Author Topic: CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS  (Read 4118 times)

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Offline Jill Ryan

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CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
« on: March 02, 2011, 10:28:28 AM »
Question - DID THE ORCC REPORT THE BELOW AS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS?


Unfortunately no one appears to have the "brass", so to speak, to shut him down, or the guts to come forward after leaving HLA/ RCS.  I find it frighening that in the ORCC/ORS surveyor's report last fall, the surveyor noted "going to Ridge Creek Widlerness as an intervention."  The children being questioned answered that it was not a camp, but a tavern with wood floors ....  ring any bells?  He/she stated that he/she was there for 8 days ...  "THE CHALET."

Ridge Creek Wilderness OCCP was no longer to be used as an intervention and certainly  the "Tavern," "THE CHALET" was no longer to be used to isolate children as an intervention and behavior modification ward.

"THE TAVERN" FORMERLY KNOWN AS "THE CHALET"

Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
2. Behavior management shall be limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
service plan pursuant to Rule
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that behavior
management is limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
Room, Board, and Watchful Oversight Plan and in accordance with the prohibitions as specified
in the rules and regulations.
Findings Include
Interview with Resident #2 was conducted on 6/2820/2010 at 3:15 pm. Resident #2 said he/she
doesn't remember what happened during the incident, but he/she knows that he/she was in a
fight. When asked if he/she received a consequence for fighting, Resident #2 indicated that staff
sent him/her to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #2's Individual Service Plan, dated 10/30/2009, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said first staff
spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on campus. It consists of a tavern and
the residents sleep on wooden boards
.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #4's Individual Service Plan, dated 2/11/10, did not
reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, Resident #5 came to him/her and said he/she was afraid that Resident #1 would kill
him/her. Resident #3 said later that night he/she and Resident #2 asked Resident #1 why was
he/she threatening Resident #5. Resident #3 said he/she was in Resident #4's room when he/she
heard a crash and screaming. Resident #3 said he/she saw Resident #1 run by the room.
Resident #3 said someone said that Resident #1 just broke a window and was trying to attack
Page 8 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Resident #2. Resident #3 said Resident #2 is one of his/her best friends and he/she thought about
Resident #1's problems and remembered Resident #1 threatened others. Resident #3 said he/she
was afraid that Resident #1 would injure Resident #2. Resident #1 said he/she was thinking that
Resident #1 had a piece of glass from the broken window. Resident #3 then admitted that he/she
pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and hit him/her.
Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple timesDuring interview with Staff D on 6/28/2010 at 3:46 pm, Surveyor asked about the wilderness
intervention program. Staff D reported that wilderness intervention is used as a behavior
management technique.. Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #3's Individualized Service Plan, dated 4/1/2010, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be utilized as a behavioral
management method.

Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Intervention Curriculum, revealed a
form labeled "Odds and Ends". This form states the following: "Students are responsible for
maintaining their gear, equipment, and personal hygiene. If students break, lose, or do not
maintain equipment--they may have to do without (Stay within policies and procedures, and
safety). Keep wilderness student off main campus. No student is allowed in the shelter until
completion of Solo." This form also indicates that tents are utilized.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes: extra sleeping pad, pillows. The
schedule dated May 3, 2010 indicates the following: "solo starts at 9:00 pm, students can only
communicate with staff, journal about life goals, and objectives."
Cross reference Tag 840
Page 9 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
R 1808 290-2-5-.18(2)(c) Physical Plant and Safety.
SS=D
Each child shall be provided his or her own personal bed and mattress that is no shorter than the child's height
and at least thirty inches wide. Clean sheets, pillows and pillow cases, blankets or bed covering shall be provided
and sheets and pillow case
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that each child shall be
provided his/her own personal bed and mattress with pillows, blankets or bed covering.
Findings Include
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes extra sleeping pad and pillows.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said that first
staff spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on the campus. It consists of a tavern
and the residents sleep on wooden boards.
Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, he/she pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and
hit him/her. Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple times. Resident #3
said he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program as his/her consequence and slept
on a flat sheet of wood. Resident #3 said he/she was in the wilderness intervention program for 1
week.
R 9999 Closing Comments.
Page 10 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
An exit conference was conducted onsite. There was one rule violation related to self reported
incident #GA00083346. There were four rule violations found during the investigation. The
preliminary report was mailed on 7/12/2010. The plan of correction is due ten days after the
receipt of this report.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline trinity

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Re: CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2011, 04:08:18 PM »
Please contact AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL 404-876-5661.

Child Abuse and Neglect contact DFCS/DHR/ORCC Georgia- They wrote the reports, so it won't do any good.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Jill Ryan

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Re: CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2011, 04:03:31 PM »
THERE IS HOPE:  NEW LEADERS  STATE AGENCY STAFF

The new ORS Director Dave Statton - 404-657-9001, appears to be an honest gentleman.  Keith Bostick is gone :) now at DFCS...lucky them.  

Jump hoops, BJ Walker is gone - new  Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services is Clyde Reese at 404-656-5680.  Complaints/human rights/child abuse : customerservice@dhr.state.ga.us  - direct to Comm. Clyde Reese.

and, yes, Amnesty International.

The new Governor Deal  administration and new appointments have shaken things up at the ORS/ORCC/DFCS.  At least everyone is in agreement that the use of "THE CHALET" as behavioral modification/intervention, sleeping on wood floors, etc is beyond civilized limits.  No one has the right, inlcuding Mr. Buccellato to authorize this abuse under the auspices of "treatment."  What rights were assigned to RCS/RCW/MB-RC/HLA to "treat" the children in their care like this?

New investigations ...
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Jill Ryan

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Re: CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2011, 08:44:34 PM »
Just so one understands...  According to students, former staff, and apparently the ORS(see reports) "The Chalet" also referred to as "a Tavern" in the ORS/ORCC investigative reports had no amenities.... no heat, no lights, no running water,no lavatory, no windows, no beds, etc.  


The Chalet/Tavern is on the other side of the lake by Ridge Creek Wilderness camp and can be found by the creek.  Hopefully work crews have demolished the evidence or perhaps construction crews are busily making it habitable.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline trinity

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Re: CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2011, 04:21:26 PM »
News on the beat ...  along with intervention from the ORS/ORCC, citations and fines have been implemented.   Ridge Creek Wilderness,"The Chalet", a "tavern" is no longer to be used for behavior modification and intervention, since the 6-6-2010 incident report.  Whether Ridge Creek Wilderness continues off the radar remains to seen, one can only hope RCS/RCW stays on the recommended path.

Family Light Tom Croke's Ed Con web-site announced Ridge Creek Wilderness was dropped, but neglected to say why.

If one is going to put their reputation on the line, one should investigate the school they are recommending.  It is not enough to add a disclaimer.  The family pays you a fee to do your homework and expects it to be done ethically.


http://http://www.familylight.com/link3/3.03/3.032/RS/RidgeCreek.htm

Thomas  J. Croke of FAMILY LIGHT re: Ridge Creek School


Quote
Ridge Creek has  settled into a new identity and focus.  Historically, it was  a wilderness program.  In 2009, it expanded into a therapeutic "College Prep [School] with a Wilderness Twist."  Since then, the wilderness program has been dropped, and the therapeutic boarding school well establishcd.   Ridge Creek School, took over the buildings of a former school  historically located near it.  However in the fall of 2011, those buildings will become the site of newly founded boarding and day school that will not have therapeutic content.  Ridge Creek will return to the nearby buildings that are mostly unussd at the time this is written.

FAMILY LIGHT

Quote
Disclaimer: No  program review, no matter how positive, is a blanket endorsement. No criticism is a blanket condemnation.  When we express our level of confidence in a school or program, that is our subjective opinion with which others might reasonably disagree.  When we assert something as fact, we have done our best to be accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all of our information is accurate and up to date. When we address compliance with our guidelines, you need to remember that these are only OUR guidelines -- not guidelines from an official source.  We have also set the bar very high, and do not expect any school or program to be in total compliance.  It is not appropriate to draw a conclusion of impropriety (or even failure to live up to conventional wisdom) from our lack of confidence in a school or program or from less than perfect conformity to our guidelines.  Some will say we expect too much. Readers are responsible for verifying accuracy of information supplied here prior to acting upon it. We are not responsible for inaccuracies.

Last updated  1-21-2011



It does not take a rocket scientist to find the ORS reports.


Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
2. Behavior management shall be limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
service plan pursuant to Rule
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that behavior
management is limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
Room, Board, and Watchful Oversight Plan and in accordance with the prohibitions as specified
in the rules and regulations.
Findings Include
Interview with Resident #2 was conducted on 6/2820/2010 at 3:15 pm. Resident #2 said he/she
doesn't remember what happened during the incident, but he/she knows that he/she was in a
fight. When asked if he/she received a consequence for fighting, Resident #2 indicated that staff
sent him/her to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #2's Individual Service Plan, dated 10/30/2009, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said first staff
spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on campus. It consists of a tavern and
the residents sleep on wooden boards.Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #4's Individual Service Plan, dated 2/11/10, did not
reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, Resident #5 came to him/her and said he/she was afraid that Resident #1 would kill
him/her. Resident #3 said later that night he/she and Resident #2 asked Resident #1 why was
he/she threatening Resident #5. Resident #3 said he/she was in Resident #4's room when he/she
heard a crash and screaming. Resident #3 said he/she saw Resident #1 run by the room.
Resident #3 said someone said that Resident #1 just broke a window and was trying to attack
Page 8 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Resident #2. Resident #3 said Resident #2 is one of his/her best friends and he/she thought about
Resident #1's problems and remembered Resident #1 threatened others. Resident #3 said he/she
was afraid that Resident #1 would injure Resident #2. Resident #1 said he/she was thinking that
Resident #1 had a piece of glass from the broken window. Resident #3 then admitted that he/she
pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and hit him/her.
Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple timesDuring interview with Staff D on 6/28/2010 at 3:46 pm, Surveyor asked about the wilderness
intervention program. Staff D reported that wilderness intervention is used as a behavior
management technique.. Resident #3 said he/she
was sent to the wilderness intervention program and slept on a flat sheet of wood. Resident #3
said he/she was in the wilderness intervention program for 1 week.Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #3's Individualized Service Plan, dated 4/1/2010, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be utilized as a behavioral
management method.

Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Intervention Curriculum, revealed a
form labeled "Odds and Ends". This form states the following: "Students are responsible for
maintaining their gear, equipment, and personal hygiene. If students break, lose, or do not
maintain equipment--they may have to do without (Stay within policies and procedures, and
safety). Keep wilderness student off main campus. No student is allowed in the shelter until
completion of Solo." This form also indicates that tents are utilized.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes: extra sleeping pad, pillows. The
schedule dated May 3, 2010 indicates the following: "solo starts at 9:00 pm, students can only
communicate with staff, journal about life goals, and objectives."
Cross reference Tag 840
Page 9 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
R 1808 290-2-5-.18(2)(c) Physical Plant and Safety.
SS=D
Each child shall be provided his or her own personal bed and mattress that is no shorter than the child's height
and at least thirty inches wide. Clean sheets, pillows and pillow cases, blankets or bed covering shall be provided
and sheets and pillow case
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that each child shall be
provided his/her own personal bed and mattress with pillows, blankets or bed covering.
Findings Include
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes extra sleeping pad and pillows.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said that first
staff spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on the campus. It consists of a tavern
and the residents sleep on wooden boards.Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, he/she pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and
hit him/her. Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple times. Resident #3
said he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program as his/her consequence and slept
on a flat sheet of wood. Resident #3 said he/she was in the wilderness intervention program for 1
week.R 9999 Closing Comments.
Page 10 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
An exit conference was conducted onsite. There was one rule violation related to self reported
incident #GA00083346. There were four rule violations found during the investigation. The
preliminary report was mailed on 7/12/2010. The plan of correction is due ten days after the
receipt of this report.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline trinity

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Re: CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2011, 04:30:41 PM »
Amnesty International Georgia 404-876-5661

kleiser@aiusa.org   Contact Mrs. Kleiser
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline trinity

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Re: CLEAR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2011, 09:11:01 PM »
More conflicting information regarding Ridge Creek Wilderness.  The  ORS surveyor on 07/12-2010 does not report Ridge Creek Wilderness permanently ceased operations, the surveyor just states that they received an email from RC director stating they did not expect any students until next spring.  
 

Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
7/12/2010
7/12/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC.
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE ROAD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
T 0000 Initial Comments.
The purpose of this survey is to follow up on the status of this agency/ to conduct the
re-licensure study.
T 9999 Closing Comments.
An e-mail was received on July 12, 2010 from the Director of the facility stating that they don ' t
have any placement activity at this moment and it is unlikely for the facility to have any placement
until next spring. The Director agreed to inform the Surveyor when the facility has placement
activity.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »