Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => News Items => Topic started by: hurrikayne on November 25, 2008, 08:25:41 PM
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11 Boys Removed at Faith-Based Reclamation Ranch
Beating, Torture Allegations Probed
Birmingham News
November 25, 2008
http://http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/statebriefs.ssf?/base/news/1227604555195750.xml&coll=2
A faith-based program plans a protest this morning near the Blount County Courthouse where a hearing is to be held on what will be done with a group of boys removed Saturday from one of its facilities by law enforcement officers investigating allegations of severe abuse, beating and torture.
The faith-based program is calling the accusations false and misleading on its Web site. About 11 boys were removed from a Reclamation Ranch facility in Empire on Saturday and, based on court orders, placed into the custody of the Blount County Department of Human Resources, said Blount County District Attorney Tommy Rountree. The pastor and founder of the facility put the number at 17 boys.
Based on a complaint of "severe abuse, beating and torture of a minor child" at the ranch, a search warrant was executed by the Blount County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Bureau of Investigation, and the district attorney's office, Rountree said in a press release.
"The search by law enforcement and the questioning of involved minors yielded corroboration of the original allegations and evidence of other instances of mistreatment. The investigation is ongoing," Rountree said in his statement.
No arrests or charges had been filed as of Monday, Rountree said. He declined to give details of the allegations, although he said there had been no allegation of any sexual abuse.
A court hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. in Blount County, which Reclamation Ranch's Web site says will determine whether the boys will be returned to their parents or remain in state custody. The ministry plans to rally near the courthouse.
On www.reclamationranch.com (http://www.reclamationranch.com), the facility called the allegations false and misleading and said it doesn't condone abuse. "We don't use any corporal punishment," said Pastor Jack Patterson, director and founder of Reclamation Ranch.
Beating, Torture Allegations Probed
Birmingham News
November 25, 2008
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/s ... xml&coll=2 (http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/statebriefs.ssf?/base/news/1227604555195750.xml&coll=2)
A faith-based program plans a protest this morning near the Blount County Courthouse where a hearing is to be held on what will be done with a group of boys removed Saturday from one of its facilities by law enforcement officers investigating allegations of severe abuse, beating and torture.
The faith-based program is calling the accusations false and misleading on its Web site. About 11 boys were removed from a Reclamation Ranch facility in Empire on Saturday and, based on court orders, placed into the custody of the Blount County Department of Human Resources, said Blount County District Attorney Tommy Rountree. The pastor and founder of the facility put the number at 17 boys.
Based on a complaint of "severe abuse, beating and torture of a minor child" at the ranch, a search warrant was executed by the Blount County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Bureau of Investigation, and the district attorney's office, Rountree said in a press release.
"The search by law enforcement and the questioning of involved minors yielded corroboration of the original allegations and evidence of other instances of mistreatment. The investigation is ongoing," Rountree said in his statement.
No arrests or charges had been filed as of Monday, Rountree said. He declined to give details of the allegations, although he said there had been no allegation of any sexual abuse.
A court hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. in Blount County, which Reclamation Ranch's Web site says will determine whether the boys will be returned to their parents or remain in state custody. The ministry plans to rally near the courthouse.
On www.reclamationranch.com (http://www.reclamationranch.com), the facility called the allegations false and misleading and said it doesn't condone abuse. "We don't use any corporal punishment," said Pastor Jack Patterson, director and founder of Reclamation Ranch.
According to its Web site, Reclamation Ranch operates two facilities in the Empire area for boys and girls ages 12-17 and one program for men ages 18-35. The girls facility called Rachel Academy is in Walker County about a mile and a half from the boys campus in Blount County.
Girls at Reclamation Ranch were questioned at the Sumiton police station on Saturday but were later released. Patterson said the girls facility was still in operation on Monday and he planned to continue operation of the boys facility.
The Web site describes the program as working with boys and girls who have had problems in different areas that resulted in a family member placing them with the program.
"The Lighthouse for Boys is a minimum one-year program that incorporates Bible teaching, character training and respect for family," according to the Reclamation Ranch Web site. "The boys learn how to obey authority, how to complete chores in a 'Christian' fashion with a good attitude and to complete all they do to the best of their abilities. They are given individual counseling sessions with the superintendents where they are taught how to deal with bitterness, anger and rebellion with the Word of God as our foundation. We keep the boys busy with exercise, school, chores and lots of fun!"
http://http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/11_12/2008_11_25_BirminghamNews_11Boys.htm
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These motherfuckers staged a protest after they systematically abused a child and the authorities finally caught up to them?
What the fuck?
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Posted by Tom Gordon --- Birmingham News November 25, 2008 10:15 PM
Categories: Breaking News
ONEONTA -- Eleven juveniles who had been at a faith-based home for troubled boys were returned to their parents and guardians today while a probe continued into charges of abuse at the facility.
The boys, who had lived at Reclamation Ranch Ministries' Lighthouse Academy in western Blount County, were the subject of a hearing before Circuit Judge Steve King to determine if they should stay in the custody of the Department of Human Resources. The boys, who hailed from places including California, Kentucky and an Amish community in Ohio, were released by the court throughout the day to parents, relatives or other adults.
Some of the boys said their time at the academy had changed them for the better. But some foster parents, with whom DHR had placed some of the boys after removing them from Lighthouse Academy on Saturday, said the facility seemed unduly harsh.
According to Reclamation Ranch's Web site, Lighthouse "is a minimum one-year program that incorporates Bible teaching, character training and respect for family." The site also calls the abuse allegations "false and misleading."
The 11 boys, all younger than 18, as well as some 18-year-olds living at the academy, had been placed by DHR in other residential settings after authorities removed them from the academy early Saturday morning. Sheriff's deputies and Alabama Bureau of Investigation agents were acting on a complaint of "severe abuse, beating and torture" of a 17-year-old at the facility, according to the Blount County District Attorney's Office.
The day began with a crowd of 150 to 200 gathering in front of the courthouse, a number of whom waved and blew kisses at Pastor Jack Patterson, the founder/director of Reclamation Ranch who was watching from a second-floor window. The Rev. Charlie Andrews, a pastor from West Jefferson, said the gathering was to support Lighthouse, and those who had had children there. After Andrews said a short prayer, most of those on hand left.
Other than saying "God bless you," Patterson would not comment.
Some former academy residents interviewed after the hearing had good things to say about their time at Lighthouse.
"They changed my life," said 18-year-old Roman Lupekah, who said he had spent a year there. "They restored my relationship with my family, with my sister, got me saved, you know."
But Kenneth and Jean Johnson, area foster parents who had housed three academy boys at DHR's request, said they were troubled by what the youths had told them, which included eating outdated cereal and not receiving contributions that churches and other groups had provided for them.
"They had to have permission to go to the bathroom, had to have permission to get a glass a water," Kenneth Johnson said. "They had to have permission to go to bed -- you name it. And they would let them call home one time a month¤.¤.¤. and talk for four minutes, and that was it."
http://http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/11/11_boys_returned_to_families_a.html#more
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Religious programs do always have their support. When a poor girl was dragged after a car on a private boot camp in Texas hundred of people marched in the town in support for such a treatment.
When english children are sent to Ghana in private boarding schools and being beaten up, both parents and others step up in support on BBC.
They are mislead to think that the Bible OK's abuse.
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Wiki updated (http://http://wiki.fornits.com/index.php?title=Reclamation_Ranch), other message board volunteers informed.
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Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQWbt3nV02Y (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQWbt3nV02Y)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTN84GswP_U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTN84GswP_U)
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Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQWbt3nV02Y (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQWbt3nV02Y)
At 1:21 in this video, notice that Reclamation Ranch's van features the words "IN HONOR OF LESTER ROLOFF."
Now that I know they're based on the Roloff model, I'm even less likely to believe a word they say. I didn't believe them anyway.
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Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQWbt3nV02Y (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQWbt3nV02Y)
At 1:21 in this video, notice that Reclamation Ranch's van features the words "IN HONOR OF LESTER ROLOFF."
Now that I know they're based on the Roloff model, I'm even less likely to believe a word they say. I didn't believe them anyway.
I didn't even see that! I had heard they were affiliated though. Notice the super dark window tint on the vans? Reminds me of the vehicles that would leave KHK?
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Bandit,
We discussed Reclamation Ranch & Patterson's ties to Roloff in this thread: http://http://fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=36&p=318610
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The girls was release back to their facility. Look what angry mom wrote on another message board (http://http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/684628.aspx?PageIndex=2):
Mari,
I'm another mom of a young daughter who is involved in this recent developement of Reclamation Ranch in Alabama. If the parents of that young boy would like to contact me, I'd be more than happy to visit with them. Apparently, CPS has decided they dont like the "discipline" methods used at the ranch. I spoke with the CPS of Alabama on Saturday evening, and the things they said they were "concerned" about, were ridiculous in nature. I was aware of their methods of discipline when I left my daughter there and were in full support of their methods. After 6 months, my daughter has made HUGE leaps in progress! She was there for rebelling after her father died, and I recently remarried. We had had her in another local program here in Texas, that actually did more harm than good before we transferred her to Alabama.
We really need to keep Brother Jack Patterson and his staff in our prayers and do all we can to support them. From what I understand, they go to court on Tuesday to see what the judge is going to rule. For now, I believe the boys have actually been put into another program. The girls have been sent back to their home, but were informed that they had "rights" and did not have to listen to the staff at the ranch. I was livid to hear my daughter tell me this! She told me that CPS advised her that she had all these rights (which were against the schools rules), and so of course, her and the other girls quickly developed "attitudes" with the staff. Those poor ladies who have cared for my daughter for the past 6 months, and who have put their lives into this program for more than 20 years, have just had their hands tied by CPS's nonsense. What is worse, is that MOST of the parents who had their children in this program, have the attitude that if CPS says it's bad there, then it must be bad! What they dont realize is that CPS could care less about the children.....I have personal dealings with them, and as a Christian parent, can tell you that they have NO respect for parent's authority (especially Christian parents) who are trying to raise their children as God said. They see all Christians as wackos.
Please let me know if I can be of assistance to this family. I feel like this is one of the last "true Godly" programs out there. We as parents need to stick together on this.
Shellie in Texas
I was aware of their methods of discipline when I left my daughter there and were in full support of their methods.
OK. I think that it would be something for the DSS in Texas to investigate. Unfortunately it dont know which town Shellie comes from.
In the meantime the investigators found the BDSM toy in the ranch (http://http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/investigators_probing_boys_ranch_abuse_claims_find_shackles/48418/).
What are they going to say? It was not intended for use on the children? It was only for use as a part of adultplay during breaks between staff? We did not inhale?
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If you want to laugh, go to this page on Drug/Alcohol facts on the Reclamation Ranch site and SCROLL DOWN to "Street Terms" for Methamphetamine and down a little further for Cocaine. Have you ever seen such a list?
The "Five Way" sounds just awful. Ironically there is a (supposed) cocaine street term called the "Jim Jones", how quaint.
http://www.reclamationranch.com/photogallery/links.htm (http://www.reclamationranch.com/photogallery/links.htm)
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If you want to laugh, go to this page on Drug/Alcohol facts on the Reclamation Ranch site and SCROLL DOWN to "Street Terms" for Methamphetamine and down a little further for Cocaine. Have you ever seen such a list?
The "Five Way" sounds just awful. Ironically there is a (supposed) cocaine street term called the "Jim Jones", how quaint.
http://www.reclamationranch.com/photogallery/links.htm (http://www.reclamationranch.com/photogallery/links.htm)
According to them, practically the entire English language has something to do with drugs. I guess the point of this is so that if anyone says anything, their parents can think they're on drugs and send them off to a program.
And those tables with the blue words on the blue backgrounds are miserable.
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Somewhere, there's a test for parents to gauge whether or not their kids are candidates for a program. According to it, my darling daughter, who is a Girl Scout, and honor student, and generally a very polite, quiet girl who stays out of trouble IS a candidate. The point being, paranoia breeds contempt. If I were looking for a REASON to ship her off & let someone else deal with her teenage moodiness, rebellion, and general behavior, I could find a reason to justify it to myself. I, however, am a responsible parent. I brought her into this world, and I'll be damned if anyone is going to abuse her, in the name of anything.
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Somewhere, there's a test for parents to gauge whether or not their kids are candidates for a program. According to it, my darling daughter, who is a Girl Scout, and honor student, and generally a very polite, quiet girl who stays out of trouble IS a candidate. The point being, paranoia breeds contempt. If I were looking for a REASON to ship her off & let someone else deal with her teenage moodiness, rebellion, and general behavior, I could find a reason to justify it to myself. I, however, am a responsible parent. I brought her into this world, and I'll be damned if anyone is going to abuse her, in the name of anything.
Well put.
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...and she makes one heck of a good Thanksgiving meal...
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In the meantime the investigators found the BDSM toy in the ranch (http://http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/investigators_probing_boys_ranch_abuse_claims_find_shackles/48418/).
What are they going to say? It was not intended for use on the children? It was only for use as a part of adultplay during breaks between staff? We did not inhale?
Copying out that article for posterity's sake...
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NBC13.com
Investigators probing boys ranch abuse claims find shackles (http://http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/investigators_probing_boys_ranch_abuse_claims_find_shackles/48418/)
By JON PAEPCKE
Investigative reporter
Published: November 25, 2008
BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. — Saturday's raid at Blount County's Reclamation Ranch led to 11 boys placed in Department of Human Resources custody.
It was prompted by claims from a 17 year old who attended the ranch.
According to prosecutors, the boy accused the ranch of committing serious abuse.
Abuse prosecutors say rises to the level of torture under Alabama law.
Court records show investigators seized hand cuffs and shackles from the ranch.
Roman Lupekha spent 22 months at the ranch before a judge released him today to go home to Modesto, California.
"I got push-ups. It helped me more than it hurt," Lupekha responded when asked what kind of punishment he saw used at the ranch.
Many of the 11 boys were released to their families like Lupekha during Tuesday's custody hearing.
It was unclear late Tuesday whether all of them went home with their parents.
Ranch supporters held a rally outside of the Blount County courthouse earlier Tuesday morning.
The ranch claims one of its goals is to help troubled youth through character building and religious education.
"That place was a vessel. All they did was show me the truth and they just helped me out. They gave me a good schooling and worked with my problems. I was going through family problems and all they did was show me scripture," Lupekha responded.
Prosecutors say statements by other boys supported the original abuse complaint.
While ranch director Jack Patterson wouldn't comment at the hearing Tuesday, he denies any wrongdoing on the ranch's web site.
Prosecutors expect to present the case to the grand jury in the next few weeks.
Jon Paepcke can be reached at [email protected]
©2008 Birmingham Broadcasting (WVTM-TV), Inc.
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This piece was in the Birmingham News a few days later, sans attribution. I am guessing that perhaps the local fever in support of Reclamation Ranch may have reached such an unhealthy frenzy, that the local news source saw fit to inject a voice of reason into the mob. Perhaps the writer did not wish his or her house to be fire-bombed, and thought it best to remain anonymous? :D
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The Birmingham News
Removing boys from that Blount County program where abuse is alleged was the right move at the right time. (http://http://www.al.com/birminghamnews/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/122812292118220.xml&coll=2)
Monday, December 01, 2008
THE ISSUE: Removing boys from that Blount County program after allegations of abuse was the right move at the right time.
Torture. Beatings. Severe abuse.
These are serious accusations, to be sure. They are the kind we have made against our enemies during war. The kind of accusations made against us, where Abu Ghraib and Gitmo are concerned.
Except these accusations are being made right in this area, against a faith-based program that cares for troubled boys in Blount County. While the investigation continues and those who represent the Reclamation Ranch Ministries' Lighthouse Academy strongly deny the accusations, calling them false and misleading, the state Department of Human Resources did what it has to do when responding to serious charges: It removed the 11 juveniles who had been at the home and, after a court hearing last week, returned them to their parents and guardians while the investigation into the Lighthouse Academy continues.
That action is appropriate because the safety of the boys enrolled in the program, located near the west Blount County town of Empire, must be the top concern. If the boys being cared for were, in fact, being abused, those who run the program must be ready to accept responsibility and the consequences.
The Alabama Bureau of Investigation and Blount County sheriff's deputies removed the boys from the home on Nov. 22 after a complaint of "severe abuse, beating and torture" of a 17-year-old at the academy, according to the Blount County district attorney's office.
"The search by law enforcement and the questioning of involved minors yielded corroboration of the original allegations and evidence of other instances of mistreatment," said Blount County District Attorney Tommy Rountree last week. One report said investigators seized handcuffs and shackles from the facility.
The evidence is going to a grand jury.
Reclamation Ranch Ministries, according to its Web site, operates two facilities in the Empire area for boys and girls ages 12-17 and one program for men ages 18-35. The girls home, called Rachel Academy, is in Walker County about a mile and a half from the Blount County boys' ranch. The accusations of abuse do not involve Rachel Academy.
Reclamation Ranch Ministries denied the accusations on its Web site. And some of the former academy residents had positive comments about their time in the program, described as "a minimum one-year program that incorporates Bible teaching, character training and respect for the family."
While we hope the accusations against Reclamation Ranch Ministries truly are a misunderstanding and are not true, whether true or not, the state acted appropriately in removing the boys once the charges were found credible. And if the charges are true, thank goodness for the quick action, which may have saved these boys from serious injury or worse.
© 2008 The Birmingham News.