Here's the transcript of the KHK protest tv coverage.
http://www.10tv.com/?story=10tv/content ... 38002.html Rehab Camp Draws Protest
Mar 31 2006 11:01PM
Reported by Eve Mueller
Some say a drug treatment program called Kids Helping Kids has helped 1,300 families in Ohio. But others claim it has hurt countless kids.
Either way, a debate about the system is coming to the capitol city.
Kids Helping Kids is a long-term drug treatment program for kids ages 13 to 21. It has strict rules for children who misbehave, and it brags of an 81 percent graduate sobriety rate.
But some call the program an abuse camp.
"We're trying to be the voice of the kids who would otherwise have no voice," said one protestor at the Ohio Statehouse.
Todd, Christine, and William say Kids Helping Kids is not what it sounds like.
"It's kids hurting kids, is what it really is."
Those who are protesting want others to take notice.
"Theres no access to a phone, no radio. You're monitored 24/7. You can't use the bathroom by yourself, another former camp resident complained.
The program in Milford, Ohio markets itself as a tough love type system to help young addicts kick drugs and alcohol.
Newcomers as their called are in group therapy 10.5 hours per day. And clients stay, on average, for about a year.
The trio leading Fridays protest described the KHK program as similar to the so-called "STRAIGHT" program they went through as kids.
Christine Flannery, who went to Kids Helping Kids at age 16, says she is still struggling from aftereffects at 37.
"I was just diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, Flannery said."
"At least 50 times, I was restrained by five guys, thrown on floor for just wanting to leave to use the bathroom," she says.
William is now president of this survivor group critical of the KHK way.
It's definitely a cult, was his characterization.
One recent KHK client says he dealt with the pain by cutting himself. His parents say they were never informed of him intentionally injuring himself.
Barbara Towner, a spokesperson for the program, said Kids Helping Kids has served ore than 1,300 families over 25 years. She described it as a highly structured program where kids are treated very well while experiencing a high rate of success.
The group denies violating any human rights. But the push for a state investigation continues.
The state, which licenses Kids Helping Kids, has investigated complaints against the program. But last summer, the state ruled allegations of abuse were unfounded.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is investigating whether "host" homes -- where the KHK kids sleep at night -- should be licensed as foster homes.
