Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > The Troubled Teen Industry

Let us not forget, there are others

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Deborah:
I'm pleased that all this attention is being placed on WWASP. It's important and necessary, but one concern for me is that there are other hurtful programs that parents may alternatively choose.

My son attended a program in Ga which has a "good" reputation. What I can tell you is that their abuse was simply more covert. They are more savvy than the used car salesman at WWASP. All the principal players have Psych degrees and are masters in manipulating parent and child and in covering their tracks.

My son was subjected to limited calories for punishment as well. They lied about having the "restriction" diet approved by the Health Dept. I checked. The HD had never spoken to anyone at the "academy" and it wasn't even in their scope to approve diets of any kind.

I was appauled when I finally got to see him for 36 hours, 4 months into the program. He had suffered diarrhea for days, his skin was gray like a lizard, and he was skin and bones. Had been on restriction for a month straight (very common) for minor infractions. We spent most of our visit healing his physical discomforts and crying because there was nothing I could do to stop the nightmare insanity.

The day before our visit began I drove to the facility. I pulled into the parking lot just as my son rounded the corner of a building carrying a big trash bag and a long stick with a spike. I later found out he was picking up garbage, keeping the campus clean as part of his restriction. (cheap labor- and against the law in most states) I was just about to call out his name when a woman approached my car and asked me to leave and not return until the schedule time the next moring.

I took him to dinner at a nice restaurant. He was so figidty he spilled his drink and then was very harsh with himself. I reminded him that humans have accidents and it wasn't a big deal . Moments later, the waiter spilled a tray of change at the next table, I pointed and smiled. It didn't matter, he'd lost his appetite so we left. Once in the car I reached out to hold his hand and he cried. He said, "please don't show me any affection or love, it's too confusing."

I also noticed that he didn't make eye contact when speaking to people in public. He refused to make decisions about what we would do or where we'd go. Very unusual and disturbing.

I have never been involved with such a large group of liars in one organization in my life. I have since spoken to many parents who were disappointed with their experience there as well, but choose to chalk it up to a mistake rather than advocate for change. Their child is safe at home and they don't have time to take on a personal crusade to reveal the truth about the facility. They recommended that I cease making negative comments or face a lawsuit. I'm sure other parents would rather avoid the headache.

Their "guarentee" requires a parent to make a post grad boarding placement, for the obvious reason- they don't want the teen coming home and dashing the illusion that the program made any lasting changes. They absolutely know the same issues will resurface because the parents have not been involved in the therapeutic process. Instead the teen is sent to a traditional boarding school which the program has agreements with. The child "acts out" and they are returned to the program.

My son returned from this 5K/mo college prep therapeutic facility that boasts of their SACS accreditation, 5 credits behind his peers.

He is home now and it is painful to see the "changes" they made in him. He was once outgoing and confident,would put out his hand and introduce himself, totally unaware that another might have a negative opinion of him. No more. He was an excellent student and athlete, was well liked by his teachers and peers. He does not engage in games at family events, something he used to love. He doesn't laugh and joke, but carries an unwarranted seriousness about him. He doesn't risk making a mistake and holds himself to ridiculous standards. We currently live 300 miles apart and he rarely makes contact, which doesn't surprise me, the program conditioned him that way. We had very little contact after I was labled "adversarial" by the program manipulators. The sparkle is gone from his eyes. It was replaced with the dreaded and constant fear of making a mistake or not doing something "right". His "crime"- being a thorn in his step-mom's side and interferint with their active social life.

Let us not forget, there are other abusive programs who may be benefiting from those who choose not to go with WWASP.

Deborah

anon:
Deborah - Can you name the place? There are people well aware wwasp isn't the only problem program. Maybe we need to get this place on their radar screen.
The media is intrested in this subject right now, and that could really help put a bright and intence light on them.
Please keep in touch with your son - even if he never contacts you. He needs you.

Anonymous:
Deborah never did answer this question.   :wink:

Anonymous:
Deborah,

So sorry to hear your pain.
Your son's story, behavior sounds familiar with our experience.  The spontaneity is lost from forced coercion. Constant threats of punishment.

The Ga school needs to be held accountable.Other kids are at risk.

There is always a way to get support and help. Just ask.

The goal needs to be to get legislation in place. For a start anyway.

Let ISAC know. They may be able to help.

Go to Parents support that is a place to start.
Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous:
Deborah,

Educating parents about PTSD is so important, thanks for sharing your experience with your son who is very lucky to have a mom as intelligent, persistant, and loving as you.

 :wave:

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