Fornits

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An open discussion about the troubled parent industry

Cpt Nemo:  Do you feel an inkling of disappointment over the alleged conduct of Willa Bundy?  Can you understand that some of us come here to describe our experiences and feelings since we have been on the receiving end of "Bundy desception"?

State report critical of boot camp over California teen's death

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A state report on the death last year of a California teenager at a northwest Missouri boot camp found fault with access to medical care there and said records may have been falsified.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Department had asked the Missouri Department of Social Services to investigate the November death of Roberto Reyes, 15, of Santa Rosa, Calif. The youth died at the Thayer Learning Center in Kidder, less than two weeks after arriving there. An autopsy cited complications from rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle fibers, and said the condition was probably due to a spider or insect bite.

In a wrongful death lawsuit filed in February in Buchanan County Circuit Court, the boy's parents alleged that he was subjected to physical exertion and abuse that caused or contributed to his death. Reyes' parents also claim their son would have lived had he received competent and timely medical care.

The state report was given last week to Jason Canoy, the Caldwell County prosecutor, who released it to The Kansas City Star. Canoy said he hadn't decided whether he would take any action.

"There are some alarming parts about it," he said of the 275-page report. "But I have not made a decision as to who I would file charges on or if I would file charges at all."

The state team that investigated said the boot camp apparently "failed ... to provide access to appropriate medical evaluation and/or treatment." Further, it said, "interviews and evidence also suggest significant contradictions and possible deliberate falsification of written records."

Ed Proctor, an attorney for Thayer, was unavailable for comment Thursday, but has told The Star that "every child at Thayer has immediate access to medical care at any time."

In interviews excerpted in the state report, owners John and Willa Bundy, along with other people connected with the camp, said they didn't know or think the boy was sick before he died. Willa Bundy also said she hadn't read the records in question until she was interviewed by a state investigator in late February.

At least 10 people identified as Thayer employees gave the state investigators descriptions of the boy, one saying he appeared lazy, another saying his attitude was bad. Some said he struggled to keep up with the rigorous exercise, that he complained of sore muscles, needed assistance walking and at times used others as "a crutch."

At least four said they never saw or were told anything to suggest Roberto was sick. But one drill sergeant said she eventually came to think he might be sick, and at some point relayed her opinion to Dorothy Steele, identified in the report as the facility's medical officer. The report said Steele, also the general manager of the kitchen facilities, is not a registered nurse and that an EMT license that she had expired in 2003.

Steele told investigators she treated Reyes on Nov. 1 for blisters on his feet. Besides sore arm and leg muscles, had no other medical complaints, she said.

Former employee Sarah Mackey, who resigned in December, told investigators her duties included filing daily "shift notes" about students and activities. The report said that after Roberto died, she read notes from the days leading up to his death and "stated that every day the log sheets indicated that Roberto was getting worse and worse and worse."

Mackey told the investigators that Willa Bundy later took files of the shift notes, asked for 10 blank forms and went into her office. When Mackey later reviewed faxed copies of shift notes sent to the state by an attorney for the boot camp, she "stated they were inaccurate and incomplete, compared to the shift notes she had seen and read in the office."

If your son was the boy that died as a result of medical care neglect - wonder what you would say then.  I don't really care how many HAPPY ENDINGS exist, one child's death is one too many.  On top of that, the Bundy's blame one of their ex-employees for their revenues being down.  This is why I wouldn't want this characterstic of a person responsible for the well-being of my child.  What about the email I received while my son where there.  FACT-first hand - word for word from Cody Jimenez ([email protected]) Subject:  Thayer Learning Center and I quote:
"I would like to know as much as you know about The Thayer Learning Center.  I am writing a letter to the state reporting claims against them.  Your imput will be added to a number of other parents and ex-employees along with my own. Anything you can tell me will be of use.  I would also ask for a phone number if possible so I may call you regarding any questions I may have about your reply."  Upon sending my phone number and "Cody" calling me and having a conversation asking me why I was not happy with the program, how did I obtain this information (my son had stated these things to me during our telephone conversations since I was unable to have a family visit after 5 1/2 months) and stated that other cadets in the program could have felony charges if they were ever arrested for drug possession - say in Nevada (where he was from - marijuana possession is a felony charge).  I was told by both Willa Bundy "this was their attorney's idea" during my unexpected exit interview.  John Bundy avoided my question and was not man enough to admit to my face this was another 'Bundy Deception' - but they're good people looking out for what is best for these troubled children?  Just food for thought.

I am glad your son is doing so well, but I guess we can't all share your point of view.  I am suprised you were able to enroll him in a University with his TLC academic credits?  My son does understand me sending him to Thayer, but says it was a waste of my money and was nothing but a brainwashing experience for him.  I can honestly say his behavor did NOT change when he returned from Thayer, but was due to other personal experiences six months after his return home.

Over a year ago, there was much postings both favorable (by Mrs. Bundy herself) and upon researching her statements and finding incorrect or an out and lie - whatever your preference - the entire site disappeared before my eyes -- while John Bundy was on the telephone conversing about my complaints with the program - and blatantly stated the ezboard web site was gone --his attorney had it removed.   There you go folkes - if you are TRULY professional and credible - why would you "brag" that the web postings have been deleted?

State report critical of boot camp over California teen's death

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A state report on the death last year of a California teenager at a northwest Missouri boot camp found fault with access to medical care there and said records may have been falsified.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Department had asked the Missouri Department of Social Services to investigate the November death of Roberto Reyes, 15, of Santa Rosa, Calif. The youth died at the Thayer Learning Center in Kidder, less than two weeks after arriving there. An autopsy cited complications from rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle fibers, and said the condition was probably due to a spider or insect bite.

In a wrongful death lawsuit filed in February in Buchanan County Circuit Court, the boy's parents alleged that he was subjected to physical exertion and abuse that caused or contributed to his death. Reyes' parents also claim their son would have lived had he received competent and timely medical care.

The state report was given last week to Jason Canoy, the Caldwell County prosecutor, who released it to The Kansas City Star. Canoy said he hadn't decided whether he would take any action.

"There are some alarming parts about it," he said of the 275-page report. "But I have not made a decision as to who I would file charges on or if I would file charges at all."

The state team that investigated said the boot camp apparently "failed ... to provide access to appropriate medical evaluation and/or treatment." Further, it said, "interviews and evidence also suggest significant contradictions and possible deliberate falsification of written records."

Ed Proctor, an attorney for Thayer, was unavailable for comment Thursday, but has told The Star that "every child at Thayer has immediate access to medical care at any time."

In interviews excerpted in the state report, owners John and Willa Bundy, along with other people connected with the camp, said they didn't know or think the boy was sick before he died. Willa Bundy also said she hadn't read the records in question until she was interviewed by a state investigator in late February.

At least 10 people identified as Thayer employees gave the state investigators descriptions of the boy, one saying he appeared lazy, another saying his attitude was bad. Some said he struggled to keep up with the rigorous exercise, that he complained of sore muscles, needed assistance walking and at times used others as "a crutch."

At least four said they never saw or were told anything to suggest Roberto was sick. But one drill sergeant said she eventually came to think he might be sick, and at some point relayed her opinion to Dorothy Steele, identified in the report as the facility's medical officer. The report said Steele, also the general manager of the kitchen facilities, is not a registered nurse and that an EMT license that she had expired in 2003.

Steele told investigators she treated Reyes on Nov. 1 for blisters on his feet. Besides sore arm and leg muscles, had no other medical complaints, she said.

Former employee Sarah Mackey, who resigned in December, told investigators her duties included filing daily "shift notes" about students and activities. The report said that after Roberto died, she read notes from the days leading up to his death and "stated that every day the log sheets indicated that Roberto was getting worse and worse and worse."

Mackey told the investigators that Willa Bundy later took files of the shift notes, asked for 10 blank forms and went into her office. When Mackey later reviewed faxed copies of shift notes sent to the state by an attorney for the boot camp, she "stated they were inaccurate and incomplete, compared to the shift notes she had seen and read in the office."

it is not illegal, if one person on the phone knows the conversation is recorded.  This information and the copy of the email received was sent to the Attorney General with no resolve.

I sent my child to Thayer and I agree 100%.  $4000 a month with inconsistent discipline, uncleanliness and being shown how to lie and manipulate with no education afforded is a joke and a fraud.