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Messages - hurleygurley

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31
Brat Camp / ABC Brat Camp
« on: July 17, 2005, 02:33:00 PM »
I didn't see the British show but I will try to find how how to get a dvd or something of the it,  unless someone has a dvd or tape to loan out?

What is disturbing about the shows that shine a positive  light on a deserving program is that they may ignore the fact that these are huge exceptions and  soooooo far from the rules  - the horrendour reality of the other "boot camps."

I felt this way reading Dave Marcus' book but in his he pointed out some good points about the program without looking under any rocks. I know ASR has big problems but it may be one of the "easier" of the programs, being in NY and god knows how Marcus got in but certainly the group and counselors he worked with had to have been carefully chosen. I've been in contact with him to point out the huge problems his book raises even though there are pieces of the book that are excellent and report interventions by therapists that would be useful. But he seemed unaware of the civil liberties issues, and the whole world of the sick industry. I believe he is not a malicious person but don't know what price he paid the devil to do the book. I am in the process of establishing rapport with him and hoping to fully inform him, as he is a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist, seems to care about kids and seems like a good guy. He also takes a good stab at Aspen towars the end mentioning how the ed. cons. are treated like royalty in limos etc...

I am working HARD on getting SF Bay Area series coverage with a good connection I have who understands and is a very compassionate man. He's been waiting for the "right" reporter to free herself up to take the tremendous amount of time to do a series (even though I said I could practically right it myself, refs and all and hand it to her to check and edit!).

Now that I've lost my personal battle for the girl in Aspen's Youth Care/Pinridge RTC in Utah. (If you're interested in details send me a pm.) I am all guns ready to take this on a broader scale.

BTW, the damage was done to my young friend, all of what was suspected was true except that the education she got there was not too bad.

32
EdCons and referring organizations and agencies / Virginia Reiss
« on: May 27, 2005, 05:19:00 PM »
Virginia Reiss, ed. con. She's a heavyweight in the Bay Area. If you've been referred to her or by her please send me private email for more info.[ This Message was edited by: hurleygurley on 2005-05-27 14:19 ][ This Message was edited by: hurleygurley on 2005-05-27 14:21 ]

33
In the Bay Area - Virginia Reiss - send me private email for more details.

34
The Troubled Teen Industry / How do you forget?
« on: May 27, 2005, 02:42:00 PM »
I was never in a program so I can't say I know what it's like but I spent the entire last year of my life trying to help a girl like you get out. In the process I learned  about this heinous industry inside and out, including the effects it has on survivors. I've read at least a couple hundred personal accounts. It is absolutely understandable that you'd feel this way.

You've been through a hell that people seem not to want to know about. I am a recently retired therapist and prior to my experience with my young friend I'd never heard about these places, except for one account from a client who'd been through Straights, but never mentioned the name to me. I thought I understood her then, but I didn't fully. However, to the degree I understood and supported her, I know I helped. Her traumatic experience moved from foreground to background. She's doing well. We both know she'll never forget.

My young friend has recently been released, just a few weeks and I can't reach her directly because she's been brainwashed to believe I'm bad and that she could be sent back if she contacts me. I'm confident that I'll reach her  but I've been thinking about how best to deal with the aftermath of this.

One thing I discovered is that there are a few groups of young adult survivors who are collecting stories written by other survivors. I believe that this could be very healing not only to know that people might finally understand this Orwellian experience but your stories, together, will be part of what will force this industry to massive reform.

Not sure if html is working but here's an address for one site. The site is mostly focussed on bipolar disorder however you'll see on the discussion board areas devoted to institutional abuse such as you've been through. The people I wrote to about this seem very intelligent and motivated. http://www.icarusproject.net  Check their discussion board.

I, too, feel like throwing up when I have to explain why I'm so upset about what's happened to my friend and, again, I wasn't even there.

It's a horrific entry into the adult world. Yes, you did get a dose of reality - evil does exist. It's the closest I've come to evil in my 40 odd years.  However, this isn't a full picture of reality, grace also exists. Pieces of this awful industry have crumbled and most of us here are working in one form or another to bring it down. These are heartful, good, kind people.

I know that there is so much b.s. all around us. Finding the truth takes effort usually, but I've found pockets of people who do speak the truth and they are a great comfort to me.

I hope you'll join our effort in whatever fashion is appropriate, to bring that 99% of those that don't/won't hear down a whole lot. I've devoted the last year to it and made a dent. I'm exhausted, enraged but glad that I made some difference.

Please feel free to leave me a private message if you'd like.

I wish you healing and hope you find loving people to connect with.

35
I accidentally posted this as a seperate topic above, but it couldn't hurt to have it both places.

The link below is to nospank's announcement about the bill and there's a pdf link on that page for the full text. I will be pouring over it to make suggestions. I hope you all do too. If this could pass it actually has teeth but besides the significant obstacles presented by our present administration's attitude which adds up to "leave every child behind", Aspen and I'm sure others will try to find loopholes by redefining their programs as educational and somehow (they're good at this) making themselves exempt. They are already in the process of doing this. You'll see subtle ongoing changes in the language they use to describe the programs.

FYI, I saved pages with relevant wording on Aspen pages just in case the page changes. I have used cached (older versions of web pages) a lot in my research and they can come in very handy!! The best way to do this is to Google Aspen or a facilities page and click on "cached" at the end of the google listing of the page. Then save the page as .html NOT text. If it won't save, take a screenshot!

I want to make sure this bill covers these kinds of issues. I will post my comments, in order to get feedback.

http://www.nospank.net/g-miller.htm [ This Message was edited by: hurleygurley on 2005-05-09 13:16 ]

36
The Troubled Teen Industry / Link to Bill from nospank.net
« on: May 09, 2005, 04:10:00 PM »
The linkb below is to nospank's announcement about the bill and there's a pdf link on that page for the full text. I will be pouring over it to make suggestions. I hope you all do too. If this could pass it actually has teeth but besides the significant obstacles presented by our present administration's attitude which adds up to "leave every child behind", Aspen and I'm sure others will try to find loopholes by redefining their programs as educational and somehow (they're good at this) making themselves exempt. They are already in the process of doing this. You'll see subtle ongoing changes in the language they use to describe the programs.

FYI, I saved pages with relevant wording on Aspen pages just in case the page changes. I have used cached (older versions of web pages) a lot in my research and they can come in very handy!! The best way to do this is to Google Aspen or a facilities page and click on "cached" at the end of the google listing of the page. Then save the page as .html NOT text. If it won't save, take a screenshot!

 I want to make sure this bill covers these kinds of issues. I will post my comments, in order to get feedback.

http://www.nospank.net/g-miller.htm [ This Message was edited by: hurleygurley on 2005-05-09 13:16 ]

37
http://www.kvpress.com/news/articles05/0331jobfair.htm

Job fair set for displaced CEDU workers

"Return to News

March 31, 2005
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Aspen Education Group, which offers a number of residential and outdoor educational programs around the nation, is hosting a two-day job fair especially for teachers, administrators and staff displaced by last week's CEDU shutdown.

"The closure of CEDU's school has come as a shock to students, parents, and referring professionals," the group's website, http://www.aspeneducation.com. "We understand that employees are also shocked by this sudden change. Aspen Education Group welcomes your inquiries into current positions at our wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding schools, and residential treatment programs."

In addition, they're making special offers for the parents of students who were students at the failed organization's academies and programs, including Northwest Academy and Boulder Creek Academy in Boundary County. Parents interested in finding out more can call 888-972-7736.

The Job Fair will be held in the library at Bonners Ferry High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 6. All former CEDU employees are encouraged to attend. Aspen officials will be accepting resumes and conducting interviews throughout both days. Currently, their website lists nearly 30 openings.

Aspen Education Group employs over 1,300 people through 30 programs in 11 states. According to their announcement, they have the financial backing of three prominent venture capital firms and over two decades experience helping children and families, earning a reputation as an innovative industry leader with a strong and dynamic future.

If former CEDU employees wishing to remain in the field are unable to attend, they are encouraged to visit http://www.aegjobs.com, where they can search available openings and learn about the application process. To find out more about the upcoming fair, call 1-866-279-6259.

© Kootenai Valley Press"

38
Posted on Tue, Mar. 29, 2005
Click here to find out more!

http://www.kvpress.com/news/articles05/0331jobfair.htm

"School operator files for bankruptcy

Associated Press

AUSTIN - An Austin-based operator of schools for troubled youths that has been targeted by state regulators and private lawsuits has filed for Chapter 7 liquidation in Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

The filing Friday from The Brown Schools Inc. lists at least $425,000 in legal settlements among its unsecured claims.

Brown Schools operates 11 boarding schools and educational facilities for troubled children in Texas, Idaho, California, Florida and Vermont, according to its Web site.

Texas regulators cited the On Track program of the Brown Schools for multiple violations after the 2002 death of 17-year-old Chase Moody of Richardson. Regulators alleged that an improper restraint was used at the Mason County program, but a grand jury later concluded that no criminal charges were warranted.

Brown Schools filed for liquidation along with 24 affiliates. It reported assets of less than $10 million and debt between $10 million and $50 million.

The filing doesn't say who currently owns the Brown Schools. Until recently, Menlo Park, Calif., investment firm McCown, De Leeuw & Co. owned Brown Schools and its unit, CEDU School Inc."

They don't miss a thing!

39
Please report it to Ken Stettler! I'm trying to get everyone who's having problems with Utah programs to lay it on him. Don't settle for a licensor. [email protected]. Be respectful but very strong about endangering MORE kids lives... Please let me know of any of these contacts! I'm collecting the archive and any responses.

Lord help this kid.

40
Aspen Education Group / Turn About Ranch (A Rough Guide)
« on: November 28, 2004, 04:24:00 PM »
Turn About Ranch is an Aspen Education Group owned RTC in Utah.

41
The Troubled Teen Industry / Suit against the state of Utah
« on: November 27, 2004, 07:06:00 PM »
As a separate matter from my personal crisis regarding my young friend in an RTC in Utah, we have decided to sue the State for all the obvious reasons. We realize that it won't help the Mountain Lake kids, or anyone in the immediate future but it has to be done. The necessary legislation to protect kids will never get through. A suit can bypass legislation. Anyone interested in joining (i.e. former participants, parents) please let me know. This is not about damages. No one's going to make money off of this. The lawyer and I will lose by doing the work and I'll pay his very much lowered fees. We would like to have as much testimony as possible, particularly when state agencies have been contacted and there has been no reponsei.e. their CPS (has another name Child Family Welfare?), licensing (at all levels), DHS, AG or any deputies or assistant AG's, legislators, and police. Names, dates and particulars of those contacts would, of course, be most useful.

I know Utah is not the only state that is so egregious. But one state at a time and Utah government is no doubt the worst offender. Plus, we have experience now with the state and know something of the ins and outs (mostly outs!). The lawyer practices in Utah and that's a big plus because not too many lawyers want to take this stuff on, at least not for a very steep price.

Please help. Send me a private message or email me  at my not yet built site [email protected]

Just to be clear, since I was trolled on another thread for reasons I don't understand - the site I'm working on will be a  non-profit advocacy site, focusing on database information such as  state by state licensing regs and officials to contact, program by program reports, legal issues. Just lots of information. Nothing to sell or recommend, other than position papers from well recognized authorities regarding legal, medical and mental health matters relevant to the issue. Signed affidavits of former participants' experiences along with parents' experiences will also be welcome and made anonymous if requested (but I'll have a signed copy of the affidavit in my file, in case there's a libel issue.) No agendas except disseminating accurate relevant information hopefully not replicating ISAC or anyone else's work. I am very respectful of all the other sites. I just think that a central info base would be a welcome addition.

42
Aspen Education Group / Turn About Ranch (A Rough Guide)
« on: November 27, 2004, 06:31:00 PM »
ideotech, check private messages, I sent you one. Thanks.[ This Message was edited by: hurleygurley on 2004-11-27 15:32 ]

43
Aspen Education Group / Turn About Ranch (A Rough Guide)
« on: November 27, 2004, 06:25:00 PM »
I could barely read your story without getting sick. I've heard other similar ones from TAR. Who was the "educational consultant" for the state Dept. you referred to regarding your letter writing campaign. You may send me a private message or email me at [email protected] . I'm hunting down anyone in the Utah government who has any open ears or eyes.[ This Message was edited by: hurleygurley on 2004-11-27 15:31 ]

44
The Troubled Teen Industry / Breaking News Story on Teen Advocates USA
« on: November 27, 2004, 06:11:00 PM »
Seriously, who is willing to listen in the Utah government? I have been around and around and find  unresponsiveness and dishonesty to be the standard. I KNOW there must be people who care but I don't know how to find them? Any help? I'll fly up there again to talk to anyone in government who will listen.

45
Jeez, what is going on here? First of all, I'm no longer in practice nevertheless continue to be involved in mental health issues. Any websites referring to me as a therapist are at least over two years old. My contact with the troubled teen industry came from a purely personal relationship with a friend, who is my son's girlfriend, as well. (that email address and phone number died years ago)

What does my collecting resources have to do with being an effective therapist, anyway? I would assume the opposite. One thing a therapist should be is a good resource for all sorts of things including educational alternatives.

What does ineffective therapist mean, anyway? Who are you? What are you implying? I am simply trying to gather information for my own non-commercial website which will not be selling any service or product whatsoever.

I also don't understand why the awful grinning things next to the article posted about the case? It's actually an awful situation which was grossly mishandled in court. Neither you nor anyone except a very, very few people know anything about the details of this situation. If I were you, I would ask question before making assumptions.

I will request that you be banned from this list, if possible. [ This Message was edited by: hurleygurley on 2004-11-27 14:49 ]

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