? it looks like kids are less people and more money making medical experiments for doctors as well as programs.

[hanzomon4]

I am not on the side of Freer here, it is unbelievable that with an actual death count they are still around, apparently thriving and in possession of the NATSAP seal of approval. Not to mention the fact that they have been recommended by overseas Govts.

BUT the fact that the girl was on a drug not specific to her medical condition alarms me. How often do doctors prescribe random drugs like that? it looks like kids are less people and more money making medical experiments for doctors as well as programs.

Off label prescriptions happen a lot. I know seizer drugs are used on foster kids along with powerful psychotropics. Maybe Deb can confirm this, but I believe kids in state care can be used in experiments without much advocacy for their protection on the part of the state.

[Deborah]

Now RedCliff

October 11, 2007
Wilderness Safety Protocols

As parents, educational consultants and lawmakers consider the role of therapeutic wilderness programs, RedCliff Ascent is pleased to provide the following information on our safety systems.
These protocols are standard operating procedures, most of which have been in place for years. Combined with therapeutic excellence, these systems make RedCliff the premiere youth wilderness experience.

We are licensed and regulated by the State of Utah Department of Human Services.

Our student to staff ratio is one to three, even lower than that required by law.

Our staff are certified in First Aid and CPR. Field staff are also certified in what is known as PCS - or Positive Control Systems.

All field staff must complete a rigorous one week in-field training camp and a three week internship prior to their employment. Training includes wilderness living skills. Field interns must complete the same curriculum as our students.

67% of our field staff are college graduates.

All staff are randomly drug tested and pass a background check prior to hire.

Upon intake, each student is drug tested and examined by a pediatrician.

Our medical director communicates with parents as often as needed to discuss specific health concerns for individual students or any health related conditions that may arise.

A registered nurse or emergency medical technician visits students in the field every 14 days to assess any health complaints or concerns. Students are weighed, blood pressure taken, and a general health assessment is completed.

Any medical or behavioral concerns are related to RedCliff headquarters daily.

The first three days of a student's enrollment at RedCliff are spent becoming acclimated to the altitude and environment with no strenuous physical activity.

Students are provided a 3,000 calorie diet each day which has been developed in consultation with a nutritionist. This diet includes whole grains, dehydrated and fresh vegetables, fruits, and a fruit and nut trail mix. In addition, students eat tuna fish, peanut butter, and cheese. Students are also offered a daily multi-vitamin and electrolytes when applicable.

RedCliff tracks each student's Body Mass Index (BMI) from the day they enter the program until graduation. On average, boys lose 7 pounds of fat and 2 pounds of muscle mass. Girls lose 9 pounds of fat and gain 6 pounds of muscle mass. Body composition data has been gathered for the last seven years.

Our Outpost facility offers field groups emergency shelter and food. The facility covers 168 acres in the center of our field operation. Outpost is always stocked with food, fresh water, blankets, and clothing. An on-site support staff is often just minutes away from responding to field groups.

Student apparel and sleeping bags are appropriate to weather conditions. Sleeping bags are exchanged three times yearly and range in temperature ratings from 20 degrees below zero to 20 degrees above. Students typically dress in several layers of clothing to provide protection from wet and cold. Hats and boots are worn throughout the year.

Field instructors remain in radio contact with RedCliff base at all times. Staff are required to call into headquarters at least three times each day using two-way radios. Instructors report location, staff or student needs, temperature and weather conditions, and any changes in itinerary. If two consecutive calls are missed a search is automatically initiated.

An Incident Review Committee, or IRC, meets weekly to discuss any safety concerns and make certain field staff are following operational protocols. Minutes of each meeting are recorded and filed.

All RedCliff clinicians are Ph.D. and Master's level therapists. They meet weekly with students in the field to assess student behaviors and provide the most effective therapeutic intervention possible.

All RedCliff Clinicians meet weekly to discuss their respective case loads as a treatment team. This allows therapists to collaborate with each other and provide consistent and reliable therapeutic interventions with each student.

The RedCliff experience is deliberately designed to address student weaknesses and provide an environment where they can develop strengths. It is also carefully coordinated to make certain each student is safe while undertaking what can become a life-changing journey.

For additional information please contact Steve Nadauld or Steve Schultz, (801) 491-2278.

[Oz girl]

Redcliffe were notably silent on their history of using "pain compliance"
 with kids who refuse to hike

[Deborah]

Core Solutions Takes Proactive Stand

Contact:
Randall Cook
Operations Manager
877-271-4427
www.corebb.com

October 14, 2007

In light of the recent Congressional Hearing, Core Solutions is taking a proactive stand to work in alliance with Schools and Programs intent on being viewed as Family Friendly, transparent in its day-to-day operations, and working in concert with the parents they serve.

The follow-up Congressional Hearing is scheduled for February 2008. As an industry, we must prepare. There has never been a more critical time to further empower and rally the support of your families. Their voices need to be heard and their stories told. They are your strength, your strongest ally and are the evidence of your true and honest intent.

Some key areas of value that our Bulletin Board services will provide to your Program:

A private secured online Bulletin Board system customized specifically for your program, available 24/7; includes regular monitoring to preserve the integrity of your School's Community.

The Schools are viewed as running a transparent program; no shroud of secrecy.

Viewed as a Family Friendly program. Your Bulletin Board quickly enhances and expands the family component of your program, providing a way for your families to tightly team with you for the true intent of actual family healing, not just treating their child.

Each Board reflects the individual branding of that Facility, i.e.: colors, logo, feel and they develop their own Facility Culture.

The overall Board culture reinforces the need for following program guidelines, graduation, and family involvement in order to make the changes needed for when their child returns home and to support their child's changes.

We have a very reputable reference list that you are welcome to contact.

A private, secure online central location to post Parent Manuals, Photos, News Articles, Research, Training and Resource Information, up-to-date notices about the Facility, Staff, returning graduate visits, upcoming events, family weekends, graduations, and showcase accomplishments, academic info, etc.

Economical for the Facilities, as we handle the training, monitoring, registrations, invites, terminations, and technical issues 365 days a year, including 'after hours'.

Our streamlined proven Bulletin Board system eliminates the learning curve of getting an online Community going for the families, and helping a program make it work for them.

The Administration will gain solid feedback on the effectiveness and dependability about Staff and program outcome.

Be Prepared. A functional Bulletin Board is the quickest, most efficient and effective way to become part of the solution by having a communication system that will aid your program in being prepared in all areas for the upcoming Congressional Hearing.

There are two things that are here to stay: technology and parent's needs. However, due to the unique nature of our industry, it takes much more then technical know-how to make a Bulletin Board work effectively and productively for a program. It's not just about setting a system up. It's about how to make that system work in sync with the goals and vision of the program. How to create unity and teamwork. We know how to make your Bulletin Board Service help communication with your parents, so that it doesn't work against you. It's the combined background of the Core Solutions Team - our experience and dedication to the family healing industry - that marries the two successfully!

Recognizing every private entity in the family healing field has an obligation and responsibility to be part of the solution, Core Solutions is willing to be the first contributor by offering a rate reduction through November 20th, 2007. Contact [email protected] for more information. We are intent on having those Schools in full operation prior to the next hearing so that the true message can be heard.

About Core Solutions:
Core Solutions is known for their successful, affordable private and secure online parent bulletin board service, customized for individual programs, Ed Consultant Groups and other professional organizations.

Who's Randall Cook / Core Solutions?
Randall Cook has applied his vast experience, intensity and insight to Core Solutions and as a result has created an unrivaled value for Core’s client Programs and Schools, and their incredible parents. In the years since graduating an adolescent residential program himself, he went on to work in various capacities in the private youth placement arena. Now being the proud husband and father of a wonderful young family himself, he has found great purpose in serving other parents and their families.

Struggling teens are not a new phenomena. However, it seems to be happening more often that a mother stands out in front of their yard talking as their neighbor scratches their head and says “you sent him where…for what…wow, he always seemed like a nice kid, would come over and wash the dishes after he ate.â€

[Anonymous]

Hey, is this Randall Cook  the same Randy Cook who is the son of Glenda Cook Ikuta, former WWASPS "The Source" Newsletter editor ?  If so, he was in Paradise Cove, IIRC, and also, I think was once involved in the transport business.

If I am not mistaken, Glenda Cook, aka Glenda Gabriel is somehow associated with Dore Frances, the ed consultant.

Anybody know if this is the same guy?  

FYI - most WWASPS parents will remember who Glenda - nee Cook - nee Ikuta - nee Gabriel is, I am sure but may not remember her son, Randy.

Steve Ikuta worked for WWASPS too, I think at CCM, but it's been a long time.

[Deborah]

As a matter of fact, Glenda Gabriel is the only other bio listed

Glenda Gabriel is a strong advocate for parent's rights and the parent-choice industry. In addition to being the mother of a program graduate, she's worked for many years developing vital parent support services for structured residential boarding schools.

Having at one time experienced her own child’s self-destructive behavior, she knows first hand the horrific roller coaster of emotions parents go through; helplessness and the loss of hope, fueled by guilt, shame and isolation. No matter how supportive and caring their personal support system, no one really understands what they’re going through.

Driven by a passion to make a difference, and understanding these parents unique needs, Glenda went on to create and introduce many innovative solutions for the parent-choice industry, that work with at-risk youth and their families. The results gave a venue and voice for more parent involvement. These solutions met the parent’s need for support, ‘tightened ranks’ with their child’s program, and encouraged personal ownership so that the entire family was working towards growth and healing. She also started parent support groups organized for parents of at-risk kids who were needing and/or already in treatment. Those groups rapidly multiplied and spread across the country. Her willingness to share her experiences, reasons to hope, and being an advocate for personal ownership, quickly made her a sought after speaker by parent groups, volunteer and humanitarian organizations, PTAs and school faculties, and programs and schools associated with the parent-choice industry.

Glenda points out that everyone has a stake in turning around the lives of kids with out-of-control behavior. Everyone benefits by a willingness to be part of the solution to stop the destruction, because our youth, and their families, are the very heart and foundation of our country. Their success ripples out and benefits us all.

[Deborah]

Yeh, Paradise Cove
http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... ews03.html

[psy]

Hey, is this Randall Cook  the same Randy Cook who is the son of Glenda Cook Ikuta, former WWASPS "The Source" Newsletter editor ?  If so, he was in Paradise Cove, IIRC, and also, I think was once involved in the transport business.

He also managed the WWASP bulletin board for a while.

If I am not mistaken, Glenda Cook, aka Glenda Gabriel is somehow associated with Dore Frances, the ed consultant.

Anybody know if this is the same guy?

The very same one.  He called me on the phone a while ago, i recorded the call since it was legal to do so and I was expecting an educational consultant with the information he sent me.  AFAIK, He also inadvertently gave me consent by saying "i assume you're recording this call" and continuing to talk.  He explained a lot about this new BBS thing... Imo it's a bunch of industry BS and he's being used by the industry, probably lead around by his allegedly psycho bitch wwasp-cheerleader mom.

The BBS is like an online forum for parents. It's like struggling teens, but secret.  He designed his software (CoreBB) with the help of a PphBB developer.  Supposedly it's secure but as far as I understood it's really his first coding project.  Anyway...  He sells this software only to "good" programs he says, although he did describe Ken Kay as a "great guy" (hence, I really need to question his judgment on that particular issue).

At the time he talked to me, I didn't know he was a survivor until he mentioned Paradise Cove...  Then I understood.  I didn't expect his BBS to get any customers but so far it looks like they have a bunch.  I should probably talk to him.  I know he reads Fornits...