If you have a child with attention deficit disorder do not send your son here BECAUSE it is like water boarding to have a kid sit in a room for 7 hours straight and have them study all day even though they are trying. No one deserves what they really do to people. He also is the Executive Director of, . We were victims of abuse. Isnt that tax evasion? If you are at all struggling and/or would like to talk to someone who can relate, please do not hesitate to contact me through this post and Id be happy to exchange information so we can talk. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. I had repressed memories of the physical, sexual, and psychological torture i endured for five years until I watched a documentary on the stanford prison experiment in my psychology class. This isnt how we should treat precious children The staff have no idea how much damage theyre doing as theyre just following orders This is a mess it needs to be shut down.. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. dont do this to your child We are all begging you. The trauma Ive witnessed, and seen other kids witness was unbearable. At one point during my stay, I saw my friend stab his arm repeatedly with a pencil, spraying blood all over me and the windowsill we were sitting on. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. He reportedly began working in the TTI because his brothers have worked at various other treatment centers. (Yelp), 11/10/2013: (SURVIVOR) Link to Anonymous Survivor Testimony, 10/13/2013: (SURVIVOR) I attended Discovery Ranch 5 years ago when I was 15 years old. Even though I have left the program, if I dont follow their horribly rigorous and reclusive aftercare rules I go back. If you want to send your kid to either wilderness or discovery ranch why dont you do us all a favor parents and send your child to Disney Land so theyll be happy rather then send them to whats pretty much a mental institution for parents that have no idea what the fuck there doing. The parents believe discovery ranch and most kids have no hope of anyone listening to them because they think no one believes them and they wont talk and they lie about it. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. He since has shut down and will not discuss it so no idea if it was accurate or something he said when first home to avoid being sent back. DISCOVERY RANCH - 20 Photos & 27 Reviews - 1308 S 1600th W, Mapleton, UT - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Discovery Ranch 27 reviews Unclaimed Counseling & Mental Health Edit Write a review Add photo Save Photos & videos See all 20 photos Add photo Location & Hours 1308 S 1600th W Mapleton, UT 84664 Get directions Edit business info I ended up running away from this program and deciding on a much better program that actually wanted to help people. However, our neighbor whose son went there the following year had all good experiences. Any complaints about the program and the abuse kids witnessed would be brushed off by program coordinators and therapists. My son, although he enjoyed his stay, refused to be brainwashed, and therefore got nothing therapeutical out of his stay; only resentment and anger, and he gained knowledge how to manipulate therapists to his benefit. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. The night staff was apparently fucked up on heroin, meth, pcp, etc the whole time and had virtually no training or qualifications, which I learned when a male staff member sexually propositioned me over Facebook when I was 18, so three years later, and told me what happened behind closed doors. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. Any minor infraction is punished severely. The facility in Utah is run like a prison. Also there were lawsuits against this place. 25 votes, 28 comments. In addition to taking part in the equine therapy and horsemanship programs, he will have access to the fully-equipped music studio. I had no contact with the outside world except letters to my parents which were censored, and observed phone calls once a month. Although there are no support groups for people like us and since the program is so small & were from all over the country, it feels and looks very real that you may be alone, YOU ARE NOT. Im happy to say that she is leading a normal life and leaving DR was the best thing that happened. , I try to think positively about it but honestly this shithole gave me PTSD. A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. The civil lawsuit seeks a minimum of $350,000. Its not just the kids too, sometimes there are good staff, but whenever there is that person never lasts long at all, they all literally quit because this place is so horrible. Discovery Ranch has been a NATSAP member since 2005. He said that he was abused by a staff member while there. When you try to induct real truths into the once a week, 1/2 hour, monitored phone call, the therapist redirects you to la la land. For a year I was put down and felt stupid and inadequate and my opinion didnt matter and if I decided to express it I would be put on some protocol that restricted me from doing anything but sitting at a fucking desk and staring at the god damn wall. He previously worked at, worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. Seek other avenues for your child. , This is the worst place to send your child. My son, although he enjoyed his stay, refused to be brainwashed, and therefore got nothing therapeutical out of his stay; only resentment and anger, and he gained knowledge how to manipulate therapists to his benefit. Also, I would sit there and talk to my therapist while he takes notes and this is a direct quote is that it? Then the session was over. I am at a loss for what to do at this point. I suggest seeking different options for your child. DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL! , The Troubled Teen Industry: Commodifying Disability and Capitalizing on Fear by Catherine Kushan. Our parents (his Mom and step-father) regret sending him there even all these years later. They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. We support & vent to each other about how difficult and lonely it was for us to get back to normal life after we left, how it shaped us into the adults we are today, and what steps we took to try and heal from this horrible experience. I dont know why but when i was there I never wanted to leave. My brother was at the Ranch over a decade ago. John (Yelp), 10/28/2019: (SURVIVOR) There are plenty of articles that prove why Discovery Ranch is dangerous for the mental development of children. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. Dave Blackwell worked as a Therapist at Discovery Ranch. linus pauling vitamin c, lysine protocol. If you are in an urgent situation and need help call 911. please if you are thinking of sending anyone or know anyone who is considering to send someone here, keep the kid far away from them. We Have Helped Struggling Teens To Learn The Skills They Needed To Heal, Thrive, And Reunite With Their Families. Are they just being a teenager? I was forced to do the most humiliating and degrading things possibly conceivable; I was forced to eat a girls used tampon, lick cow shit off a girls boots, unclog a toilet with my bare hands adult male staff would masturbate to me showering, changing, and using the toilet while masturbating (keep in mind I was 15. Reading these reviews it is obviously a place that needs to make some changes if the accusations are correct. He previously worked at the confirmedly abusive Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. You Have Questions, We Have Answers. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. This investigative process is aptly named "discovery," because it often turns up facts and documents that were previously unknown -- to at . STOP DISCOVER RANCH they will play you out of so much money its unbelievable. The ranch has the best of both worlds: a small-town atmosphere with access to world-class skiing, outdoor activities, surrounded by beautiful mountains, and close to two major universities and hospitals. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. Leslie Glies worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. My Mom says she wishes she had heard of that school at the time. (and have it be removed weeks later). It is reported by survivors that these calfs are later slaughtered, apparently in an attempt to teach the residents how to deal with loss. This practice is extremely cruel, and is reported to be very traumatic to many survivors. My mind sometimes uncontrollably cradles and turns to static when I hear the same radio noise as the staff used at DR. He began his career working in Admissions at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. the villa pacific palisades, ca. The Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, which airs on Discovery Channel, is currently in its fifth season. If you have a child with attention deficit disorder do not send your son here BECAUSE it is like water boarding to have a kid sit in a room for 7 hours straight and have them study all day even though they are trying. It is run like a prison. My personal experience here was horrible. A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. agolden@skyhinews.com. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. At one point during my stay, I saw my friend stab his arm repeatedly with a pencil, spraying blood all over me and the windowsill we were sitting on. Discovery Ranch strives to heal your family as a whole. Discovery ranchs idea of privileges is being able to sit on something other than hard wood chairs. Eaton County Circuit Court 1045 Independence Blvd. At Discovery Ranch for Boys, we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards. When Jack Stuef found a chest of gold and jewels in a Wyoming forest last year, he felt giddy. I felt meaningless, worthless, like a pawn used to control my dads emotions, fishing out hundreds of thousands of dollars from him. It sickens me that even after the kid is out of this place they threaten to send them back to this horrible place. Please reach out to me for questions, I will do my best to educate you on what is happening and get you current information. . If Im in the car with someone and they make a wrong turn or something I will flip out and start having a panic attack because all I can think about it oh my god where are they taking me theyre locking me up again. My parents sent me there because I was depressed, doing poorly in school instead of getting straight As, got caught shoplifting a pack of gum from 7-11, spent too much time on the computer, and was too angry and defiant. Abuse at its finest.. we were totally and utterly underfed, one morning we were fed one mini bagel and one cream cheese. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. They will do everything to keep themselves looking like the best option at all costs just for money. . I am not the only victim. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. For many parents, this focus on parental participation is the reason they choose our program. Overpriced, over rateddo not send your child there if you care about them. Discovery Ranch South offers the perfect healing environment for troubled teens with mental health or behavioral issues. Brent Hall is reported by survivors to have run the facility. It is run like a prison. After essentially being re-traumatized after remembering all this, I recently went on a five day bender started Wednesday where I got high and or drunk every waking moment, which culminated with me waking up on my bathroom floor on Monday morning covered in blood and vomit next to two empty bottles of wine and Xanax spilled across the floor with a five page suicide note on my computer that Id written in a blackout. When we have the opportunity to get together, its a very special and meaningful time for all of us, we reminisce about the little funny stories that helped us get through the day during our time, we think about about all the suffering we endeared and how we survived, and we always take the time to honor our close friends that didnt and have passed. They tear children apart, and they come out broken. Your community does not have the resources to help. They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. June 7, 2022 . They made me feel disgusting and quite hideous. I can still hear the screams of kids being restrained and having their arms pinned behind them and blood flow cut off because they didnt follow simple orders. Sure, we said all the things our parents wanted to hear once we got out, it was certainly drilled into us every single day, but that faded into a deep anger/depression that raised months, sometimes even years later, & you find yourself in worse condition than you were before entering DR; battling a demon 98% of people will never know. I was told Control-freak parents often produce children who feel guilty and disloyal , fearing theyll disappoint their over-bearing parents. I couldnt believe he was blaming me for thisafter we could no longer afford to send her there she was abruptly released and told good luck. Lawsuits, harassment then found him. But I fucking wasnt. They often cause way more harm than good. NAAS is an organization that has accredited many notoriously abusive behavior-modification programs, including, The program is affiliated with several other, is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch. While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. In addition, survivors have reported that on the off-chance that they. There thieves taking advantage of parents dispositions and they should be shut down Derek (Google Reviews), 1/12/2014: (SURVIVOR) Link to Anonymous Survivor Testimony, 12/1/2013: (PARENT) After my daughter was here for here for 2 months her condition worsened and she started having suicidal thoughts which had never happened before.When I met with her Dr. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? if I saw him today i would punch him in the face. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. . And the horrible part? Discovery ranch was hell on earth for me. Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. They want the parents to say only what they tell them to say. It is marketed as a Residential Treatment Center for teenage boys aged 13-18 with emotional and behavioral issues. DR does not accept transgender males. We have the record and independent verification to prove it. These programs are money makers. While some people purchase land for views or for the prospect of building a property, Duane Ollinger 's family bought the massive 160-acre Utah plot known as Blind Frog Ranch to search for buried treasure. Each part of his daily experience will reinforce his therapeutic goals. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). Every part of Discovery Ranch, from the amazing campus to the nationally accredited Academic Program, helps to promote growth and healing. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. (Blood sprayed on me). My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. Non-Verbal Learning Disability including High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD). This type of environment makes reporting abuse and neglect impossible for teenagers. DR also advertises their calf program heavily, where each new resident is given a baby calf to care for and raise. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. There are over 600 people in 2 different groups put together, and we are all in contact with many kids that just left. The facility in Utah is run like a prison. Discovery Ranch a Utah corporation doing business as Discovery Ranch, Discovery Connections Attorney/Law Firm Details Plaintiff Attorneys Kathryn J. Steffey Attorney at SMITH HARTVIGSEN PLLC 257 E 200 S Ste 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Clayton H. Preece Attorney at SMITH HARTVIGSEN PLLC 257 E 200 S Ste 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Court Documents They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. Both boys have turned out well however, my brother has trauma from the experience. The Clinical, Academic, Residential, and Experiential departments all work together. Please reach out to me for questions, I will do my best to educate you on what is happening and get you current information. , Kinda like a prison that just focuses on external behavior. Blind Frog Ranch Lawsuit. My parents sent me there because I was depressed, doing poorly in school instead of getting straight As, got caught shoplifting a pack of gum from 7-11, spent too much time on the computer, and was too angry and defiant. They do a terrific job at keeping kids quiet. The lawsuit was filed in Eaton County Circuit Court more than four months after Hultberg initially "asked the district to provide mask exemptions that had been approved," in a Sept. 7, 2021, FOIA . I had been raped when i was 12 and was unable to tell my male therapist or parents about this happening because my family is very Catholic. We were victims of abuse. If you have any logic in your brain in the slightest then you should realize how goddamn stupid it would be to send your kid to this shit hole. Derek (Yelp), 8/21/2015: (SURVIVOR) Its been about 8-9 years since I left DR; Im now 25 and although I dont dwell on what happened so much anymore, this place has had such a negative impact on my life. the licensed substance abuse counselor has obviously never touched a substance in her life. $1,000 in 1990 worth today . We can help your family. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. We all cope in our own ways, but if we can help by sharing our experiences and what we learned, theres not a single one of us that would turn down a younger DR peer that is currently battling our same battles. Yes, we have an amazing ranch!! The last few years of my life have felt unreal, Ive had migraines with frustration wondering how places like this exist, and how theyve gotten away with so much deceit. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. He also worked for a time as the Director of NATSAP. Discovery Ranch only wants to know and talk about their truth which is nothing close to reality. But I fucking wasnt. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. June 27, 2022; how to get infinite lingots in duolingo; chegg payment options; discovery ranch lawsuit . He previously worked at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. In addition, survivors have reported that on the off-chance that they are able to inform their parents of abuse, their parents are manipulated by DR into believing that their child is lying and being manipulative in an attempt to be pulled from the program. 19K views, 49 likes, 17 loves, 159 comments, 10 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from FOX 13 News: UTAH RANCH LAWSUIT - A teen is filing a lawsuit against a Utah ranch where she says she was sexually. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. As I walked away in shock he was tackled by staff.This was after I had already seen two separate suicide attempts. At Discovery Ranch for Boys, we hold ourselves to the, We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as, . Any complaints about the program and the abuse kids witnessed would be brushed off by program coordinators and therapists. Their website lists the following conditions the program claims to treat: various mental illnesses including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and oppositional defiance the last of which is no longer listed in the DSM substance abuse and other addictions, eating disorders [] learning disorders and nonverbal learning disability [] social struggles, low self-esteem, adoption/attachment issues, and grief and loss The unadvertised conditions that I witnessed among detainees included being LGBT, Internet addiction, and one girl in particular was sent there for having a black boyfriend. They would yell at us and use excessive force. With the help of a REAL rehab and AA, I had achieved 14 months sober. However, the abuse overshadowed it. ), There is a significant lack of professional supervision/lack of training, There is a high turnover rate for employees, There is parent manipulation/lies on the programs part for $$, There is lack of necessary medical care to avoid the girls telling a doctor they are being abused, and they are never alone when with a doctor, Run like a bootcamp, zero free time for the kids, every day feels like a punishment, Mormons are running it and very religiously biased, Please. Once a lawsuit gets underway, parties to the lawsuit or their lawyers start gathering information related to the lawsuit. They are left up to their own with limited to no help from the teachers. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? The trauma Ive witnessed, and seen other kids witness was unbearable. Lawsuit filed March 3rd against the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF). These programs are money makers. Its funny, almost all of the kids that left as a level 5 or 4 ARE DOING DRUGS AND ARE DOING WORSE AT HOME, goes to show how little the program works. I still maintain close relationships with both girls and boys who are around my age (23-27) that have gone through exactly what you are going through now; so whether its easier to talk to a guy or girl or someone with a similar case to yours, I can put you in contact with them if youd like (Free of charge too! They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. She currently works as the Residential Director at Redcliff Ascent, another Ascent Company program. I had been raped when i was 12 and was unable to tell my male therapist or parents about this happening because my family is very Catholic. This website uses cookies and third party services. We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as The Joint Commission and NATSAP. When I came back to real life I had forgotten how to smile and had to train myself to make facial expressions that corresponded to the emotions I should have felt in various circumstances. Listen to your child, and dont fall into the traps that programs make which lead parents to think their child is untrustworthy, a liar, manipulator, etc. Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. Also the staff there (although there were some that I liked) were extremely rude. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. Staff refusing to let kid use the bathroom, and making him pee/poop himself. There was never any you can do it it was you better do it or youre going to be put on mc and never get out of here. We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. They left me more broken than they found me. Jackson (Yelp), September 2020: (SURVIVOR) Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. Have been in contact with many former students that have not done well once leaving the ranch. As I walked away in shock he was tackled by staff.This was after I had already seen two separate suicide attempts. 54A District Court 124 W. Michigan Ave., #54A Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 483-4433 Court Website. Please. I cannot even put into words the pain I feel even today when my experience gets brought up or when I read about other kids that are STILL suffering from having to go through this program. They are very abusive and they will lie to you. I cannot even put into words the pain I feel even today when my experience gets brought up or when I read about other kids that are STILL suffering from having to go through this program. Are they just being a teenager? It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. We provide a safe, home-like environment for your son. Discovery Ranch strives to heal your family as a whole. The chidren cant even have open discussions with other inmates there for fear of being punished and losing privileges. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. Terrible place dont send your child here. I highly suggest people look it up, one of the most disgusting things Ive ever read in my life: . Case No. I wish I could give negitive stars! Happened several times to my friends. This will provide him with the. They would arbitrarily lock me in a tiny pitch black closet devoid of food, water, a bathroom, or human contact for days, usually because I made an inappropriate facial expression like crying or raising my eyebrows when they screamed at me that I was worthless and no one could ever love me. (Check glassdoor reviews) In return, we have lots of untrained, unequipped young adults who arent prepared to deal with seriously mentally ill children. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. Are they just being a teenager? When she was given her home visit, her mom took her to the doctor and was diagnosed, although we have tried to find the outcome of the lawsuit, none of us have been able to track her family down to share our sympathy). They dont give the children any hope of getting out whatsoever. I had to raise a baby cow for the slaughter to learn to deal with loss, exercise until I threw up blood, pick up cow shit every day, I could go on and on. Individual, family, and group therapy all take place within a residential treatment setting. Its another long, tough, painful battle after you leave DR and I havent known one other person who didnt suffer after getting out.

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