1. I share only what my son has either shared publicly himself or has allowed me to share. He isn't particularly concerned about his privacy. He shares plenty about himself on the internet.
2. I am in no way recommending programs for parents to send teens to. If fact, after talking with psy, TSW, DJ and some of the more courteous posters privately, I really feel comfortable with only one program and that is Second Nature.
3. My son did not and does not hold back any of his thoughts about Carlbrook. He hated the place, but did make good friends there, including with staff.
4. I never said "programs are good". They are not. However, out of home placement may be necessary in some cases.
5. I don't know of any Carlbrook kids who feel they were abused. I have spoken with quite a few, and I am certainly open to hearing about it. I'm sure (including my son) there are some who were treated harshly and unfairly. As I said before, this can happen in a regular school as well, and has.
6. I posted here to try to get information- and share information-which could lead to some ways to help correct the situations which lead to placement in the first place and to abusive treatment methods. I am listening. Are you?
7. I can't get very excited about the lack of licensing of the therapists. Licensing just doesn't mean that much to me if the staff is otherwise skilled at working with these young people. With a few exceptions, this was the case at Carlbrook. I've been through licensing processes, and to me they are mainly administrative.
8. If all these Carlbrook grads were abused, I hope they find their way here to this forum to share their stories. My son has been out for almost 3 years, and he has no interest in re-hashing every minute of his 9 months there. Perhaps there are others who are. I have seen one or two come by, but they don't seem interested in staying.
9. Anne, what good does it do to scream from the rooftops that these places are all abusive? How's that working for you. I have a lot better success talking to parents privately and giving my input. They find me a litttle more credible, fortunately, and I can lead them away from a mistake.