You might feel that you are all alone. May their souls rest in peace. Aside from the obvious prejudice and discrimination, many of these conditions are not legitimate clinical impairments, and those that are require individualized care, which this facility does not provide.. In May 2018, the family that owns Blind Frog Ranch in Moab, Utah, filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM . In comparison, most of the other residents had serious drug problems, were in gangs, were extremely violent, etc. 2023 Discovery Ranch Residential Treatment Center for Teen Boys |. The lawsuit filed by the staff parents said the couple joined Eagle Ranch as staff parents in April 2020 and ended their employment in January 2022. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. Terrible place dont send your child here. ), 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. 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. The website is misleading. Its another long, tough, painful battle after you leave DR and I havent known one other person who didnt suffer after getting out. Each part of his daily experience will reinforce his therapeutic goals. Please save your child from this place. . Parent's lawsuit: Grand Ledge Board of Education violated FOIA law - Yahoo! I felt like i somehow deserved to be treated like this and I think a part of me knew I could never stand living in the real world after all this happened. They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. 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. And the scariest part was that it was fantastic during the day; we would do ropes courses and go skiing and horseback riding and talk to a truly kind therapist every day who genuinely though I was insane or a pathological liar and convinced me I was hallucinating or having nightmares. My brother was at the Ranch over a decade ago. , There are plenty of articles that prove why Discovery Ranch is dangerous for the mental development of children. This is not just a couple of resentful people. You get used to the screaming and pleading for help, it becomes background noise. We have experience working with a variety of behavioral and emotional issues. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? Discovery Ranch for Girls - BREAKING CODE SILENCE After discovery ranch I couldnt even talk to my parents for months because of the trauma it caused me. I was a student and am a survivor of Discovery Ranch, Utah. AMA! DISCOVERY RANCH FOR GIRLS Ripoff Reports, Complaints, Reviews, Scams, Lawsuits and Frauds Reported Your Search: Discovery Ranch for girls. I would estimate their rate of rehabilitation around 20%. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. You have tried community resources or other programs. They want the parents to say only what they tell them to say. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. Kids are constantly getting restrained and put on drugs to keep them under control. He previously worked at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. It is degrading and disrespectful and I will forever hate this program as they manipulate people into spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to not help there kids. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. Brent Hall is reported by survivors to have run the facility. They tear children apart, and they come out broken. This type of environment makes reporting abuse and neglect impossible for teenagers. Throughout your sons experience at Discovery Ranch he will have the support of caring, educated, experienced professionals. Lawsuit Attorney For Grand Ledge - Michigan Lawsuit Attorneys And the horrible part? They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. Overpriced, over rateddo not send your child there if you care about them. 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). Although you move on and mature, its a wound that never fully heals and cuts deep. 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. Your family is struggling. 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 The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. However, the abuse overshadowed it. 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. He will take part in equine therapy and horsemanship programs and will have the responsibility of caring for a rescued baby calf. We do all this so that you can know your son is safe with us. They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. 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. They do a terrific job at keeping kids quiet. Residential Treatment Program for Teen Girls Ages 13-17 He previously worked at the confirmedly abusive, organization. Please. My personal experience here was horrible. Discovery Ranch is an Ascent Company behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. This merit system was easy for some kids to abuse, in one circumstance during my stay, a child was repeatedly raped, and was threatened with the merit system to get him to keep quiet. Every part of Discovery Ranch, from the amazing campus to the nationally accredited Academic Program, helps to promote growth and healing. 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. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. 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. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. Discovery Ranch - BREAKING CODE SILENCE You can be assured that your son will not confront these challenges alone. 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. Craig Smith worked as the Clinical Director of Discovery Ranch. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. In addition to taking part in the equine therapy and horsemanship programs, he will have access to the fully-equipped music studio. Working at Discovery Ranch for Girls: 25 Reviews - Indeed My parents spent over $200,000 here before they realized I was not getting the help I needed. 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. Clinton Dorny is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch. Your son will have the opportunity to build the strength and resilience he needs to thrive at home. 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. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. The parties fought over depositions and the production of documents, among other things, in various states where witnesses were located. I wish I could give negitive stars! I felt meaningless, worthless, like a pawn used to control my dads emotions, fishing out hundreds of thousands of dollars from him. The level-system consists of five levels, which the boys progress through by earning points for good behavior while avoiding demerits for negative behaviors and rule infractions. What Is Discovery in a Lawsuit? - FindLaw 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 . In fact, the administration at discovery ranch intentionally delayed my high school graduation by refuting me the right to do my classes in order to keep me there longer. Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. 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. At Discovery Ranch for Boys, we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards. 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: forcing a resident to lick cow feces off another residents boots, forcing teenagers to unclog a toilet with their bare hands, adult male staff masturbating while watching underaged residents showering, changing, and using the toilet, teens being fed undercooked food and deprived of food, verbal abuse, include staff shouting and swearing at teenagers, widespread allegations of brainwashing techniques in order to force conformity, use of solitary confinement as punishment, published in 2015 by Catherine Kushan, Discovery Ranch, a treatment center located in Mapleton, Utah, provides an empirical example of how this industry rhetorically manipulates legitimate psychiatric conditions to solicit clients. My parents (his Mom and step-father) note sending him away added to his sense of rejection started by peer abuse even though they were desperate due to his issues at home and school. He can participate in various sports teams, such as basketball, flag football, wrestling, and cross-country running. 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 worked as the Clinical Director of Discovery Ranch. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. 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. We were victims of abuse. The trauma Ive witnessed, and seen other kids witness was unbearable. Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. Non-Verbal Learning Disability including High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD). He began his career working in Admissions at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. The chidren cant even have open discussions with other inmates there for fear of being punished and losing privileges. The ranch horse manager Jerry put a phone in my face showing horses having sex. Eaton County Circuit Court 1045 Independence Blvd. 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. And the horrible part? Discovery Ranch is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS), but it is important to note that neither the United States Department of Education nor the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes NAAS as an accrediting agency for institutions of higher education. 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. Discovery ranchs idea of privileges is being able to sit on something other than hard wood chairs. Dave Blackwell worked as a Therapist at Discovery Ranch. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. What's the Deal With Kim and Josh's 'Homestead Rescue' Lawsuit? Rose v. Aaron (In re Rose), CASE NO. 17-42053 - Casetext 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. Lawsuit filed March 3rd against the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF). Staff unresponsive, administration unresponsive and kept to company line to detriment of my son. 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. The program is located at 1308 South 1600 West, Mapleton, Utah 84664. 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. They are very abusive and they will lie to you. My brother noted some of the staff was wonderful and he used their tips to get through challenges after his father died (my Moms 1st husband). We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. discovery ranch lawsuit - platinostereo.com Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. We have created this bond because unless you went through a detention center such as DR, you will not understand. behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. My Mom says she wishes she had heard of that school at the time. 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. He also worked for a time as the Director of, Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. It does not represent any obligation. 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. When the program opened, it housed both boys and girls on the same campus, but kept them completely seperate in different parts of the campus. They have the same goals in mind. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. 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 felt like i somehow deserved to be treated like this and I think a part of me knew I could never stand living in the real world after all this happened. Blind Frog Ranch 2022 lawsuit update In season 2, we see someone come onto the ranch and serve the gang some sort of paper. They report that 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 attacker used threats of violence, coercion, guilt, and the merit system of Discovery Ranch to manipulate (the boy) to avoid reporting increasingly deviant sexual behaviors, including discussions about sex, pornography, masturbation, and sexual violence. According to the complaint, Discovery Ranchs merit system also prevented (him) from reporting the assaults because he believed that his inferior status and past interactions with Discovery Ranch staff and administrators would result in him being punished if he attempted to disclose the assaults. The family claims the sexual assaults went undiscovered and unchecked throughout the months of January and February and were only revealed when he [the assailant] was transferred from Discovery Ranch after being discovered engaging in bestiality with a horse. The family says that Discovery Ranch failed to adequately investigate the assailant for psychosexually deviant and violent tendencies before admitting him to Discovery Ranch and placing him in the dorm. Additional Information: Family Alleges Bestiality at Alternative School, 9/20/2020: (SURVIVOR) Discovery ranch seems to actively try to remove as many negative reviews as they can, many were mine being removed over and over. However, our neighbor whose son went there the following year had all good experiences. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. In other words, do not trust them. After discovery ranch I couldnt even talk to my parents for months because of the trauma it caused me. if I saw him today i would punch him in the face. 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 licensed substance abuse counselor has obviously never touched a substance in her life. Formal Discovery: Gathering Evidence for Your Lawsuit | Nolo 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. These issues include: At Discovery Ranch for Boys, all the professional departments work together. When the program opened, it housed both boys and girls on the same campus, but kept them completely seperate in different parts of the campus. Grand Ledge Courts. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. Those goals are helping your son learn, grow, and heal so that your family can be a family again. 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. 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. Discovery Ranch combines the power of traditional and experiential therapies to create a clinically sophisticated, relationship-based residential treatment center for boys ages 13-18. 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. I had no contact with the outside world except letters to my parents which were censored, and observed phone calls once a month. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. However, the abuse overshadowed it. Discovery Ranch for Girls Reviews - Glassdoor Children sexually abused by other children at Eagle Ranch, lawsuit They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. , This place is horrible. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. 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. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. They have the same goals in mind. Your Call is Confidential. 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. Your job as parents is to help your child, you guys are the problem not your kids. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). 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. Discovery is the legal term used to describe the different processes that require parties in a lawsuit to exchange information that each side possesses. And it wasn't just because he was suddenly a millionaire . Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. 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. 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. Happened several times to my friends. Also there were lawsuits against this place. 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 . A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. 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. 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. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. The program has a maxmimum enrollment of 60 boys, and the average length of stay is reported to be around 10 months, but this can be substantially longer if the boy is deemed resistant. 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