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Topics - Jill Ryan

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PLEASE SUPPORT H.R. 3126 - STOP CHILD ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS...

AT THIS TIME, WE ARE TOLD THE BILL DOES NOT HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE HOUSE MAJORITY TO BE BROUGHT FORWARD.  PLEASE CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN.

*TO ACCESS ALL LINKS:
http://http://democrats.edworkforce.house.gov/bill/hr-3126-stop-child-abuse-residential-programs-teens-act-2011

H.R. 3126: The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011

Issues: Education, Other Education and Youth Issues

On October 6, 2011, two senior Democratic lawmakers from the House and the Senate reintroduced legislation to stop abuse in teen residential programs. U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the Senior Democrat on the Education and the Workforce Committee and U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced H.R. 3126, "Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act " to set common-sense, minimum safety standards that states would need to adopt and enforce to protect teens from physical, mental and sexual abuse in these programs.
 •Facts on H.R. 3126
 •Documented Incidents of Abuse
 •Letters of Support
 •GAO Reports on Residential Facilites: ?"Improved Data and Enhanced Oversight Would Help Safeguard the Well-Being of Youth with Behavioral and Emotional Challenges," May 2008 (.pdf)
 ?"Selected Cases of Death, Abuse, and Deceptive Marketing," April 2008 (.pdf)
 ?"State and Federal Oversight Gaps May Increase Risk to Youth Well-Being," April 2008 (.pdf)
 ?"Concerns Regarding Abuse and Death in Certain Programs for Troubled Youth," October 2007 (.pdf)
 

Keeping Kids Safe: Facts on The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011
 
Tens of thousands of U.S. teenagers attend private and public residential programs – including therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness camps, boot camps, and behavior modification facilities – that are intended to help them with behavioral, emotional, mental health, or substance abuse problems. Depending on the state in which the program operates, some of these programs are subject to State law or regulation, while others are not. As a result of this loose patchwork of state oversight, children at some the programs have been subject to abuse and neglect with little to no accountability.
 
The Government Accountability Office found thousands of allegations of child abuse and neglect at residential programs for teens since the early 1990s. Tragically, in a number of cases, this abuse and neglect led to the death of a child. To address this urgent problem, the “Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011” would:
 
Keep teens safe with minimum standards for residential programs that are focused on teens with behavioral, emotional, mental health, or substance abuse problems
 •Prohibit programs from physically, mentally, or sexually abusing children in their care;
 •Prohibit programs from denying children essential water, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care – whether as a form of punishment or for any other reason;
 •Require programs to provide children with reasonable access to a telephone and inform children accordingly;
 •Require programs to train staff in what constitutes child abuse and neglect and how to report it;
 •Require that programs only physically restrain children if it is necessary for their safety or the safety of others, and to do so in a way that is consistent with federal law already applicable in other contexts; and
 •Require programs to have plans in place to provide emergency medical care.
 
Increase transparency to help parents make safer choices for their children
 •Require programs to disclose to parents the qualifications, roles, and responsibilities of staff members;
 •Require programs to notify parents of substantiated reports of child abuse or violations of health and safety laws; and
 •Require programs to include a link or web address for the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which will carry information on residential programs.
 
Documented Incidents of Abuse at Residential Programs
 
Deaths
 •
In August, 2009, a 16-year-old boy died after ‘boot camp’ staff failed to provide medical care on a hike when he began to show significant and prolonged signs of heat exhaustion. In an affidavit requesting a search warrant the Sheriff’s Deputy indicated that he believed the death was a homicide and the result of criminal mistreatment and reckless endangerment by the school.  After an investigation the Oregon Department of Human services found evidence that at least two staff members neglected the care of the victim by failing to provide medical which likely endangered his life. (Bend, OR)
 

A 17-year-old girl collapsed on a nature walk and died several weeks later in the hospital; it was later discovered that at least seven employees of the center were lacking in CPR training. (New Ulm, TX, 7/10)
 

A 16-year-old boy died after a staff member physically restrained him in a closet because the child refused to show the staff member what he had in his hand; it turned out to be a pen cap.  That same year, a 16 year old girl had been sexually abused by a staff member at the same facility. (Manvel, TX, 2010-2011)
 

Sexual Abuse
 •
Two 15-year-old boys were given drugs and cigarettes in exchange for sex by a staff member who pleaded no contest to four felony counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and was sentenced to prison for one to fifteen years. (Roosevelt, UT, 11/09)
 

16-year-old girl said she had sexual contact with a 32-year-old youth care specialist.  An affidavit states that another 17-year-old girl witnessed sexual contact between them in the staff member’s car. (Lincoln, NE, 12/09) (Man was sentenced to one year in jail after pleading no contenst to a misdemeanor of attempted sex abuse, a downgrade from the original two felony accounts of sex abuse of a protected person.)
 

According to a report by VA licensing officials, the facility failed to properly report and document an allegation of sexual abuse within 24 hours to the agency that places the child in the facility and to the resident's guardian. The facility also failed to properly document a January allegation in which the boy said another resident touched him in a sexual manner. (Norfolk, VA, 1/11) (Regained full license several months later.) This same facility was also investigated for a series of incidents that included:
 ?
A choking that rendered a resident unconscious that staff referred to as ‘horse play’
 
?
Staff telling paramedics responding to a 911 call that a girl was suffering from respiratory distress, but not that she had attempted suicide;
 
?
Staff failing to report two other suicide attempts to regulators;
 
?
Staff telling regulators that the fire department responded to a false alarm instead of a small fire that forced an evacuation;
 
?
Staff allowing residents to run away.
 


Other Reports of Neglect
 •
As they had done in previous years, regulators told Refuge administrators in 2010 to stop some of the home's punitive practices and carry out more staff training. Violations included providing insufficient food and clothing, mishandling of residents’ money and medications, abusive treatment by an inadequately trained staff, and therapeutic support for the troubled young residents was all but nonexistent. The division also scheduled quarterly inspections of Refuge for the next year, a far more intensive regimen than normal, but an October memo from the deputy director of the Community Care Licensing Division said the California budget crisis had weakened the agency’s ability to monitor residential program. (Oakland, CA, 2010-2011)
 

Letters of Support for H.R. 3126:
 •American Bar Association
 

"Parents of troubled children need greater confidence that, when they place their child in a residential facility their child will be safe and properly cared for, the child’s human rights and dignity will be protected and the staff of the facility will be qualified to help their child. For these parents, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act represents a significant and necessary federal step to help protect American children and youth from abuse and neglect in residential care."
 •American Academy of Pediatrics
 

"The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act would establish a framework for the regulation and inspection of residential programs that offer specialized therapy or behavior modification for children and adolescents. The bill would ensure that facilities adhere to minimum child protection standards and disclose staff training and qualifications. It would also require parents to be informed of any changes to a child’s health care regimen, such as changes to medication. Each of these measures will improve transparency and help ensure the quality of such programs. "
 •American Humane Association
 

"It is critical that families seeking help for their children in need of mental or other behavioral health services including substance abuse treatment are able to select and find providers who are meeting the proper safety and health standards."
 •The Arc (formerly Disability Policy Coalition)
 

"Whether at home or in alternative residential programs, children’s safety comes first. Children subjected to abusive environments cannot learn, grow, or reach their potential. Given the repeated, substantiated claims of abuse and death in residential facilities, legislation is needed to ensure that our country’s children are safe, properly cared for, and situated to learn and grow to the best of their abilities. We believe the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act provides the reporting mechanisms, funding, surveillance, and training requirements needed to ensure that facilities are staffed with qualified, equipped, and safe personnel."
 •Autism National Committee  (AutCom)
 

"The bill will ensure that children of all ages placed in residential programs are to be free from abuse and neglect. These facilities include any private or public residential program with a focus on serving children who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders; or alcohol or substance abuse problems. A number of children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome are in such programs."
 •Association of University Centers on Disabilities  (AUCD)
 

"The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act recognizes, and balances properly, the important role of both the federal and state governments in protecting children from abuse and neglect at the hands of some residential programs. Additionally, the bill will provide families with the critical information necessary to make informed decisions."
 •Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
 

?"Programs designed to offer treatment for mental health or substance abuse must use quality programs grounded in best practices that ensure the safety of children. Families often have to make extremely difficult choices when seeking placements for children with these types of needs. Unfortunately, a number of the programs your legislation seeks to regulate flourish because parents lack even the most basic information, including whether their children will be treated humanely."
 •Mental Health Coalition
 

"We applaud your resolve to address the challenges facing many families. Your crucial legislation would seek relief from these risks by (1) establishing standards for these programs that are consistent with current child protection laws; (2) ensuring that personnel is qualified; (3) shifting these programs to be family-centered, as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate; (4) creating mechanisms for the monitoring and enforcement of these goals; (5) calling for greater transparency and accessibility to the compliance of these standards; and (6) providing grants to states for the prevention of child abuse and neglect and for the treatment of children’s mental health or substance use conditions."
 •National Child Abuse Coalition (NCAC)
 

"We believe that legislation is needed to ensure children’s safety in all such programs. We share your belief that Congress has an obligation to ensure that children are safe when they are entrusted to the care of a residential treatment program. Residential facilities treating and caring for children should not be exempt from state licensure and state regulation or inspection."
 •American Association of Children's Residential Centers (AACRC)
 

"Your effort to promulgate and staunchly support this legislation has generated a great deal of activity that is yielding positive outcomes in reshaping individual residential programs and the system."
 •Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
 

"Your legislation, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs For Teens Act, has raised the profile of unsafe and unacceptable practices in some residential children’s programs and this increased attention has resulted in positive changes."
 •Easter Seals
 

"The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act will go a long way to protect children who find themselves in residential programs. The bill will also help families who must face the terrible decision to place their child in a residential facility by providing them with essential information the need to make the most appropriate decision."

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WHOOTER WHOOTER PARODIES AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES MAY NOT POST INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO JON HUNTSMAN ED KAHN FRED THOMPSON.  ALSO, PROGRAM AND RULES MAY NOT POST

...MORE PROPAGANDA AND NO APOLOGY"

TAKEN FROM:  http://JILLIESTAKE.BLOGSPOT.COM

Mr. Buccellato just does not know how to bow out gracefully. Now he cares about the children.To use the children like this on your final curtain call, is disgusting.   Ridge Creek School did not have food service since last Friday.  Buccellato and Edens wanted to contain this until the next Friday.   Yet, there was an apparent abundant supply of  "Little Toy Soldiers;" "Toy Animals" indeed.  One would imagine the Director of DFCS will mention tripping over "Little Toy Soldiers" last Tuesday.  This should be an interesting report. Of all the unusual events Wednesday,  the Director of the Georgia Advocacy Office must have welcomed the sight of  " Little Toy Soldiers" and "Toy Animals."... Perhaps, it was an "oversight." Stay tuned.

http://http://ridgecreekschool.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 21, 2011

"Little Toy Soldiers"

Ridge Creek School is closed and I will never look at little toy soldiers without thinking about the school, the students, familes, and colleagues I worked with while I was there.

Monday after lunch I broke the news to the students that Ridge Creek School would be closing it's doors by the end of the week.  There were tears and protests that it was not true.  Students and staff spent time at Lakefront consoling one another, then the students were dismissed to their dorms to pack and prepare for departures, whenever that would come.  

Later that day I saw some of the boys walking around and putting something on my car.  I asked what they were doing and they said they were putting out toy soldiers.  When I asked why, they said to protect the school.  The little toy soldiers are everywhere...in the Admin Building, the dorms, Academics, the Lodge, the Gym, on retaining walls.  When they ran out of toy soldiers they placed toy animals to watch over us.

It was clear the little toy soldiers were a metaphor for their feelings that day and the days that followed as the toy soldiers are still here, after everyone is gone, protecting Ridge Creek School.  These young men were feeling that they and their school had been attacked and needed protection.  

Over the next few days I heard students say that Ridge Creek was a family, they liked it here, it just started to get good for them and that they did not want to leave.  One student told me he knew he was Oppositional Defiant Disorderd because he did not want to come when he was sent here, and now that he was being forced to leave, he did not want to go.  Another student asked her father to let her spend the night one more time before leaving school.

Parents were, for the most part, incredibly understanding with the news and the scramble for getting their children home or to the next program.  I hear over and over how grateful they were that their child had the time here that they had, some claiming we had saved their child's life.  

The campus is now empty except for the staff that live here.  No more do I hear the shouts and laughter of the students as they return to their dorms in the evening.  The peace of the mountains surrounds the campus, unfortunately it will no longer bring peace and healing to the hearts and minds of troubled teenages.

Posted by Ridge Creek Therapeutic Boarding School at 5:50 PM

4
The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy / THe Dahlonega Nugget
« on: July 20, 2011, 10:42:40 PM »
http://http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2011/07/20/news/03%20ridgecreek.txt


News
Ridge Creek Academy said to be closing doors
By Matt Aiken
Published:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:50 AM EDT
The doors are apparently closing at Ridge Creek Academy, according to officials with the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office.

“We were told that they were shutting down this week and students would be out by the end of the week,” said Investigator Darren Martin.

The therapeutic boarding school, formerly known as Hidden Lake Academy, has been located at the end of Camp Wahsega Road for 17 years. At its height it was one of the top employers in Lumpkin County and had an enrollment of over 150 students from throughout the country. For many years tuition was around $5,000 per month.

However, enrollment began to drop drastically in 2006 when news broke of a class action lawsuit against the school by a group of dissatisfied parents. In the suit, the plaintiffs alleged everything from misappropriation of funds to the willful acceptance of violent students.

The matter was reportedly settled out of court.

Earlier this year, school employees reportedly complained that they were not consistently receiving their paychecks on time.

“I had one whole month that I wasn't paid,” said Wallace Seabolt, who worked as a science teacher for five months.

Seabolt said enrollment dropped to 22 students at one time during his tenure and he often struggled to teach his class with limited supplies.

“We were understaffed,” he said. “We didn't have the school materials that we needed to do the job.”

Seabolt said he was laid-off with a large group of employees in mid-May.

Martin said that the sheriff's office was contacted this week by an employee of Ridge Creek requesting increased patrolling during the closure.

Owner Len Buccellato did not return a call seeking comment.




Copyright © 2011 - The Dahlonega Nugget


Well, Mr. Jay Wansley Assistant Director of Advanc-Ed (SACS) and Director Mike Bryans - Wallace Seabolt Science Teacher, along with Foy Tootle History teacher were gone.  There was no Special Education teacher,there was one on hold for June, but Buccellato held off until enrollment picked up.  So the Special Needs children were without a Special Ed. program. There was no Director of Education as required.  Yet, the Accreditation team in February gave RCS "ACCOLADES"...According Mr. Seabolt, there were no supplies.  Your team did really well.  Mr. Wansley and Mr. Bryans should submit their resignation.  They were informed months back and did nothing.

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WHOOTER - WHOOTER PARODIES AND AFFILATE ENTITIES MAY NOT POST THIS INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO JON HUNTSMAN ED KAHN  FRED THOMPSON, ALSO PROGRAM AND RULES


http://http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/2011/07/news-flash-ridge-creek-school-is.html

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WHOOTER, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND PARODIES MAY NOT POST INLCUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO JON HUNTSMAN, ED KAHN, FRED THOMPSON, ALSO RULES AND PROGRAM

"Sources out of Dahlonega, Georgia still maintain that staff did not receive paychecks.  Another source states that there are 24 children left in the facilities care. Another source is reporting that the food service provider has pulled out.  Naturally, Mr, Buccellato has not informed parents or guardians, but word on the street is that there are angels of mercy at work.... continued at:

http://http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/2011/07/breaking-news-ridge-creek-school-rumor.html

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WHOOTER, WHOOTER PARODIES, SOCKPUPPETS AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES MAY NOT POST INLCUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO JON HUNTSMAN, JOHN HUNTSMAN, ED KAHN. FRED THOMSPON;  RULES AND PROGRAM AFFILIATED ENTITIES MAY NOT POST

JILLIESTAKE "REBUTTAL TO AN ABSURD NON-REBUTTAL TO FOX NEWS ATLANTA"

http://http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/2011/07/ridge-creek-school-rebuttal-to-absurd.html?showComment=1310610251183#c440348211816698149

RIDGE CREEK SCHOOLS REBUTTAL TO FOX NEWS ATLANTA 5 I-TEAM REPORT [NON REBUTTAL]

http://http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/RidgeCreekBN_110711_.shtml

Ridge Creek
Responds To Fox 5 Report
July 8, 2011

The mission of Ridge Creek School is to provide a successful learning experience for students who have struggled academically or socially in other settings. We provide an opportunity for teens to turn their lives around after other interventions have failed. We do this through the cooperative effort of our academic department, counseling department, recreation department, and the parents of the students placed in our care.

Ridge Creek School admits students on a case-by-case basis and evaluates every potential admission in an effort to screen out inappropriate placements. We rely on the openness of parents to inform us of their child's psychosocial history, including history of violence and legal charges, current, past, or pending. Sometimes parents do not completely reveal to us their children's problems in their desperation to save their child. Despite this, and the challenges it brings to the integration of the child into the student body, once admitted we are focused on helping that teen be as successful as possible in completing both their therapeutic and academic goals.

Overall, prior outcome studies have clearly demonstrated our effectiveness in helping teens move away from their self-destructive life course toward futures bright with promise. We have found that the best outcomes came with students who competed the therapeutic curriculum and graduated from our program. Students who were withdrawn early, prior to completing the program, did not do as well.

Ridge Creek School is an accredited college preparatory high school. Our review on February 8 and 9, 2011, by AdvancED (formerly known as SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) resulted in a 5 year reaccreditation. The Quality Assurance Review Team commended the school for the following strengths: "In light of the fact that Ridge Creek School is in large part a "last chance" opportunity for the students, the commitment of all staff to the success of students is remarkable." "All stakeholders repeatedly provided dialogue referencing incredible passion for student success required daily by each staff member. The interviewees shared numerous success stories about students who have made successful transitions extending beyond RCS. Although the students stated that they would certainly rather be someplace else, when they were asked this question, "Three to five years from now, will you look back on this as a positive experience?" a resounding and unified voice of "yes" echoed throughout the room." 'The staff has electronic access to student data to effectively address the academic needs of students and guide instruction."

"Teachers and counselors work collaboratively to address the therapeutic and academic needs of each student by means of the Individual Service Plan (ISP). The school uses the BestNotes program to identify a student's academic and therapeutic needs based on past history. Teachers use the ISP as a resource to implement interventions and differentiate instruction to ensure the academic success of students. Students are given multiple opportunities to pass required courses by means of academic support sessions and course extensions."

"RCS effectively uses data obtained from pre-tests to ensure that students are properly placed and given opportunities to achieve educational goals." "The beautiful, pristine, and remote wilderness setting of RCS provides a unique environment for the therapeutic, academic, and recreational services available for students, while providing opportunities for students to participate in athletic, cultural, and service sports/projects." "The school uses multiple modes of communication to keep all stakeholders involved in the continuous improvement process."

The suggestions for improvement made by AdvancED included scheduling interdepartmental meetings, the creation of a curriculum map to assist with guiding instruction, engage in a comprehensive process to monitor the effectiveness of the educational program provided using a system of ongoing data analysis of both formative and summative student assessment results, and develop a Continuous Quality Improvement Committee to address issues of staff/student retention, outcome measurements for therapeutic and academic components, and alignment of the school's future direction/goals. We have implemented some of the suggestions made and are in the process of developing better quality assurance processes.

We are very proud of our students at Ridge Creek. Many come to us with academic failure after academic failure, but they learn to be successful here. All of the students who received their high school diploma from Ridge Creek in May were accepted into college. A young man who is slated to graduate at the conclusion of our summer semester not only was accepted to the school of his choice, but he was also awarded a $40,000.00 scholarship.

Our students come to us as spiteful, oppositional, defiant teens. They learn through various service projects that they can make a difference in the lives of others. They volunteer regularly at the Humane Society, local food pantries, local homeless shelters, and take responsibility for keeping a stretch of highway clear of litter. Through giving back through service projects to the community at large or to the campus community, our students learn to look beyond themselves.

Family involvement is critical in the success of our program. We offer parent workshops to help our parents develop more effective ways of interacting with their child. Our students and families report successful interactions within the family unit during our break weeks, something that many families didn't believe would be possible.

As our students move through the program, they take on a sense of ownership for their actions and stop blaming others for their problems. This sense of ownership results in the students holding one another accountable. Our students began and took ownership for an on campus NA meeting and this ownership is evidenced by the successful reduction of drug and alcohol use during our break weeks and the reduction in attempts to smuggle in contraband. There are many other small and large successes that lead our students toward a bright and promising future.

One of our recent graduates had this to say about Ridge Creek: "While this is a new chapter in my life, it's just the beginning and because of Ridge Creek it's not the end." Another stated, "what I will leave here saying is I never thought I would be standing here feeling this proud of myself, thank you mom and dad, I love you. And even though I hated this school to the end, it really worked."

The recent report on Atlanta's Fox 5 television station was biased and reflected the opinions of two disgruntled individuals. We chose to not be interviewed because of our commitment to professional standards of confidentiality and privacy of our students and parents. We continue to be committed to the mission of the school, our students, and parents. We stand by the successes we see every day despite those who would undermine the future of the school and our students. Most importantly, we are here for the children.
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More Breaking News

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Copyright ©2010, Woodbury Reports, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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WHOOTER MAY NOT POST ALONG WITH AFFILATE ENTITIES AND PARODIES INCLUDING ED KAHN, JON/JOHN HUNTSMAN, FRED THOMPSON, ET AL.  RULES, PROGRAM, AND AFFILATE ENTITIES AND PARODIES MAY NOT POST.

TAKEN FROM:  http://http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/2011/07/breaking-news-ridge-creek-school-my-fox.html

NEW FEED :  http://http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/iteam/I-Team-Ridge-Creek-School-20110708-am-sd


Quote
JULY 7, 2011 -      I-Team Reporter Randy Travis will present an expose' on Ridge Creek School at 10PM EST.
To watch on the Internet: General Fox Live Streaming  of 10 PM broadcast at:  http://http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/subindex/news/live_videoAfter airtime the story shall be posted at:
http://http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/subindex/news/iteam or
http://http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/The I-Team looks forward to your comments!
"For the children left behind," our heartfelt thanks to Randy  Travis and the I-Team.

9
The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy / DERAILED THREAD
« on: June 05, 2011, 11:13:20 PM »
?

10
The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy / DERAILED THREAD
« on: June 02, 2011, 06:24:09 PM »
?

11
The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy / DERAILED THREAD
« on: May 31, 2011, 07:55:12 PM »
?

12
The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy / DERAILED THREAD
« on: May 10, 2011, 07:34:52 PM »
...

13
How many violations, citations?  Enough to cover hundreds of pages. Over the years(that we are privy to) the ORCC has fined Ridge Creek School, formerly Hidden Lake Academy, only twice amidst repeat violations which included and cited "child endangerment."  The fines were miniscule reflective of a few trips to a landfill or the cost of a few high-tech shredders from Office Depot.  Certainly far less than I have paid for documents from the ORCC.
Perhaps the ORCC has forgotten their 'mission.'  Why does Georgia even bother to have oversight if there are virtually no consequences?  Why send out your investigators, who do their job, when those investigators are not backed up? The agencies appear just as free to run amok as this facility with no accountability, as apparently there are no consequences for their ineptitude thanks to sovereign immunity.  However, the ORCC is accountable to the children. Children and youth, ages 12 to 18+, that are being warehoused in a so-called, ”Therapeutic Boarding School” with mental health issues covering a wide spectrum including those that are suicidal and violent, those with a myriad of learning disabilities, and those that are adjudicated youth offenders.  Separately, with dedicated, credentialed, licensed, seasoned staff there may be hope.   This recipe has and shall continue to be a disaster. The ORCC supervisors maintain regulations need to change. Duh, ya think? Yet years ago in an email I received from former staff, “DHR workers tried hard to hold Hidden Lake Accountable supervisors backed down”(regulation of Hidden Lake Academy)[August 12th,2006].  The children do not need platitudes, nor do we that advocate for their safety and transparency in an all to shady, cloak and dagger industry.  We need mavericks that will fight for the children.  We don't need politicizing and people in supervisory positions that cite how "connected" one is in Atlanta. If we didn't advocate, with every inch of our soul, for an investigation from the cesspool to the Governor, the ORS/ORCC, would still be commiserating over when to have a sit down and discuss the now Ridge Creek School.

Am I angry?  With every breath, and that's "my take."

Abuse, intentional fraud, neglect - is a crime.

An article from an investigation by the Miami Herald and NPR into a Miami Nursing Home, which has alarming parallels including citations, violations, miniscule fines, and ineffective oversight by the state agency. What is not the same is that there were deaths, and no one has been held accountable. "Investigation Finds Dozens Of Questionable Deaths In Florida Assisted Care : NPR" http://http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/

14
Taken from http://http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/p/ridge-creek-school-update-new-orcc.html

Adjudicated Florida youth that was arrested for battery of a fellow student at RCS was indeed allowed back into RCS after bond;  the reasoning is beyond comprehension.

Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
3/28/2011
4/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Thursday, May 5, 2011
R 0000 Opening Comments.
The purpose of this survey is to conduct an investigation for self reported incident #GA00094081.
R 0801 290-2-5-.08(2) Administration and Organization.
SS=C
Program Description and Implementation. In accordance with these rules and regulations, a licensed child caring
institution shall develop, implement and comply with written policies and procedures that describe the range of
services including room, board
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to comply with its written policies
and procedures.
Findings Include
Review on 4/20/2011 at 4:00 pm of MINDSET training manual, revealed an assisted relocation
technique. This manual revealed that the child is standing and being assisted with walking by
staff on each side of child. The training manual stated, "At anytime a consumer/student is no
longer a physical threat to self or others, this would include abrupt change in behavior like going
limp or stop yelling, staff member may interpret as faking and should release from restraint."
Interview with Staff B was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 11:44 am. Staff B said on 3/22/2011, he/she
was outside when R#1 ran off. Staff B said she/he saw Staff C get into a vehicle to follow R#1 into
the woods. Staff B said she/he then followed Staff C and heard him/her calling R#1. Staff B said
Staff C eventually got R#1 to stop, near a neighbor's property. Staff B said R#1 refused to come
back to campus and was waving a big stick at staff. Staff B said R#1 starts climbing a tree
against staff's redirection. Staff B said the tree was leaning and there was a potential for R#1 to
get hurt. Staff B said R#1 manage to get R#1 off the tree, but he/she was then placed in a
Mindset hold due to the dangerous situation. Staff B said Staff D then arrived and R#1 was placed
in a two man hold. Staff B said R#1 was not hurt and he/she didn't complain of ailments. Staff B
said he/she, Staff C, and D carried R#1 out the woods. Staff B said she/he was holding one leg,
Staff D was holding other leg, and D's hands were on R#1's back. Staff B said R#1 was still
threatening to run off, it was dark, and he/she was refusing to cooperate with a safety plan. Staff
B said it was decided to take R#1 to the ER because he/she was refusing to contract for safety.
Page 1 of 7
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
3/28/2011
4/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Thursday, May 5, 2011
Staff B said R#1 was transported to hospital for an evaluation.
Interview with Staff C was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 1:30 pm. Staff C said on the 3/22/2011
incident R#1 was upset over a consequence and said he/she was going to leave campus. Staff C
said R#1 ran, and he/she followed R#1 in the car. Staff C said he/she got out of the car and
followed R#1 on foot. Staff C said he/she told R#1 he/she is going onto a neighbor's property
who had dogs. Staff C said R#1 started to climb trees. Staff C said she/he got in front of R#1 and
placed him/her in a standing hold to keep him/her from getting hurt. Staff C said they were on the
neighbor's property and R #1 refused to come with staff. Staff C said R#1 was known to run and
he/she was threatening to continue running. Staff C said he/she radioed Staff D to assist. Staff C
said he/she got one side of R#1 and Staff D was on the other side to escort R#1 out of the woods.
Staff C said during the escort R#1 dropped "dead weight" and they had to place R#1 in a basket
hold. Staff C said she/he was behind R#1 and Staff D and B were holding R#1's legs to carry
him/her out. Staff C said they stopped several times to give R#1 an option to walk, but he/she
refused. Staff C said once back on campus, R#1 still refused to contract for safety, and he/she
was transported to hospital. Staff C said Mindset is used as the agency's emergency safety
intervention.
Interview with Staff D was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 2:00 pm. Staff D said on 3/22/2011, R#1 was
acting out earlier that day. Staff D said he/she was given a consequence, got upset, and left
property. Staff D said he/she and Staff C followed R#1 in the car. Staff D said then Staff C
followed on foot. Staff D said 7-10 minutes later Staff B arrived and Staff D left to return to
campus. Staff D said she/he was then radioed 10 minutes later to assist with escort out of the
woods because R#1 was climbing trees. Staff D said R#1 continued to make threats to harm
staff. Staff D said they then escorted R#1. Staff D said Staff C's hands were on R#1's back, Staff B
had one of R#1's legs, and Staff D had the other leg. Staff D indicated that R#1 was lifted off the
ground. Staff D said they stopped ever 1-2 minutes to check to see if R#1 would walk, but he/she
refused. Staff D said R#1 refused to contract for safety and had to be 1013.
Interview with Staff J was conducted on 4/15/2011 at 10:45 am. Staff J reported that she/he has
been trained in Mindset. Staff J said there is no escort where child is lifted off the ground. Staff J
said there is a 2 person escort, but the child is on his/her feet.
During second interview with Staff B on 4/20/2011 at 4:00 pm, he/she used MINDSET training
manual to indicate that the assisted relocation maneuver was used as a carry to get R#1 out of
the woods during this incident.
This tag was previously cited on 4/7/2011, 3/10/2011, and 9/9/2010.
Page 2 of 7
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
3/28/2011
4/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Thursday, May 5, 2011
R 0861 290-2-5-.08(7) Staffing.
SS=C
Reporting. Detailed written summary reports shall be made to the Department of Human Resources, Office of
Regulatory Services, Residential Child Care Unit via email or fax on the required incident intake information form
(IIIF) within 24 hours.
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interviews, the agency failed to submit a detailed written
summary report to the Office of Residential Child Care (ORCC) via email within 24 hours.
Findings Include
Incident #1:
Interview with Staff B was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 11:44 am. Staff B said on 3/22/2011, he/she
was outside when R#1 ran off. Staff B said she/he saw Staff C get into a vehicle to follow R#1 into
the woods. Staff B said she/he then followed Staff C and heard him/her calling R#1. Staff B said
Staff C eventually got R#1 to stop, near a neighbor's property. Staff B said R#1 refused to come
back to campus and was waving a big stick at staff. Staff B said R#1 starts climbing a tree
against staff's redirection. Staff B said the tree was leaning and there was a potential for R#1 to
get hurt. Staff B said R#1 manage to get R#1 off the tree, but he/she was then placed in a
Mindset hold due to the dangerous situation. Staff B said Staff D then arrived and R#1 was placed
in a two man hold. Staff B said R#1 was not hurt and he/she didn't complain of ailments. Staff B
said he/she, Staff C, and D carried R#1 out the woods. Staff B said she/he was holding one leg,
Staff D was holding other leg, and D's hands were on R#1's back. Staff B said R#1 was still
threatening to run off, it was dark, and he/she was refusing to cooperate with a safety plan. Staff
B said it was decided to take R#1 to the ER because he/she was refusing to contract for safety.
Staff B said R#1 was transported to hospital for an evaluation.
Interview with Staff C was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 1:30 pm. Staff C said on the 3/22/2011
incident R#1 was upset over a consequence and said he/she was going to leave campus. Staff C
said R#1 ran, and he/she followed R#1 in the car. Staff C said he/she got out of the car and
followed R#1 on foot. Staff C said he/she told R#1 he/she is going onto a neighbor's property
Page 3 of 7
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
3/28/2011
4/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Thursday, May 5, 2011
who had dogs. Staff C said R#1 started to climb trees. Staff C said she/he got in front of R#1 and
placed him/her in a standing hold to keep him/her from getting hurt. Staff C said they were on the
neighbor's property and R #1 refused to come with staff. Staff C said R#1 was known to run and
he/she was threatening to continue running. Staff C said he/she radioed Staff D to assist. Staff C
said he/she got one side of R#1 and Staff D was on the other side to escort R#1 out of the woods.
Staff C said during the escort R#1 dropped "dead weight" and they had to place R#1 in a basket
hold. Staff C said she/he was behind R#1 and Staff D and B were holding R#1's legs to carry
him/her out. Staff C said they stopped several times to give R#1 an option to walk, but he/she
refused. Staff C said once back on campus, R#1 still refused to contract for safety, and he/she
was transported to hospital. Staff C said Mindset is used as the agency's emergency safety
intervention.
Interview with Staff D was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 2:00 pm. Staff D said on 3/22/2011, R#1 was
acting out earlier that day. Staff D said he/she was given a consequence, got upset, and left
property. Staff D said he/she and Staff C followed R#1 in the car. Staff D said then Staff C
followed on foot. Staff D said 7-10 minutes later Staff B arrived and Staff D left to return to
campus. Staff D said she/he was then radioed 10 minutes later to assist with escort out of the
woods because R#1 was climbing trees. Staff D said R#1 continued to make threats to harm
staff. Staff D said they then escorted R#1. Staff D said Staff C's hands were on R#1's back, Staff B
had one of R#1's legs, and Staff D had the other leg. Staff D indicated that R#1 was lifted off the
ground. Staff D said they stopped ever 1-2 minutes to check to see if R#1 would walk, but he/she
refused. Staff D said R#1 refused to contract for safety and had to be 1013.
Incident #2:
During interview with Staff C on 4/20/2011 at 11:15 am, he/she stated that R#5 got arrested 2
days ago (4/18/2011). Staff C said the police came out to the agency and arrested R#5, assumably
for a physical altercation with another resident. Staff C said R#5 was charged and there was a
bond hearing, but he/she was allowed to come back into the placement. Staff C said R#5 was
allowed back because the other co-conspirators are no longer in placement and he/she is
schedule to leave within next month.
During interview with Staff B on 4/20/2011 at 3:00 pm, he/she acknowledged that R#5 was
arrested in placement. Staff B also stated that R#5 was allowed to come back to placement after
bond hearing. Staff B did not indicate the exact date of arrest. Staff B acknowledged that she/she
didn't report the arrest to ORCC because she/he wasn't aware of complete reporting
requirements.
Review of ASPEN Complaints/Incident Tracking System on 4/20/2011 at 6:00 pm, revealed that
incident #1 and #2 were not reported to ORCC as required.
Page 4 of 7
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
3/28/2011
4/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Thursday, May 5, 2011
This tag was previously cited on 3/10/2011, 12/9/2010, and 9/9/2010.
R 0862 290-2-5-.08(7)(a-g) Staffing.
SS=C
This [detailed written summary] report shall be made regarding serious occurrences involving children in care,
including but not limited to:
(a) Accidents or injuries requiring medical treatment and/or hospitalization;
(b) Death;
(c) Suicide attempts;
(
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to submit a detailed written
summary report of a serious occurrence involving a child in care.
Findings Include
Incident #1:
Interview with Staff B was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 11:44 am. Staff B said on 3/22/2011, he/she
was outside when R#1 ran off. Staff B said she/he saw Staff C get into a vehicle to follow R#1 into
the woods. Staff B said she/he then followed Staff C and heard him/her calling R#1. Staff B said
Staff C eventually got R#1 to stop, near a neighbor's property. Staff B said R#1 refused to come
back to campus and was waving a big stick at staff. Staff B said R#1 starts climbing a tree
against staff's redirection. Staff B said the tree was leaning and there was a potential for R#1 to
get hurt. Staff B said R#1 manage to get R#1 off the tree, but he/she was then placed in a
Mindset hold due to the dangerous situation. Staff B said Staff D then arrived and R#1 was placed
in a two man hold. Staff B said R#1 was not hurt and he/she didn't complain of ailments. Staff B
said he/she, Staff C, and D carried R#1 out the woods. Staff B said she/he was holding one leg,
Staff D was holding other leg, and D's hands were on R#1's back. Staff B said R#1 was still
threatening to run off, it was dark, and he/she was refusing to cooperate with a safety plan. Staff
B said it was decided to take R#1 to the ER because he/she was refusing to contract for safety.
Page 5 of 7
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
3/28/2011
4/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Thursday, May 5, 2011
Staff B said R#1 was transported to hospital for an evaluation.
Interview with Staff C was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 1:30 pm. Staff C said on the 3/22/2011
incident R#1 was upset over a consequence and said he/she was going to leave campus. Staff C
said R#1 ran, and he/she followed R#1 in the car. Staff C said he/she got out of the car and
followed R#1 on foot. Staff C said he/she told R#1 he/she is going onto a neighbor's property
who had dogs. Staff C said R#1 started to climb trees. Staff C said she/he got in front of R#1 and
placed him/her in a standing hold to keep him/her from getting hurt. Staff C said they were on the
neighbor's property and R #1 refused to come with staff. Staff C said R#1 was known to run and
he/she was threatening to continue running. Staff C said he/she radioed Staff D to assist. Staff C
said he/she got one side of R#1 and Staff D was on the other side to escort R#1 out of the woods.
Staff C said during the escort R#1 dropped "dead weight" and they had to place R#1 in a basket
hold. Staff C said she/he was behind R#1 and Staff D and B were holding R#1's legs to carry
him/her out. Staff C said they stopped several times to give R#1 an option to walk, but he/she
refused. Staff C said once back on campus, R#1 still refused to contract for safety, and he/she
was transported to hospital. Staff C said Mindset is used as the agency's emergency safety
intervention.
Interview with Staff D was conducted on 3/28/2011 at 2:00 pm. Staff D said on 3/22/2011, R#1 was
acting out earlier that day. Staff D said he/she was given a consequence, got upset, and left
property. Staff D said he/she and Staff C followed R#1 in the car. Staff D said then Staff C
followed on foot. Staff D said 7-10 minutes later Staff B arrived and Staff D left to return to
campus. Staff D said she/he was then radioed 10 minutes later to assist with escort out of the
woods because R#1 was climbing trees. Staff D said R#1 continued to make threats to harm
staff. Staff D said they then escorted R#1. Staff D said Staff C's hands were on R#1's back, Staff B
had one of R#1's legs, and Staff D had the other leg. Staff D indicated that R#1 was lifted off the
ground. Staff D said they stopped ever 1-2 minutes to check to see if R#1 would walk, but he/she
refused. Staff D said R#1 refused to contract for safety and had to be 1013.
Incident #2:
During interview with Staff C on 4/20/2011 at 11:15 am, he/she stated that R#5 got arrested 2
days ago (4/18/2011). Staff C said the police came out to the agency and arrested R#5, assumably
for a physical altercation with another resident. Staff C said R#5 was charged and there was a
bond hearing, but he/she was allowed to come back into the placement. Staff C said R#5 was
allowed back because the other co-conspirators are no longer in placement and he/she is
schedule to leave within next month.
During interview with Staff B on 4/20/2011 at 3:00 pm, he/she acknowledged that R#5 was
arrested in placement. Staff B also stated that R#5 was allowed to come back to placement after
bond hearing. Staff B did not indicate the exact date of arrest. Staff B acknowledged that she/she
didn't report the arrest to ORCC because she/he wasn't aware of complete reporting
Page 6 of 7
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
3/28/2011
4/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Thursday, May 5, 2011
requirements.
Review of ASPEN Complaints/Incident Tracking System on 4/20/2011 at 6:00 pm, revealed that
incident #1 and #2 were not reported to ORCC as required.
This tag was previously cited on 3/10/2011, 12/9/2010, and 9/9/2010.
R 9999 Closing Comments.
An exit conference was conducted on 4/20/2011. There were no rule violations related to self
reported incident #GA00094081. There were three rule violations found during the investigation.
The preliminary report was e-mailed on 4/21/2011. The final report was mailed and e-mailed on
4/29/2011 and the plan of correction is due 5/16/2011.
Page 7 of 7
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http://[url=http://167.193.144.170:7001/ORSINV/PDFS_CCI/CCI001710JU9Q11.pdf]http://167.193.144.170:7001/ORSINV/PDFS ... JU9Q11.pdf[/url]

15
The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy / DERAILED THREAD
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