Aspen Education's Systematic Child Abuse

[Troll Control]

I see you still haven't read the report.  :lala:  

They substantiated nine cases of abuse which spurred further investigation.  The "further investigation" concluded the program itself is abusive and that all children were forced to participate in the program.

The program shills have suffered what is commonly called a "technical knock out" or "TKO."  Their only defense of Aspen
Education's systematic abuse problem now seems to be feigning ignorance or real illiteracy.  One or the other.

[Whooter]

I see you still haven't read the report.  :lala:  

They substantiated nine cases of abuse which spurred further investigation.  The "further investigation" concluded the program itself is abusive and that all children were forced to participate in the program.

The program shills have suffered what is commonly called a "technical knock out" or "TKO."  Their only defense of Aspen
Education's systematic abuse problem now seems to be feigning ignorance or real illiteracy.  One or the other.

If all the reports (findings) were substantiated they would have put it in their report.  But they were very clear to point out that only 9 have been substantiated, according to the report.  The school had about 90 kids so if they are all substantiated then I would agree with you that it was 100%, but so far only nine have been.
If you have a later report maybe that would indicate that more abuse was confirmed.  We have to go with the report and how many cases have been substantiated.  



...

[Troll Control]

I believe there were upwards of 25 violations of law enumerated.  The "Ultimate Finding of Facts" section declares that MBA was a "danger to all students."  The report also conlcuded that the program itself is child abuse and that all kids were forced to participate in the program.  Therefore, all students were abused.  It ain't that deep.

The expert witness' testimony stated that the children on behalf of whom the investigation was launched were "exemplars of all students' experiences" as well.  Meaning all kids were subject to abuse.  

The report uses the words "all students" and "all children" repetitively.  

Child abuse apologists are in favor of continuing child abuse.  There's no defense for it, but here they are, trolling in full force, advocating the continuing abuse of children for profit.  It's sad and disgusting that some people feel "children are products" and "children have no rights," dehumanizing children and intimating that they somehow deserve to be abused for conformity's sake and corporate profit.  

Is it really worth destroying children's lives in order to protect monetary interests?  Some people here support just that notion.  Some posters here have "fiduciary duties" to programs, and the bottom line is the sole concern.  Sad, but true.

[Whooter]

I agree with a lot of what you say, DJ.  But they concluded that there were only 9 substantiated cases of abuse.  There were many "findings" but the findings have not been substantiated as of yet except 9 of them.  I am sure the number will rise once they decipher which they can substantiate and which of the findings they cannot.
But at this point only 9 are substantiated which is about 10%, not 100%.


...

[Pile of shit]

Dysfunction Junction is still pissing and moaining about ASPEN?  WOW!!!  Where is Anne?  She isn't supporting DJ.   :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:   Where is Ursus?  He isn't supporting DJ.   :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:   DJ people don't care about your ASPEN jihad anymore.

[Troll Control]

That's very sad, Pile of Shit.  I'm sorry to hear that you believe there's nothing wrong with being silent about child abuse while a company like Aspen runs a program in all of their facilities that was ruled by state authorities to be child abuse.  Aspen Education's systematic child abuse program is abhorrent and disgusting.  

Some people care about the welfare of children, and some don't, I guess.  It's a disturbing thought, but Pile of Shit and Whooter both believe that child abuse should be swept under the rug instead of confronted by legal authorities.  I feel bad for these soulless people and for the kids whom they allow to be neglected and abused through their silence and complicity.

I suppose when your belief system includes "children have no rights" and "children are products" you'd be inclined to support abuse if it brings in profits for the firms to which you have "fiduciary duties."  Maybe if it were called "product abuse" there would be more of an outcry about this systemic problem at Aspen faciities.

[Ursus]

Here's that Order of Emergency License Suspension for MBA that DJ provided a link for earlier in this thread, transcribed out for better perusal:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

BEFORE THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
STATE OF OREGON
for the
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES[/list]

In the Matter of the
Therapeutic Boarding School License of
Mt. Bachelor Academy,
a program of the Aspen Education Group,
owned by CRC Health Group, Inc.

Licensee[/list][/list]

ORDER OF EMERGENCY LICENSE SUSPENSION AND NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEARING


By order of the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) your license to operate a therapeutic boarding school is hereby suspended today, November 2, 2009. Effective immediately you must stop providing all services, educational or therapeutic, to children until further order of DHS.

This order is made pursuant to ORS 183.430(2), which authorize DHS to enter an emergency order of license suspension when it finds that the continued practice by Mount Bachelor Academy (MBA) presents a serious danger to the public health or safety and sets forth specific reasons for such finding. This order is also made pursuant to ORS 418.327, including but not limited to subsections (3), (5) and (7), which authorize DHS to issue an interim order requiring MBA to cease all therapeutic, educational and residential services if DHS finds that a condition exists that immediately endangers the health or safety of the children at MBA.

Findings:

DHS finds that 8 allegations of abuse are substantiated against MBA and one allegation of abuse is substantiated against the Executive Director of MBA in violation of OAR 407-045-0820(1)(f), (g) and (h). Moreover, DHS finds that MBA is in violation of the following licensing rules: OAR 413-215-0076; OAR 413-215-0606; OAR 413-215-0681; OAR 413-215-0051; OAR 413-215-0676; OAR 413-215-00651; OAR 413-215-0661; OAR 413-215-0681; OAR 413-215-0056; OAR 413-215-0021; and OAR 413-215-0046.

DHS finds that MBA's abuse and neglect of students and violations of the licensing rules described below, establishes that MBA poses a serious danger to public health or safety, that conditions exist that immediately endanger the health or safety of children at MBA and that MBA should not be permitted to continue operating as a therapeutic boarding school for children and should immediately discontinue providing therapeutic, educational and residential services as follows:

1. Mt. Bachelor Academy is a licensed Therapeutic Boarding School, located in a rural area, 26 miles east of Prineville, Oregon, licensed originally in 1988.
2. MBA admits both male and female students who are from age 14 to 17.5 at the time of admission. The total capacity is 125 students and the length of stay is 14-16 months.
3. In 1998, Mt. Bachelor was re-organized and became a program of Aspen Education group. Aspen was recently acquired by CRC Health Group, Inc.
4. In March of 2009, MBA had approximately 77 staff and 88 boarding students.
5. DHS investigated and determined that eight allegations of abuse involving five individual students were substantiated against the MBA in violation of OAR 407-045-0820(1)(f), (g), and (h).
6. DHS investigated and determined that an allegation of abuse was substantiated against MBA's Executive Director in violation of OAR 407-045-0820(1)(h).
7. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0076(3) regarding behavior management in that MBA required students to engage in an "emotional growth" curriculum included, but was not limited to, the Lifesteps program that was punitive, humiliating, degrading and traumatizing. The "emotional growth" curriculum included, but was not limited to, sexualized role play in front of staff and peers, requiring students to say derogatory phrases about themselves in front of staff and peers, requiring students to reenact past physical abuse in front of staff and peers, permitting staff to engage in the usage of derogatory names, phrases and ridicule of students, and deprivation of sleep.
8. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0076(6) regarding discipline policy in that students were required to engage in self studies and solo experiences for violating behavioral expectations. Self studies and solo experiences included, but were not limited to, strenuous work projects and camping alone on an island and in inclement weather conditions.
9. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0076(6) regarding discipline policy, as indicated in MBA's parent handbook, in that students' access to the bathroom during class time was withheld and/or resulted in punishment for breaking class rules. In addition, students were required to do push-ups and/or run laps as a consequence for breaking class rules.
10. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0076(6) regarding discipline policy in that an entire group of students was punished for the behavior of one student.
11. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0076(6) regarding discipline policy in that MBA utilized bans as a consequence for inappropriate behavior. Bans were reported to last up to a week or longer and include the student not being allowed to talk, touch, or look at others and face the wall during meal time.
12. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0076(6) regarding discipline policy in that students communication with parents was routinely censored as a means of controlling behavior. It was reported phone calls were ended if a student complained, students were told not to divulge any aspect of the "emotional growth" curriculum during telephone calls, and both content and ability to call were used a disciplinary measure.
13. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0606 regarding therapeutic services in that students were not provided adequate therapeutic services for their diagnosis or substance abuse issues, nor were students provided individualized treatment plans or services to address their significant needs. All students were required to participate in the Lifesteps program and other "emotional growth" curriculum regardless of the students' needs or vulnerabilities. Despite DHS' stated concerns, MBA recently introduced what it calls the Transitions program, which closely mirrors the Lifesteps program in that it contains the same deficiencies with respect to requiring participation regardless of students' needs or vulnerabilities.
14. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0681(2) regarding treatment planning in that MBA failed to develop and deliver individualized services to students. All students were required to participate in the Lifesteps program and other "emotional growth" curriculum regardless of the students' needs or vulnerabilities. Despite DHS' stated concerns, MBA recently introduced what it call the Transitions program, which closely mirrors the Lifesteps program in part because it contains the same deficiencies with respect to requiring participation regardless of students' needs or vulnerabilities.
15. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0051(2) regarding staff services in that staff members do not have the background and experience to be able to provide adequate care, safety, protections and supervision of students. MBA has only one staff member who is an Oregon licensed mental health professional, however that staff member reported that he does not meet with every student admitted nor does he regularly participate in the Lifesteps program or "emotional growth" curriculum. There are no staff members with qualifications to treat substance abuse or eating disorders and other mental health diagnosis.
16. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0676(2) and OAR 413-215-0611 regarding educational services in that MBA fails to ensure students have adequate access to education or knowledge of their right to such education. Students are deprived of the ability to participate in academic classes while on self studies, solos or other disciplinary actions.
17. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0606(10) and OAR 413-215-0611 regarding educational services in that MBA fails to meet the definition of a therapeutic boarding school which requires the licensee to be primarily a school and not a residential care agency. It was reported that MBA specializes in adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral disorders, many of whom are likely to have significant diagnosable psychiatric disorders. Such students are inappropriate for a therapeutic boarding school and have clinical conditions beyond the scope of MBA's license.
18. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0046(1) and OAR 413-215-0676(2) regarding children and families rights and grievance policies in that students were denied access to education for behavioral infractions. Students' rights in the student handbook do not include a right to participate in treatment planning and there is no right to file a grievance if the student is not in agreement with the service provided. Students' calls to parents are monitored and censored. Grievance policies and procedures are not made available to parents. Students' mail is opened and read prior to the student receiving it. Students with documented mental health and substance abuse disorders are not given access to appropriate therapy and treatment.
19. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0651(1) regarding medication management in that MBA failed to have medication policies and procedures that ensure the safe management and administration of medication. Medication logs reviewed had errors including but not limited to missing dates, no record of missed doses, no record of method of administration, no identification of the person who administered the medication and no information regarding adverse reactions to the medication. There is no policy or procedure in place that addresses how or by whom medication is administered to students while they are involved in workshops that are part of the "emotional growth" curriculum or while involved in off-campus activities. It was also reported that during Lifesteps students do not always receive their medication. Additionally, some medications used to aid sleep are purposely withheld from students during the Lifesteps program.
20. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0661 regarding supervision in that supervision of students during the La Mancha Lifestep in Europe was inadequate to protect students.
21. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0681(3) regarding discharge planning in that student records lacked any discharge planning or instructions for students prior to or at their departure from school. Additionally, students records lacked documentation that the students or their family were involved any discharge planning.
22. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0681(3) regarding incident reporting and notifications in that incident reports are not maintained in the client files and there were no incident reports for other events, including but not limited to an incident resulting in a concussion.
23. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0056 regarding mandatory reporting in that student records indicate a student disclosed to a staff member prior sexual abuse but there is no indication in the record that the staff to whom the disclosure was made had complied with mandatory reporting requirements. Another student reported disclosing rape while at MBA to staff however there is no indication of a report to law enforcement or children's protective services.
24. MBA violated OAR 413-215-0021(3) regarding governance in that the Executive Director has a substantiated finding of neglect for failing to ensure that individual students received the appropriate therapeutic services and were not subjected to activities that were coercive, intimidating, harassing, and/or humiliating.

Ultimate Findings of Fact: DHS finds that due to MBA's abuse and neglect of students and violations of the licensing rules listed above, MBA poses a serious danger to public health or safety should MBA be permitted to continue operating as a therapeutic boarding school for children. DHS finds that a condition exists that immediately endangers the health or safety of the children at MBA should MBA be permitted to continue providing therapeutic, educational and residential services to children.



NOTICE OF RIGHTS

You have a right to a formal hearing to contest this suspension order. In order to have a hearing, you must request one in writing. You may mail a request for a hearing to Department of Human Services, Attn: Donna Keddy, Program Manager, Residential Treatment and Licensing, 500 Summer Street, NE, Salem, Oregon 97301, or fax a request to (503) 947-5084. If requested, such a hearing will be held pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act (ORS chapter 183). You have a right to demand that the hearing be held as soon as practicable after DHS receives your written request. Your written request for a hearing must be received by DHS within 90 days from the date this order was mailed or your right to a hearing will be waived.

If you request a hearing, the hearing will be held by an administrative law judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings, as required by ORS 183.635. You will be notified of the date, time and place of the hearing. If you wish, you may hire an attorney to represent you at the hearing. At the hearing you have the right to respond to, and to present evidence and argument, on all issues. After the hearing, an order confirming, altering or revoking this suspension order will be issued.

If you do request a hearing, but later withdraw your request for hearing, fail to appear, or notify DHS or the administrative law judge that you do not intend to appear at the hearing, you will have waived your right to a hearing. In that event, DHS designates the relevant portions of its file, including all materials that you have submitted, as the record for purposes of the emergency suspension order.

DATED this 2nd day of November 2009.

 <signature>
______________________________
Erian Kelley-Siel, Assistant Director
DHS Children, Adults and Families Division

DATE of Service: ________
Initial: ________________

[Ursus]

I agree with a lot of what you say, DJ.  But they concluded that there were only 9 substantiated cases of abuse.  There were many "findings" but the findings have not been substantiated as of yet except 9 of them.  I am sure the number will rise once they decipher which they can substantiate and which of the findings they cannot.
But at this point only 9 are substantiated which is about 10%, not 100%.

That is not quite how the Department of Human Services in the state of Oregon saw it.

From the Complaint and Order to Correct Conditions, color emphasis added:

In October 2009, the Office of Investigations and Training (OIT) completed its investigation and determined that eight allegations of abuse involving five individual students were substantiated against the agency, Mt. Bachelor Academy. The report indicates that the abuse allegations are "exemplars" in that these five clients' experience is not unique and is "substantially consistent" with the experience of all children enrolled in the program. The report further substantiated an allegation of abuse against the Executive Director. The Executive Director either knew of the abusive practices of the agency, or she should have known what was happening under her authority.[/list]

From the above transcribed Order of Emergency License Suspension:

Ultimate Findings of Fact: DHS finds that due to MBA's abuse and neglect of students and violations of the licensing rules listed above, MBA poses a serious danger to public health or safety should MBA be permitted to continue operating as a therapeutic boarding school for children. DHS finds that a condition exists that immediately endangers the health or safety of the children at MBA should MBA be permitted to continue providing therapeutic, educational and residential services to children.[/list]

[Whooter]

I agree with a lot of what you say, DJ.  But they concluded that there were only 9 substantiated cases of abuse.  There were many "findings" but the findings have not been substantiated as of yet except 9 of them.  I am sure the number will rise once they decipher which they can substantiate and which of the findings they cannot.
But at this point only 9 are substantiated which is about 10%, not 100%.

That is not quite how the Department of Human Services in the state of Oregon saw it.

From the Complaint and Order to Correct Conditions, color emphasis added:

In October 2009, the Office of Investigations and Training (OIT) completed its investigation and determined that eight allegations of abuse involving five individual students were substantiated against the agency, Mt. Bachelor Academy. The report indicates that the abuse allegations are "exemplars" in that these five clients' experience is not unique and is "substantially consistent" with the experience of all children enrolled in the program. The report further substantiated an allegation of abuse against the Executive Director. The Executive Director either knew of the abusive practices of the agency, or she should have known what was happening under her authority.[/list]

From the above transcribed Order of Emergency License Suspension:

Ultimate Findings of Fact: DHS finds that due to MBA's abuse and neglect of students and violations of the licensing rules listed above, MBA poses a serious danger to public health or safety should MBA be permitted to continue operating as a therapeutic boarding school for children. DHS finds that a condition exists that immediately endangers the health or safety of the children at MBA should MBA be permitted to continue providing therapeutic, educational and residential services to children.[/list]

So there is an indication that the 8 substantiated abuses are typical of what the rest of the students endured in the reports findings.  So there is a strong possibility that they will conclude that all the kids (100%) were abused.
 
It will be interesting to see how this all ends up and if they end up concluding that all the kids were abused.



...

[Troll Control]

Funny, I posted that quote several times and provided all the links to the reports and Whooter has been denying it for days.  I guess he finally read the report, now that Ursus spoon fed it (or rather posted it publicly so it can't rationally be denied) to him, as usual. :beat:  Look at the lengths to which people here are willing to go to in order to minimize, obfuscate or outright lie to protect child abusers.  There's something wrong with people like that.

Anyway...the report already has concluded that all the kids were abused.  If you can't understand English, I guess you could miss that.

There have also been criminal referrals to the sherrif's department.

[Whooter]

Funny, I posted that quote several times and provided all the links to the reports and Whooter has been denying it for days.  I guess he finally read the report, now that Ursus spoon fed it (or rather posted it publicly so it can't rationally be denied) to him, as usual. :beat:  Look at the lengths to which people here are willing to go to in order to minimize, obfuscate or outright lie to protect child abusers.  There's something wrong with people like that.

Anyway...the report already has concluded that all the kids were abused.  If you can't understand English, I guess you could miss that.

There have also been criminal referrals to the sherrif's department.

No, you said that 100% of the kids were abused.  The report still stands at 9 being substantiated and the rest are pending (or these is an indication that the rest were abused).  There are opinions indicating that they will rule that all were abused, but we need to wait to see if they substantiate the rest.



...

[DannyB II]

Funny, I posted that quote several times and provided all the links to the reports and Whooter has been denying it for days.  I guess he finally read the report, now that Ursus spoon fed it (or rather posted it publicly so it can't rationally be denied) to him, as usual. :beat:  Look at the lengths to which people here are willing to go to in order to minimize, obfuscate or outright lie to protect child abusers.  There's something wrong with people like that.

Anyway...the report already has concluded that all the kids were abused.  If you can't understand English, I guess you could miss that.

There have also been criminal referrals to the sherrif's department.

See DJ it does not say that all the kids were abused, it is implying it. They have not settled on a this yet, wait for the case to be settled.
 
This is your problem DJ, just because Ursus posted the charges, this does not make them automatically true. We'll see at the end of the investigation. Hold your horses there, your not "right" yet.
Whooter did not deny anything unless it was nonsense you've been talking, he has stated over and over that they only have 8-9 substantiated cases of abuse, that's it. Guess what that has not changed.

Oh and those criminal referrals will get'cha every time.

DJ are you part of the SICCO Operation.....HMMmmmmm.

[Troll Control]

The state child abuse investigation is over, those are the final findings of fact (substantiated, documented charges by the state that abuse was systemic and all kids were abused) and the case has been referred for criminal prosecution.  Now we'll see where that goes.

Keep apologizing for child abusers, Danny.  I'm sure it's good for your karma.

[Whooter]

The state child abuse investigation is over, those are the final findings of fact (substantiated, documented charges by the state that abuse was systemic and all kids were abused) and the case has been referred for criminal prosecution.  Now we'll see where that goes.

Keep apologizing for child abusers, Danny.  I'm sure it's good for your karma.

If that is the final report then it states clearly that only 9 have been substantiated.  The ones that you said have been referred to the sheriffs department you will have to let us know how they turn out.  If they substantiate them then we will add them to the 9.



...

[Troll Control]

I agree with a lot of what you say, DJ.  But they concluded that there were only 9 substantiated cases of abuse.  There were many "findings" but the findings have not been substantiated as of yet except 9 of them.  I am sure the number will rise once they decipher which they can substantiate and which of the findings they cannot.
But at this point only 9 are substantiated which is about 10%, not 100%.

That is not quite how the Department of Human Services in the state of Oregon saw it.

From the Complaint and Order to Correct Conditions, color emphasis added:

In October 2009, the Office of Investigations and Training (OIT) completed its investigation and determined that eight allegations of abuse involving five individual students were substantiated against the agency, Mt. Bachelor Academy. The report indicates that the abuse allegations are "exemplars" in that these five clients' experience is not unique and is "substantially consistent" with the experience of all children enrolled in the program. The report further substantiated an allegation of abuse against the Executive Director. The Executive Director either knew of the abusive practices of the agency, or she should have known what was happening under her authority.[/list]

From the above transcribed Order of Emergency License Suspension:

Ultimate Findings of Fact: DHS finds that due to MBA's abuse and neglect of students and violations of the licensing rules listed above, MBA poses a serious danger to public health or safety should MBA be permitted to continue operating as a therapeutic boarding school for children. DHS finds that a condition exists that immediately endangers the health or safety of the children at MBA should MBA be permitted to continue providing therapeutic, educational and residential services to children.[/list]

:deal:  :poison: