Are they just being a teenager? Please save your child from this place. Jason (Google Reviews), 6/10/2016: (SURVIVOR) Terrible place dont send your child here. 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. The program is affiliated with several other Ascent Company programs, such as RedCliff Ascent, Discovery Academy, Discovery Connections, and Oxbow Academy. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). Lawsuit filed March 3rd against the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF). We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. , This place is horrible. You will also be able to observe your sons progress through our secure, password-protected parent portal. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. This is not just a couple of resentful people. 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! This is not just a couple of resentful people. I literally cant live with these memories. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. Discovery ranch was hell on earth for me. The reason I am writing this now is because I ended up becoming an alcoholic and drug addict once I went to college and had finally had complete freedom. Allegations of abuse that have been reported by survivors include malnutrition/food deprivation, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and solitary confinement used as punishment. He reportedly began working in the TTI because his brothers have worked at various other treatment centers. We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. My Mom says she wishes she had heard of that school at the time. Youre not. We would act like we loved the treatment center, and that there wasnt any abuse going on. And before you tell me that was a long time ago, I am a part of multiple survivor groups online for former students from DR and other abusive programs in Utah. because Utah has a natural landscape that is second to none. Once a lawsuit gets underway, parties to the lawsuit or their lawyers start gathering information related to the lawsuit. Discovery Ranch only wants to know and talk about their truth which is nothing close to reality. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. Privilege to them is being able to sit on a couch, to be able to speak out loud, to be able to eat a single apple. They often cause way more harm than good. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. 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. discovery ranch lawsuit - kestonrocks.com A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. 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. 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. I was 15 years old. The amounts of times I screamed out loud in physical/mental exhaustion from being undermined and unheard is uncountable. It is reported that they are only allowed to communicate with their parents through heavily censored and monitored letters, as well as a once-monthly phone call, which is also monitored by staff. However, in 2013 DR moved their girls program to Cedar City, UT and began makerting theis program as, member since 2005. (Blood sprayed on me). Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. If you absolutely need mental support for your child, I suggest something that is close to home, and something that does not limit their ability to see and interact with the outside world. (Check glassdoor reviews) In return, we have lots of untrained, unequipped young adults who arent prepared to deal with seriously mentally ill children. Rose v. Aaron (In re Rose), CASE NO. 17-42053 - Casetext There is not enough research of the negative effects places like DR have on a young person, people dont like to talk or hear about places like DR, the system is extremely flawed, its a corporation that works very hard to keep you there as long as possible for obvious financial reasons while hiring unqualified staff. They strip you of everything, even contact with your own parents, and dangle it in front of you as motivation to do/act how they want. In January 2104, the boy was placed in a dorm at Discovery Ranch with three other boys, one who began grooming him and another resident for "sexual victimization" until he was "violently sodomized," the family says in the lawsuit. June 27, 2022; how to get infinite lingots in duolingo; chegg payment options; discovery ranch lawsuit . There is a culture of caring and respect, but also of excellence and high expectation both for staff and students. I didnt ask to see that.. The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. The parties fought over depositions and the production of documents, among other things, in various states where witnesses were located. I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. I was a student and am a survivor of Discovery Ranch, Utah. AMA! And it wasn't just because he was suddenly a millionaire . They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. You will also be able to observe your sons progress through our secure, password-protected parent portal. They made me feel disgusting and quite hideous. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). 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. I understand that people need to help themselves and I cannot blame Discovery Ranch for my decisions but this environment definitely did not promote positive change in my life. They strip you of everything, even contact with your own parents, and dangle it in front of you as motivation to do/act how they want. Proof is attached as an image. (Blood sprayed on me). The chidren cant even have open discussions with other inmates there for fear of being punished and losing privileges. Your PRECIOUS child is NOT safe here! Isnt that tax evasion? The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. Yeomans v Discovery Ranch | 2:17-CV-00768 | Court Records - UniCourt Your attorney should explain each step, but here you can learn basics on Complaints, Answers, and other motions involved at the beginning of a lawsuit. 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. He will have opportunities for growth through our experiential campus, by developing new skills and interests. discovery ranch lawsuit Discovery Ranch - BREAKING CODE SILENCE This is not just a couple of resentful people. They dont give the children any hope of getting out whatsoever. (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. 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. 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. 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. My first treatment center was Redcliffe ascent, and I did really well there. They dont give the children any hope of getting out whatsoever. Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. Your son will have the opportunity to build the strength and resilience he needs to thrive at home. This place did not save my life it scared me to have problems. , I attended Discovery Ranch 5 years ago when I was 15 years old. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. Fact-Finding and Discovery Find out about "discovery" -- the process by which opponents in a lawsuit get information from each other to establish facts in the case. 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. Its sick and I hope in the future these places will be illegal and I will NEVER send my kids to one of these places. 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. Your child will be put in with kids that are older than their age group, that were in gangs, that are addicted to drugs, etc. I had an IEP at my old school because I cant learn that easily but the program directors convinced my parents I was too lazy to do work that I had trouble doing. My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. In other words, do not trust them. Id go on to say I have PTSD. Any complaints about the program and the abuse kids witnessed would be brushed off by program coordinators and therapists. Also they lie to the kids about the effects of marijuana, such as the claim that you can withdrawal from it, but I know that isnt true. While enrolled at Discovery Ranch, your son will experience a safe and structured environment. Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. 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. Please. Im in therapy, on medication, have been to three AA meetings in the past three days, and just feel like I am out of options and suicide or getting constantly fucked up is my only option at this point. They will do everything to keep themselves looking like the best option at all costs just for money. When Jack Stuef found a chest of gold and jewels in a Wyoming forest last year, he felt giddy. ORDER AND MEMORANDUM DECISION. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. Staff parents "were expected to replicate a. 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. Every part of Discovery Ranch, from the amazing campus to the nationally accredited Academic Program, helps to promote growth and healing. Discovery ranch uses a merit system to punish kids. 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. My Mom says she wishes she had heard of that school at the time. I still have insomnia and night terrors of being at that place. ! , A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. If they mention these sorts of things to parents (over heavily monitored phone calls and letters in the mail), contact between student and parent would be cut off. 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 had an IEP at my old school because I cant learn that easily but the program directors convinced my parents I was too lazy to do work that I had trouble doing. We earned academic accreditation through Discovery Academy, Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. Throughout your sons experience at Discovery Ranch he will have the support of caring, educated, experienced professionals. While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. It wasnt until he left the program that people even found out about this happening!! Seek other avenues for your child. Keith (Yelp), 6/28/2013: (PARENT) This is the worst place to send your child. DR also advertises their calf program heavily, where each new resident is given a baby calf to care for and raise. 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. Im happy to say that she is leading a normal life and leaving DR was the best thing that happened. Josephine (Yelp), 11/26/2013: (SURVIVOR) I try to think positively about it but honestly this shithole gave me PTSD. We have created this bond because unless you went through a detention center such as DR, you will not understand. DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL! Jeff (Google Reviews), HEAL Program Information Discovery Ranch, Family Alleges Bestiality at Alternative School, The Troubled Teen Industry: Commodifying Disability and Capitalizing on Fear by Catherine Kushan (mentions Discovery Ranch), Strength in the Struggle A Marketing Video uploaded by the school to YouTube, Discovery Ranch Secret Prisons for Teens. It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. Are they just being a teenager? Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. Individual, family, and group therapy all take place within a residential treatment setting. 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. The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was treated like some sort of criminal. discovery ranch lawsuit. Residential Treatment Program for Teen Girls Ages 13-17 I had no contact with the outside world except letters to my parents which were censored, and observed phone calls once a month. 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 witnessed a 15 year old boy be sodomized by a broom handle and have the living shit beat out of him because he tried to run away and watched a girl punch a window and slit her wrists in front of me because she couldnt take it anymore. 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. If youre a troubled teen thats reading this that just recently got out, or its been years and its still effecting you, please believe me when I say that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This is not just a couple of resentful people. He previously worked at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. 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. The trauma Ive witnessed, and seen other kids witness was unbearable. I suggest seeking different options for your child. Terrible place dont send your child here. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). 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. My mind sometimes uncontrollably cradles and turns to static when I hear the same radio noise as the staff used at DR. Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. As part of the therapeutic learning process, all boys participate in weekly ropes activities that build character and help develop lifelong skills. Discovery Ranch for Girls Reviews - Glassdoor Parents wont know or understand the gravity of impact this experience has had until after you get out and have openly talked about it, and although its very hard not to blame or take your anger out on them, you have to realize they made their decision out of love and ignorance. They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. 9/17/2020: (SURVIVOR) Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. He began his career working in Admissions at, , which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the. If any of you also went there shoot me a pm id like to hear about it. They are left up to their own with limited to no help from the teachers. Also if you notice, a large majority of the 5 star ratings are from former staff as opposed to parents/students. William (Google Reviews), 6/1/2020: (SURVIVOR) Through my stay I personally witnessed: Two suicide attempts. No one deserves what they really do to people. 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. They have the same goals in mind. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. Even when I started feeling feelings again I realized on Wednesday that I had been experiencing emotions with maybe 50-75% of the intensity that I normally should, which was put into perspective when I finally accepted that these things truly happened to me and felt for the first time in my life the appropriate pain and humiliation that corresponds to being treated in such a way for such an extended period of time. The Famous Blind Frog Ranch: A Private Ranch In Montana That Is Home To Therapy was more like brainwashing than therapy. Your family is struggling. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. I dont believe that the people who tortured me were innately evil; i think it was a situation similar to Abu Ghraib. This type of environment makes reporting abuse and neglect impossible for teenagers. If youre a troubled teen thats reading this that just recently got out, or its been years and its still effecting you, please believe me when I say that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. Lawsuit Attorney For Grand Ledge - Michigan Lawsuit Attorneys Teenagers can be punished for infractions as small as making an inappropriate facial expression, meaning they can be punished for crying or raising their eyebrows without permission. The kids come out shell shocked, traumatized and fearful. Michele (Yelp), 2012: (PARENT) As a father I was treated poorly. We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as The Joint Commission and NATSAP. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. We have the record and independent verification to prove it. 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. It wasnt until he left the program that people even found out about this happening!! The ranch horse manager Jerry put a phone in my face showing horses having sex. Happened several times to my friends. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. There may be more reports for "Discovery Ranch for girls" For more results perform a general search for "Discovery Ranch for girls" Showing 1-1 of 1 . Feel free to ask anything about my stay I'm an open book. They are left up to their own with limited to no help from the teachers. 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. We were victims of abuse. Even though I have left the program, if I dont follow their horribly rigorous and reclusive aftercare rules I go back. They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. My first treatment center was Redcliffe ascent, and I did really well there. If this describes your family, let us help. And before you tell me that was a long time ago, I am a part of multiple survivor groups online for former students from DR and other abusive programs in Utah. discovery ranch lawsuit. Any minor infraction is punished severely. 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. , 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 school uses research to help create an individualized treatment plan for each teen. 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. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. 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. Abuse at its finest.. we were totally and utterly underfed, one morning we were fed one mini bagel and one cream cheese. Countless amounts of times seeing staff restrain kids in inhumane ways.