Why We Speak Out Against Teen Challenge : Abusive Cult Conditioning Program Preys on Vulnerability of Youth

It is important to distinguish that amidst all of the reports of  Teen Challenge abuses of children (including  garden hose "water-boarding", physical beatings, hazing, exploitation, intimidation, to name a few from a very long list), negilgence (unsafe living environments for residential students, abandonment of unhealthy students in need of emergency healthcare, denying students needed/doctor prescribed medications, student on student violence, runaway students patternisticly telling law enforcement they were attempting to escape abuse), and other ethics violations, our PROTESTS, ASSERTIONS, and DECLARATIONS are unified by purpose and directive and are NOT in any way vindictive attacks of the organization itself.  Our mission is very clear and quite simple: to prevent any further abuses or negligence to our children, via any plan, program, organization, or religion!  We (SOATC) ask our brothers and sisters of ALL beliefs to join together with us in BOYCOTTING Teen Challenge.  We ask that our companions and comrades (That's YOU!) in this effort:  

COMPLETELY HALT AND STOP ALL DONATIONS(monetary or non-monetary), AND SUPPORT (resources, strike-employment/unionize, whatever it takes <within ethics, reason, and legal limits of course!> 

We call for this boycott of all Teen Challenge support, in order to make our message against such child abuses clear to the world. We have provisionally assembled an outline of our prerequisites for which we will end our call to BOYCOTT the Teen Challenge program.  We call it the "Teen Challenge Recipe for Success"
  And it will be publicly available shortly...



The following article is not only an outline of what motivates us to speak out, but also an explanation of why this boycott is so important along with our protests.  I hope the information here is helpful.  Find more information on our other posts(blogs) which are linked within this article.



Why We Speak Out Against Teen Challenge 
  A Legacy of Abuse in the Name of GOD
by Thomas Kinder

Nahum 1:3 - The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked : the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

As you sit down for church today you notice things are a bit different than usual.  Up front is a slide projector with a white screen next to the pulpit.  As the pastor gets up to speak, he tells the congregation that today they have some special guests, a group from a touring Teen Challenge program.  The group presents an emotional slideshow telling about the wonderful things they are doing in the deprived areas of the world, and how they have helped many find God, who had once been strung out on drugs.  They tell of the incredible success rates which are unmatched by any secular (<adj. adv.>unrelated to the church or any faith) program of it's kind.   After a testimony or two, usually former addicts who found their way , attributing their success to the 12-18 month Teen Challenge program, and now they even work with the program as staff.  Shortly after the emotional tales and some singing, a collection plate or bucket is passed around the congregation for donations to the Teen Challenge program.  After church, the TC group wanes social in the front lobby making conversation with the more interested members of the congregation.  On the drive home your Grandfather and Grandmother, who had also contributed to the Teen Challenge collection, discuss how proud they are to have been able to donate to such an upstanding organization, noting that "God truly works through that Teen Challenge."  

I wonder exactly what my Grandparents would have been saying if the presentation had gone differently.  What if instead of clean and well dressed choirboy, we saw the sloppy heroin addict, sick from withdrawals, shaking fridgidly in a grey jumpsuit, given nothing to ease his suffering (which he would receive in most medical settings )  BUT it would go against Teen Challenge protocol.  What if HE told his story of his experience at Teen Challenge, the real story of the young man who was held down and water-boarded by staff, with a garden hose until he nearly drowned; all as punishment for "acting out of line".

What if that same congregation heard rather the story of the many young men and women who steadily attempt to escape these programs, to get away from harassing verbal abuse, physical abuse, and negligence, even if it means going to jail?  What if while speaking, the group leader publicly acknowledged that the success rates promoted by the Teen Challenge program were falsified and based on unethically distorted data?  I wonder, if such had been the case, would the church membership STILL be so eager to grab for their wallets as the offering plate came upon their row?

Unfortunately, this is just a small sample of the tragic reality that good Christian patrons are NOT shown and so many Christians and non-Christians alike are simply unaware that such things are taking place, due to the massive control that Teen Challenge has maintained over it's public image and information distributed about the TC program.  In fact, because of the direct marketing to churches in order to gain funding, many outside of the church have never even heard of Teen Challenge or know anything about it.  It was when we first started spreading the word about Teen Challenge abuses and ethics violations, we realized that the only people we were reaching who even knew what Teen Challenge was were church members or those brought up in the church, mostly Assembly of God denomination.

This is sadly ironic, considering that Teen Challenge boasts it's primary goal to be "reaching the lost".  Considering Jesus' own words, "It is not the well, who need a doctor.", it would seem more appropriate to say that Teen Challenge's mission is rather, "reaching the Church's pocketbook".  

This might seem a bold statement to those who have only been exposed to Teen Challenge's filtered self-portrayal in presentations and distributed materials, and many seem to be unaware that this organization's real legacy consists of sex abuse, abuse, even negligent homicide.  Most have not been told that Teen Challenge meets most of the criteria to be legitimately considered a dangerous cult, structured to quiet and control opposition, from within to without the organization, going as far as to prevent minor children from contacting their parents or immediate family as standard protocol.

< We have reports in our archives where this practice has led to death.  For example, the story of the unnecessary death of a bright young man, who was wrongly left in the street without the emergency medical care he needed to survive>

To this day Teen Challenge refuses to accept public responsibility for the crimes of which it stands accused.  These kinds of reports are far too common in abusive residential programs like Teen Challenge.  

Using their position of power and influence of the Christian Church, Teen Challenge often finds unquestioning support from congregations and their spiritual leaders.  Though Assemblies of God claims Teen Challenge as one of their primary ministries, Teen Challenge maintains a non-denominational status so as to cultivate and retain interdenominational support.  Along with "fleecing the flock", the organization has also received millions in federal support funds more every year, which has stirred up a substantial amount of controversy over the organization's "faith-based" status, regarding certain regulatory exceptions and privileges that such categorization entails. 

That leads us to another reason why we feel it is so important to speak out.  For years these abuses have gone unheard and silenced.  Until now the victims of Teen Challenge oppression have had little voice, nothing more than whispers here and there, desolate and unseen by the main stream media/press.   We have come together to create what will soon be the largest archive of information regarding Teen Challenge abuses, negligence, and ethics violations.  We thank you for your support and are always seeking new ways to improve and increase our reach.  If you are interested in supporting our protests with resources or donations, please email challengingteenchallenge@gmail.com.  

We are Christians and non-Christians alike, who hold a simple purpose and common ground.  We seek to educate the world about the abuse and lies behind the facade of a "righteous" Christian movement called Teen Challenge.  We see the Christian Church being lied to and manipulated for their money.  We see continued abuses and negligence perpetually stay unacknowledged, and unchanged.  We see the victims of garden hose "water-boarding", sexual abuse, and negligence unheard and dismissed as "attacks of the enemy (Satan)", when in reality, some of the victims are Christians themselves.  You can find the details and the stories on our blog sites http://teenchallengeusa.blogspot.com, http://teenchallengeinternational.blogspot.com, and http://teenchallengeboycott.blogspot.com, and friend us on facebook at http://facebook.com/teenchallengeboycott  AND be sure to "like"our page at http://www.facebook.com/teenchallengeinternational !   We are always posting new content and collecting information for YOU!  Let Your voice be heard!  If you or a loved one has been a victim of Teen Challenge abuses or negligence, please share so that others may be saved from becoming victims likewise.  Simply email challengingteenchallenge@gmail.com.

  "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." -Sinclair Lewis

The false claims and shirking of responsibility that defines the history of Teen Challenge really speaks for itself, but great efforts have been made to hide these stories from the eye of the public.  Teen Challenge has rallied a great amount of support from big names in the Christian-Right, ranging from political leadership to church leadership, nationally and internationally, but again, very few of it's supporters have heard any information about the organization from any outside sources. Unfortunately, the reports and ethical violations that have been occurring have gotten very little press attention, and the little it has gotten, has been quickly dismissed by talking heads or spokespersons, seeking to discredit the victims, or playing the "victim" card themselves, for example in the case of Rich Scherber, who said he simply was shocked (to paraphrase), as they were unable to filter an article prior to publication.  Coincidentally the article happened to be about large financial fraud related to his Minnesota Teen Challenge.  As I respond to Rich's dismay, I address that it is not typically warranted for a journalistic article to be "proofed" by involved parties prior to publication, which would be a drastic violation of journalistic integrity.  The fact that I had to explain such a principle to someone in such a position of leadership, is somewhat disconcerting,  and disappointing. 

 It is quite easy to find websites online of churches, and special interest groups reporting the self-proclaimed "success rate" of the Teen Challenge program.  Unfortunately at times, religious and faith-based information is not held to the same social or psychological standards of most journalism or educational writings so these churches and religious organizations quote the awe-inspiring success rates that Teen Challenge claims, often without knowing they are spreading false information.  I briefly touched on this already when I mentioned the "unquestioning" support of congregations and their spiritual leaders.

We could probably all agree that this pales in importance however, when we face the hundreds of lives that have been damaged or ruined by the ruthless tactics used to control "students" of this program.  If that sounds like overkill then consider this:  Teen Challenge meets almost every criteria of a "cultic group" as described by Janja Lalich, Ph.D. & Michael D. Langone, Ph.D., in their checklist formatted,   "Characteristics Associated with Cultic Groups - Revised"(COMING SOON!).  While we already have a "cult litmus test", which Teen Challenge fails miserably, this article  is a much more technical exploration of the dangerous elements within any organization that can be categorized as a "cult".  As described in this article by Dr.'s Lalich and Langone, 

Concerted efforts at influence and control lie at the core of cultic groups, programs, and relationships. Many members, former members, and supporters of cults are not fully aware of the extent to which members may have been manipulated, exploited, even abused. 

Almost EVERY correspondence we have ever been involved with in regards to the Teen Challenge program confirms to the fullest the control, influence, and exploitation described here.  Part of the changes we are demanding from Teen Challenge include a more positive core basis for their teachings if they wish to continue to represent Christianity.  While most of what is taught at Teen Challenge is a somewhat twisted spin-off of Christianity, there are also many non-biblical concepts which Teen Challenge has incorporated as well.  For example, did you know that Teen Challenge teaches that THEY can "cure" homosexuality?  Of course, I'm sure that's not an FDA approved statement, but it is also very offensive to the many homosexual Christians who have already been judged inappropriately by ignorant people, who aren't afraid to let it show.  In fact, without going into detail, but for those who don't know much about the Bible, NOWHERE that we've been able to find does it say that homosexuality is a sin!  We know as Christians and non-Christians alike, that Jesus taught love and compassion.  He did not teach us to beat or denigrate those who don't believe.  

Many of the victims of Teen Challenge abuses ( not all and I am very thankful for that) that I have spoken to, say that they have a hard time believing that God could be a loving, compassionate God and allow these things to happen to children and women.    Even those who have been brought up in Christian homes, begin to question their faith.  This is a very common state of quandary, experienced by those who have been victims of abuse, especially abuse by those who claim to be doing God's work.  I wonder myself, especially those who have NOT come from Christian homes, how they could ever imagine a loving and caring God, when all they have seen and felt is insecurity, humiliation, and  forceful expedition of "God's Laws", or more accurately Teen Challenge laws.  I really don't have an answer for them.  I try to explain that they have been mistreated by imperfect people, who are sinners just like the rest of us.  How many more have to suffer, because we all God's children, believers or not, lay lifeless on the sidelines unwilling to SPEAK OUT for their protection?!  We all share the same responsibility for our youth and future generations.  If we don't stand up for them NOW who will?  

Coercive / Persuasion

Over 15% of the Teen Challenge residential population is there by court mandate or due to a legal infraction. This is the sector of the Teen Challenge that especially concerns us.  It should be stated that when a "student" is court ordered to attend Teen Challenge he/she is given a choice of either jail or Teen Challenge.  They are also informed of the "biblical" nature of the program, so students cannot claim they didn't know what they were getting into, but in reality they still usually don't.  They do not tell you that once you are in, you WILL be forced to partake in religious ceremonies, rituals, and practices.  We have received and heard countless stories of forced religious practice.  I can't think of a better way to turn someone "off", or away from God than forcing them to worship in any way.  The feeling of violation and degradation they describe would easily merit lawsuits, if TC hadn't already required them to sign away their rights completely.

Do I have to participate in the religious aspects of the program to receive services?

An applicant is carefully informed as to the faith-based nature of the program and that entering a Teen Challenge program is voluntary; however, all aspects of the program are mandatory upon entrance. 

 -TC FAQ

Those who respectfully decline to participate in even just the religious ceremonies are released from the program with prejudice, citing "uncooperative behavior" and are referred back to the court system in cases where admission was "involuntary", to quote law enforcement documents related to such cases.

The belief taught in the program is that once a "student" has been converted to or cleansed by the Teen Challenge program, the "demon" of drug addiction can no longer "reside" within them.  

On that note, to avoid a sensitive subject, don't ask how many of the Teen Challenge staffers are addicted to coffee, because "that's different."  Perhaps, part of the problem we see is the "demon possessed coffee drinkers" have corrupted the otherwise pure staffing roster.  But in all seriousness, allow me to backtrack to the subject at hand.

Of course not unlike any other cult organization, logic has been discarded for a twisted interpretation of "faith".  Take for example, the previously mentioned Teen Challenge policy disallowing medication  as evidenced by this excerpt from the New York Teen Challenge FAQ.  Their policy reflects most national Teen Challenge's protocol:  

A student may not smoke, use tobacco products, use drugs or alcohol, or use the 

following types of medications: pain medication, sleeping pills and sedatives. Also, 

a student may not use other drugs that are narcotic type drugs while he is in the 

program. If a student is under a physician’s care that feels the student must take 

narcotic type drugs, that student should seek a medical or psychiatric facility for assistance, 
as Teen Challenge is not a medical facility. 

Faith healing practices have been around for thousands of years, and more recently have been exposed as frauds.  Many have died as a result of this self-righteous corruption and misuse of God's word.  Though we fullheartedly believe that GOD ALMIGHTY has the ability to heal and even raise the living from the dead, such healing or miracles are individual tests of faith between God and the individual He is working with, so to speak.  

"Enforced faith", or oppressive discrimination of those who need medication is a sin, by any standard.  God gave a very urgent warning to his children to be on the look out for corruptions of HIS WORD.  

Matthew 24:24 - For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

He is also very clear about the fate of those who mislead and abuse children in HIS NAME.

Matthew 18:6    6 But whoso shall cause one of these little ones who believe in Me to fall, it were better for him that a millstone were hung about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

"Do Take a look at this quote from the Teen Challenge FAQ page:

Is Teen Challenge a medical program?

Teen Challenge believes in the faith model and concentrates on focusing attention on God and His will for those that enter the program as well as those who are being assisted in some of the services offered. While recognizing the need for expertise in some areas, Teen Challenge does not subscribe to the medical model of helping an individual involved in drug abuse.

"Who needs medical knowledge...We've got...eh....experts in "some areas, that we can talk to if we need to... " ?  

So we've talked about the abuses, negligence, and other topics that give us reason to Speak Out Against Teen Challenge, which are far too many to list here, but we have far more detailed information in our blogs listed above.  So let's touch on this subject just once more.

Well I've heard that Teen Challenge is the Most Successful Rehab!  Isn't that true?

Only in the sector of religion can an organization make statistical claims without any clinical or scientific data to support it.  When it comes to the "success rates" of Teen Challenge programs lets take a look at how they've manipulated the game to their illusory benefit 

How long is your program?

The typical Teen Challenge experience lasts 12-18 months barring any unforeseen circumstances. Emphasis is placed, not on a time element, but on the evaluated progress of the student as to when completion is made.

According to Teen Challenge's website what credit (for the inaccurately high success rate they report) is not given to the religious aspect of the program, is attributed to the length of the "student's" residency.  Not only that, Teen Challenge really isn't even truly a rehab or recovery program by strict definition as ALL students when admitted have already successfully completed detox.

Can I detox at your centers and if not where can I go?

Most Teen Challenges require that you detox before entering the program. There are detox centers in most communities. The local Teen Challenge should have some recommendations as to where a good detox program would be in your area.

  This is the most telling element of the Teen Challenge claim to success.  If a "student" is already detoxed then by definition, they are already "off drugs" and the hard part has already been done for them.  This is another reason why the program disallows the use of "narcotic" medicines in their program.  The drugs that they refer to almost surely categorize opiates and perhaps even Benzodiazepines.  If someone is in great pain, or suffering from anxiety issues then they may be prescribed these medications, but TC doesn't want the liability of "addictive" substances messing p their ability to say that they get kids "off drugs completely", although even that isn't true.  Then after 12-18 months of conditioning and control, the "student" has then adjusted to life away from the friends and environment that had influenced their decision to use drugs or alcohol.  Great!  It works!....BUT so could a vacation to China, with a comparable cost and results likewise, without the abuses and side-effects of primitive conditioning (bruises, damaged self-esteem, lost lives, lost innocence)

There are other reasons why Teen Challenge claims of success rates fully lack credibility.  Take a look at this item from a 2001 New York Times.

 It is the opinion of some social scientists that the 86 percent success rate of Teen Challenge is misleading, as it does not count the people who dropped out during the program, and that, like many voluntary NGO's, Teen Challenge picks its clients. The item quotes the Rev. John D. Castellani, then president of Teen Challenge International U.S.A., as saying that most of the addicts have already been through detoxification programs, before they are admitted. In the program's first four-month phase, Mr. Castellani said, 25 to 30 percent drop out, and in the next eight months, 10 percent more leave. In their testimony before the United States House Committee on Ways and Means, the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund, have similarly testified that the much quoted success rates "dramatically distort the truth", due to the lack of reference to the high drop out rate.

 "Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Human Resources and Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures of the House Committee on Ways and Means". House Committee on Ways and Means. 2001-06-14. Retrieved 2009-01-10.

So what do you call it when you say something untrue?  A lie?  A deadly sin.  But what if you are spreading those lies across the world, deceiving parents, children, and those who are TRYING to do the right thing?  What does the Christian Bible say about those that lie and facilitate the abuses of children?  I would refer you to the above verse from Matthew 18:6.  A hint; it involves a millstone, a neck, rope, and the ocean.

If you ask a Christian in most Protestant denominations about Teen Challenge, they will probably tell you that they've heard great things about this organization and it's high rate of success.  Now you know why and how to respond.  If it doesn't come up in conversation, bring it up, because it is all of our responsibility to Speak Out for the victims, their families, and those who have been deceived by this organization in so many ways. 

This post does not go into great detail of these abuses and reports of ethics violations.  You can find these stories in our other blogs at http://teenchallengeusa.blogspot.com or http://teenchallengeinternational.blogspot.com, and as mentioned previously, http://teenchallengeboycott.blogspot.com These are not our stories, but those of the many who have been negatively impacted by the sins committed by these programs.  In the same way that James Randi seeks to expose fraudulent illusionists, who take advantage of the emotionally vulnerable and heartbroken(mediums/seance), we would like to think that we share the same role in the faith sector.  Too many fraudulent organizations have preyed upon the weak and needy in the name of faith, and it is time to stand against them at any cost.  

Please share the truth with those you know.  Our youth should not suffer from our mistakes, and complacence toward such sinful mistreatment.

BOYCOTT TEEN CHALLENGE 2014 - Acknowledgement and Change Movement
hosted by "Speak Out Against Teen Challenge"

Everybody, please JOIN USUS in our boycott to make much needed changes in the Teen Challenge program and prevent any further victims of any abuses or negligence.

As part of the SOATC 2014 Boycott, please DO NOT support Teen Challenge, monetarily, or non-monetarily, until they publicly acknowledge and accept responsiblity for the long (and ever growing) list of abuses, negligences, and ethics violations.  We will boycott until they also make appropriate changes to their current level of transparency and allowed communication of minor children with their immediate family, or guardians, we also demand that Teen Challenge submit to complete Third-party monitoring and regulation, in order to guarantee beyond any doubt that as Teen Challenge continues operation that no more children will be abused or neglected.

We encourage you to use the money you "would have " donated to Teen Challenge to another well respected and charitible foundation or non-profit who care for the victims of abuse.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of Teen Challenge abuse or negligence please share your story with us at "Speak Out Against Teen Challenge".  Simply email challengingteenchallenge@gmail.com

In the name of all that Good and Holy,

Thomas and Trinity Kinder

Facebook Username:  TeenChallenge Boycottusa

Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/teenchallengeinternational

TEEN CHALLENGE: PBS EXPOSES ABUSIVE PROGRAMS IN MONTANA

WARNING!  THIS VIDEO IS DISTURBING.  WE CANNOT TOLERATE THIS KIND OF TREATMENT OF OUR VULNERABLE YOUTHS ANY LONGER!

TEEN CHALLENGE 

MONTANA WOMENS OUTREACH

JANICE METCALF HENDERSON

STATE BY STATE LIST OF FRAUDULENT OR ABUSIVE CENTERS

STATE BY STATE LIST OF FRAUDULENT OR ABUSIVE FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN OR ADULTS

If you have any facilities you think should be added to this list please contact us us.  We will review and investigate likewise.




Warning!  Do not place your child in any facility that denies you one on one contact with your child AT ANY TIME. Warning! Do not place your child in any facility that requires a liability waiver for any harm caused to your child. Warning! Do not place your child in any facility that denies them access to a telephone. Warning! Do not place your child in any facility that uses confrontational "therapy"! Warning! Do not place your child in any facility where their phone calls with you are monitored. Warning! Do not place your child in any facility that expects total and unquestioned support of parents.



REPORT FRAUD, ABUSE, AND LABOR VIOLATIONS: Click Here for Agency Directory and Filing Information








(Watch the Congressional Hearings)








***VISIT THE NEW SURVIVOR MESSAGE FORUM!***



The residential treatment and wilderness "therapy" programs have been denounced by the National Institute of Health as being harmful to children and families as well as ineffective in dealing with teen problems. There are multiple resources that expose the fraud and abuse of this industry. Some authors to check out are Dr. Peter Breggin, Alexia Parks, and Maia Szalavitz. Dr. Peter Breggin is author of multiple books regarding appropriate treatment for teens (see Reclaiming Our Children by Dr. Peter Breggin). Alexia Parks authored "An American Gulag" exposing the "teen help" industry and Maia Szalavitz has written two great books exposing the fraud and abuse inherent in this industry, "Tough Love America" and "Help at Any Cost".



We suggest parents do not remove their children from their home environment unless they pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. Leading expert in adolescent psychology and former head of the Department of Psychology at the University of California--Berkeley, Dr. Margaret Singer, has spoken out against these programs in great detail saying that they make a child's worst nightmare of abandonment come true and that the people who run these programs are slick businessmen with no training or expertise in helping teens appropriately. Maia Szalavitz, author of "Tough Love America", cites the National Institute of Health studies on these programs that have determined that they are harmful and not helpful to teens or their families. Szalavitz also stated on the Jan. 18th, 2005 episode of Montel Williams that even when children/teens pose an immediate threat to themselves or others that at most a short stay (1-4 weeks) in a local psychiatric hospital to deescalate the situation is what is needed followed by intensive out-patient family counseling.





The "schools" listed on our site are either suspectedly or confirmedly abusive. We recommend no one send children to a facility that matches any of the criteria on our warning signs list at www.heal-online.org/warn.htm. We have successfully exposed the abuses at Bethel Boys Academy (now closed), Bethel Girls Academy (now closed), CEDU Family of Programs (all programs now closed), Mountain Park Boarding Academy (now closed), and many others. We had proof of abuse at CEDU programs up for years prior to their being closed down on Friday, 3/25/05. The system sometimes takes too long to catch up with justice and truth. That's why we exist. We exist to warn and protect families from abusive behavior modification programs.



If you are a survivor of one of these programs or otherwise interested in exposing fraudulent and abusive “treatment” centers or wilderness camps, pleasecontact us. For more information on this issue visit: http://www.heal-online.org/teen.htm. On the HEAL website you will find links to lawsuits, news articles, and survivor websites detailing the abuses experienced at these facilities. Also, please take a moment to read the open letter quoting government and private entities with their true intentions in these matters by visiting www.beyondbusiness.net/openletter.htm. It is imperative that you DO NOT send your child to an out of state behavior modification program. It is imperative that you DO NOT send your child to any program that limits or denies contact between you and your child at any point in their stay at the facility. It is imperative that you DO NOT send your child to a facility that you yourself will not be monitoring on at least a weekly basis in person to monitor the treatment and well being of your child. Be responsible, for the sake of your children.



If you or your family were defrauded, abused, and/or subjected to human and civil rights violations, please get legal assistance now. The statute of limitations varies from state to state. You have a limited time to file a claim. For a list of attorneys and attorney referral services that can help you in your pursuit of justice, click here.



If you are a parent who was coerced into putting your child on psychotropic drugs by school professionals, please visit:http://www.ablechild.org/data/thelist.asp. This is a growing list of parents bullied into putting their children in harm’s way.



To make a donation to HEAL specifically for our Teen Liberty/Stop Child Abuse Campaign, please click here. We need your full support to ensure needed exposure for this campaign! Get involved, donate or volunteer today!



Also, we believe ALL programs outside of the US are suspect and ask that you read the U.S. State Department’s warning regarding international programs byclicking here. Do not, under any circumstances, risk your child’s life in a program outside of the U.S.



HEAL is not a referral service. We do not advocate placement of children in unregulated, private, behavior modification programs or facilities. Please do not contact us for referrals or approval of your subjecting a child to this corrupt and destructive industry.



If you are unable to find the answers you are looking for, please visit: www.heal-online.org/faqs.htm and/or www.heal-online.org/help.htm



Following is a “work in progress” list of suspected and confirmed abusive behavior modification programs in the United States. If you have survived an abusive behavior modification program, please contact us and tell us your experience. We will post your experience and details about the facility on this website. We can protect your identity if you so desire. Understand that this is an incomplete list and that it is your responsibility to look heavily into the program(s) which you consider placing your child into. Please use the following drop down menu to select programs by state or name or simply scroll down the page:





ALABAMA

Alabama Teen Challenge in Oxford (& cities of Bay Minette, Warrior, ), AL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to ensure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff information and background, click here.



Baldwin County's Girls Residential Wilderness Center (aka Camp Horizon) in Alabama. This program is currently under investigation after allegations led to the transfer of a girl out of the program. Parents have launched a number of complaints and the county prosecutor's office is investigating. See news report dated September 18th, 2008. Please contact us with any info on this program. This is a state run program that accepts court-ordered placements only. The minimum stay appears to be 16 weeks. They use a 4-level behavior modification system. They misspell the word "success" throughout their website as "sucess" and "sucessfully". (co.baldwin.al.us/PageView.asp?PageType=R&edit_id=950, October 21st, 2010) And, we have a variety of concerns regarding the methods in use in state-run facilities. See www.beyondbusiness.net/openletter.htm for more information on the problem with the methods used in state-run detention centers. For staff and background information, click here.







New Beginnings in AL is a Three Springs program. Based on multiple survivor accounts of other Three Springs programs and former employee (employed at Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley facility) allegations, we find Duck River Boys to be highly suspect. Due to possible litigation in this issue and in order to protect our sources, we are not divulging more information at this time. If you have more information on Three Springs programs and/or were abused while in their care, please contact us. If you were at their follow up transitional facility and experienced abuse or further violations of your rights, please contact us. To read survivor reports visit: www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm To review the staff list, click here.





New Directions Boys in Huntsville, AL is a Three Springs program. Based on multiple survivor accounts of other Three Springs programs and former employee (employed at Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley facility) allegations, we find Duck River Boys to be highly suspect. Due to possible litigation in this issue and in order to protect our sources, we are not divulging more information at this time. If you have more information on Three Springs programs and/or were abused while in their care, please contact us. If you were at their follow up transitional facility and experienced abuse or further violations of your rights, please contact us. To read survivor reports visit: www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm To review the staff list, click here.





Reclamation Ranch in Empire, AL (program has relocated to Dearborn, MI) is connected to Rachael Academy. These programs are descendants of the Roloff homes and are confirmedly abusive. Reclamation Ranch has been raided and is swimming in allegations of abuse and torture. There is a photo on their website of the Director proudly posing with the plane that Roloff died in. If you were in Reclamation Ranch or would like to contact us please click here. For information on Reclamation Ranch staff and cult history, click here. Here are videos on the raid!:












Teen Challenge, Int’l in Seale, AL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors,click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff information and background, click here.





Three Springs of Courtland, Three Springs Turning Point, and Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley are lock down facilities with around the clock observation of children in their care. Based on the description as of February 13, 2004 at the teenprogram.info site, linked to the program title at the beginning of this description and former employee (employed at Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley facility) allegations, we believe that Three Springs of Courtland and Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley are confirmedly abusive. Due to possible litigation in this issue and in order to protect our sources, we are not divulging more information at this time. If you have more information on Three Springs programs and/or were abused while in their care, please contact us. If you were at their follow up transitional facility at Three Springs Turning Point and experienced abuse or further violations of your rights, please contact us. To read survivor reports visit:www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm To review the staff list, click here. (Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley is reportedly closed/closing as of April/May, 2011. We are awaiting further confirmation. Source: http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/ThreeSpringsBN_110426.shtml)





Palmera Teen Challenge in Double Springs, Alabama is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff information and background, click here.



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ALASKA

(No Known Open Programs in Alaska)



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ARIZONA

Anasazi Foundation located in Mesa, AZ was founded by Larry Dean Olsen, a long-time associate of Steve Cartisano, is likely abusive. Please read: http://www.nospank.net/bacon2.htm (On any page, you can click on "edit", "find (on this page)", and enter in a word such as "Anasazi" to find it on the page.) Please contact us if you were abused or had your rights violated by Anasazi. We highly suspect Anasazi Foundation of being an abusive program. For staff and background info, click here.





Arivaca Boys Ranch--Located in Arivaca, AZ (on Mexican Border). It looks to be a basic slave/labor camp. These ranchers get free labor that they can exploit and abuse while charging families big money. The website plays into the scapegoating of children by taking all responsibility off the parents or family dynamic and blaming the child. This is a sign of an abusive environment. Children, teenagers, and the adults in their lives all contribute to the overall social environment that can create imbalance, lack of good communication, and a complete breakdown of the family dynamic. It is up to everyone to work together to resolve family issues. Any program that sets parents and children against each other and takes the "side" of the parent without having properly assessed the needs of the family, including the child in question, is likely fraudulent and abusive. We would recommend against placing any child at such a facility as Arivaca Boys Ranch. Please contact us if you need to expose abuse or violations at this facility. For staff and background info, click here.







Canyon State Academy (a.k.a. Rite of Passage, Arizona Boys Ranch) located in Queen Creek, AZ. This program is confirmedly abusive. A child was killed by staff at this facility. See articles here and here. Please do not subject your child to this program. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Canyon State Academy (or Arizona Boys Ranch), please contact usand we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Copper Canyon Academy located in Lake Montezuma, AZ is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. They use a level-based system similar to Provo Canyon School and the WWASPS programs. They limit contact between parent and child to censored/shared w/ staff written correspondence while on the initial orientation level. This contact is increased to one monthly phone call with staff supervision watching and monitoring all the child says while on the phone. These conditions make it virtually impossible for a child to report any abuse without suffering greater risk of unnecessary and cruel punishment. Please do not send your child to any program that limits your contact with them. If you were abused at Copper Canyon Academy or had your rights violated in anyway (it is against federal law for them to read your incoming or outgoing written correspondence and lawsuits have shown time and again that these institutions are guilty of breaking federal laws by doing this) please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.







The Fenster School--Located in Tucson, AZ. We have received a preliminary report of abuse at The Fenster School. Based on the preliminary report, we find Fenster suspected of being an abusive facility. Please contact us with any information on The Fenster School. For staff and background info, click here.





Oak Creek Ranch School located in Sedona, AZ is confirmedly abusive. According to one mother, "My son went to Oak Creek Ranch School in Sedona, Arizona. We were assured that it would be a good place for a 12 year old and he would be among several others of his age, supervised and extra help with some of his learning and behavioral issues. The whole stay was a nightmare. There was only one other 12 year old, all the other kids were high school students, smoking, doing drugs and more. No supervision every night for 4 hours, kids left to roam around. Whenever I called the only supervisor would complain constantly that they were short staffed. My son was expelled for taunting another kid with bruises on his body. California Child Protective Services got involved, but nothing ever happened. I contacted the Sherriff's Dept. in Sedona, and was told that "they are good people at that school" and they weren't going to investigate. Of course, I was not refunded any tuition and my son learned everything he shouldn't have, cussing, smoking, drugs, sexual encounters with older girls. To this day, 5 years later he still will not tell us about some of the stuff that went on there, he is scarred, our whole family has been traumatized by this experience. Schools like Oak Creek Ranch School need to be put out of business!" Please do not send your child to Oak Creek Ranch School. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Oak Creek Ranch School, please contact us so we can post your experience here as a warning to others. Thank you! For more information on Oak Creek Ranch School, please click here.





Parc Place located in N. Chandler, AZ is confirmedly abusive. According to multiple former employees: "A lockdown rehabilitation facility for troubled teens in north Chandler is under fire from former employees who claim the place is plagued by violence, poor management and lax care." See the whole news report titled, "Ex-employees question safety for troubled teens at rehab facility" at http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=6240832&nav=HMO6. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Parc Place, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff list and additional information, click here.





Re-creation Retreat--Located in Fredonia, AZ. HEAL has received three reports alleging abuse at this facility. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this facility.





Spring Ridge Academy located in Spring Valley, AZ is confirmedly abusive and uses virtually the same language and systems of seminars as Resource Realizations and the TASKS model of behavior modification. According to their application form they require parents to turn over all guardianship rights over to the school while the child is in the school. They require a commitment of at least 15 months. They ask parents to sign away the right to sue for any reason other than gross negligence, which they cannot legally require parents to do in the event they break the law, prove to be fraudulent and abusive, as we believe they are. They also block communication to the outside world allowing only letters to and from parents all coming and going through staff so that no child can report their abuse to their parents without being punished. They block phone privileges during the first month(s) of stay. All of these are red flags according to the warning list athttp://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm. Please do not send your child to this program. Rescue them if they are there now! View some of the fines levied against the program, click here. If you were abused at Spring Ridge Academy please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff list and additional information, click here.





Teen Challenge of Arizona in Phoenix, (and cities of Tucson, Yuma) AZ is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff list and information, click here.





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ARKANSAS

Capstone Treatment Center--Located in Judsonia/Searcy, AR. HEAL finds Capstone suspect because they use the typical and abusive behavior modification/thought reform phase system to forcibly change a child's beliefs and personality. At least one Capstone employee has moved on to a confirmedly abusive and lethal wilderness program. If you have been abused or had your rights violated at Capstone, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.







Teen Challenge of Arkansas in Hot Springs Village, AR is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.





Teen Challenge Ranch in Morrow, AR is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.







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CALIFORNIA







Feather River Teen Challenge in Live Oak, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.





Homeward Bound in "Bay Area", CA is suspected of being an violative program and/or referral center. They are home-based in Utah and associated with other Utah programs that are abusive and/or unregulated. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Homeward Bound, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff background and information, click here.





Julian Youth Academy--Located in Chino, CA. HEAL has received three complaints regarding this program. Please contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background information, click here.





Monterey Teen Challenge in Watsonville, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.





Pacific View Retreat located somewhere near the borders of California and Mexico is a WWASPS program for adults. Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children. You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htm. As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS. According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.” If you were abused or had your rights violated at Pacific View Retreat, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm. For staff and background information, click here.







Phoenix House in CA is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. Respected teen "help" industry researcher, Maia Szalavitz, likens the treatment at Phoenix House to known abusive programs. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Phoenix House, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Redwood Teen Challenge in McKinleyville, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.





Southwestern Academy in California has a program design that raises red flags all over the place. They use a punishment and reward merit system similar to that used by Provo Canyon School. Please compare the student handbook at http://www.southwesternacademy.edu/handbooks2.htm with the warning signs list at http://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm. We believe based on the handbook descriptions that this program is abusive and we recommend you do not send your child there! If you were abused or had your rights violated at Southwestern Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff background and information, click here.





Teen Challenge in Lincoln, (& cities of Bakersfield, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Turlock, Ventura,) CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.





Teen Challenge Int’l—California in Oakland, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.





Teen Challenge—Los Angeles in Los Angeles ( South Gate & Hawthorne), CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.





Teen Challenge New Life in Sacramento, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff background and information, click here.







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COLORADO

Excelsior Youth Centers, Inc. in Aurora, CO is reportedly abusive. We have received two separate complaints on this program. A survivor from 1998 and one from 2011. We would recommend against placing a child in this facility. If you would like to submit a statement to HEAL regarding Excelsior Youth Centers, Inc., please e-mail us for more information. For staff background and information, click here.





Monarch Center for Family Healing (a.k.a. SolTribe, LLC) in Georgetown, CO is confirmedly abusive. The following is from a Denver Westward article, by Adam Cayton-Holland, dated November 12th, 2008.


"While some teenagers wake up to find a Monarch staffer by their bedside, ready to rip them from the life they know and whisk them to the mountains of Colorado — an extreme, boot-camp tactic that enforces the seriousness of what the student is about to go through — Chris went to Monarch voluntarily, escorted by his parents.

Right away, Harry noticed a few things that worried him. He found it odd that his son was going to be in a coed group camping in the woods. He also wondered if the cheap, plastic fishing-tackle box stuffed to the brim with the different medications of Monarch students was sufficiently secure. But he'd heard that Monarch was such an amazing place, he let those concerns go.

Out in the field, though, Chris found his daily routine a far cry from the glitzy, biking/white-water rafting/mountain-climbing Colorado experience that Monarch had advertised.

"Basically we'd wake up early, eat breakfast that consisted of powdered milk and cereal, and then we'd hike for miles," Chris remembers. "We'd stop for lunch, then keep hiking for a few more hours, and then we'd camp. We'd sit around the fire and shoot the shit for a little bit at night, but it wasn't therapy; it was just talking. Then the next day we'd do it again. It got to be really, really boring."

And worse. Early on, Chris lost the spoon he'd been assigned for his meals, so he had to consume his meager rations with a stick. An informational pamphlet handed out at orientation had informed students that they were to practice a leave-no-trace style of mountaineering, with each camper issued six squares of toilet paper, but Chris didn't even get that. "They made me wipe my ass with rocks and pinecones," he says. "They never had toilet paper. That six squares thing? That was just bullshit. The girls were made to drip dry."

Each camper carried a thermos. At streams, they'd fill up — and then counselors would purify each thermos with a few drops from an eye-dropper full of chlorine bleach. Sometimes, Chris says, they would just drop the bleach directly into the stream and then tell the kids to fill up. Chris was soon suffering from severe diarrhea.

Monarch typically takes students out into the field for two weeks at a time, then brings them back to Georgetown for a week of family therapy. When the Haneys arrived from Fort Worth, where Harry owns a company that manufactures highway safety equipment, Chris smelled so bad that he had to shower twice before they could take him out for a meal, Harry remembers.

At their first family session, Chris complained about conditions at Monarch. But his parents figured it was just normal bitching about "bad kids' camp," and they sent him back into the field.

The second time Harry came up for family week, he could see in his son's eyes that something wasn't right.

"He said, 'Dad, you have to get me out of here; they just want me for the money,'" Harry remembers."

If you were abused or had your rights violated at Monarch, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



Mountain Homes Youth Ranch in Dinosaur, CO (business office in Vernal, UT) is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. We base this suspicion on the fact that the use a phase system similar to that in the WWASPS programs. We were unable to download the “in-depth MHYR program packet” and were unable to confirm our suspicions due to the lack of information available. If you were abused at Mountain Homes Youth Ranch, please contact us so we may post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.







Open Sky Wilderness Therapy--Located in Durango, CO. We have received one parent complaint regarding this program. And, we have found multiple problems with the enrollment materials that include apparent admission of physical abuse, lack of qualified staff, and other issues. Please contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge of Colorado in Olathe, CO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Rocky Mountains in Crestone, CO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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CONNECTICUT

Devereux Glenholme in CT is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. According to one woman’s experience: “from there it was on to Devereux Glenholme, a correctional school/residential/hell. a high priced jail that was dressed up to look like a well to do boarding school. nearly two years of that place has scarred me like nothing else could ever. they abused their rights as caregivers by tapping phone conversations between children and their parents, stealing funds, opening mail, using abusive techniques for restrainment, using funds for campus beautification, not the well being of the kids, and lying to the board of health. creativity and self-expression was smothered out as soon as possible there. if it weren’t for the friends I made there I would try to forget this part of my life.” This was taken from http://allthesescarsaremine.50megs.com/moi/ (This link is no longer active. You may be able to find the site by entering the link url (http://allthesescarsaremine.50megs.com/moi/) in the search at www.archive.org.). If you were abused at Devereux Glenholme, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.







Teen Challenge in New Haven, CT is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors,click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.



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DELAWARE

(No current information regarding programs in Delaware.)



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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (WASH., D.C.)



(There are no known programs still open in Washington, D.C.)





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FLORIDA



E-Kel-Etu--Located in Silver Springs, FL. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated by E-Kel-Etu, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.







E-Ma-Chamee--Located in Milton, FL. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated by E-Ma-Chamee, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.






E-Nini-Hassee--Located in Floral City, FL. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated by E-Nini-Hassee, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.




Eckerd Academy--Located in Brooksville, FL This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Eckerd Academy, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





La Amistad Behavioral Health Services--Located in Maitland, FL. HEAL received a request to investigate this program from a parent on January 21st, 2012. HEAL received a signed declaration on April 12th, 2012 from a parent that alleges their child was abused at this facility. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





National Deaf Academy--Located in Mt. Dora, FL. Reportedly abusive. For staff and background information, click here. If you would like to submit a statement to HEAL regarding your experiences at National Deaf Academy, please e-mails us for submission information.



New Beginnings Rebekah Home (aka New Beginnings Girls Academy or Marvelous Grace Girls Academy)—in Pace, FL is confirmedly abusive. The former owners, Mr. & Mrs. Cameron, have opened and closed their lockdown residential facilities in TX, MO, and MS before bringing them to FL in 2001. Texas has permanently banned Mrs. Cameron from working with children or being present at a juvenile facility. A local TV station reported in Dec. 2004 that FL state officials had investigated two allegations of abuse at the school, one for requiring “extreme physical exertion” of a student and an accusation that Mrs. Cameron hit a girl with a curtain rod. Soon afterwards the school changed its name to New Beginnings Girls Academy and the Camerons’ names were removed from its literature. Like the Camerons, however, the new director, Bill McNamara, strongly emphasizes the girls’ sinfulness and prohibits contact with their siblings, according to the sister of one student. Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter. If you were abused or had your rights violated at New Beginnings, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. To view survivor statements regarding the Cameron's and these programs please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Safe Harbor Boys Home (aka Safe Harbor Maritime Academy) in Jacksonville, FL is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. They use a level system similar to that in the WWASPS programs and require parents to enroll their children for at least one year. They also state on their website (as of 9/29/04) that if parents have second thoughts (why would they if it was a safe/healthy environment for their child?) that they shouldn’t have placed the child with Safe Harbor to begin with. Why does Safe Harbor need to control the parents as well as the children? In the least, their website and policies give us at HEAL pause and we recommend you do not send your child to this facility. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Safe Harbor Boys Home, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff background and information, click here.





Teen Challenge (a.k.a. Christian Military Schools, Gateway Military Schools, Gateway Christian Military Academy) in Bonifary, FL is confirmedly abusive. If you were abused at Teen Challenge in Bonifay, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge Int’l—Florida in Orlando, (and cities of Sanford, Fort Myers, Pensacola, Tarpon Springs (closed), Davie, Tampa) FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge Lakeland Girls in Lakeland, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge Ministries in Jacksonville, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge of Florida in Vero Beach, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge Women’s Center in Ft.Myers, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Victory Forge Military Academy (aka Southeastern Military Academy, Camp Victory Wilderness Challenge) in Port St. Lucie, FL is confirmedly abusive. See the news article at:http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/may/02/abuse-allegations-leave-victory-forge-military/?feedback=1#comments If you were abused or had your rights violated at Victory Forge Military Academy, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





West Florida Teen Challenge Boys’ Ranch (a.k.a. Christian Military Schools, Gateway Military Schools, Gateway Christian Military Academy)—in Bonifay, Florida is a confirmedly abusive teen program. See the youtube of a child pleading for help. The contract parents must sign with Teen Challenge does not indicate that the school meets standards that might be roughly equivalent to state requirements. The contract states that the Florida Association of Christian Child-Caring Agencies’ (FACCCA) “intent” is to “insure the physical and spiritual health, safety, and well being” of the children and therefore that thee boy’s ranch must meet FACCCA’s “minimum standards,” but the only one described in the contract is allowing access to public officials who inspect for fire, health, safety, and sanitation codes. Parents have to agree to hold the ranch and its employees harmless from “any and all liability” for injury to the child “even injury resulting in death.” Parents must agree “that God desires that they resolve their dispute with one another within the church and that they be reconciled in their relationships in accordance with the principles stated in I Corinthians 6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-24, and Matthew 18:15-20.” If they cannot resolve their disagreement privately within the church, parents must accept resolution through “biblically based mediation” by rules of the Association of Christian Conciliation Services. There is no refund of tuition or deposits if the boy leaves the ranch before 15 months even if the ranch has expelled him. Several former students say that staff, “use physical punishment, ridicule intimidate and/or verbally abuse children; use chemical restraints; employ cruel or humiliating treatment or other emotionally abusive behavior; assign excessive exercise or work duties, deny food, clothing, shelter, medical car, and/or prescribed therapeutic activities, or contacts with family, counselors, or legal representatives as a form of punishment.” Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated by any Teen Challenge program, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.



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GEORGIA



Alternative Youth Academy located in Alpharetta, GA. This program is a sister program to Restoration Youth Academy in Alabama. The staff are primarily unlicensed. And, at least one with a professional license has faced disciplinary action as recently as June, 2012 for what appears to be a form of fraud. HEAL has received reports of abuse at this facility. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





Broken Shackle Ranch is located in Davisboro, GA. They are a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. In 2003, they were ordered to pay over $1 million in a wrongful death suit. They were found liable for Bryan Jones’ death. Jones was fifteen when he was electrocuted to death while in the care of Broken Shackle Ranch. (Case No. A03A1064). See the lawsuit,Lawsuit Against Broken Shackle Ranch (in Georgia) . In addition, according to their website they use a level system (similar to that of the abusive WWASPS programs). They aim at completely changing the personalities of the children in their care. They do this through what they call both “negative and positive” reinforcement. We believe based on the information available on their website as of 2/14/04 and the lawsuit(s) filed against them that they are a confirmedly abusive program. If you were abused at Broken Shackle Ranch, please contact us and we’ll add your online testimony to this website. For staff and background information, click here.







Carolina Springs Academy is located somewhere near the borders of Georgia and South Carolina. Based on the less than open nature of their website and the fact that their contact information is solely a phone number without public disclosure of even the city of their location we believe that Carolina Springs Academy is suspect. What leads us to further believe that Carolina Springs Academy is suspect is their descriptions of their program. They use cognitive-behavioral restructuring (aka trauma-based mind control) as well as a merit system not unlike that used by WWASPS and Provo Canyon School. We believe it is in the best interest of you and your child that you do not send your child to Carolina Springs Academy. If you attended Carolina Springs Academy and were abused while in their care, please contact us and we’ll add your online testimony to this website. For staff information and background, click here.





Coastal Harbor Treatment Center--Located in Savannah, GA. Is owned and operated by Universal Health Services and trades staff on occasion with confirmedly abusive Provo Canyon School (also owned by Universal Health Services). We suspect Coastal Harbor is abusive due to its close affiliation with confirmedly abusive Provo Canyon School/UHS. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Coastal Harbor, contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. This program takes children as young as 4 years old.





Eckerd Academy--Located in Suches, GA This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Eckerd Academy, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Shepherd's Hill Farm--Located in Martin, GA. Shepherd's Hill Farm is confirmedly abusive. For survivor statement(s), click here. One survivor reported: "I was a student at an abusive school around 7-8 years ago, when the program was first starting. I was a student for a little over two years. I just now began to tell people about it and they have told me I need to contact lawyers and that what they did was abuse. I am not sure what to do though. I was a student at Shepherds Hill Farm Academy Owned by Trace Embry and his Wife Beth Embry. I believe that Trace Embry is a twisted sick man who used his good way with words and the bible, to abuse children and rob parents and families of $58,900 a year. I believe he is a threat to children, to parents, and family's and by extension voting and all of society and the future. Trace and his wife are sick people who are leading a cult and harming hundreds and hundreds of innocent people. No one deserves to be treated the way I was treated at SHF; treated like some scumbag would treat a dog. I have horrible anxiety and nervousness. I have a hard time being around authority figures because they frighten me inside very much. I have talked to other former students of SHF, from around when I went. They agree to be in a class action law suit against SHF. Some of them have had to undergo VERY MUCH therapy and real, professional help to heal the wounds left on them by SHF and Trace. I really hope you can help me or at least help get the word out about SHF so that other ex students may come forward. This place absolutely needs to be investigated and shut down." We recommend no parent subject any child to an unregulated program. Please contact us with any information on Shepherd's Hill Farm. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge—Atlanta located in Atlanta, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Columbus in Columbus, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Macon in Macon, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge of Middle Georgia in Dublin, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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HAWAII

(There are no known programs operating in Hawaii at this time.)



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IDAHO

Boulder Creek Academy: (RE-OPENED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP) in Bonners Ferry, ID was (when owned by CEDU) a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. It is now owned by Universal Health Services. According to a CEDU program survivor, “I attended Ascent and CEDU in CA. If you love your child STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL. I can tell you stories that will make you sick. I have also heard alot of horror stories from students who attended some of the other schools on this site. Please - do your research before sending your child into the care of strangers. If you want more information please contact me at ArtemBiz@yahoo.com.” Don’t send your child to a CEDU program! If you were abused at Boulder Creek Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. Please visit www.heal-online.org/cedu.htm for more information on the abuse at CEDU facilities. For staff and background information, click here.







Clear View in Sandpoint, ID is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. What leads us to believe it is suspect is the fact that they encourage limited communication between patient and their family and only allow family visits every four months and under the supervision of Clear View therapists. There are big red flags here. Children should be allowed open phone privileges to parents at all times and private communications between the child and their parents at all times. Families should be encouraged to be an integral part of their child’s therapy from the on-set not four months into treatment. Due to all of these reasons we believe Clear View is clearly suspect and best to be avoided. If you were abused while in the care of Clear View, please contact us and we will add your personal statement to our website. For staff and background information, click here.



Elk Mountain Academy in Clark Fork, ID is confirmedly abusive. "The counselor arrested on sexual battery charges at a North Idaho private school for troubled teenage boys has admitted to authorities he had been a long-time sex addict, including the more than three decades he served as a Catholic priest. Louis Wayne Ladenburger, 70, was arrested Wednesday on three charges of sexual battery with a minor after a three-week investigation by the Bonner County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit. Ladenburger worked at the Elk Mountain Academy near Clark Fork for only a few months as a therapist before the first alleged incident involving one of the students. The investigation started three weeks ago after a 17-year-old student told his parents Ladenburger had touched him." Taken from KXLY.com on May 30th, 2007. Please do not send your child to Elk Mountain Academy. If you were abused or had your rights violated while in the care of Elk Mountain Academy, please contact us and we will add your personal statement to our website. Also see: http://www.ruralnorthwest.com/artman/publish/article_7410.shtml Here's a brief sampling of the before linked article: "A therapist working at Elk Mountain Academy for seven months was arrested May 30 by the Bonner County Sheriff's Office and charged with two counts of sexual battery of a minor. Louis W. Ladenburger was also charged with a third count of sexual battery of another minor. Both are students at the Clark Fork therapeutic high school for at-risk teenage boys. Landenberg remains Bonner County Jail on $100,000 bail. Carl Olding, founder and director of the academy that began in 1994, said he received a call from a parent at 6 a.m. on May 5 claiming their son had been inappropriately touched by Ladenburger. "My wife notified Child Protective Services at their 24-hour hotline while I was in route to Sandpoint, where I met with the parents and their son in their hotel room two hours later," he said. After he arrived, Olding interviewed the student with his parents present. "My sense was the student was telling me the truth," he said. "He told me he thought the therapist would tell me the truth. I then interviewed Mr. Ladenburger, who admitted the entire story that the student shared was in fact true." Olding said he then stepped outside and called the sheriff's office around 9:30 a.m., made the report and offered to testify that Ladenburger had admitted the alleged crime. Olding's wife also reported the incident to the Department of Health and Welfare at approximately 11 a.m." For staff and background information, click here.


Intermountain Hospital--Located in Boise, ID. If you would like to submit information on this program, contact us. Reportedly abusive. See: http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A176580 For staff and background info, click here.


Northwest Academy: (REOPENED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP) in Naples, ID was a member of the CEDU Family of Services, a confirmedly abusive program. It is now owned by Universal Health Services. Please do not send your child to this program. If you were abused at Northwest Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. Please visit www.heal-online.org/cedu.htm for detailed accounts of lawsuits and statements against these abusers. For staff and background information, click here.



Northwoods of Idaho--Located in Bonners Ferry, ID, Sagle, ID and Costa Rica. Our primary concern is that the prominent leadership at this program started out at Rocky Mountain Academy and Ascent Wilderness, both of which were CEDU programs. CEDU has been sued for RICO (organized crime) activities and other issues. Rocky Mountain Academy and Ascent Wilderness are closed. And, based on our current review of Northwoods, we would advise against it. Please contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background information, click here.



SUWS (School of Urban and Wilderness Survival) is located in Idaho and is owned by Aspen Education Group, highly suspected of being a teen torture organization. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group (confirmed abuse at 3 Aspen Education Group programs), we determine that SUWS is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by SUWS or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.













Teen Challenge of Idaho in Boise, ID is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Turning Winds in Hayden, ID (Turning Winds has moved to Troy, MT) is confirmedly an abusive behavior modification program. The biggest red flag in this regard is the statement parents are asked to initial in the contract that reads, “The Turning Winds personnel shall be able to physically restrain, control, and detain him/her (your child) for and including, but not limited to, the following purposes: to protect the student, protect property, protect Turning Winds personnel or others from physical injury or threat of physical injury from the student, to transport the student, and to prevent the student from running away from the program.” Decisions of this nature are subjective and signing such a release allows Turning Winds a legal out if they physically harm your child unjustly. Please see the report at: http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2008/03/02/news/news02.txt Also, one of HEAL's Coordinators is a survivor of Turning Winds and has reported verbal abuse and deprivation of food. Turning Winds also uses WWASPS/Resource Realizations language and further leads us to believe that it is an abusive program. If you were abused at Turning Winds, please contact us and we will add your statement to this website. For staff and background information, click here.





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ILLINOIS



Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, IL is confirmedly abusive. We have reports on our survivor message forum suggesting this facility uses an abusive behavior modification model. We have also received reports from former staff. Please do not send your child to this facility. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Maryville Academy, please contact us so we can post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home in Freeport, IL is highly suspected of being an abusive facility. We have reports on our survivor message forum suggesting this facility uses an abusive behavior modification model. Please do not send your child to this facility. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Sleezer Youth Home, please contact us so we can post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



Ranch at Salem Children's Home, The (aka Salem Ranch, Salem Children's Home)--Located in Flanagan, IL. HEAL has a problem with the fact that children are forced to do hard labor without compensation as "therapy". See: "The Ranch Program at Salem encompasses troubled teens with an environment of biblical truth," says a statement on the Salem Web site. "Structure, discipline, accountability, and teaching promote spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social, and physical development. Daily chores centered on the care of horses are woven into a schedule of diligent education to build values and integrity." (Journal Star, April 7th, 2008) The language used suggests a cult-like structure and HEAL would generally advise against such an environment. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.



The ChalleNGe Academy in Lincoln, IL is suspected of being an behavior modification facility for teens. It's sister program, The ChalleNGe Academy at Ft. McCoy, WI makes inconsistent claims about it's program and denies "students" contact with the outside world (including family and friends) during the first "phase" of the program. If you were abused or had your rights violated at The ChalleNGe Academy, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



Teen Challenge Center—Chicago in Chicago, IL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge of Illinois in Decatur, IL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.



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INDIANA

Crosswinds (a.k.a. Lifeline Youth and Family Services)--Located in Fort Wayne, IN. This program has much of the same staff as the believed to be closed New Horizons Youth Ministries in IN. It is also operating a program in the Carribean which is believed to be a continuation of Escuela Caribe. HEAL agrees with reports that Crosswinds, Lifeline Youth and Family Services, and Caribe Mountain Academy are simply new names for New Horizons Youth Minitries. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





Hephzibah House in Warsaw, IN is confirmedly abusive. One non-custodial adult relative has reported to HEAL that children are regularly held down and physically abused and battered by a minimum of three staff members participating in the abuse at a time and that children's letters are monitored and censored in direct violation of the children's civil rights. Please do not send your child to Hephzibah House. For more info, see the survivor websites at: www.formerhephzibahgirls.webs.com and www.hephzibahhouse.com And, read the article exposing abuse at:http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=38561, and http://www.fox28.com/global/story.asp?s=8695749. And, click here for more information. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Hephzibah House, we ask that you contact us with your story so we can post it here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Midwest Center for Youth and Families, The (a.k.a. South Shore Academy)--Located in Kouts, IN. HEAL has received a report from a parent whose child is being mistreated at this facility (2011). For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





Resolute in Indianapolis, IN is reportedly abusive. Reports state that Resolute uses similar methods of those used at WWASPS and Provo Canyon School. Please do not send your child to Resolute. If you were abused at Resolute or had your rights violated in anyway, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



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IOWA

Anchor Character Training Academy--It is located in Fort Dodge, IA. Please contact us to report violations or abuse at Anchor Character Training Academy (or any Lighthouse/Roloff Ministries program). This program is likely abusive. It is affiliated with long-running programs known to be physically, psychologically, and sexually abusive as well as deadly. For staff and background info, click here.





Midwest Academy in Keokuk, IA is a World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools Program. Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children. There is an online article detailing the allegations of abuse at You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htm. As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS. According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.” For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm If you were abused at Midwest Academy, please contact us and will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge—Midlands in Colfax, (& cities of Des Moines,) IA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, pleasecontact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.



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KANSAS

St. John's Military School--Located in Salina, KS. This program is reportedly abusive. For staff and background information, click here. If you have any information on this program, pleasecontact us.









Teen Challenge—Kansas with locations in Baldwin City, Kingman, and Lawrence, KS is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





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KENTUCKY

The Cleveland Home (Name Changed in 2005 to Life Adventure Center of the Bluegrass)--Located in Versailles, KY. HEAL received an e-mail report alleging violations at this program from a survivor of this home on July 14th, 2011. Please contact us with any information on this program. For staff and background information, click here.





Hope Hills--in Hope, KY is suspected of being an abusive facility. They use a “four phase” (aka four level) system that begins with orientation. Orientation can last a very long time depending on how quickly the child succumbs to being controlled completely by the Hope Hills staff. Level systems are known to be red flags for those investigating and who have survived such programs. We recommend you do not send your child to Hope Hills. If you were abused at Hope Hills, please contact us with your experience and we’ll add it to the website as an online statement. For staff and background information, click here.





North Key (formerly Children's Psychiatric Hospital of Northern Kentucky) in Covington, KY is highly suspected of continuing to be an abusive behavior modification facility. Here is one verified survivor's story:



"I had an experience with an abusive facility in Covington, Kentucky. However, this was in 1990, so I don't know how up-to-date my information is. The facility was called Children's Psychiatric Hospital of Northern Kentucky (CPH), but it is now known as NorthKey. From what I know, only the name has changed. It is still billed as a "hospital", but it is actually an abusive facility. CPH used deceptive marketing to encourage my parents to allow me to be placed there. (This was around the time I turned 17.) When I entered, I was forced to sign a paper without reading it first. Later I found out this was an agreement that bound me to be kept at CPH until the facility decided to let me go. Within the first few days of my stay, I was physically attacked by guards, locked in the "quiet room" for hours and bombarded with noise, and later given an injection without being told what it was (which knocked me out almost instantly). Throughout the stay, I was force-fed various drugs and threatened with severe retaliation if I refused to take them. The staff enjoyed humiliating kids who were detained in CPH. If anyone ran away from the facility, and was returned, they would not be allowed to wear shoes for a week as a punishment for "running" from CPH. When kids were locked in the "quiet room", they were monitored by a closed-circuit TV that was shown to the other kids to make an example of them. Often the kids were restrained in a painful device called a "boat" for hours on end. Sleep deprivation, denial of meals, and exposure to cold were also very common. Also, we had regular group therapy sessions in which the kids in the facility were to gather in a circle and confront each other about their "problems." CPH also committed insurance fraud in order to keep me there for months. This is clearly an abusive facility, even if not as well-known as the others. Please do not use my name on any of my details about this facility. Everything in my statement is true. I give HEAL permission to use my statement."


If you were abused or had your rights violated by North Key, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



Teen Challenge—Kentucky in Louisville, KY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.



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LOUISIANA

Evangeline Christian Home for Girls (aka EvangelHouse, EvangelHouse Christian Academy) in Saint Martinville, LA is suspected of being abusive by our researchers. The main reason we find them suspect is the secrecy of their program. To learn anything about their program you have to call and hear a sales pitch in which your questions are not answered, are over-talked, or simply avoided. They claim to offer programs that take at least one year to complete. For more information you have to enroll your child. Such secrecy is suspect and we recommend you do not send your child to Evangeline Christian Home for Girls. If you were abused at EvangelHouse/Evangeline Christian Home for Girls, please contact us so we can post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Hope Youth Ranch in Minden, LA is confirmedly abusive. 8 employees are currently facing charges (as of May, 2006) of negligent homicide in connection with a boy's death at the program. To learn more about this case, visit: http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=4935734&nav=0RY5 If you were abused or had your rights violated by Hope Youth Ranch, please contact us so we can post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





New Bethany Home for Girls and Boys in Arcadia, LA (and Walterboro, SC) is confirmedly abusive. To review survivor statements please visit the New Bethany survivor website at:http://groups.msn.com/survivorsofnewbethany If you were abused at New Bethany or had your rights violated in any way please consider submitting your statement to us to post here as a warning to others. Click here to send your statement now. For staff and background info, click here.





Red River Academy--in LeCompte, LA is affiliated with the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS). Their sister programs include Midwest Academy in Iowa, which is a WWASP/S program. Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children. There is an online article detailing the allegations of abuse at You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htm. As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS. According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.” Additional concerns HEAL has found regarding Red River Academy are:



After review on April 1st, 2008 of the FAQ's on Red River Academy's website, we found the following concerns:

Red flags I see from their own site:

Q: How long is the average stay for a student at Red River Academy?
A: The program is based on the student’s results, meaning it depends on the individual student’s willingness to comply and commit to working and creating positive results.

[This answer is vague and unacceptable.]

Q: How often are student visits allowed?
A: Visits to your student are allowed when the teen reaches the appropriate status and has earned the privilege

*(This is contradictory to the information given in this previous Q and A):

[Q: Can we visit the School at any time?
A: Yes, you are welcome to come to the facility any time you schedule a visit. After enrolling your student you can stop by any time you see fit.]

[Also, you should not need to schedule a visit]

Q: Once I make the decision to enroll my teen, how do I get them to Red River Academy?
A: Your admissions representative will assist you through the different options of getting your child to the school. Each situation is different. Some students will come voluntarily while others won't. They will help you determine what is best for your family.

[All students should attend voluntarily or, if mandated by the government, should be convicted of a crime and sentenced. The student should never be forced or held against their will]

Q: Is the family involved in the student’s progress?
A: A Family Representative is assigned to each student. Your Family Representative is in contact with your teen throughout the week. Weekly phone calls are made updating you on your student's progress. In time, students earn phone calls with their parents. Parents and students communicate by letter as often as they like. The parents and students attend workshops to assist in creating better communication.

[Students should never be forced to earn a phone call to their parents. There should never be any block of communication between the student and parent. There is no scientific evidence to support this action as being beneficial or therapeutic. Cults are known to use this tactic almost universally]

[Here is a website where a former “client” of a program suggests that Red River Academy is affiliated with WWASPS.]:

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:jrATPV4-B1wJ:blog.myspace.com/index.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Dblog.view%26friendID%3D5073962%26blogID%3D352038751+%22Red+river+academy%22+myspace&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=19&gl=us

[Yet another place Red River Academy is linked to WWASPS]:

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:IfKu-8LXs5kJ:www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp%3FaId%3D22096+%22Red+river+academy%22+torture&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us

For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm If you were abused at Red River Academy, please contact us and will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.







Teen Challenge of Acadiana in Lafayette, LA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge—New Orleans in New Orleans, LA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





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MAINE

The Hyde School in Bath, ME (also locations in Woodstock, CT and charter schools all along the Eastern Seaboard) is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. There are multiple message boards claiming that The Hyde School is unprofessional and cult-like. See: http://hydestudents.tribe.net/thread/fbf9d98d-2a2c-49cf-99b0-a978a138410f#0b8b5709-6fdd-4412-9070-849cbe3df763. If you were abused or had your rights violated at The Hyde School, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.




Ironwood in Morrill, ME is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. We base this on the fact that they use a level system consistent with those used at confirmedly abusive programs such as Provo Canyon School, WWASPS, and Aspen Education Group facilities. They recommend parents use "escort services" which have been denounced by child advocates, parents, and adolescent psychology experts as being terror-inducing and harmful to children and teens. This program also denies telephone communications and unmonitored contact with the outside world, including family on the lower levels of their program. These are marked warning signs of abusive facilities. We advise you do not risk your child's welfare at Ironwood. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Ironwood, Please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



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MARYLAND

Teen Challenge of Baltimore in Baltimore, MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge of Capitol Heights in Capitol Heights, MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, pleasecontact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge of Cumberland in Cumberland, MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge of MD, Inc. in Dundalk, (& cities of Laurel,) MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, pleasecontact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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MASSACHUSETTS
(We've received reports of abuse in Massachusetts public schools including improper use of restraints and physical abuse as a method of behavior modification. Please visit: www.heal-online.org/abuseinpublicschools.htm for more information.)


Boston Teen Challenge in Dorchester, MA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. For staff and background info, click here.





John Dewey Academy in Barrington, MA is likely an abusive behavior modification program. Below is an article we found about a lawsuit against John Dewey Academy from August 25th, 1994. The main premise of the article: A Great Barrington boarding school for troubled teenagers is being sued by a former student who alleges officials failed to supervise a female teacher who lured him into a sexual relationship and had a child by him. Thomas Bratter founded John Dewey Academy in 1985. Later in this article it states another incident: "In 1995, Bratter pleaded no contest in Connecticut to a state charge of second-degree unlawful restraint, which involved his relationship with a 17-year-old girl. As part of his plea agreement, he received a suspended one-year sentence and was required to perform 500 hours of community service and donate $50,000 to a charity that dealt with victims of crime or abuse."http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2004/08/25/former_student_says_academy_left_him_to_teachers_

abuse/ If you were abused at or had your rights violated by John Dewey Academy, please contact us so we can post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.




Judge Rotenberg Educational Center--Located in Canton, MA. Confirmedly abusive. See: http://www.nospank.net/jrc-1.htm For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Inc. in Brockton, MA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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MICHIGAN

Lansing Teen Challenge in Lansing, MI is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Reclamation Ranch in Dearborn, MI (program has relocated from Empire, AL) is connected to Rachael Academy. These programs are descendants of the Roloff homes and are confirmedly abusive. Reclamation Ranch has been raided and is swimming in allegations of abuse and torture. There is a photo on their website of the Director proudly posing with the plane that Roloff died in. If you were in Reclamation Ranch or would like to contact us please click here. For information on Reclamation Ranch staff and cult history, click here. Here are videos on the raid!:















Teen Challenge—Muskegon in Muskegon, MI is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Saginaw in Saginaw, MI is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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MINNESOTA

Minnesota Teen Challenge in Minneapolis, MN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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MISSISSIPPI







Happiness Hills in Union, MS is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. Current employees and founders of this program previously managed and/or worked forRebekah Home, a confirmedly abusive program. Please do not risk your child's welfare by sending them to this program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Happiness Hills, we ask that you contact us with your story so we can post it here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge of Mississippi in Pascagoula, MS is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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MISSOURI

ABM Family Preparatory (aka Lighthouse Christian Academy in Piedmont, MO) formerly in Tennessee is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. It has been renamed and has relocated to Piedmont, MO. Any contract that requires parents to sign over guardianship to the program, and asks that the parents sign that they will not hold the school liable for loss or injury to the child is suspect and meets by those standards alone the grave warning signs of abusive programs. They also require parents to sign over power of attorney. This is another red flag that suggests they are taking every step to avoid prosecution or lawsuits in advance of accepting the child into their “care”. They also require that parents sign away there rights to sue and take on full responsibility of all that occurs at ABM even if ABM staff have been neglectful or abusive in their handling of the child. They also follow a “level system” similar to that modeled in the WWASPS/Resource Realizations and Provo Canyon School models. We believe that all of these factors suggest that ABM is an abusive facility. If you were abused by ABM Family Preparatory, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





AGAPE Boarding School--Located in Stockton, MO. This program is associated with IFB-Roloff Programs. This program is reportedly abusive. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch and Boarding School in Humansville, MO is confirmedly abusive. HEAL received a phone call from a parent who reported that his/her child was neglected and abused while at this program. Please contact us if you would like to submit a report on this program. For staff and background information, click here.







Heartland Christian Academy in Newark, MO is confirmedly abusive. According to the exposé in People Magazine (10/23/06 issue, "School of Last Resort" by Maria Eftimiades), children are beaten regularly, suffer broken bones from staff abuse, and more. The kids are punished with isolation, beatings, and deprived of food and contact with peers. They are degraded and forced to do slave labor for the facility. Heartland is currently being "investigated by authorities. However, since they are a "Christian"/faith-based program their cruel and torturous practices are considered "protected" by the First Amendment Freedom of Religion. Please do not subject your child to Heartland Christian Academy. For more information on this program, visit the following links: HCA Info 1, HCA Info 2, HCA Info 3, HCA Info 4, MySpace 1 and MySpace 2. If you are a survivor or parent of a survivor if Heartland Christian Academy, please contact us and we will post your statement, with your permission, here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Masters Ranch--(a.k.a. Masters Ranch and Christian Academy) Located in Couch, MO. This program is "faith-based" and recommends the use of paid kidnappers for transporting children. Any program that advocates the use of "escorts" is highly suspect as this practice is illegal and violative of children's rights. HEAL has received reports from parents alleging brutal physical abuse at this program. David Bosley is the administrator. Please contact us with any information on this program. For staff and background info, click here.





Mid-America Teen Challenge in Cape Girardeau, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





New Beginnings Girls Academy—in La Russell, MO is confirmedly abusive. The former owners, Mr. & Mrs. Cameron, have opened and closed their lockdown residential facilities in TX, MO, and MS before bringing them to FL in 2001. They have returned to Missouri. Texas has permanently banned Mrs. Cameron from working with children or being present at a juvenile facility. A local TV station reported in Dec. 2004 that FL state officials had investigated two allegations of abuse at the school, one for requiring “extreme physical exertion” of a student and an accusation that Mrs. Cameron hit a girl with a curtain rod. Soon afterwards the school changed its name to New Beginnings Girls Academy and the Camerons’ names were removed from its literature. Like the Camerons, however, the new director, Bill McNamara, strongly emphasizes the girls’ sinfulness and prohibits contact with their siblings, according to the sister of one student. Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter. If you were abused or had your rights violated at New Beginnings, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. To view survivor statements regarding the Cameron's and these programs please click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge of the Ozarks in Reed Springs, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge Int’l—Springfield in Springfield, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge of St. Louis in High Ridge, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge—The Four States in Neosho, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.



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MONTANA

See the PBS Special on the deceptive and abusive practices of programs in Montana called "Who's Watching the Kids?".  




Affinity Foundation located in Proctor, MT is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. A huge red flag is their “Civil Rights Waiver Acknowledgement” which states that children in their care and the parents agree to waive their constitutional rights of free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and privacy rights while in the program which is contracted to be a mandatory 15 month stay. Communications will be limited and/or denied for a period of time up to the foundation staff alone. These are all huge red flags. Do not submit your child to this program. If you had your rights violated, apparently everyone who goes to Affinity does by the contractual proof alone, or if you were abused while in their care, please contact us and we will post your experience as an online statement against this program. For staff and background info, click here.





Anchor Academy--It is located in Vanduser, MO (formerly in Havre, MT). Please contact us if you are a survivor of Anchor Academy and would like to report abuse or other violations. HEAL suspects Anchor Academy of being an abusive facility. It is strange that it has moved from Havre, MT to Vanduser, MO (another state). This is typically a sign of trouble. And, this wasn't their first big move. That is a huge red flag. Another problem is that older "students" are placed in charge of younger/newer "students". This is also a red flag for abuse. For staff and background info, click here.





Dancing Moon Ranch in Chinook, MT is heavily suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. We’ve received a message from a woman wishing to remain anonymous for the moment declaring that she is a survivor of abuse at this facility. Their website is not explicit in program details. We recommend parents never send children out of their home state and that they monitor any program they send their child to in person from day one on a weekly basis. If you are a survivor of Dancing Moon Ranch, please contact us so we may post your experience as an online statement against this program. You will help other children by doing so! For staff and background info, click here.





Explorations in Trout Creek, Montana is reportedly, yet to be confirmedly, abusive. We have received survivor reports of abuse at this facility. However, we are awaiting confirmation. We believe these reports of abuse to be true and recommend you do not subject your child to this program. If you are a survivor of Explorations, please contact us so we may post your experiences as an online statement against this program. You will help others by doing so. For staff and background, click here.



Galena Ridge Wilderness Programs--Located in Trout Creek, MT. Reportedly abusive. HEAL has received the documents formerly hosted by ISAC. However, we did not receive the documents from the author or from ISAC and therefore will not post those documents until we receive express permission from ISAC and/or the survivor. We are waiting on a second report from a survivor who contacted us about this program in October, 2010. If you would like to submit your statement, contact us for details. For staff and background information, click here.


Monarch School in Heron, MT is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. This is based on the language of the parent/school contract which reads: “AUTHORIZATION FOR RESTRAINT-I/We hereby give consent and authorize the school personnel to utilize reasonable physical force to restrain, control and detain the above named student for and including, but not limited to, the following purposes: to protect the student, protect property, protect Monarch School personnel or others from physical injury or threat of injury from the student. AUTHORIZATION FOR SEARCH I/We hereby give consent and authorize the school to search the student and the student’s personal effects. The school is hereby authorized to confiscate any and all items deemed by the school to be contraband. “ It is suspect because if a child is not a threat to themselves or others physical restraint, control, or detainment is wholly unwarranted and violates international and federal human rights laws that apply to children as well as adults. In fact, prolonged and unwarranted physical restraint, control, or detainment is considered torture under the United Nations definition. Further evidence taken from their contract that we find suspect is the following: “. I/We hereby voluntarily release and discharge Monarch School and its officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents of any and all claims, demands, actions suits or proceedings which the student or any parent, relative, or next of kin of the student may have for any or all injuries, damages and expenses, including but not limited to all personal injuries and illnesses and all damages to personal and real property caused by, arising out of, or otherwise related to the student’s participation in any activity or program conducted by or on behalf of Monarch School.” They require parents to sign a permission slip that they may physically harm their child and then require that should they find the conduct to be malicious on the part of Monarch Schools that they agree never to sue even if illegal abuse or violations of human rights are evident. Don’t send your child to this school! If you have attended Monarch School and you were abused while in their care, contact us and we will add your statement to this website to warn others. For staff and background information, click here.





Montana Academy in Marion, MT is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. They have disabled their online application so we can’t see what they require in terms of signing away legal and civil rights for parents and children. However, based on their description as of 2/16/04 on their program description under “emotional” they describe a “phase system” (aka level system) which echoes those used by WWASPS and Provo Canyon School. They also talk about group sessions in which the goal is “psychological development” through revelation. These words are very abstract and ring as echoes of the descriptions and values of the Resource Realizations/WWASPS model of trauma-based behavior modification. If you have attended Montana Academy and you were abused or had your rights violated by Montana Academy while in their care, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.



Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch--Located in St. Ignatius, MT. This program is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background information, click here. One supervisor at the program was convicted of raping a student enrolled in the program in 2005. Please contact us with any information on this program.



Turning Winds in Troy, MT is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. Please click here for HEAL's expose' on Turning Winds. Please click here and read the comments following the article. Click here for additional discussions regarding abuse at Turning Winds. If you were abused at Turning Winds, please contact us and we will add your statement to this website. For staff and background information, click here.



Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch--Located in Billings, MT. Confirmedly abusive. See: http://www.majon.com/advanced/pressreleases/legal/treatmentcenter.html Please contact us with any information on this program. For staff and background information, click here.





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NEBRASKA

Teen Challenge of the Midlands in Omaha, NE is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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NEVADA

Center for Change--Located in Las Vegas, Nevada (and Orem, UT). This program is owned by UHS, the same syndicate that operates Provo Canyon School and many other abusive facilities. We highly suspect Center for Change to be an abusive facility. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Center for Change, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Coral Reef Academy is listed as being a program in Nevada, and in fact their business offices are in Las Vegas, NV. However, the program takes place in Samoa. There have been countless news programs, talk shows (particularly Montel Williams) and exposés on abusive programs in Samoa. Please do not send your child to a program out of the United States. It is best that you are involved in every aspect of your child’s wellness program. You should be choosing a program in your own state that you will be visiting regularly to insure the safety of your child. Don’t be like one mother who sent her son to a Samoa-based program just to lose him forever. This same mother was in contact with other parents, two of whom had their children die in the Samoa-based program. If you were abused by Coral Reef Academy or had your rights violated in anyway, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.



Focal Point Academy--Located in Mesquite, Nevada. Reportedly fraudulent and abusive. See lawsuit:

http://www.nowpublic.com/green-vs-focal-point-academy-sue-scheff If you were abused or had your rights violated at Focal Point Academy, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.













Northern Nevada Teen Challenge in Sparks, NV is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.









Rite of Passage--Located in Minden, NV. Please contact us with any info on this program. This program has a long history of abuse. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge of Nevada, Inc. in Las Vegas, NV is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Becket House at Warren--Located in New Hampshire. HEAL has received reports of abuse including degrading, psychologically harmful, verbal abuse and improper restraint with physical abuse intending to harm children from former staff at Mount Prospect Academy (another Becket Family of Services program). We recommend no parent place a child in a facility who is sister to confirmedly abusive programs as they likely all use similar methods if operating under the same leadership. Please contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background info, click here.





E-Toh-Anee--Located in Stewartstown, NH. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Toh-Anee, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





Manchester Teen Challenge in Manchester, NH is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



Mount Prospect Academy in Plymouth, NH is confirmedly abusive. It is part of the Becket Family of Services. We have reports from former staff (in the process of verifying) that it is an abusive behavior modification facility. Please do not send your children to Mount Prospect Academy. If you are a victim or witness of abuse at Mount Prospect Academy or any Becket Family of Services program, please contact us and we will post your statement online as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





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NEW JERSEY

Bancroft NeuroHealth Inc--It is located in Cherry Hill, NJ. Bancroft NeuroHealth has killed before, HEAL wouldn't trust them. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Bancroft NeuroHealth, contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Take Charge in Newark, NJ is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





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NEW MEXICO

Teen Challenge—Albuquerque located in Albuquerque, NM is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, pleasecontact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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NEW YORK









Adirondack Leadership Expeditions in Saranac Lake, NY is confirmedly abusive. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group, we determine that Adirondack is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by Adirondack Leadership Expeditions or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Buffalo Teen Challenge in Buffalo, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Camp Huntington in High Falls, NY is owned by Aspen Education Group, highly suspected of being a teen torture organization. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group (confirmed abuse at multiple Aspen Education Group programs), we determine that Camp Huntington is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by Camp Huntington or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Candlehouse Teen Challenge in Owego, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Family Foundation School--Located in Hancock, New York. Reportedly abusive. See: http://www.newpaltz.edu/oracle/article.cfm?id=3317 and http://www.thefamilyschooltruth.com/ for more information. For staff and background information, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at the Family Foundation School, contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





Four Winds Hospital--Located in Katonah, NY. HEAL has received verified information that this facility is abusive. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





Freedom Village--Located in Lakemont, NY and Burlington, ON, Canada. HEAL has received preliminary reports of abuse at this "faith-based" children's home. If you have any information on this program, please contact us. For staff and background info, click here.





Long Island Teen Challenge in Long Island, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge in Garrison, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge, Inc.—Brooklyn in Brooklyn, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge of Rochester in Rochester, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge—Syracuse in Syracuse, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background information, click here.

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NORTH CAROLINA

Academy of the Sierras (a.k.a. Wellspring Academies/Wellspring Academy) in Brevard, NC (also in Reedley, CA) is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. It is owned by Aspen Education Group, highly suspected of being a teen torture organization. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group (confirmed abuse at 4 Aspen Education Group programs), we determine that Academy of the Sierras is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by Academy of the Sierras or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Auldern Academy--It is located in Siler City, North Carolina and owned by Three Springs, Inc., which owns and operates multiple confirmedly abusive programs. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Auldern Academy, please contact us and we will post your report here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





E-Ku-Sumee--Located in Candor, NC. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Ku-Sumee, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.




E-Ma-Etu--Located in Boomer, NC. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Ma-Etu, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





E-Ma-Henwu--Located in Newport, NC. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Ma-Henwu, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





E-Mun-Talee--Located in Lowgap, NC. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Mun-Talee, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.




E-Ten-Etu--Located in Manson, NC. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Ten-Etu, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





E-Tik-Etu--Located in Elizabethtown, NC. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Tik-Etu, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.




Farmer Christian Academy in Farmer, NC is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. It has been founded and is operated by Jimmie Clark, former employee of confirmedly abusive program "New Beginnings Girls Academy" in Florida. As his training and experience in this industry was provided by child torturers, we believe there is good reason to suspect that Farmer Christian Academy is also abusive. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Farmer Christian Academy, please contact us and we will place your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Harbor Oaks Boarding School (a.k.a. Wolf Creek Academy) in Mars Hill, North Carolina is suspected of being an abusive program. They have had sexual and building code violation complaints filed against them. They are not licensed by the state of North Carolina. And, they are closely connected to PURE and Sue Scheff. Sue Scheff has repeatedly made money off of referrals to abusive programs including Whitmore Academy. And, Scheff's daughter works at Harbor Oaks. We recommend you do not send your child to Harbor Oaks Boarding School. If you've been abused at Harbor Oaks Boarding School, please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





North Carolina Boys in Pittsboro, NC is a Three Springs program. Based on multiple survivor accounts of other Three Springs programs and former employee (employed at Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley facility) allegations, we find Duck River Boys to be highly suspect. Due to possible litigation in this issue and in order to protect our sources, we are not divulging more information at this time. If you have more information on Three Springs programs and/or were abused while in their care, please contact us. If you were at their follow up transitional facility and experienced abuse or further violations of your rights, please contact us. To read survivor reports visit: www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm For staff and background info, click here.





Phoenix Outdoor in Asheville/Leicester, NC is a member of the Aspen Education Group, a leading suspect corporation regarding child torture in the United States. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group, we determine that Phoenix Outdoor is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by Phoenix Outdoor or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Sandhills Teen Challenge in Southern Pines, NC is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Stone Mountain School is located in Black Mountain, North Carolina and is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification facility, one mother states, “Stone Mountain Boarding School should be closed too! It is located in North Carolina. That is where (her son) was when he was mentally abused and went hungry daily. When he fought back he was sent to Provo Canyon by his father on the advise of the boarding School dean. His punishment was brutal.” Stone Mountain School is also a member of the Aspen Education Group, a leading suspect corporation regarding child torture in the United States. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group, we determine that Stone Mountain School is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by Stone Mountain School or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





SUWS Of The Carolinas is located in Old Fort, North Carolina and is a member of the Aspen Education Group, a leading suspect corporation regarding child torture in the United States. We’ve received reports of abuse at multiple Aspen Education Group programs including New Leaf Academy, Excel Academy, Stone Mountain School, and Aspen Achievement Academy. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group, we determine that SUWS is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by SUWS or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





The Talisman Academy in Hendersonville, NC (set to open August, 2010) is suspected of being a fraudulent program. The Talisman School is a member of the Aspen Education Group, a leading suspect corporation regarding child torture in the United States. We’ve received reports of abuse at multiple Aspen Education Group programs including New Leaf Academy, Excel Academy, Stone Mountain School, and Aspen Achievement Academy. Based on the fact that they are owned by Aspen Education Group, we determine that The Talisman School is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by Talisman's or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. The Talisman Academy shares it's staff with the other Talisman programs listed below. For staff and background info, click here and/or here.



Talisman's Southeast Journeys (aka Talisman Programs, Talisman Camps) in Zirconia, NC is a member of the Aspen Education Group, a leading suspect corporation regarding child torture in the United States. We’ve received reports of abuse at multiple Aspen Education Group programs including New Leaf Academy, Excel Academy, Stone Mountain School, and Aspen Achievement Academy. Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group, we determine that Talisman's Southeast Journey is suspect and ought to be avoided. If you were abused by Talisman's or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail usand we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Harmony in Harmony, NC is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



Trails Carolina in Lake Toxaway, NC is confirmedly abusive. We received a report from a former staff stating that this program is abusive. We are currently working on the staff list for this program. In the meantime, please see the complaints confirmed by the Division of Health Service Regulation. For additional information on this program, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Trails Carolina, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.





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NORTH DAKOTA

(coming soon)



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OHIO

Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau--(a.k.a. Monarch Boarding Academy, Monarch School) in Cleveland/Shaker Heights, OH. This program is confirmedly fraudulent and abusive. One mother reports, "He has been neglected physically, mentally/emotionally as well as abused. This facility even use my son's lost clothes to bill another facility. They also have lost a second set of clothing i had bought up to my son at their facility and did not replaced his clothing with the clothing voucher they received. They gave my son donated t-shirts that were too small for him and a few pair of footies that would fit a 7 year old. My son is 16 and wears adult sizes. I gave it back to the staff when i found it and i also gave the old "donated" t-shirts back to them when i bought my son up a THIRD SET OF CLOTHES for the summer. Im looking for people and attorneys who will help me EXPOSE these people who abuse and use kids for money, along with their criminal, illegal activities. The other facility owes me money for losing THE FIRST SET OF CLOTHES and Bellefaire owes me money for losing THE SECOND SET OF CLOTHES that i bought up to my son. I wont be silent about this and i hope to find somebody who is not afraid to stand with me to EXPOSE the criminal activity these people do. My son has two sores on his toes, one from having to walking all the time without any socks on. He has been forced to wear unseasonable dirty clothes all the time, until i put my foot down. He has suffered other neglect as well." If you can help this mother, please e-mail us (she wrote us on July 8th, 2009). Thank you. For staff and background info, click here.





Foundations for Living--Located in Mansfield, OH. It's owned and operated by Universal Health Services (current owner of multiple abusive behavior modification programs including Provo Canyon School.) Based on the abuse at other UHS owned facilities, we highly suspect Foundations for Living to be an abusive program. Please contact us if you were abused or had your rights violated at Foundations for Living and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Harbor House in Norwalk, OH is a home for pregnant teens. This program appears to be a behavior modification program masquerading as a maternity home for teens. We are seriously concerned because the resident handbook includes many "rules" which violate the civil rights of the girls in the program. For this reason, we suspect Harbor House of being an abusive program. We have good reason to be concerned about the practices at these so-called "maternity homes". See the article at: http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/node/3719 Please contact us if you would like to share your experience at Harbor House. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge for Girls in Columbus, OH is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge of Ohio in Milford, (& cities of Martins Ferry, Perry, Youngstown) OH is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. There is just so much wrong with this site-page. Orange (jail-like) clothes at the cREATION mUSEUM, just what are they being prepared for? Maybe JAIL! http://www.teenchallengecincinnati.org/sucessful_events.htm Apparently "Teen Challenge Cincinnati" (Located in Milford Ohio) isn't for teens at all. It states that it is for males 18 to 35 years old. I wonder what the "teen" in this teen challenge means? They have a link to "teen challenge usa", Teen Challenge USA is/was associated with the Semblers, mentioned below. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



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OKLAHOMA

Teen Challenge—Oklahoma in Tulsa, OK is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Sonrise Ranch in Cache, OK is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





New Lifehouse Teen Challenge in Disney, OK is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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OREGON

The Academy at Sisters in Bend, OR is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. According to their website they use “cognitive restructuring” and “behavior modification” techniques on their captives. Both of these terms are defined as types of brainwashing. Based on this information and the lack of detail regarding the structure of their program in general makes Academy at Sisters highly suspect. We recommend you do not send your child to this program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Academy at Sisters, please contact uswith your experience so we may post it here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.





Bridges Boys Academy in Bend, OR is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. According to their website they use a level-based system which is a known red flag. They also limit contact with the outside world including parents and use a peer pressure model to get teens to change. These are all red flags. Based on this, we believe that they are suspect and recommend you do not send your child to this “academy”. If you were abused at Bridges Boys Academy, please contact us so we can post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.







New Leaf Academy (Scheduled to Changed Ownership on July 1st, 2011) in Bend, OR is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. It was also an Aspen Education Group program (see Aspen Achievement Academy) until July 1st, 2011. The new owners are also the former owners prior to Aspen. The new owners are Craig and Christy Christiansen. According to one survivor of the program, “As a former student to have completed all the required work in sun, moon, and star clan, I want to let the public know what NLA is really like. I went to Green Ridge for 22 months and Marci was our headmistress...I did not truly improve emotionally because the program is a scam...When I graduated, I was utterly vulnerable to the real world. There is no preparation for being reintroduced to old friends and possible situations. My fellow sisters...did not truly get any better. Of course, for parents who are willing to do anything to help their daughter, make sure she's placed at the Rock Mesa campus because Green Ridge can be very emotionally draining and depressing.” This is taken from the review athttp://www.teenprogram.info/schools/view/622. They also use a level-system similar to those used in WWASPS programs. Beware! If you were abused at New Leaf Academy, contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Northwest Behavioral Healthcare Services--Located in Gladstone, OR. Preliminary review. Reportedly abusive. Denies contact with family. Supports use of "escorts" (paid kidnappers). Unethical. If you would like to submit a statement regarding Northwest Behavioral Healthcare Services, please contact us for submission information. For staff and background info, click here.





Oregon Transition Homes--This program may be closed. The other two Catherine Freer programs closed in June, 2012. We are waiting on confirmation that this program was included in the closing of the Freer facilities/programs. Co-founded by Sarah Mack who works for NATSAP and Catherine Freer Wilderness where a child was killed in 2002. This program is likely abusive and fraudulent. Contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge in Portland, (& cities of Shedd,) OR is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Int’l in Tillamook, (and cities of Lebanon,) OR is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, pleasecontact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



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PENNSYLVANIA

KidsPeace in Schnecksville, PA is confirmedly abusive. Allegations include sexual abuse and improper restraint. For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





Second Mile, The--Located in Pennsylvania. There are multiple locations in Pennsylvania including State College, King of Prussia (home of UHS, Inc.), and Camp Hill. This "youth intervention" series of programs was founded by Jerry Sandusky in 1977. The state Attorney General's office on Saturday charged Mr. Sandusky, 67, with 40 sex charges against boys from 1994 to 2005, all of whom he met through the Second Mile Foundation he founded in 1977. Started as a small home for six troubled boys outside State College, it has grown to a statewide organization whose mission is to help "young people to achieve their potential as individuals and community members by providing opportunities for them to develop positive life skills and self-esteem."Read more:http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11310/1187908-454-0.stm#ixzz1e56XSPME For staff and background information, click here. Please contact us with any information on this program.





The Summit Academy (& The Academy in South Hills) is confirmedly abusive. A child was thrown into a glass case injuring his face and ear by staff. Read more on this story by visiting:http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05176/528360.stm. If you were abused at The Summit Academy or The Academy in South Hills, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Center in Harrisburg, PA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—PA in Philadelphia, (and cities of Cheswick, Rural Ridge,) PA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Home for Girls in Philadelphia, PA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Training Center in Rehrersburg, PA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



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RHODE ISLAND

E-Hun-Tee--Located in Exeter, RI. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Hun-Tee, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





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SOUTH CAROLINA







Cherokee Creek Boys School--Located in Westminster, South Carolina. HEAL has received a report of fraud and abuse from two former staff at this program. We are working on verification. The preliminary report from the staff states: "...We had actually both suspected for awhile that the entire school was based on lies, primarily due to the fact that everything that happens there is kept as quiet as possible. The students have almost no privacy in anything they say or do. Their outgoing and incoming mail is read and regulated (Civil Rights/Constitutional Violation--Illegal Practices) so that they can’t say anything damning about Cherokee Creek. Their phone calls are always scheduled and monitored by the primary counselor or therapist for the same reason. Also, Cherokee Creek will hire anyone to watch the students during the day as long as they have at least an Associate’s degree (it doesn’t particularly matter what the degree is in), and these people are called “counselors” to the parents. On third shift, the students’ needs are taken care of by individuals that only have to have high school diplomas. There is never a doctor on campus, but a LPN from 7:30 to 3:00 on the weekdays. On the weekends, there are no medical personnel at all, and pretty much anyone is allowed to disperse medications (which almost all of the students are on). There are many other questionable practices at Cherokee Creek that I’m aware of, especially pertaining to the psychological well-being of the students. I actually thought when I was hired that my job was to ensure the students were taken care of both psychologically and physically, but the closer I got to the students and the more they liked me and talked to me, the more it seemed the “powers that be” wanted me gone. I’ll put it this way, when I stopped following what the people over me said and began questioning now some of my co-workers were dealing with the students…well, I didn’t last long after that..." For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Cherokee Creek Boys School, contact usand we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





Magnolia Christian School (formerly known as Carolina Springs Academy) in Due West, South Carolina is a World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools program scheduled to "re-open" in 2011. Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children. You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htm. As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS. According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.” Another point, the slogan reads, “Teaching respect, honor, and integrity in the traditions of the Old South.” Would that be the Old South that refused to give the up the dehumanizing institution of enslaving African Americans and is known for lynchings, murder, and the most heinous disregard for human and civil rights? We think so. At least that’s a taste of truth in advertising. For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm If you were abused at Carolina Springs Academy, please contact us and will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff information and background,click here.



Teen Challenge of South Carolina in Georgetown, SC is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



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SOUTH DAKOTA

Teen Challenge of the Dakotas in Brookings, SD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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TENNESSEE

ABM Family Preparatory (aka Lighthouse Christian Academy in Piedmont, MO) formerly in Tennessee is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. It has been renamed and has relocated to Piedmont, MO. Any contract that requires parents to sign over guardianship to the program, and asks that the parents sign that they will not hold the school liable for loss or injury to the child is suspect and meets by those standards alone the grave warning signs of abusive programs. They also require parents to sign over power of attorney. This is another red flag that suggests they are taking every step to avoid prosecution or lawsuits in advance of accepting the child into their “care”. They also require that parents sign away there rights to sue and take on full responsibility of all that occurs at ABM even if ABM staff have been neglectful or abusive in their handling of the child. They also follow a “level system” similar to that modeled in the WWASPS/Resource Realizations and Provo Canyon School models. We believe that all of these factors suggest that ABM is an abusive facility. If you were abused by ABM Family Preparatory, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Bethel Bible Village Children's Home--in Hixson, TN. HEAL finds this program suspect because of the contradictions in their stated goals. They claim children placed in this facility do not need to accept Christianity and yet their 5 key goals, the top goal, being to accept Christ as the child's personal savior. Another red flag is that they claim it is "temporary" which implies short-term (less than 1 month), yet, they require at least a 9-12 month enrollment in the residential program. Please contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background info, click here.





Chad Youth Enhancement Center--(a.k.a. Oak Plains Academy) in Ashland City, TN is confirmedly abusive. For articles on the multiple deaths at this facility, click here. This program is operated by UHS. UHS also operates other notoriously abusive programs such as Provo Canyon School in Utah. Multiple deaths at this facility. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Oak Plains Academy/Chad Youth Enhancement Center, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





Eckerd Academy--Located in Deer Lodge, TN. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Eckerd Academy, contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Freedom Mountain Academy--Located in Mountain City, TN. The owners moved and renamed their program from Academy of the Rockies in Idaho. They sold that site to the confirmedly abusive CEDU cult. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Academy of the Rockies (not RMA) or Freedom Mountain Academy, pleasecontact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.





Love in Action in Memphis, TN is a confirmedly abusive program. To read a full report of abuse allegations visit: http://www.sovo.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=1264. If you were abused by Love in Action, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.









Peninsula Village (aka Acadia Village) in Louisville, Tennessee is confirmedly an abusive behavior modification facility. Please click here for a report on the abuse at Peninsula. Also see the Peninsula Village Survivors' Blog. They describe a 6-8 week orientation period or initial “level or phase” of brutal peer pressure used to effect change in your child. Taken from their website, linked to the opening title of this description as of 2/17/04, reads: Treatment begins in the locked Admissions Unit. This initial period of treatment typically lasts six to eight weeks and is an extremely intense therapeutic experience. The Admissions Unit is unlike most other locked unit programs and is specially designed to address resistance and introduce patients to our group-oriented treatment approach, which uses peer pressure to create positive change.” Welcome to trauma-based behavior modification 101. Don’t send your child to this program. If you were abused at Peninsula Village or had your rights violated in any way, please contact us and we will post your personal statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Chattanooga in Chattanooga, TN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Cookeville in Cookeville, TN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Knoxville in Knoxville, TN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Lifeline Crisis in Savannah, TN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Memphis in Memphis, TN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Nashville in Nashville, TN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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TEXAS

Dallas Teen Challenge Ranch in Winnsboro, Texas is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Delta Boot Camp in Katy, TX is confirmedly abusive. According to reports they are guilty of:




1) Tacit approval of violent hazing against a new arrival resulting in his injury





2) Shouting commands and insults at a ward so that the ward's face is sprayed with the instructor's saliva





3) Goading and taunting a ward with the apparent intention of provoking a reaction





4) Holding a ward in solitary confinement in bare, cramped quarters for 72 hours





5) Holding a ward incommunicado for an indeterminate period



If you were abused or had your rights violated at Delta Boot Camp, please contact us so we can post your statement here as a warning to others. To read more on Delta, please visit: www.nospank.net/martell.htm#dekim For staff and background info, click here.





Heartlight Ministries--Located in Piney Woods, TX. It is associated with Alive Seminars and the Alive Church of Tucson, AZ. It is also associated with Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Missouri. They use a level system which denies contact with family on first phase/level one. There are many other problems as well. We recommend against subjecting children to this isolated and violative environment (denial of multiple civil rights). Please contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background info, click here.





The High Frontier School in Fort Davis, TX is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. According to family reports, the program matches multiple warning signs including: denial of access to a phone, denial of unmonitored/uncensored mail and telephone privileges, confrontational "therapy" in the form of "Positive Peer Culture", a euphemism for "blame and shame" tactics associated with the confrontational model, denial of in-person visits with parents without staff "approval", and more. Please do not send your child to the High Frontier School. If you were abused at High Frontier or had your rights violated in anyway (monitoring/censoring mail is a Constitutional Violation of your rights), please contact us so we can post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Meridell Achievement Center in Liberty Hill, TX is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. They are owned and operated under Universal Health Services, the owners of the confirmedly abusive Provo Canyon School program in Provo, UT. We recommend heartily that you do not place your child in any Universal Health Services program. If you were abused at Meridell Achievement Center, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Resolution Ranch: in Cameron, Texas is highly suspected to be a teen torture program. This program is structured in the same manner as Straight Inc., which has been classified as a cult by leading experts including Rick Ross, Steve Hassan, and FACTNet.org. Despite it's closure in the early 90's, amid lawsuits and allegations of brainwashing and abuse, Straight Inc. was considered to be the most successful drug rehabilitation program in the United States for many years. It was later revealed to be one of the country's most abusive and psychologically damaging troubled teen programs. If you have information about Resolution Ranch and/or were abused by this program, please contact us. For staff and background info, click here.




Teen Challenge—El Paso in El Paso, TX is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Int’l in San Antonio, TX is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Texas in San Antonio, (and cities of Dallas, Houston, Midland,) TX is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge Women Over 18 in Fort Worth, TX is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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UTAH





Special Note: If you were abused in a Utah-based behavior modification program you have up to four years to file a lawsuit against them. The ACLU of UT lawyer referral page is at http://www.acluutah.org/rights.htm. However, successful lawsuits have been filed by injured persons suing in their state of residence, meaning Texas in most of the winning cases. Since most of these programs do interstate and international commerce the case need not be filed in Utah. Find a local lawyer and tell them what happened to you or go to www.aclu.org and find your current state of residence. Contact the local ACLU for your state and get help from them. These programs violate federal and national human rights and constitutional laws. You have the right to seek redress. Do it for yourself and for those who are still being abused in these programs. It’s your right and your responsibility! Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!



There are over 1000 known behavior modification programs in UT. Being that there are so many and the state of UT does not properly regulate these programs we recommend that you do not send your child to any program in the state of UT whether listed here or not. This is a working list and programs are added as reports come in and as information on the programs are located. Beware of Utah!



It's important for you to know that Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) was a key factor in striking out important regulations from HR 6358 (2008), making it completely worthless in the charge to protect children and families from fraud and abuse. Please, do not send your child to Utah.



Abundant Life Academy--Located in St. George, UT (formerly located in Kanab, UT) (a.k.a. Abundant Life Christian Boarding School, Abundant Life Preparatory) Related to Abundant Life Academy (closed by Mexican Authorities). Mexico found them to be too abusive, but, Utah welcomes abusive programs with open arms. If you were abused at Abundant Life Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Academy at Cedar Mountain (a.k.a. Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy) located in Cedar City, UT is confirmedly an abusive behavior modification program. They use the same language as WWASPS/Resource Realizations and use a similar phase/level system to those used in WWASPS programs and at Provo Canyon School. Listed among previous diseases on the application form are: piercings, tattoos, and birthmarks. It is amazing to us that listed among diseases would be birthmarks, tattoos, or piercings. None of those three are medical or psychological diseases. They are identifying physical characteristics. If you were abused at Academy at Cedar Mountain, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Alpine Academy (a.k.a. Cottonwood Grove, Oakridge, Smith Home, Willow Creek, The Gary and Ann Crocker Education Center, Pine Canyon Home,) located in Erda, UT is confirmedly abusive. Counselor sexually abuses teen girl at program. Click here for more information. For additional information on the sexual abuse (repeated rapes and sodomy), click here. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! To submit a statement to HEAL regarding Alpine Academy, e-mail us for information.





Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment located in Syracuse, UT is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. It is also an Aspen Education Group program (see Aspen Achievement Academy). We have reports of abuse from both parents and survivors at many Aspen Education Group programs. If you were abused, defrauded, or had your rights violated by Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment, please contact us so we can post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Aspiro Wilderness Program--(a.k.a. Vantage Point, Kairos Young Adult Wilderness Program) It is located in Riverton, Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! If you were abused or had your rights violated by Aspiro, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Avalon Hills Residential Eating Disorders Treatment--It is located in Petersboro, Utah. This program uses a five level system for behavior modification. The level systems used in these programs are often a system of degradation, abuse, and leadership through spying, lying, and betrayal. Please click here for a detailed account of what a level system is and how it is used in the behavior modification "process". For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had yoru rights violated at Avalon, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Birdseye Boys Ranch--Located in Spanish Fork, Utah, owned by Heritage Youth Services. Birdseye uses polygraph machines just like Provo Canyon School in the beginning. We highly suspect this program of being abusive given their claims to treat "sexual problems" and the basis of such treatment is to establish a "new perspective on identity" (nice way of describing coercive thought reform/brainwashing.) For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Birdseye, please contact us so we can post your story here as a warning to others. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Browning Academy--Located in St. George, Utah, owned by WWASPS. WWASPS programs are confirmedly fraudulent and abusive. Do not subject your child to torture. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Browning Academy, contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Catalyst Residential Treatment Center--It is located in Brigham City, Utah. Catalyst is accredited by the deceptive trade association NATSAP. Catalyst uses the 7 Challenge (a.k.a. 7 Step/Phase/Level) system. The 7 Challenge system is a near carbon copy of the abusive thought reform model used in the notoriously torturous Straight, Inc. We recommend no parent subject their child to a program in Utah. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Catalyst RTC, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Cedar Ridge Academy--It is located in Roosevelt, Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... If you were abused or had your rights violated at Cedar Ridge Academy, pleasecontact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center is located in St. George, UT, the city in which, WWASPS and other teen torturers call home. Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center is confirmedly an abusive behavior modification program. They claim to use the “eyeball supervision” approach to therapy in which your child is scrutinized and monitored 24/7 for any movement, sound, or sigh that they can arbitrarily label as rebellious or not in line with the program at which point they can tackle your teen, drug them, and put them in an isolation chamber until they arbitrarily decide that the child has suffered enough and is ready to rejoin the group. They monitor all communications between parent and child and are in complete control of when parents and children are allowed to communicate with one another. If you were abused at Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center, contact us and we will add your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Cottonwood Youth Academy (a.k.a. Cottonwood Treatment Center) in Salt Lake City, UT is suspected of being an abusive facility. There has recently been a riot at the facility similar to the one's that brought public attention to the torture and abuse at Casa by the Sea, Dundee Ranch, Academy at Ivy Ridge, and Bethel Boys Academy to name a few. We recommend you do not place your child at Cottonwood Youth Academy. If you were a victim of Cottonwood Youth Academy, please contact us and we'll post your experience here as a warning to others. To view the article exposing the riot and investigation into Cottonwood, visit: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=117565 For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Discovery Academy is located in Provo, UT and is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. DO NOT send your child to Discovery Academy. If your child is CURRENTLY AT DISCOVERY ACADEMY, BRING THEM HOME NOW!!! According to survivor reports Discovery Academy uses punitive and abusive methods and employs former Provo Canyon School staff. Also, a family is currently suing Discovery Academy stating that their son was gang raped with a broom at this facility. (For more on this story, visit: www.heal-online.org/discovery.pdf) If you have been abused at Discovery Academy, please contact us and we will add your online statement here. To visit an archived web-forum for Discovery Academy survivors, please click here. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! To submit a statement regarding Discovery Academy, contact us for information.







For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! If you would like to submit a statement regarding Cross Creek, e-mail us at info@heal-online.org for information.





Diamond Ranch Academy is located in Hurricane, UT and is confirmedly an abusive behavior modification program. To read online survivor statements visit: www.heal-online.org/diamond.htm or http://groups.myspace.com/DRA. They use a level system of reward and punishment and hold mock-trials and provide mock-imprisonment for children with “attitude, behavioral, or personality disorders.” They use irrational tactics such as fear and abuse of power to convince children to act “appropriately” in any given social or family situation. It is a very dangerous game these people are playing. The drugs that are prescribed for ADHD cause violent psychotic behavior in 6% of the children taking them. Before submitting your child to torture, perhaps a healthy family environment, proper diet, and family therapy are in order. Diamond Ranch claims to treat Oppositional Defiance Disorder. ODD is a “quack” term and is currently being given the same respect that “hysteria” received once rational minds investigated the problem. ODD is currently being challenged by members of the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association as being a false diagnosis for any teen. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Diamond Ranch Academy, please contact us and we will share your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Discovery Ranch--It is located in Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! This program is affiliated with confirmedly abusive Discovery Academy,RedCliff Ascent, as well as the suspected Medicine Wheel and Oxbow Academy programs. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Discovery Ranch, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Distant Drums Beginnings--It is located in Nephi, Utah. And, it is owned and operated by the former owners of Skyline Journey, shutdown for killing a child. See:http://teenadvocatesusa.homestead.com/IanAugust_Skyline_Journey.html HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Distant Drums, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Eagle Ranch Academy, Inc.--Located in St. George, UT. The belly of the beast that is abusive behavior modification. Eagle Ranch Academy is confirmedly abusive. For firsthand accounts of fraud and abuse, click here. For staff and background info, click here. For audio of current (December, 2009) accounts of abuse at Eagle Ranch Academy, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Eagle Ranch Academy, please contact us and we will share your story here as a warning to others. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Elements Wilderness Program--Located in Huntington, Utah. This program uses a seven step/seven phase model similar to that employed by confirmedly abusive Straight Inc. and Pathway Family Center. We recommend no parent subject any child to a facility that uses a confirmedly abusive behavior modification model. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Elements Wilderness Program, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Falcon Ridge Ranch--Located in Virgin, Utah. HEAL suspects this program is abusive because its sister program, Red Rock Canyon School is abusive and deadly. For staff and background information, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Falcon Ridge Ranch, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Heritage House (aka The Heritage Schools) is located in Provo, UT and a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. HEAL downloaded the Heritage House admissions forms. Things they consider to be extreme behavioral problems in need of immediate intervention include: "cursing, challenging authority, homosexuality--but, they call it "sexual identity distress", sad/unhappy, argues, noncompliant, impulsive, overreacts, secretive (shows a need for privacy), stubborn, does not accept criticism, etc." These are all normal parts of growing up, establishing independence, and growing into one's own individuality/self. Heritage House uses physical restraints. In the contract, Heritage House explains that they control teen's contact with outside world including telephone privileges and monitoring incoming and outgoing mail (this is a civil rights violation, it violates the 4th, 8th, and 14th, amendments according to the Federal Court who has placed federal injunctions against this practice at other programs.) In the contract, "You have the right to refuse to participate in any research project". This is the parent's right, but, it does not apply to the teen. It suggests, and HEAL has other paperwork that confirms, that many of these programs are experimenting on the youth in them. Heritage House also uses "seclusion" as a punishment/disciplinary tool. Seclusion is solitary confinement and in many programs can last for months and permanently disable the child/teen mentally. Heritage House identifies their inmates by number, not name, like Provo Canyon School and like Nazi Germany. We recommend you do not subject your child to Heritage House. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Heritage House, please contact us and we will share your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





High Top Ranch is owned and operated by the same people as Sorenson’s Ranch School, a confirmedly abusive program that employs at least one known felon who was convicted of sexual assault of a minor. Unless you think it is good to place your child in the care of known sex offenders, you should definitely just say no to High Top and any Sorensen/Sorenson outfit. If you were abused while in the care of High Top Ranch, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. You have up to four years to file lawsuits of this nature in the state of Utah. Let us know if we can help you in any way! For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Integrity House located in Cedar City, UT is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification facility. There are many red flags raised when reading their description of their program. They use a phase system as well as physical restraints. They limit communications between parents and children and isolate the children from family and friends. These are all huge red flags. Do not send your child to Integrity House. If you were abused at Integrity House, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. For staff and background info,click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Island View located in Syracuse, UT is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification facility. According to survivor reports on this program, “I was in Island View UT, a locked facility. And there were restraints, seclusions, they kept us out of school for 2 weeks because of "dropping names" "gossiping" about other 'residents" One instance my friend Raychel was on her bed during study hall, they yelled at her to sit at her desk and she said her back hurt, they told her she must sit at her desk. And they picked her up immediately did a restraint and she was escorted to a seclusion room. Their justification for this was "she was in danger to herself".”-Sarah B. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Island View, please contact us so we may post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Kolob Canyon Residential Treatment Center--Located in Utah. This program is confirmedly abusive. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! For staff and background information, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Liahona Academy-in Southern Utah is a suspectedly abusive behavior modification facility. We have reason to believe it is an associate of WWASPS and is a program within the Cross Creek program. After filling out the online assessment, available by clicking on the Liahona underlined title above, and choosing what most people understand are normal teenage behaviors caused by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty/adolescence we received a “Severe Danger” rating and were advised to call immediately to hear the sales pitch. Choose whatever on the list you think add up to normal teen behaviors and see what rating you get. I bet you’ll be shocked. Based on their inability and bizarre manner of assessment, no interview with the child is warranted nor any real evaluations before they advise a residential facility be the next step, we believe Liahona is suspect and best to be avoided. If you were abused at Liahona Academy or had your rights violated in anyway, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Life-Line, Inc.--Located in Salt Lake City, Utah. On April 8th, 2011 HEAL received a report confirming abuse at this facility. Please contact us with any info on this program. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! For staff and background information, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Logan River Academy in Logan, UT is reportedly abusive. Reports state that Logan River uses similar methods of those used at WWASPS and Provo Canyon School. Also, Logan River is run by Robert Crist who also founded notoriously abusive Provo Canyon School. Logan River also employs both former Provo Canyon School (Robert Crist), Aspen Education Group (Larry Carter), and WWASPS (Mark Peterson) employees. Please do not send your child to Logan River Academy. If you were abused at Logan River Academy or had your rights violated in anyway, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!







Majestic Ranch (aka Old West Academy/Old West Ranch Academy) located in Utah is another World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools program. View the news report by visiting: http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2679149 Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children. There is an online article detailing the allegations of abuse at You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htm. As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS. According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.” If you were abused or had your rights violated by Majestic Ranch, please contact us and we will post your experiences here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Maple Lake Academy--Located in Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Moonridge Academy--Located in Cedar City, Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! Moonridge Academy is associated with two confirmedly abusive programs in Utah. Those programs are Kolob Canyon RTC and Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy. Kolob Canyon and Moonridge share staff. This is a serious concern. For staff and background information, click here. If you would like to submit your statement regarding Moonridge Academy, please contact us for information and submission requirements.





New Haven Residential Treatment Center is located in Provo, UT and is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. They use a level system (the rules of the program could formerly be viewed by clicking on the underlined title as of 3/19/04) which is custom in abusive behavior modification programs. They also claim that Oppositional Defiance Disorder is something they treat at their facility. Oppositional Defiance Disorder is currently being removed from the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association terminology resources because qualified, respected doctors in the fields of medicine and psychiatry have decided it is a fallacious “disease” founded on the same nonsense as hysteria (once defined as a woman’s disease caused by hormonal imbalance and no longer accepted or respected). Another red flag for this program is the description of the orientation/level 1/Safety level of their program. They claim on level one that the student is not trusted at all and that she is watched 24 hours a day, even while going to the bathroom and showering. Many of these young women have been raped or abused and watching them in vulnerable positions such as sleeping, bathing, and going to the bathroom can spark post-traumatic stress in them. Such treatment is counter-productive to true therapy and this program from the onset violates the rights of the students involved. We highly recommend you do not send your child to this institution. If you have been abused or had your rights violated by New Haven, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Oakley School--Located in Oakley, Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! This is an Aspen Education Group/CRC Health program. We advise against placing any child in any Aspen Education Group program. For staff and background info, click here. If you would like to submit a statement about Oakley School, please contact us for submission information.





Outback Therapeutic Expeditions--Located in Lehi, Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! Please contact us with any information on this program. For staff and background info, click here.





Oxbow Academy--Located in Mount Pleasant/Wales, Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! Please contact us with any info on this program. For staff and background information, click here.






Pine Ridge Academy (a.k.a. YouthCare) in Draper, UT is owned and operated by Aspen Education Group. AEG owns Stone Mountain School, a confirmedly abusive program. They use a level system similar to WWASPS and Provo Canyon School and are breaking federal laws by censoring/monitoring the mail of children in their program. We believe that this program is highly suspect based on this evidence and highly recommend you do not send your child to this program. If you were abused at Pine Ridge Academy, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Provo Canyon School located in Orem and Provo, Utah is an abusive behavior modification program. They have lost lawsuits filed against them for child abuse and cruel and inhumane treatment of children. One of these lawsuits is Milonas and Rice vs. Provo Canyon School. This facility has been operational for over 30 years and Robert H. Crist has been involved in running the program prior to, during, and following the successful lawsuits against him and Provo Canyon School. There is a laundry list of websites dedicated to and exposing the abuses at Provo Canyon School. To report your survivor/family story, please contact us at info@heal-online.org. Thank you. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! Please see www.heal-online.org/healsuit.htm and www.provotruthexposed.com for more information on this program.





Inner Changes of Provo Canyon--Located in Utah. This program is part of the notoriously abusive program, Provo Canyon School. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!







Red Cliffs Ascent Wilderness Program (a.k.a. RedCliff Ascent) located in Utah is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. According to one woman’s online statement regarding the treatment of her nieces, “And, very importantly, there were no professional therapists helping these kids at all because the kids are sent straight into walking in the desert after the first day of survival in the desert training! Who accompanies the kids is another kid, often a graduate of Redcliff, who may also have been sent to a reform school and may be doing this 'service' as some kind of volunteer credit for college or to try and please the parent who sent them to Redcliff in the first place. So here are damaged kids, in pain, in shock about having been kidnapped, now marching 10 hours a day in the desert with 55 pound backpacks with no guidance. I don't think this helps anybody and it most definitely hurt my nieces.” For a complete look at an online complaint against Red Cliffs, visit: http://www.sociopranos.com/forums/thread-post.asp?Action=Edit&MessageID=1997&forumid=8&threadid=225. If you were abused at Red Cliffs Ascent or had your rights violated in anyway, please send us your online statement to add here as a warning to others. Submit statement info and submission requests to: info@heal-online.org. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Red Rock Canyon School in St. George, UT is an abusive behavior modification program. “A $6 million wrongful-death lawsuit, (was) filed in U.S. District Court by parents of the teenage girl, Katherine Lank, who fell into a deep crevice while hiking. It was filed against the Red Rock Canyon School, St. George, Utah, on May 28, 2002. The suit, accuses the school of negligence and breach of contract, asks for $5 million in compensatory damages, and $1 million in punitive damages and attorney fees. The Lanks have also demanded a jury trial.” Further information about this is in the article by Michael Vigh of the Salt Lake Tribune. And, there is a new lawsuit against Red Rock, filed January 28, 2008. See the complaint here. If you were abused by Red Rock Canyon School, contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Second Nature Wilderness Camp in Duchesne, UT (additional locations in Santa Clara, UT, Clayton, GA, and Bend, OR) is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program. They consider Oppositional Defiance Disorder an actual disorder when in reality it is not. During puberty teenagers’ hormones fluctuate creating moodiness and struggles. This is normal. Labeling normal teen behavior a disorder is damaging to teens and their families. Beyond this, we find certain passages in the program contract disturbing. You can read the full contract by clicking on the title link (as of 3/19/04). One thing they ask is a detailed description of all of the child’s fears. What possible purpose could they have for this? We suspect they ask this information so they can use your child’s fears against them in order to terrify them to the point of submitting to any order in order to avoid further terror. The signature line for parents is the most telling it reads: “I release Second Nature Therapeutic Programs LLC, Second Nature Wilderness Programs, LLC, all employees, and contractors from any and all liability resulting from our son’s or daughter’s participation and assume all risks in connection there with, including known and unknown risks. “ Basically, you have signed over your rights to sue if your child is battered and abused by anyone while in the care of Second Nature. This is a dangerous request and one no parent should agree to. If you have been abused by Second Nature, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Silverado Boys Ranch (Reportedly closed/closing in 2011 due to bankruptcy and lawsuits) in Panguitch, UT is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. Silverado Boys Ranch employs a multitude of former/current Provo Canyon School employees, including Provo Canyon School's founder Robert Crist. We recommend that you do not subject your child to Silverado Boys Ranch. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Silverado Boys Ranch, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Skyline Journey Program (Eagle Quest Outdoor Youth Development Program) is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program. Ian August, 14, of Austin, Texas, died in the field on Saturday, July 13, 2002 while participating in the Skyline Journey Wilderness Program in Nephi, Utah. If you were abused by the Skyline Journey Program, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Sommerset Program (a.k.a. Academy at Canyon Creek) in Springville, UT is confirmedly abusive as it is directly associated with Provo Canyon School and run by Larry Winn of Provo Canyon School who is confirmedly abusive towards children in his care. Please do not place your child in Sommerset. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Sommerset Program, pleasecontact us and we will post your statement online as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Sorenson’s Ranch School in UT is confirmedly abusive. The UT government suspended their license, but, Sorenson’s won in the appeal process. The reason their license was suspended was because Shaun Sorenson, son of the owner of the ranch, was hired to work at the ranch following his conviction and incarceration in violation of Utah state law regarding the employment of ex-convicts at any facility that cares for children. He worked at Sorenson’s Ranch as a maintenance man after his conviction and subsequent release. According to Layne Bagley, he is no longer working there. The facts regarding what he was accused of and what he was convicted of are in dispute. However, the fact that they use hired kidnappers (escorts) to transport children to their program when multiple states have outlawed this practice as being horribly traumatizing and in violation of Federal Law highlights how very removed from ethical responsibility Sorenson's is. To read an online statement written by a parent of a survivor of Sorenson’s Ranch, click here. See the survivor run website at http://sorensons.org. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Sorenson’s Ranch, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Stillwater Academy (aka Turnabout Stillwater Academy)--Located in South Jordan, UT. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! Please contact us with any info on this program. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! For staff and background information, click here. This program currently employs Robert Crist, formerly with Provo Canyon School and is therefore suspected of being an abusive program.





Tavasi School--(a.k.a. Logan River Academy) Located in Utah. Tavasi is confirmedly abusive as it is part of Logan River Academy. It is owned by Robert Crist, the founder of Logan River Academy and Provo Canyon School, both of which are confirmedly abusive. We recommend you do not place your child in any facility where the staff and/or owners have a history or record of gross negligence and child abuse. If you were abused, defrauded, or had your rights violated by Tavasi, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Timpview Residential Treatment Center--Located in Spanish Forks, UT. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! For important information on what is allowed in Utah, visit www.heal-online.org/era.htm and www.provotruthexposed.htm. We have also received a preliminary report of abuse at this facility. The initial report was submitted on December 28th, 2009. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! This program is a Heritage Youth Services program. Please contact us for information on submitting a statement regarding this program. For staff and background information, click here.





Sunrise Residential Treatment Center (and Boarding School)--Located in Hurricane, Utah. Sunrise is highly suspected of being an abusive facility. It employs many (and at least one current staff) staff of other abusive programs. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Sunrise RTC, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Teen Challenge of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Turn About Ranch in Escalante, UT is an Aspen Education Group program. AEG owns Stone Mountain School, a confirmedly abusive program. They use a level system similar to WWASPS and Provo Canyon School and are breaking federal laws by censoring/monitoring the mail of children in their program. We believe that this program is highly suspect based on this evidence and highly recommend you do not send your child to this program. If you were abused at Turn About Ranch, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Utah Boys Ranch (a/k/a West Ridge Academy and Girls Town) in West Jordan, UT is confirmedly abusive. Watch the following video:







If you would like to submit a statement regarding your experience at Utah Boys Ranch/West Ridge Academy/Girls Town, please contact us and your statement will be posted here as a warning to others. For staff and background information, click here.. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!





Waterfall Canyon Academy--Located in Ogden, Utah. HEAL recommends no parent subject any child to any program in Utah as Utah is corrupt and refuses to regulate or take action against confirmedly abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, Sorenson's Ranch, etc... Don't send your kid to UT! Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah! For staff and background information, click here.







Youthcare Inc. (a.k.a. Pine Ridge Academy) in Draper, UT is owned and operated by Aspen Education Group. AEG owns Stone Mountain School, a confirmedly abusive program. Youthcare Inc. is a confirmedly abusive program. Two youth counselors at Youthcare have been charged with abuse and neglect leading to the death of 14-year old Brendan Blum in June of 2007. They use a level system similar to WWASPS and Provo Canyon School and are breaking federal laws by censoring/monitoring the mail of children in their program. We highly recommend you do not send your child to this program. If you were abused at Youthcare Inc., please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here. Click here for vital information you should know about programs in Utah!



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VERMONT

E-Wen-Akee--Located in Benson, VT. This is an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program. Eckerd is confirmedly abusive. For staff and background info, click here. If you were abused or had your rights violated at E-Wen-Akee, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.



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VIRGINIA



Blue Ridge School in St. George, VA. We have received a preliminary report of abuse on this program. It is also a member of the IECA and included in HEAL's report on the IECA. Pleasecontact us with any information on this program. For staff and background information, click here.





Carlbrook School--Located in Halifax, VA. Previously part of the CEDU system (confirmedly abusive). It is currently overseen by former CEDU staffer, Tim Brace. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Carlbrook School, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Teen Challenge—Virginia in Staunton, (and cities of Newport News, Roanoke, Spotsylvania,) VA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs,click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



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WASHINGTON

Morning Star Boys Ranch in Spokane, WA is confirmedly abusive. Multiple accounts of sexual abuse reported to Washington authorities over the past decade. Do not send your child to this facility. For more information visit: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20051017-1252-boysranch.html If you were abused or had your rights violated at Morning Star Boys Ranch, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.







Penrith Farms is suspected of being a cult-like behavior modification facility. We spoke with Jim Brewster under a nom de plum on Friday, February 6th, 2004. We claimed to be parents of a troubled youth age 14. At no time did he correct our misinformation gathered from teenprogram.info that Penrith Farms can take in adolescents. He asked the age of “Jake” and we said “14”. At which point Jim said, “Good, I like young boys.” We then proceeded to ask him about the structure of Penrith Farms and the methods used for “behavior modification.” We asked if he used the Resource Realizations TASKS model for behavior modification. There was a brief, contemplative silence on the phone followed by Jim stating, “We teach reality and accountability.” We then asked what he meant by “reality.” He followed up by saying, “Reality. That’s what we teach at Penrith Farms.” We had a couple of more circular bouts with this question and answer and HEAL volunteers gave up on getting a straight answer from him. We believe that due to his guarded answers and game playing that Penrith Farms is questionable at best and one should certainly look elsewhere for real treatment and/or help. If you had your rights violated or were abused in anyway by Penrith Farms, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





SHAMROCK EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVE located in Newman Lake, WA is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. On Friday, February 6th, 2004 a HEAL member using a nom de plum called Shamrock Educational Alternative and spoke with Mrs. Thomas Carter, wife and co-operator of Shamrock Educational Alternative. Suspicions arose when Mrs. Carter answered questions with questions. If our member asked, “what kind of boys attend Shamrock Educational Alternative?” Mrs. Carter would reply with “what kind of trouble are you having with your son?” That’s the kind of thing that went on. Our member asked about methods used for behavior modification at Shamrock and Mrs. Carter said “absolutely no 12 step programs are available to the students” and “you’ll need to ask my husband”. Even though Mrs. Carter claims to co-run Shamrock Educational Alternative she was either unwilling or unable to specify what methods were used to modify behavior. She said that Shamrock Educational Alternative was not a residential treatment center. She said they did medicate the “students” when necessary (this is customarily used by behavior modification programs to disguise and avoid specifically answering the question of medication). As with the other behavior modification programs they ask the boys be left at the school for at least one year. The goal of the school is to change behavior. Another strange thing is that the school does not accept calls from “blocked” numbers. If your number is unlisted you need to dial a code in order to speak with the school. Either the competency of Mrs. Carter is in question as to her not being able to answer simple questions regarding the program and passing the torch to the one man, her husband, who knows all the secrets or can sell better than she can or they are definitely trying to hide something. HEAL recommends you do not use Shamrock Educational Alternative or any behavior modification program that asks for limited or controlled visits, monitors mail and phone calls, and deprives children and parents of basic constitutional rights. If you were abused at Shamrock Educational Alternative (aka Shamrock Acres, Shamrock Educational Academy), please contact us so we can post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





FLYING H YOUTH RANCH located at 370 Flying H Loop, Naches, WA 98937. Based on the characteristics of boys they consider in need of treatment as taken from their website atwww.flyingh.org HEAL believes that Flying H Youth Ranch is suspicious. The characteristics listed include NORMAL teenage boy behavior like: defiant, angry, disrespectful to authority, poor peer choices, and wanting independence. It seems if one is to test their boundaries in a normal teenage way these days they will be pegged as having “Oppositional Defiant Disorder” or some other quacky-term. Also taken from their website is the program description which seeks to modify behavior to conform to the following: respect for authority, following instructions, putting forth effort to change, using abilities to serve, and persevering. Basically, if you want to turn your child into a thoughtless, dependent who never questions authority and refuses to think critically then Flying H Youth Ranch is for you. Based on their descriptions HEAL believes this is a suspect program and recommends you do not send your child to Flying H Youth Ranch. If you were abused at Flying H Youth Ranch, please contact us so we can post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





Sea Mar in Bellingham, WA is reportedly fraudulent and in violation of Federal Laws. It is suspected, yet to be confirmed, that they are also physically and psychologically abusive. They use a level system similar to WWASPS and Provo Canyon School and are breaking federal laws by censoring/monitoring the mail of children in their program. We believe that this program is highly suspect based on this evidence and highly recommend you do not send your child to this program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Sea Mar, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





STRAIGHT ARROW APEX (a.k.a. Bald Eagle Creek Boys Academy, Crossings NW) located in Northport, WA. At age 18 in the United States you have reached majority. If your parents have extended guardianship of you, then you may end up being sent to Straight Arrow Apex. HEAL believes that Straight Arrow Apex is a suspect behavior modification program. Their descriptions of boys “in need of help” include: manipulative behaviors, needs to develop work ethic, and has poor family relationships. So, if you are an 18 year old who is having difficulty finding work in the current economy, fighting with folks because you don’t want to end up on the street, and asking for patience and compassion as you enter adulthood, then you are “troubled” and in need of Straight Arrow Apex. The use of the word “manipulative” is disturbing to HEAL because in our experience behavior modification programs use the word “manipulative” to describe honest thoughts and emotion that bind family members to each other and express reality. The use of the word feedback on the Straight Arrow Apex site also raises our suspicion because it is a term that is used primarily to describe verbal abuse by an “authority” in the TASKS program in relating to a “student” who is being modified. We highly recommend you do not send your child and/or do not voluntarily submit yourself to the “treatment” at Straight Arrow Apex. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Straight Arrow Apex, please contact us so we can post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





TEEN CHALLENGE—INT’L located in Graham, WA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





TEEN CHALLENGE—RENTON located in Renton, WA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





TEEN CHALLENGE—SEATTLE located in Seattle, WA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





TEEN CHALLENGE—SPOKANE located in Spokane, WA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, pleasecontact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





JUBILEE YOUTH RANCH located at 100 Jubilee Lane, Prescott, WA 98348 is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility. Here are some of the rules (numbers differ from their website) of Jubilee Youth Ranch as taken from http://www.jyranch.org/rules.doc on 2/9/04 by our webmaster:



No reading material of any kind, other than an approved version of the Bible and literature approved by Jubilee Youth Ranch will be allowed.



All students’ baggage will be searched upon arrival at Jubilee Youth Ranch.



A staff member will read all incoming and outgoing mail.



A staff member will monitor all students phone calls.



No stereos, radios, CD’s, tapes, or tape players are allowed except by student leaders.



No student is allowed off campus unless accompanied by a staff member or parent, and then only after proper

notification of all staff involved.



Young men are not allowed to wear necklaces, earrings, or bracelets.



The staff reserves the right to search personal property or any room at any time.



Punishments such as Basic Training (calisthenics), hauling wood, and digging/filling in holes are used to

deter inappropriate behaviors.



A staff member always closely supervises these. (webmaster note: ever seen Cool Hand Luke, remember the

digging and filling in holes that broke Luke’s spirit?)



If a student becomes violent against someone, staff is allowed to use only enough physical force to separate the

two individuals.



If a student is in danger of physical harm, staff is allowed to use reasonable force to protect the youth in danger

or any others in danger.



We ask you to remember that reasonable force explains many behaviors from authority including the Rodney King beating. We also ask you to take a look at http://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm. These warning signs include monitoring of mail and phone conversations, limited or censored communication between parent and child, and the restriction of basic freedoms as listed above. Based on our research, we believe heartily that Jubilee Youth Ranch is an abusive, trauma-based behavior modification program and we advise you to avoid sending your child to this program. If you were abused at Jubilee Youth Ranch, please contact us so we can post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info,click here.





Excelsior Youth Center in Spokane, Washington is suspected of being an abusive residential “treatment” center. The photographs they formerly used were the same ones used by the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools which suggests they are affiliated in some capacity. You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: www.nospank.net/ashcroft. As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS. According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.” Beyond the alleged WWASPS connection, we find that many of the program details of Excelsior Youth Center match with the warning signs to look out for in an abusive program list, which can be found at http://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm. If you were abused at Excelsior Youth Center, please contact us so we can post your online statement here as a warning to others. For staff and background info, click here.





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WEST VIRGINIA

Greenbrier Academy for Girls--Located in Pence Springs, WV. We have received a preliminary report of abuse regarding this program. Please contact us with any information on this program. For staff and background information, click here.





Teen Challenge for New Life in Wheeling, WV (Also in Athens, WV) is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.





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WISCONSIN

The ChalleNGe Academy at Ft. McCoy, WI is suspected of being an abusive facility. Here are our concerns: A government run program run by the department of military affairs. 17 months long with a 12 month follow-up period. (That is a lot of time to get a GED) one of our coordinators earned their GED in a couple of weeks. It claims to be voluntary and accepts only kids who don't do drugs or smoke cigarettes. One of the statements explains themselves as being "doped up" prior to enrollment. Also a girl writes this about her boyfriend who was in this program: "Thank you for taking Ryan in and changing him as much as you did.” (behavior mod.) and " Before he went to camp he was a troublemaker. He loved trouble, drinking, drugs, and worst of all he disrespected any and everyone…" (Looks like they accept druggies after all). Claims kids cannot be on parole or probation for other than juvenile status offenses, That is interesting. What other status offenses would a juvenile be on? We suppose they do try a lot of kids as adults these days. Any kid who doesn't want to get a GED themselves will not want to be in this program. Of course, they shave the kids' heads. It seems like a pre-military, military. Claims to cost the parent nothing, government/tax payer dollar funded. We didn't vote for the pre-military military, did you? If you were abused or had your rights violated at The ChalleNGe Academy in Wisconsin, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others! For staff and background info, click here. Here is the biggest red flag that we see: "Cadets are awarded one 10-minute phone call on Sunday nights starting the third week of the Residential Phase. Senior Cadets are allowed 20 minutes. Phone calls for emergencies or career planning are allowed at the Cadre's discretion." (Awarded means they have to be working the program) They should have availability every day to communicate with friends and family. Nowhere does it state that a so-called cadet is allowed to sign themselves out. This may not be the traditional program as we know them but we find it to be highly suspect. Definitely a mutated version of a program.





Teen Challenge—Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF). DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens. Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy. George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000. The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification. Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers,please click here. To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. For staff and background info, click here.



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WYOMING

Mount Carmel Youth Ranch is located in Powell, WY. Based on their own description at their website at http://www.mtcarmelyouthranch.com/long_term_program.html as of 9/1/04 they use a 10-level system to modify behavior. Behavior modification is a clinical euphemism for brainwashing. They also list homosexuality as a mental disease/behavioral problem. If you have firsthand experience of abuse or had your rights violated by Mount Carmel Youth Ranch, please contact us so we may post your experience here as a warning to others. For staff and background info,click here.





Trinity Teen Solutions is located in Powell, WY. It is reportedly owned by the daughter of the owners of Mount Carmel Youth Ranch. HEAL has received preliminary reports of abuse and trauma at Trinity Teen Solutions. For staff and background info, click here.