Document Library A-M Welcome to page 1 of our document library. This page contains survivor statements, court documents, news articles, photos, etc. pertaining to OPEN facilities with names beginning with letters "A" through "M". Information regarding closed facilities is now located on our archives page. Information relating to a specific person may be listed under the name of the facility he or she was involved with. Some facilities will have their own web page. That will be noted and a link will be provided here. Many of our documents are PDF files and require the Adobe Acrobat Reader. This link will take you to the Adobe download page: Get Adobe Acrobat Now! Larger documents may take a few minutes to download. These "quick links" will take you to the documents you are interested in: Academy at Ivy Ridge Alberta Adolescent Recovery Center (AARC) Alldredge Academy/Ayne Institute Anderson, Martin Lee Arndt, Angellika Aspen Achievement Academy Benchmark Young Adult School Bowling Brook Prepatory School Brown, Lakeisha Carolina Springs Academy Catherine Freer Wilderness Expeditions Central Ohio Boys Residential Academy (COBRA) Chad Youth Enhancement Center Cross Creek Programs Darrington Academy Devereux Facilities Discovery Academy - Utah Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy Eckerd Programs Escuela Caribe Excel Academy - Texas Florida Assoc. of Christian Child Caring Agencies (FACCCA) Galena Ridge Wilderness Program & 20 Peaks Ranch Growing Together - Florida Harbor Oaks Boarding School Haynes, Anthony Hephzibah House Hidden Lake Academy Hope Youth Ranch - Louisiana Hyde School Kids Helping Kids - Ohio KidsPeace Living Water Refuge Love In Action/Refuge Majestic Ranch Academy Misc. Mission Mountain School Academy at Ivy Ridge Academy at Ivy Ridge is a boarding facility located in New York. It is one of several facilities operating according to the guidelines of the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS). The facility has been the source of numerous complaints of sexual and physical abuse, educational fraud, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, food deprivation resulting in dramatic weight loss, excessive use of isolation, and medical neglect. Director Jason Finlinson is the brother-in-law of Robert Lichfield, founder of WWASPS and Teen Help, and owner of Academy at Ivy Ridge. In August 2005, the Attorney General of New York determined that Academy at Ivy Ridge was not a legitimate school and ordered its owners to stop issuing worthless diplomas. The facility was also ordered to refund over $1 million in tuition and fined $250,000. In January 2006, the public relations firm for WWASPS issued a press release claiming Academy at Ivy Ridge had "withdrawn" from the organization. As of April 2006, Academy at Ivy Ridge was still advertised on many of the known WWASPS/Teen Help marketing web sites. A $100 million class action lawsuit was filed against Academy at Ivy Ridge and WWASPS on July 25, 2006. Academy at Ivy Ridge: State Says it's NOT a School Academy at Ivy Ridge Accreditation DENIED Ivy Ridge Academy Staff Members Charged in Connection with Assault on Teen Ivy Ridge Academy Still Can't Issue Diplomas Child Hospitalized After Gang Assault at Academy at Ivy Ridge $100 Million Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Ivy Ridge Ivy Ridge Academy, WWASPS, Robert Lichfield Sued for $100 Million Ivy Ridge Academy Refuses to Allow ADULT Students Visits with Family Academy at Ivy Ridge Declared "Educational Fraud" by New York Officials Academy at Ivy Ridge Ordered to Refund Tuition Press Release from the New York Attorney General Academy at Ivy Ridge Fined $250,000 for Illegal Diplomas State Investigates New Allegations of Abuse at Academy at Ivy Ridge Parent of Ivy Ridge Student Denied Access to Child's Records Teens Arrested Following Riot at Academy at Ivy Ridge Riot at Academy at Ivy Ridge Questions Raised about Northwest Assoc. of Accredited Schools Investigation into Academy at Ivy Ridge Leads to Suspension of Accreditation Ivy Ridge Academy the Subject of Investigation into Abuse and Credentials Academy at Ivy Ridge Donates to New York Politicians Court Document: Transcript of WWASPS v. Pure Teen Escort Used by WWASPS has History of Domestic Violence and Child Molestation Teen Beaten by Escorts During Transport to Academy at Ivy Ridge Escorts Charged for Beating Teen on Way to Academy at Ivy Ridge Statement from a Former Student Statement from Another Former Student Statement from the Parents of a Former Student Discovery Seminar Exposed WWASPS Seminars: Warm Embrace or Pyscho Cry Fest? Please see Page 2 of our document library and our main WWASPS page for more information regarding WWASPS and Teen Help. Information regarding closed WWASPS/Teen Help facilities is now located on our ARCHIVES page. Alberta Adolescent Recovery Center (AARC) AARC is a drug treatment facility is Alberta, Canada. It is a direct descendant of Straight, Inc. Straight, Inc. is considered to be one of the most abusive programs in United States history and has been classified as a cult. ISAC's Preliminary Report on AARC AARC Program Overview AARC Endorsements Canadian Accreditation AARC Structured Day Complete information is located on our main AARC page. Click here for more information about Straight, Inc. Alldredge Academy/Ayne Institute Alldredge Academy/Ayne Institute is located near Davis, West Virginia. On February 13, 2001, Ryan Lewis, 14, committed suicide at the facility. Just one day earlier, the child cut himself with a knife provided by the staff. Staff members reportedly dismissed the self-inflicted wounds as "manipulation" and an attempt to get "attention" and even returned the knife to the child. The following day, Ryan hanged himself from a tree. Enrollment documents allegedly show that the child had attempted suicide twice before. A subsequent investigation resulted in criminal charges against the facility, owner L. Jay Mitchell and a staff member. Alldredge Academy was found guilty of child neglect resulting in death and fined $5,000. Owner L. Jay Mitchell was ordered to relinquish control and management of the facility. Information obtained by ISAC indicates that Mitchell "sold" the facility to his wife. The facility agreed to change its name to Ayne Institute in 2001, but ISAC investigators determined that the Alldredge Academy website is still operational and shows a copyright date of 2004. Alldredge Academy Settles Lawsuit, Admits Responsibility for Death of Ryan Lewis Child Dies at Alldredge Academy Alldredge Academy May Come Under State Review State Orders Closure of Alldredge Academy Alldredge Academy to Remain Open Owner of Alldredge Academy Charged with Child Neglect Owner of Alldredge Academy to Stand Trial for Child's Death Alldredge Academy Guilty of Felony Child Neglect Alldredge Academy Changes Name to Ayne Institute Parents Sue Alldredge Academy After Son's Death Court Document: Alldredge Academy/Ayne Institute Accused of Neglect in Frostbite Case Martin Lee Anderson After taking his grandmother's car for a joyride, 14 year-old Martin Lee Anderson was sent to Florida's Bay County Boot Camp. The camp is run by the Bay County Sheriff's Department and overseen by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. On January 6, 2006 Martin died after guards repeatedly beat and kneed him. Federal Review in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Guards Acquitted in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Jury Selection Begins in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Florida Offers to Pay $5 Million for Death of Martin Lee Anderson Former Guard Says He Tried to Help Martin Lee Anderson 8 Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Gov. Bush Blamed for Boot Camp Death Cover-Up State Official Claims Views of Anderson's Death Got Him Fired Students Demand Justice for Martin Lee Anderson Trial Date Set in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Martin Lee Anderson's Parents Complain About Lack of Action Family of Martin Lee Anderson to File $40 Million Lawsuit Video of the Fatal Beating Florida Governor Signs Bill Outlawing Boot Camps Martin Lee Anderson Was Suffocated Florida to Close Last 4 Boot Camps Florida Attorney General Wants Probe of Coroner Boot Camp Inspections Missed Red Flags Students, Black Leaders March, Demanding Justice in Boy's Death Boot Camp Founder Resigns, Made Inappropriate Remarks About Civil-Rights Leaders Florida Law Exempts Boot Camps from Abuse-Reporting Requirements Students Continue Vigil at the Capitol (Video and Audio) Students Hold Sit-In at State Capitol on Behalf of Martin Lee Anderson Rally Planned on Behalf of Martin Lee Anderson Florida Department of Law Enforcement Removed from Boot Camp Investigation Florida Official Disparaged Boot-Camp Critics Second Autopsy Indicates Teen Beaten at Boot Camp Suffocated Use of Force Routine at Boot Camp Where Teen was Beaten Prosecutor Says Martin Lee Anderson Did Not Die from Sickle Cell All Children Removed from Florida Boot Camp New Use for Florida Boot Camp Rejected Boot Camp Nurse Who Walked Away is Under Fire Witness Describes Boot Camp Beating Florida Boot Camps Exempt from "Pain Compliance" Ban Body of Martin Lee Anderson to be Exhumed Boot Camp Where Teen Died Will Close Coroner Who Conducted Dead Teen's Autopsy Criticized Before Coroner Says Boy Beaten at Boot Camp Died of Sickle Cell Anemia Justice Department Investigating Death at Teen Boot Camp Video Shows Dead Boy Beaten by Boot Camp Guards Angellika Arndt Angellika Arndt was just 7 years old when she died at Rice Lake Day Treatment Center. In just one month, staff members at the facility had restrained Angellika at least 9 times. On the day she died, Angellika was placed in a face-down "control hold" for blowing bubbles with her milk. The coroner has ruled her death a homicide and criminal charges could be announced soon. Employee Gets 60 Days in Jail for Death of Angellika Arndt Facility and Staff Member Plead No Contest in Death of Angellika Arndt Facility and Staff Member Charged with Negligence in Death of Angellika Arndt Rice Lake Treatment Center Won't Reopen Following Restraint Death State Closes Clinic Where Angellika Arndt Died Wisconsin Advocacy Group Wants Clinic Closed After Child's Death Controlling Out-of-Control kids: When is Restraint OK? State Finds Problems at Clinic Where 7 Year-Old Died 7 Year-Old Dies Following Restraint; Homicide Charges Possible Aspen Achievement Academy Aspen Achievement Academy is located in Loa, Utah. The facility is part of the Aspen Education Group. Video: A take-down at Aspen Achievement Academy Video: Pain compliance at Aspen Achievement Academy Student Not Reformed by "Brat Camp" Child Welfare League Disapproves of ABC's "Brat Camp" Frustrated Parents Seek Wilderness Treks for Troubled Teens Counselor Beaten by Students at Aspen Achievement Academy Child Attempts Suicide at Aspen Achievement Academy Girl Sexually Assaulted; Mother Sues Aspen Achievement Academy Benchmark Young Adult School Benchmark Young Adult School is located in Redlands, California. Anyone with information about Benchmark is asked to contact us immediately. Statement from Michael Crawford, former student Statement from a former student Bowling Brook Prepatory School Isaiah Simmons III, age 17, died after being restrained at Bowling Brook Prepatory School in Maryland. Isaiah was placed at the private facility by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. Isaiah had been found gulity of armed robbery after stealing a cell phone from another teen in February 2006. Witnesses say Isaiah was restrained for several hours and the untrained staff initially thought Isaiah was pretending to be asleep. He leaves behind a 2 year-old daughter. Six Former Staff Members Charged in Death of Isaiah Simmons Death of Isaiah Simmons Declared a Homicide; FBI Investigating Maryland Governor Supports Bill that Would Regulate Staff Training at Private Programs Maryland Moves to Reform Private Teen Facilities Workers in Maryland Juvenile Programs Unchecked by State Restraint Common Where Isaiah Simmons Died Staff Thought Isaiah Simmons Was Faking Sleep; CPR, 911 Delayed Maryland Questions Youth Restraint Following Death of Isaiah Simmons Witnesses Say Isaiah Simmons Was Held Down Until He Died Teen Dies Following Restraint at Bowling Brook Prepatory School Lakeisha Brown - Alexander Youth Services Center Lakeisha Brown collapsed and died at Alexander Youth Services in Arkansas on April 9, 2005. Lakeisha had been complaining of back pain and difficulty breathing for an extended period of time, however nurses at the facility ignored her complaints. A doctor at the center described Lakeisha's repeated requests for medical help as "manipulative." An autopsy determined that Lakeisha died due to a blood clot that had traveled to her lungs. She was just 17 years-old. Lawmakers Frustrated with Education Problems at Arkansas Teen Facility CRIPA Investigation of Alexander Youth Services Center Mother of Lakeisha Brown Files Complaint with State and Lawsuit Coroner: Lakeisha Brown Died From "Ongoing Problem" Official: Alexander Youth Services Center had Widespread Problems Lakeisha Brown Cried for Help; Got Too-Little Too-Late Blood Clot Killed Lakeisha Brown; Only 17 Years-Old Teen Dies at Alexander Youth Services Center Carolina Springs Academy Carolina Springs Academy is a boarding facility located in South Carolina. It is one of several facilities operating according to the guidelines of the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) and affiliated with Teen Help. The facility has been the source of numerous complaints of abuse and is believed to be under investigation by state officials. Owner Narvin Lichfield is the brother of WWASPS/Teen Help founder Robert Lichfield. Narvin Lichfield was arrested by Costa Rican officials in 2003 when they raided Academy at Dundee Ranch and found what they believed to be evidence of child abuse and neglect. Contract for Carolina Springs Academy Court Document: Transcript of WWASPS v. Pure Teen Escort Used by WWASPS has History of Domestic Violence and Child Molestation Narvin Lichfield, Owner of 2 WWASPS Facilities, Still Confused Owner of Carolina Springs Academy Banned from the Property; Facility Faces New Charges of Abuse Narvin Lichfield Says He's a Victim Narvin Lichfield, Owner of Carolina Springs Academy, Banned from the Property Carolina Springs Operating on Temporary License Narvin Lichfield, Owner of Carolina Springs Academy, Arrested Carolina Springs - The Defiant School Discovery Seminar Exposed WWASPS Seminars: Warm Embrace or Pyscho Cry Fest? Please see Page 2 of our document library and our main WWASPS page for more information regarding WWASPS and Teen Help. Information regarding closed WWASPS/Teen Help facilities, including Academy at Dundee Ranch, is now located on our ARCHIVES page. Catherine Freer Wilderness Expeditions - Oregon Three children died at Catherine Freer Wilderness Expeditions in just one year. Another was seriously injured in 2005. Information about two of the deaths can be found below. For reasons unknown, we believe details of the other death were not released. We encourage parents considering this program to exercise extreme caution. Teen Seriously Injured at Catherine Freer Wilderness Program Tree Limb Kills Boy at Catherine Freer Program 15 Year-Old Dies at Catherine Freer Wilderness Program Central Ohio Boys Residential Academy (COBRA) The Central Ohio Boys Residential Academy (COBRA) is located in Bremen, Ohio. It appears that the facility opened in 2000 and was then called Juveniles United Making Progress (JUMP). Director/owner Larry Cunningham is the former police chief of New Rome, Ohio. Following abuse allegations in January 2001, judges stopped sending children to COBRA, then called JUMP. A staff member pleaded guilty to child endangerment in the case. In July 2001, two females reported being sexually assaulted at the facility. An employee served three months in prison after pleading guility to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. In September 2003, Christopher Toops was sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting a 14 year-old girl at COBRA. Toops was employed as a drill instructor at the time of the assault. Director/owner Larry Cunningham resigned as the New Rome Police Chief just one day after the allegations against Toops were published. Girls Allege Sex Abuse at JUMP Boot Camp COBRA Staff Member Accused of Sexual Abuse Owner of COBRA Resigns as Police Chief COBRA Staff to Serve 2 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse Chad Youth Enhancement Center The Chad Youth Enhancement Center is located in Tennessee. Two children have died at the facility in less than two years. June 2007, Omega Leach, age 17, died after being restrained by staff members. The medical examiner attributed the death to an "enlarged heart." Linda Harris, age 14, died while being forcibly taken to a "time out" room at the facility in September, 2005. The medical examiner also attributed Linda's death to an "enlarged heart." Witnesses said Linda was being "improperly restrained" at the time of her death. Philadelphia Sued Over Death at Chad Youth Enhancement Center Two Deaths, a Sexual Assualt, and Many Other Abuses, but Tennessee Still Licenses Chad Youth Enhancement Center Despite Homicide, Philadelphia Children Still at Chad Youth Enhancement Center Latest Death at Chad Youth Enhancement Center Ruled a Homicide Teen Charged With Raping Boy At Chad Youth Enhancement Center Chad Youth Enhancement Center; 2 Deaths, Now a Sexual Assault Complaint After 2 Deaths, PA Judge Orders Children Out of Chad Youth Enhancement Center Community Activists Want Chad Youth Enhancement Center Closed Young Witness Talks about Death at Chad Youth Enhancement Center Omega Leach: Another Life Lost on DHS's Watch Following Second Death, Parents Remove Children from Chad Youth Enhancement Center Another Child Dies at Chad Youth Enhancement Center Coroner Rules 12 Year-Old had Heart Attack Witness Says Child Was Bleeding and in Restraints Child Dies at Youth Enhancement Center

Cross Creek Programs

The Cross Creek programs are marketed under several different names - Cross Creek Center, Cross Creek Manor, Cross Creek Academy, and Browning Academy.

All are headquartered in the same building in Laverkin, Utah.

Cross Creek Center/Academy/Manor is one of several facilities operating according to the guidelines of the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) and affiliated with Teen Help.

The physical property used by the Cross Creek programs is owned by Robert Lichfield, one of the founders of WWASPS/Teen Help.

The network of affiliated programs has a long history of allegations of child abuse and fraud.

WWASPS and Cross Creek Manor Sued for Abuse

Statement from Beth Cooper

Children from Closed Dundee Ranch Academy Sent to Cross Creek

Cross Creek Gets Permission to Expand

Teen Talks about Horrors at Cross Creek Manor

ISAC Report: WWASPS Alleged Crimes (MS Word format)

ISAC Report: WWASPS Alleged Crimes (pdf format)

Revised Utah Bill Would Regulate WWASPS Facilities

Utah Wants to Regulate Facilities, but NOT Those Affiliated with Robert Lichfield and WWASPS

New Attorney General May Consider Regulations for Private Teen Facilities

Congressman Makes Another Request for Investigation into WWASPS

Family Behind Schools with Checkered Record Calls in Political Favors

Court Document: Transcript of WWASPS v. Pure

Please see Page 2 of our document library and our main WWASPS page for more information regarding WWASPS and Teen Help.

Information regarding closed WWASPS/Teen Help facilities is now located on our ARCHIVES page.

Darrington Academy

Darrington Academy is located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

It is one of several facilities operating according to the guidelines of the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) and affiliated with Teen Help.

Darrington Academy opened in late 2004 at what used to be the Fannin Inn Motel.

Dace Goulding recently purchased a home nearby and information obtained by ISAC indicates that he is acting as Director of the facility.

Dace Goulding is currently the President of the Mormon (Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) church in nearby Ellijay, Georgia.

Goulding was formerly the Director of Casa by the Sea.

That facility was closed by Mexican Authorities in September, 2004.

Goulding was also a supervisor at a facility in Samoa called Paradise Cove when that facility closed under suspicion of child abuse.

Please see our Darrington Academy page for complete information and actual photos of Darrington Academy.

Devereux Foundation

The Devereux Foundation operates multiple facilities nationwide.

The facilities care for children with a wide range of needs.

Some specialize in treating drug abuse, while others provide care for children with IQ's as low as 40.

Devereux Arizona

Arizona Devereux Investigated After Child Ends Up in E.R.

Devereux Arizona Staff Member Arrested for Sex Crimes

Devereux Pennsylvania

Counselor Convicted of Sexually Assaulting 15 Year-Old Patient

Devereux Resident Charged With Assaulting 2 Younger Boys

Devereux Cleo Wallace Center - Colorado

Use of Restraints an Issue at Devereux's Cleo Wallace Center

Child Dies During Restraint; Tests Needed to Determine Cause of Death

Girl Dies Following Restraint at Devereux's Cleo Wallace Center

Girl Commits Suicide at Devereux's Cleo Wallace Center

Devereux's Cleo Wallace Center: Teen Mistreatment

Restraints up 300% at Devereux's Cleo Wallace Center

Devereux California

Santa Barbara's Devereux Foundation Settles Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

Santa Barbara's Devereux Foundation Sued After Resident is Raped

Judge Rules Santa Barbara's Devereux Foundation Failed to Protect Child

'Bare Necessities' Licenses Can Leave Kids Vulnerable

Discovery Academy - Utah

Discovery Academy is located in Provo, Utah.

ISAC has received complaints from former students and parents alleging physical and emotional abuse, excessive isolation from family, and fraudulent advertising.

In mid 2005, we received corroberating reports of a recent sexual assault at the facility.

Discovery Academy is now being sued by the parent of the victim.

Former students are asked to contact ISAC immediately.

ISAC urges parents to exercise extreme caution when considering this facility for their child.

Discovery Academy Sued for Sexual Assault

Discovery Academy Cuts off Communication Between Mother & Son

Discovery Academy Staff Member Pleads Guilty to Attempted Rape of Student

Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy - Ohio

Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy is near Lithopolis, Ohio.

In January 2006, the facility was cited for numerous fire code violations after inspectors determined that classes were being conducted in an old horse barn.

Owner Scott Hyland has argued that he should not have to comply with safety regulations because the academy is not an educational facility.

Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy Owner Schooling Kids in Bingo Hall Without Approval

Districts Start Removing Kids from Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy

Classes Barred at Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy

State Probing Owner of Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy for Unpaid Taxes, Bingo License

Judge to Decide if Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy Can School Kids

Eagles Nest Ranch & Academy Cited for Fire Code Violations

Eckerd Wilderness Camp

Eckerd Wilderness Camps operate in several Florida locations.

In 2000, Michael Wiltsie, age 12, died at the Ocala camp after being physically restrained by a 300-pound counselor.

While Florida authorities were very critical of Eckerd, no criminal charges were ever filed.

In 2005, Michael Wiltsie's mother murdered her youngest son, then committed suicide.

Friends and relatives said she never got over Michael's death.

Mother of Michael Wiltsie Kills Younger Son, Commits Suicide

Lawsuit Filed Following Michael Wiltsie's Death

300-Pound Counselor Who Restrained Michael Wiltsie Resigns

Dept. of Juvenile Justice Condemns Camp Following Death of Michael Wiltsie

Death of Michael Wiltsie Classified as Abuse by Dept. of Children and Families

No Charges Filed in Death of Michael Wiltsie

12 Year Old Dies at Eckerd Wilderness Camp

Escuela Caribe - Dominican Republic

Escuela Caribe is located in the Dominican Republic.

The facility is part of New Horizons Youth Ministries, based in Marion, Indiana.

ISAC has received complaints from several former students alleging physical and verbal abuse, forced labor, humiliation, and unsanitary conditions.

ISAC has also obtained disturbing photos of what appear to be children scrubbing the floors with their heads.

New Horizons Youth Ministries Under Fire for its Tactics

New Horizons Youth Ministries Left Lasting Scars for Some

News Report on Escuela Caribe

Statement from Darryl Lare

Statement from Elizabeth Daniels

Children Scrubbing the Floors at Escuela Caribe

Children Scrubbing the Floors at Escuela Caribe

Department of State Report on the Dominican Republic

For more information about Escuela Caribe, please visit the New Horizons Youth Ministries Alumni website at www.nhym-alumni.org

Julia Scheeres, a former student at Escuela Caribe, has written a book that includes an account of her experience at the facility.

The following review is from Publishers Weekly:

Excel Academy - Texas

Excel Academy is located in Conroe, Texas.

The facility is part of the Aspen Education Group (AEG).

ISAC has received complaints alleging physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, isolation from family, unqualified staff, and refusal to communicate with parents.

The staff reportedly dictates what parents can and cannot say to their own children, and will return letters from parents if deemed "inappropriate."

New students are reportedly required to wear orange jumpsuits that say "Runner Call 911" on the back.

According to the Texas State Board for Educator Certification, 7 of the 8 known "teachers" at Excel Academy are NOT certified to teach.

According to the Board, Zachary Daenzer, Theresa Duhon, Larry Heibreder, Arthur LeTourneau, Larry Monks, and Beau Walsh have never applied for a teaching certificate in the state of Texas.

Former students of Excel Academy are asked to contact ISAC immediately.

Excel Academy Message Board

Florida Assoc. of Christian Child Caring Agencies (FACCCA)

The Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies (FACCCA) was founded in 1982.

Facilities in Florida are permitted to join the 501c3 organization instead of obtaining a license from the state.

Facilities accredited by FACCCA are required to adhere to "minimum standards," however ISAC has not been able to determine exactly what those "standards" are.

FACCCA is comprised of representatives from each "accredited" member facility.

Several facilities and individuals associated with FACCCA have been investigated for child abuse including the Vice President of FACCCA, Michael Palmer.

For complete information, please see our FACCCA page.

Galena Ridge Wilderness Program & 20 Peaks Ranch - Montana

Galena Ridge Wilderness Program is located in Trout Creek, Montana.

It is owned by Montana State Representative, Paul Clark.

Clark provides counseling to the children at Galena Ridge although he has no credentials we could verify.

Montana does not regulate privately-owned teen treatment programs.

In 2004-2005, the Department of Public Health and Human Services attempted to introduce a bill into the state Senate that would license behavior modification programs for juveniles.

Paul Clark was one of the most vocal critics of regulation and rallied fellow program owners in Montana.

With the help of personal friend Senator Jim Elliot, Clark drafted his own bill and presented it to the Montana House of Representatives.

The end result was House Bill 628, which created the Private Alternative Adolescent Residential or Outdoor Programs (PAAROP) board largely comprised of program owners - including Paul Clark - and devoid of any regulatory or judicial authority.

ISAC Note: Mickey Manning is also on the PAAROP board. Manning is the "principal" of Spring Creek Lodge Academy, a WWASPS program that is is also in Sanders County and also on our watch list.

One of PAAROP's first "tasks" was to decide whether or not regulations were even needed.

Parents of children attending Galena Ridge are often encouraged to send their children to 20 Peaks Ranch, a long-term residential facility also in Trout Creek.

Paul Clark also acts as "therapist" and family counselor at 20 Peaks and is reportedly paid as much as $1,000 for each child he counsels at the facility.

ISAC has received complaints against 20 Peaks Ranch alleging physical and emotional abuse as well as food deprivation resulting in dramatic and unhealthy weight loss.

We have also received complaints alleging that children are forced to sleep in an unheated barn as punishment during the Montana winter, not allowed to freely communicate with their own parents, and denied prescription medications.

ISAC has also received a complaint alleging Representative Paul Clark - who has NO counseling credentials - taunted a boy who admitted having suicidal thoughts during a therapy session.

At least two formal complaints have been filed with Montana officials.

Anyone with concerns about a specific child at Galena Ridge or 20 Peaks Ranch is encouraged to call the Montana Child Abuse Hotline at 866-820-5437.

Miriam Bodin of Bodin Associates is thought to be a personal friend of Representative Paul Clark and reportedly admitted to referring families to Galena Ridge without ever visiting the facility.

As a result, Bodin Associates has been placed on ISAC's Watch List.

Montana Needs Licensure that Protects Kids, Not Program Owners

Montana May Actually Regulate Teen Programs

Statement from the Parent of a Former Student

Montana Panel to Begin Work Regulating Youth Homes

Montana Putting on the Appearance of Regulating Teen Programs

Growing Together - Florida

Growing Together is a drug treatment facility located in Lake Worth, Florida.

The program is a direct descendant of Straight, Inc.

Straight, Inc. is considered to be one of the most abusive programs in United States history and has been classified as a cult.

Abuse of Straight, Inc. Continues at Growing Together

Please see our ARCHIVES page for more information regarding Straight, Inc.

Harbor Oaks Boarding School - North Carolina

Harbor Oaks is a Christian boarding school located in Mars Hill, North Carolina.

The owners are James and Patricia Jones.

The facility uses the Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.) workbook curriculum provided by School of Tomorrow.

School of Tomorrow requries that just one person in an entire school be "certified" to use the curriculum.

However, this certification is NOT from any state agency. It is issued by School of Tomorrow.

This enables schools to use the curriculum without having any certified teachers.

The status of the "teachers" at Harbor Oaks is still in question.

ISAC has received complaints against Harbor Oaks alleging inadequate education, false advertising, unqualified staff, lack of supervision, and physical abuse.

Sue Scheff, owner of Parents Universal Resource Experts (PURE), reportedly receives payment in exchange for referring families to Harbor Oaks.

ISAC has learned that Scheff's daughter, Ashlyn Jollicks, is employed by the facility.

The Madison County Department of Social Services has substaniated a report for neglect at Harbor Oaks.

The findings include: lack of medical care, lack of mental health care, and improper supervision.

Anyone with information about Harbor Oaks is asked to contact ISAC immediately.

Updated September 30, 2007

Letter about Harbor Oaks

Official Finding of Neglect

Anthony Haynes

Anthony Haynes died in 2001 at the America's Buffalo Soldiers Re-Enactors Association summer boot camp in Arizona. Anthony was just 14 years old. On a hot July afternoon, Anthony and 8 other children were forced to stand in line for hours, denied water and wearing black sweatsuits. Anthony became delirious, began eating dirt, and having convulsions. Instead of calling for help, staff members took Anthony to a nearby hotel and placed the unconscious boy in the shower, where he nearly drowned. Again, instead of calling for help, staff members returned Anthony to the camp. When paramedics were finally called, more than 2 hours later, Anthony was dead. Charles Long, the operator of the camp, was sentenced to 6 years in prison for Anthony's death. Camp counselor Troy Hutty, who was present when Anthony died and said the child was "faking it," was sentenced to 4 months in jail.

Boot Camp Counselor Going to Jail for Death of Anthony Haynes

Boot Camp Director Sentenced to 6 Years for Death of Anthony Haynes

Boot Camp Director Guilty of Manslaughter for Death of Anthony Haynes - from CBS News

Boot Camp Director Guilty of Manslaughter for Death of Anthony Haynes - from the Arizona Republic

Hephzibah House

Hephzibah House is located in Warsaw, Indiana.

The girls-only facility was founded in 1971 by Pastor Ronald E. Williams and his wife Patti.

Hephzibah House is affiliated with Believers Baptist Church.

According to the Hephzibah House website, Believers Baptist Church is described as an independent, fundamental, separated church. The mission is committed to high standards of personal living and believes in a separation from the world and apostasy.

ISAC has received complaints of solitary confinement, excessive isolation from family, emotional cruelty, lack of privacy, monitored conversations with parents, forced strip-searches, and corporal punishment.

During our search for information, we found that Ronald Williams is mentioned along with Lester Roloff on numerous internet sites.

Roloff is notorious for spanking pregnant teens housed at his homes for unwed mothers.

We also found the following disturbing piece of writing by Ronald Williams in which he instructs his followers to spank infants, to not despair if they leave bruises, and describes physically "correcting" one of his children for up to two hours.

Williams also states that he and his wife strive to break the will of their children before they are one year old.

The Correction and Salvation of Children, by Ronald E. Williams

Hidden Lake Academy

Hidden Lake Academy is located in Dahlonega, Georgia.

The facility advertises as a therapeutic boarding school but is not licensed even though Georgia requires licensure of such facilities.

ISAC has received complaints alleging physical and emotional abuse, hazing, unprofessional conduct, unqualified staff, poor supervision of students, and an atmosphere that promotes bullying of younger and/or smaller students.

Founder Leonard Buccellato is licensed as a psychologist.

However according to the Georgia Secretary of State, many of the "counselors" who work directly with children at Hidden Lake Academy are not licensed.

A detailed listing will be posted here as soon as possible.

Clayton Erickson is currently the Director of Addiction Services at Hidden Lake Academy.

Addiction counselors in Georgia are certified by two agencies - the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia and the Georgia Addictions Counselors Association

Neither agency has issued any certification for Clayton Erickson.

Erickson was licensed to practice medicine in the state of Washington until 1993.

His licensed was suspended by the Washington State Medical Disciplinary Board.

According to records obtained by ISAC, the Disciplinary Board determined that Erickson "engaged in unprofessional conduct" and obtained Vicodin, Tylox, and morphine "for his own use and without authorization or prescription."

In 1998, Erickson petitioned to have the suspension lifted.

The Disciplinary Board denied the petition and determined that Erickson "failed to present evidence that he is currently capable of practicing medicine with reasonable skill and safety as required by the Agreed Order."

Erickson's license was revoked by the Medical Commission in May 1999.

ISAC urges parents to exercise extreme caution when considering this program for their child.

Suspension of Clayton Erickson

Lawsuit Filed Against Hidden Lake Academy, September 11, 2006

Hidden Lake Academy Sued

Hope Youth Ranch

Hope Youth Ranch is located in Louisiana. Alex Harris, age 12, died after being forced to run as punishment at the facility in September, 2005. Staff members observed the boy from an air-conditioned truck. After Alex collapsed, another child picked him up, but dropped Alex when he began vomiting. Alex died of dehydration and head trauma. 8 staff members have been charged with negligent homicide. The district attorney has promised them no prison time in exchange for a guilty plea. Hope Youth Ranch Staff Members to go on Trial in October D.A. Offers No Jail Time in Death of Alex Harris 8 Arrested in Connection to Death at Hope Youth Ranch Child Dies at Hope Youth Ranch

Hyde School - Maine and Connecticut

The Hyde School was founded in 1966 by Joseph Gauld, a math teacher.

Hyde operates boarding schools in Bath, Maine and Woodstock, Connecticut offering “family-based character education.”

Hyde also operates three public schools, Hyde-Washington, D.C., Hyde-New York City, and Hyde-New Haven, Connecticut.

In 2002, a former student sued the Woodstock facility for "tolerating and encouraging a pattern of sexual misconduct" by a faculty member.

According to the lawsuit, the student and her mother repeatedly complained about the sexually harrassing behavior of teacher Larry Dubinsky, but administators at Hyde took no action.

ISAC has obtained depositions from other former students who also complained about the behavior of Larry Dubinsky and were ignored.

Dubinsky is not currently shown on the faculty list, but Hyde's own web site documents his presence on campus as recently as June 2006.

Hyde School Sued for Tolerating and Encouraging Sexual Misconduct, Page 1

Hyde School Sued for Tolerating and Encouraging Sexual Misconduct, Page 2

Hyde School Sued for Tolerating and Encouraging Sexual Misconduct, Page 3

Hyde School Sued for Tolerating and Encouraging Sexual Misconduct, Page 4

Don't Question Hyde, Just Find Another School! Page 1

Don't Question Hyde, Just Find Another School! Page 2

Statement from the Parent of a Former Student

Statement from the Parents of a Former Student

The Moral Imperative by James Traub

Kids Helping Kids - Ohio

Kids Helping Kids is a drug treatment facility located in Milford, Ohio.

The program is a direct descendant of Straight, Inc.

Straight, Inc. is considered to be one of the most abusive programs in United States history and has been classified as a cult.

Police reports obtained by ISAC show that Kids Helping Kids calls in several "suicide attempts" per month.

ISAC has filed a formal complaint against Kids Helping Kids with various Ohio agencies.

A letter of "encouragement" from an oldcomer to a newcomer

The History of Kids Helping Kids, According to the Program

Open Meeting Instructions for Parents 1

Open Meeting Instructions for Parents 2

Open Meeting Instructions for Parents 3

Open Meeting Instructions for Parents 4

Open Meeting Instructions for Parents 5

Confidentiality

Treatment Overview

Overview of the 5 Phases

Rules Summary - Phase 1 and 2

Rules Summary - Phase 3, 4, and 5

Rules Summary - Phase 5 Continued and Aftercare

Rules Summary - Aftercare Continued and Refreshers

Helpful Hints for the (Unlicensed) Foster Home 1

Helpful Hints for the (Unlicensed) Foster Home 2

Memo: Host Home Visitors

Much more information regarding Kids Helping Kids is available on these other pages:

ISAC's Main Kids Helping Kids page

ISAC's Timeline Showing How Straight, Inc. Cincinnati became Kids Helping Kids

ISAC's Comparison of the Rules of Kids Helping Kids and Straight, Inc.

Please see our ARCHIVES page for more information regarding Straight, Inc.

KidsPeace

KidsPeace is a nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania.

KidsPeace operates residential treatment centers, juvenile justice programs, and foster care programs in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Minnesota, and Maine.

The following is a brief list of some of the incidents involving just the KidsPeace youth home in North Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania:

May 2006: A 15 year-old boy was charged with multiple counts of assault.

April 2006: A resident stabbed a counselor in the face with two pens.

August 2005: A teen stabbed a teacher with a pencil and bit him in the chest.

August 2005: A female teenager attacked a teacher's aide.

August 2005: A counselor was arrested on charges that he had sex with a female teen at the facility.

July 2005: Donald Detsch, a psychological consultant to KidsPeace, was arrested for possession of child pornography.

June 2004: Three KidsPeace residents were charged with sexual assault.

May 2004: KidsPeace settled with the federal government after an investigation revealed the facility was submitting improper bills to Medicaid. The investigaton showed that KidsPeace was billing Medicaid for services the federal government does not consider therapeutic, such as time children spent in recreational activities and for time spent transporting kids to and from KidsPeace locations. In the settlement, KidsPeace agreed to repay $1.9 million.

Source: The Morning Call Online

KidsPeace Disciplined Over Injuries 

Settlement Reached In 1998 Restraint Death

Former KidsPeace Counselor Admits to Sex with Teen

Living Water Refuge

Living Water Refuge is a fundamental Baptist boarding school in Hartville, Missouri.

The owners are Phillip and Kare Lanzini.

ISAC has received complaints of physical and emotional abuse, excessive forced exercise, extreme isolation from family, and inadequate education.

A routine investigation of Missouri public records has indicated that the facility is not even listed with the state as a business.

Missouri does not license private schools in any way.

ISAC urges parents to exercise extreme caution when considering this program for their child.

Statement from a Former "Student"

Love In Action/Refuge

Love In Action is located outside of Memphis, Tennessee.

It is a Christian-based organization that describes homosexuality as a "myth" as well as "broken and addictive" behavior.

Love In Action operates a program called Refuge specifically aimed at "changing" homosexual teens.

Executive Director John Smid has reportedly told survivors he would prefer they "commit suicide" instead of returning to the "gay lifestyle."

Survivors have described Love In Action as a cult.

After spending 2 years with the program, founder John Evans became a critic and was quoted as saying "they're destroying people's lives."

Jack McIntyre feared going to hell for his "sins" and spent 4 years in Love In Action, trying to "change" his homosexuality.

He ended up in a psychiatric ward where he committed suicide with a lethal combination of tranquilizers and sleeping pills.

The website for Refuge lists at least one staff member who previously worked for Second Chance Ministries.

Second Chance is a spin-off of Straight, Inc., a notoriously abusive chain of juvenile drug treatment centers.

Tax records show that Second Chance donated $40,000 to Love in Action in 2002/2003.

The website for Refuge also lists Bill Bellican as a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Representatives for the association told an ISAC investigator that Mr. Bellican is NOT a member.

The representative also stated that Mr. Bellican would be contacted by their association and instructed to remove that statement.

For more information about Straight, Inc., please visit our ARCHIVES page.

Love in Action Sues Tennessee

Tennessee says Love in Action/Refuge is Violating Law

Love in Action/Refuge Told to Get License or Close

Love in Action Raises Alarm

Teenager Sent to Love in Action Causes a Stir

Tennessee Continues to Investigate Love In Action

State Investigates Allegations of Abuse at Love In Action

Teen Forced into Love In Action Shares His Fears Online

Inside "Love In Action"

Founding of Love In Action, From 1993

Majestic Ranch Academy

Majestic Ranch Academy is located in Randolph, Utah.

The facility takes children as young as 7 and is currrently unregulated by the state.

Former "students" have complained of brutal and unwarranted physical restraint as well as verbal threats of violence from Director, Wayne Winder.

During a visit to the facility, ISAC investigators witnessed young boys shoveling manure at 10:30 am on a school day.

The facility is owned by Dan Peart, brother-in-law of Robert Lichfield, founder of WWASPS and Teen Help.

Majestic Ranch Academy is one of several facilities operating according to the guidelines of the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) and affiliated with Teen Help.

For complete information, please see our Majestic Ranch Academy Page.

Please see our main WWASPS page for more information regarding WWASPS and Teen Help.

Information regarding closed WWASPS/Teen Help facilities is now located on our ARCHIVES page.

Misc. Documents

Prank Call Led To Shock Treatments at Judge Rotenberg School

Staffers Say Hermitage Hall is a Nightmare for Kids

When Tough Love Leads to Death

Investigation into Sexual Abuse at August Aichhorn Center

Victim of Assault Assists Boys who Beat Him

N.Y. Attorney General Launches Probe of Berkshire Farm

The Crime of Being a Teenager

New Claims of Abuse at Greenville Hills Academy

Child Beaten by Staff Member at Auberle Education Center

Shock Treatment at Judge Rotenberg School Appalls Officials

Narconon (Scientology) Drug Treatment Center Raises Concerns

Lawsuit filed Against Copper Hills Youth Center

$10 Million Lawsuit Alleges Rape at Mississippi Facility

Utterly Shocking: Judge Rotenberg School

Massachusetts Officials Broaden Investigation into Judge Rotenberg School

New York Report Denounces Shock Treatments at Massachusetts School

Brat Camp Horror Discovered in Spain

The Trouble with Tough Love

Pennsylvania Laws Put Kids in Harm's Way

Owners of Abounding Grace to Answer Abuse Charges

Injury at Summit Academy Leads to Firing of 4 Workers

Former Employee of Spectrum Care Academy Charged with Rape

Child Seriously Injured at Summit Academy

Directors of Abounding Grace School Indicted for Child Abuse

Directors of Christian Boarding School Charged with Felony Child Abuse

Boot Camp Director Guilty of Sexually Abusing Teens

Mexican Authorities find Punishment Cells at Future Expectations

Mexico Closes Abundant Life Academy and The Mission School

Report: Juvenile Suicide in Confinement

Get-Tough Programs Declared Ineffective by the National Institutes of Health

Missouri Boarding School Closed after Founder is Charged with Felony Child Abuse

They Silenced the Lambs: A Poem for Survivors

Illegal Goings On at the Utah Boys Ranch?

Forgotten Children: A Special Report on the Texas Foster Care System

Therapeutic Boarding School Sued Over Teacher-Student Affair

National Mental Health Association Advises AGAINST Juvenile Boot Camps

Restraint Report from Protection and Advocacy, Inc.

Police Remove 26 Children from CA Boarding School

Kids Ordered Out of Treatment Center

Youth Counselor Sought by Police for Alleged Sex Abuse

Mission Mountain School

Mission Mountain School is located in Montana.

If you have any information about this facility, please contact us.

Statement from Kathryn Whitehead

Survivors

If you would like to submit a statement describing your experience in any of the facilities listed above, please use this declaration form.

If you have other documents and are willing to release them to ISAC, please contact us immediately.

ISAC Document Policy

          Printer Friendly Version