Oh, this is good too. Explorations- the wilderness program with no professionals (which Aspen acquires in 2003) recommends an RTC with no professionals. What's up with this "Wilderness Assessment Course"?
From July 15 - August 9, 1998 J. J. attended a
Wilderness Assessment Course (WAC) :question: at
Explorations Inc. in Montana. Activities included three weeks of backpacking, journal assignments and individual and group counseling in a wilderness area (with three instructors
and six other campers), followed by three days of solo experience in which J. J. was alone in a wilderness environment. The goal of the program was to evaluate J. J.?s ?current motivational status and to identify problem areas and recommend strategies for future development.? Exhibit A35.
33. Jessica Ruehrwein, the WAC program coordinator, was a ?
lead therapist and instructor? in J.J.?s course. She has an
M.S. degree in Natural Resource Sociology. There is
no indication that she has any education or formal training in counseling, psychology or education.
Explorations Inc. reported that her ?professional experience [included] counseling adult and juvenile probationers, facilitating ropes course experiences, and working as a wilderness therapist and guide.? Exhibit A35.
34. A letter to J. J.?s parents dated August 17, 1998, reporting on his experience at WAC, was signed by Ms. Ruehrwein, ?Kevin Junker, Ed. M,? and the co-directors of Explorations Inc. The letter identified multiple facts which appeared ?to be affecting [J.J.?s] ability to behave appropriately at home and to stay focused in a classroom setting?: low self esteem
(manifested in J.J.?s unwillingness to attempt new tasks or participate as a member of the group because of his fear of failure); separation anxiety (related at least in part to being an adopted child); denial (difficulty admitting to himself and family the problems he was experiencing at home and at school) and manipulation (feigning illness in an attempt to be
excused from the wilderness activities); acting out; and anger (opposition to following instructions or work assignments).
The assessment resulted in the following conclusion:
?[It] is our most adamant recommendation that [J. J.?s] future educational and emotional needs can only be met in a 24 hour a day residential program setting where a consistent behavioral program can be administered both inside and outside the classroom, and where [J. J.] can be integrated as a team member into a group of his peers. A program that will therapeutically respond to his in-class behavior with consistent consequences both in and out of class will help motivate him to stay focused upon his classroom studies and homework assignments. [J. J.] tends to isolate himself. His involvement in a peer group will also help motivate him and give him the kind of social support and recognition that cannot come from his parents or teachers. A residential program will help [J. J.] identify those characteristics in peers that will help him achieve his goals to attain a successful future and enjoy productive social interaction.
As you were also informed, it is our recommendation that J. J. be immediately entered into such a program and not be allowed to return
home due to our concern that relapse from the gains made during the course would soon occur.We absolutely concur with your apparent decision to enroll [J. J.] in a program such as Mount Bachelor Academy . . . . We do not see [J. J.] succeeding in any type of public school program where he lives at home and does not have the rigid structure
present in a residential school setting. . . .?
Exhibit A35. Similar information was contained in a confidential report dated August 18, 1998, signed by Jessica Ries, M.S. (one of the wilderness instructors), and reviewed and approved by Mr. Junker. Exhibit A36. That report included the comment, ?[J. J.?s] parents admit that they are probably too lenient with [J. J.] at home.?
35. J. J. attended WAC with the approval of Dr. Moran.
Dr. Moran considered WAC one step beyond hospitalization,
as it took place 24 hours per day, out of the reach of civilization. Dr. Moran last saw J. J. on August 20, 1998, shortly after the WAC program ended.
J. J. was
still making the kinds of statements which had concerned Dr. Moran earlier, and Dr. Moran was struck by the depth of his emotional disturbance. Dr. Moran felt J. J.?s thinking errors were so substantial that anything less than a residential program would be inadequate for
him. Dr. Moran observed that J. J. needs help in relating to his peers. He sabotages his relationships with his parents and teachers. One advantage of a residential program for J. J. is that he has to learn conflict resolution, as he cannot separate from his peers. Dr. Moran also commented, however, that in a constricted environment such as Mt. Bachelor Academy
(MBA) it is important to have experiences to relate to peers outside of the program.
36. J. J. is expected to complete his program at MBA in August 2000. Dr. Moran was concerned that if J. J. were taken from his residential program prematurely the risks could be substantial. If he has not internalized appropriate strategies ?he is going to lose.? Also, if he has not achieved the level of success he needs it would confirm his worst fears. He has not
had a lot of success, especially as it is associated with learning.
37. On August 25, 1998 Mr. Taylor sent Dr. Welch, the Special Services Coordinator at the District, a copy of the August 17, 1998 letter from WAC staff and indicated the parents were considering possible placements for J. J. at
MBA and Boulder Creek Academy.
He stated the parents would enroll J. J. in ?an appropriate residential facility if the District [could not] offer an appropriate placement by September 11, 1998,? and would seek tuition reimbursement from the District. Exhibit A37.
In September 1998, after speaking on the telephone with Dr. J., Dr. Moran recommended to District representatives that J. J. be enrolled in a residential program.
