Ellen Behren's Industry Study Funded by AEG

[Whooter]

... a sampling bias could have potentially have had a large
impact on the results of this study, the excuses I heard not to participate had to do with
behavioral breakdowns as often as they had to do with too many after school
commitments and other measures of success ...

So basically out of 190 families scheduled to graduate, only 125 families graduated (65 did not).  So right there, there are 65 failures.  Out of those 125 who graduated, 25 could not be contacted. That leaves us with 25 unknown, 65 failures.  Out of the 100 left, only 30 responded.  Those 30 reported well due to sampling bias.  That leaves 30 successes, 25 unknown, 65 failures.  Out of the 70 remaining, half were still having "issues".  The other half I'll give you generously as "successes".  That leaves 65 successes (only 30 of which responded to a survey), 25 unknown, and 100 failures. (out of 190 scheduled to graduate).  Hardly stellar, even if the numbers are accurate.

Great breakdown.

 :tup:  :notworthy:

The details to support DJ's numbers can be found here:

Outcome Study

He may have left out the link by accident.



...

[Dysfunction Junction]

This work used two self-report surveys, the YSR (Youth Self Report), and the CBCL (Child Behavior Check List), each of which consist of a ten minute checklist.  These checklists were given to the kids (YSF) and parents (CBCL) while the kids were still in the program which is poor methodology to say the least, especially considering many of these kids were abused and neglected in the programs and self-preservation would motivate them to say anything to get out and the parents had no routine ability to observe and report on their child's behavior.  

These facts are readily admitted by the researchers.  For example, they state that youth and parents have tendencies to underreport problems.  That is, the kids "fake it to get out,"  and the parents need to justify the expenditure.

...parents are often confronted  by clinical staff if they discharge an adolescent against program advice, they, along with their adolescent,  may have a conscious or unconscious motivation to underreport problems.

The majority of subjects were in programs only six months, that is, pulled early against program protestations.

Additionally, the YSR and CBCL are both data acquisition tools that are exempt from continuing review under 45 CFR 46 101(b), so these findings have never been reviewed or analyzed.

Considering that several of these facilities have also been charged with child abuse and neglect, the survey results are unreliable.  This is likely why this study has never been reviewed or published except as a marketing tool for Aspen Education.

[Whooter]

This work used two self-report surveys, the YSR (Youth Self Report), and the CBCL (Child Behavior Check List), each of which consist of a ten minute checklist.  These checklists were given to the kids (YSF) and parents (CBCL) while the kids were still in the program which is poor methodology to say the least, especially considering many of these kids were abused and neglected in the programs and self-preservation would motivate them to say anything to get out and the parents had no routine ability to observe and report on their child's behavior.  

These facts are readily admitted by the researchers.  For example, they state that youth and parents have tendencies to underreport problems.  That is, the kids "fake it to get out,"  and the parents need to justify the expenditure.

...parents are often confronted  by clinical staff if they discharge an adolescent against program advice, they, along with their adolescent,  may have a conscious or unconscious motivation to underreport problems.

The majority of subjects were in programs only six months, that is, pulled early against program protestations.

Additionally, the YSR and CBCL are both data acquisition tools that are exempt from continuing review under 45 CFR 46 101(b), so these findings have never been reviewed or analyzed.

Considering that several of these facilities have also been charged with child abuse and neglect, the survey results are unreliable.  This is likely why this study has never been reviewed or published except as a marketing tool for Aspen Education.

The study itself tells a different story.  For the facts you can click on the link below and read for yourself:

Outcome Study

He may have left out the link by accident.



...

[Dysfunction Junction]

parents are often confronted by clinical staff if they discharge an adolescent against program advice, they, along with their adolescent, may have a conscious or unconscious motivation to underreport problems.

This is vebatim from Behrens.  So it's obvious this is a "fact" according to Whooter.  Problems are underreported and the samlple is biased and not random.  Big problems for this work. Hence it has never been peer reviewed.  It's crap.

[Whooter]

parents are often confronted by clinical staff if they discharge an adolescent against program advice, they, along with their adolescent, may have a conscious or unconscious motivation to underreport problems.

This is vebatim from Behrens.  So it's obvious this is a "fact" according to Whooter.  Problems are underreported and the samlple is biased and not random.  Big problems for this work. Hence it has never been peer reviewed.  It's crap.

You made a great point DJ.  Here are the details of what DJ is talking about:

 For the facts you can click on the link below and read for yourself:

Outcome Study

DJ may have left out the link by accident.



...

[Dysfunction Junction]

youth care was where brendan blum died. He complained and they ignored it charges were filed against the staff. His mother researched the place and was lead to beleive he would get top quality care. I wonder if this study was one of the things that convinced her that the poor boy would be in good hands.

Charges Filed in Death of Brendan Blum
2 youth counselors charged in California boy's death
14-year-old was staying at treatment center in Draper

By Pat Reavy and Rebecca Palmer
Deseret Morning News
Published: October 12, 2007

Two counselors at a residential youth treatment center in Draper where a 14-year-old boy died in June were charged Thursday in connection with the boy's death.

Deborah Cole and Jorge Ramirez, from Youth Care Inc., 12600 Minuteman Drive, each face one count of abuse or neglect of a child, a third-degree felony.

On June 27, Brendan Blum of California was suffering bowel and stomach problems. He had been vomiting and suffering from diarrhea all night, said Draper Police Sgt. Gerry Allred. Rather than contacting the on-call nurse as the facility's policy dictates, the boy was simply given some medicine and put in a separate room away from the rest of the boys, he said. The next morning, the boy, who was listed as a disabled child because he had Asperger's syndrome, was found dead on his mattress.

"There was no really good reason why they didn't take him ... no explanation except they just thought it was an upset stomach," Allred said.

An autopsy determined the boy had an obstructed bowel that deteriorated as the night went on, Allred said. The on-call nurse, who was later interviewed by police, said if she had been called to look at the boy she would have advised he immediately go to the hospital, he said.
The Utah State Medical Examiner concurred, "if medical intervention had been obtained, (the boy's) death would have been preventable," according to court documents.

The boy's mother, Dana Blum, said she is appalled that workers at the facility didn't take him to an emergency room. Any time a child dies while in the care of a licensed facility, the facility should be shut down immediately, she said.

Blum has filed a complaint with the Utah licensing board and is waiting for the investigation to be completed.

She hopes the individuals who operated the facility will be held accountable along with the workers.

"I don't wish them any ill, I would just like to see justice done for my son," she said.

The facility issued a statement shortly after the boy's death saying it was the result of a "medical condition." The group home is operated by Aspen Education Group, based in Cerritos, Calif. It is a division of the CRC Health Group, which runs boarding schools, outdoor education programs and weight-loss camps.

Ironically, the charges came one day after the Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C., found thousands of abuse allegations at camps and other private treatment facilities around the country.

Blum hopes the national attention will result in stricter standards and more accountability across the board.

Brendan was placed in the facility following treatment at a California hospital. Blum said she researched Youth Care Inc. extensively before sending her son there.

"This is double-edged sword for me," she said. "I am not a deadbeat mom."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caretakers at Draper youth care center charged with child abuse in death of 14-year-old

By Jason Bergreen
The Salt Lake Tribune Article
Last Updated: 10/11/2007 05:22:00 PM MDT

Two caretakers at a Draper assisted-living facility were charged Thursday with failing to provide medical aid to a 14-year-old resident who died under their supervision in June. Jorge Ramirez and Deborah Cole were both on duty at Youth Care Inc. on June 27 when 14-year-old Brendan Blum of Santa Barbara, Calif., died.

An autopsy concluded that Blum died from an inadequate blood supply to his small bowel, according to a criminal complaint filed in 3rd District Court. On the night of his death, Blum had a loss of bowel control, vomited and complained of stomach pain, but Ramirez and Cole did not provide or seek medical help for him, the complaint states.

Blum was found dead on the morning of June 28. A state medical examiner concluded that Blum's death could have been prevented if he had been given medical attention.

"Secure treatment facilities are responsible for providing appropriate medical treatment and care for the children entrusted to their supervision," Salt Lake County District Attorney Lohra Miller said in a news release. "In this case, it is alleged that a young boy's need for emergency medical treatment was ignored and that this negligence resulted in the boy's death." Miller also said that state law requires that treatment facilities and their employees be held to a "heightened standard of care."

Blum was at the facility because he had Asperger's Syndrome, a disorder related to autism.

Cole and Ramirez are each charged with one third-degree felony count of abuse or neglect of a child. The crime is punishable by up to five years in jail.

Posted by Teen Advocates USA at 10:50 AM
Labels: Aspen Education Group, Barbe Stamps, Brendan Blum, CRC Health Group, Teen Advocates USA, Youth Care
Newer Post Older Post Home
WEBSITE

    * Teen Advocates USA


Photo Copyright 2007 by Teen Advocates USA and Barbe Stamps. All Rights Reserved.
My Photo

Teen Advocates USA
    Teen Advocates USA is a private not-for-profit children's rights educational and public advocacy website dedicated to improving the status and well-being of America's youth through judicial, legislative and social policy reforms.

View my complete profile
Blog Archive

    * ?  2007 (4)
          o ?  October (2)
                + A Mother's Quest for Accountability
                + Charges Filed in Death of Brendan Blum
          o ?  September (2)
                + WHO'S WATCHING THE CAREGIVERS?
                + News Reports

TAUSA WEBLOG

    * Aaron Bacon: Tragedy in the Wilderness
    * Barbe Stamps
    * Betrayed Innocence
    * Carey Bock Appeal
    * Cash For Kids
    * End Institutionalized Child Abuse Act 2005
    * HOLY THE CHILDREN
    * KID NATION
    * Paradise Abused: Memoirs of a Search for Truth
    * Remembering Brendan Blum
    * Remembering Michelle Sutton
    * Self Medicated The Movie
    * Stop Child Profiteering in America
    * Teen Advocates USA 10 Year Anniversary
    * The Troubled Teen Industry
    * Tough Love America
    * What Price Wilderness Therapy?


    * HOLY THE CHILDREN

Holy The Children is a memorial that seeks to honor and remember children who tragically lost their lives while in the custodial care of a private or state-run residential children's program or institution. Created by Barbe Stamps and online since 1999 there are over 125 children's names currently listed on the memorial wall which also includes informational articles and resources for parents, other family members and friends.

BRENDAN BLUM MEMORIAL WEBPAGE

Naymz Profile for Barbe Stamps
Teen Advocates USA

Wow these people were part of Behrens' marketing campaign.

[Anne Bonney]

... a sampling bias could have potentially have had a large
impact on the results of this study, the excuses I heard not to participate had to do with
behavioral breakdowns as often as they had to do with too many after school
commitments and other measures of success ...

So basically out of 190 families scheduled to graduate, only 125 families graduated (65 did not).  So right there, there are 65 failures.  Out of those 125 who graduated, 25 could not be contacted. That leaves us with 25 unknown, 65 failures.  Out of the 100 left, only 30 responded.  Those 30 reported well due to sampling bias.  That leaves 30 successes, 25 unknown, 65 failures.  Out of the 70 remaining, half were still having "issues".  The other half I'll give you generously as "successes".  That leaves 65 successes (only 30 of which responded to a survey), 25 unknown, and 100 failures. (out of 190 scheduled to graduate).  Hardly stellar, even if the numbers are accurate.

Great breakdown.

 :tup:  :notworthy:

The details to support DJ's numbers can be found here:

Outcome Study

He may have left out the link by accident.

Outcome study that was bought and paid for by Aspen Ed.

[Whooter]

Outcome study that was bought and paid for by Aspen Ed.

Exactly!! Imagine trying to find a research firm that just worked for free!!  lol I am sure they would have hired them first.  I know I would, why pay for it when you can get it done for nothing?



...

[Anne Bonney]

Outcome study that was bought and paid for by Aspen Ed.

Exactly!! Imagine trying to find a research firm that just worked for free!!  lol I am sure they would have hired them first.  I know I would, why pay for it when you can get it done for nothing?

Of course not and that's not what we're suggesting, but you know that.  But when Aspen hires them to do a study do you really think it would be in their best interest to have it come out shedding and unkind light on Aspen?  They wouldn't get referrals or any more business from Aspen, but again......you know this and you know that's the context we're talking about but you spin it to fit what you want.

[Whooter]

Outcome study that was bought and paid for by Aspen Ed.

Exactly!! Imagine trying to find a research firm that just worked for free!!  lol I am sure they would have hired them first.  I know I would, why pay for it when you can get it done for nothing?

Of course not and that's not what we're suggesting, but you know that.  But when Aspen hires them to do a study do you really think it would be in their best interest to have it come out shedding and unkind light on Aspen?  They wouldn't get referrals or any more business from Aspen, but again......you know this and you know that's the context we're talking about but you spin it to fit what you want.

What are talking about?  You are referring to the practices of every research firm, Anne.  None of them work for free.  They all get paid regardless of whether it is a program or University research study, Private companies....  The research firm still needs to get paid so that they can pay their employees.   This study had a review board which oversaw the study and approved it.  They look for conflicts of interest and understand the payment for their work.



...

[Whooter]

Daily Recap:

The study continues to take some heavy artillery here on fornits but still remains bullet proof.  The foes are still unable to discredit the report in light of the pesky oversight committee who over saw and approved the study.  This and the fact that the study was presented to the annual meeting of the APA.

The overall rating for this report is running around 9.2 for accuracy and credibility. (on a 1 -to-10 scale).  


 For the facts you can click on the link below and read for yourself:

Outcome Study

Tomorrow is a new day.



...

[Whoooter]

Daily Recap:

The study continues to take some heavy artillery here on fornits but still remains bullet proof.  The foes are still unable to discredit the report in light of the pesky oversight committee who over saw and approved the study.  This and the fact that the study was presented to the annual meeting of the APA.

The overall rating for this report is running around 9.2 for accuracy and credibility. (on a 1 -to-10 scale).  


 For the facts you can click on the link below and read for yourself:

Outcome Study

Tomorrow is a new day.



...

They Will Never Beat Us In Numbers My Brother Whooter's !!!!!!!!  :cheers:  :cheers:  :rocker:  :rocker:


Right John,?  :notworthy:  :soapbox:  :notworthy:  we will follow you everywhere you go here to make sure your voice is heard,we will be submitting your Manifesto soon so dont worry our  :notworthy:  :notworthy:  " Lord " :notworthy:  :notworthy: We will present you in all your deserved glory.


Thank You,, for reading our update's and tribute post's to you and may the future bring so many New and Honorable one's ..

[Whooter]

Daily Recap:

The study continues to take some heavy artillery here on fornits but still remains bullet proof.  The foes are still unable to discredit the report in light of the pesky oversight committee who over saw and approved the study.  This and the fact that the study was presented to the annual meeting of the APA.

The overall rating for this report is running around 9.2 for accuracy and credibility. (on a 1 -to-10 scale).  



...

[Dysfunction Junction]

Daily recap:  Whooter's posts moved to the OFFA and Whooter warned again for spamming with TTI advertisements.  Nice to see some moderation working here.

[Anonymous]

Daily recap:  Whooter's posts moved to the OFFA and Whooter warned again for spamming with TTI advertisements.  Nice to see some moderation working here.

They Will Never Beat Us In Numbers My Brother Whooter's !!!!!!!!        


Right John,?       we will follow you everywhere you go here to make sure your voice is heard,we will be submitting your Manifesto soon so dont worry our     " Lord "    We will present you in all your deserved glory.


Thank You,, for reading our update's and tribute post's to you and may the future bring so many New and Honorable one's ..DJ you know this why fight it I am Whooter AKA John D. Reuben !!!!!,  you are powerless to beat me in anything so stick to the topics.