They want the parents to say only what they tell them to say. Please save your child from this place. Jason (Google Reviews), 6/10/2016: (SURVIVOR) Terrible place dont send your child here. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. To them, there is one way that every kid learns, and if you have learning disabilities thats too fucking bad and ask the doctor to raise your meds the next time he comes. The schooling they provide is a joke. (and have it be removed weeks later). Isnt that tax evasion? Phil McGraw is wrapped up in a new scandal after sending multiple young guests to a treatment facility that has been accused of abuse. the licensed substance abuse counselor has obviously never touched a substance in her life. We provide a safe, home-like environment for your son. The schooling they provide is a joke. Renewed Hope Ranch seeks "to provide unsurpassed residential care to troubled teenage girls who significantly struggle to overcome their mental, emotional, behavioral and educational challenges," according to its website. This creates a streamlined experience for your son. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. Countless amounts of times seeing staff restrain kids in inhumane ways. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. As I walked away in shock he was tackled by staff.This was after I had already seen two separate suicide attempts. 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. This is not just a couple of resentful people. We can help your family. The representative will help connect you with resources that can help your family--even if that help is not from us. These experiences will teach your son values like Responsibility, Grit, Honesty, Respect, Courage, Kindness, and Accountability. We were victims of abuse. 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. 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. 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. ! Jack (Yelp), 5/28/2020: (SIBLING) A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. Regardless of what they were there for, NO ONE SHOULD EVER BE TREATED AS INHUMANELY AS CHILDREN SUCH AS MYSELF WERE. BE CAREFUL OF THEM. James (Yelp), 2019: (SURVIVOR) This place is sickening. 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.. 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. My first treatment center was Redcliffe ascent, and I did really well there. 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. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). He began his career working in Admissions at, , which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the. Your PRECIOUS child is NOT safe here! This website uses cookies and third party services. Like other behavior-modification programs, Discovery Ranch utilizes a level system based around a merit/demerit structure. 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. The representative will help connect you with resources that can help your family--even if that help is not from us. Chad Ollinger and his brother, Duane, are gold prospectors in the Uintah Mountains of Utah. Parent's lawsuit: Grand Ledge Board of Education violated FOIA law - Yahoo! The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. discovery ranch lawsuit - darmoweszablonycanva.pl 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. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. 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. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. Discovery Ranch for Girls is a well run industry leader in residential treatment for adolescent girls. They only allow astonishing ones to pass. Let us help. I felt meaningless, worthless, like a pawn used to control my dads emotions, fishing out hundreds of thousands of dollars from him. It began with a lawsuit filed by Hannah Archuleta, who appeared on Dr. Phil in 2019 and then went to the Turn-About 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. The Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, which airs on Discovery Channel, is currently in its fifth season. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. Staff unresponsive, administration unresponsive and kept to company line to detriment of my son. 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). I have maintained very close friendships with a handful of other patients that were there during my time (for a wide range of different reasons) and we even make it appoint to see each other each year. 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. The boat bought with funds by Discovery Ranch was not once used for the kids, the owners just use it for personal use. With the help of a REAL rehab and AA, I had achieved 14 months sober. They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. Our academic program meets your son at his level. I dont know why but when i was there I never wanted to leave. Staff refusing to let kid use the bathroom, and making him pee/poop himself. No one deserves what they really do to people. In this experiential, safe, and supportive environment, your son will confront his personal challenges with the goal of healing and increasing his capacity which builds his self-confidence and self-esteem. Your PRECIOUS child is NOT safe here! What Is Discovery in a Lawsuit? - FindLaw Listen to your child, what do they think they need? The school uses research to help create an individualized treatment plan for each teen. You have tried community resources or other programs. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. Mysterious intruders throw a spanner into the works at Blind Frog Ranch Happened several times to my friends. dont do this to your child We are all begging you. And it wasn't just because he was suddenly a millionaire . Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. 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. On top of that I was forced to study 7 hours straight on the weekends if I didnt meet academic requirements. (and have it be removed weeks later). Until now I had remembered my experience there as a happy one- I literally only remembered what went on during the day. I was a student and am a survivor of Discovery Ranch, Utah. AMA! We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. (Check glassdoor reviews) In return, we have lots of untrained, unequipped young adults who arent prepared to deal with seriously mentally ill children. 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. She currently works as the Residential Director at Redcliff Ascent, another Ascent Company program. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. These programs are money makers. Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. They tear children apart, and they come out broken. You have been warned and I still have ptsd and Ive been going to therapy for 2 and a half years and more to come. 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. While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. In comparison, most of the other residents had serious drug problems, were in gangs, were extremely violent, etc. Rose v. Aaron (In re Rose), CASE NO. 17-42053 - Casetext Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL! , The Troubled Teen Industry: Commodifying Disability and Capitalizing on Fear by Catherine Kushan. These issues include: At Discovery Ranch for Boys, all the professional departments work together. But, the couple was later outspoken on social media about the extent to which they were helped by the Raney family. 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. 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. The amounts of times I screamed out loud in physical/mental exhaustion from being undermined and unheard is uncountable. 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.. 10 Discovery Ranch for Girls reviews. 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. 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. Completing the assessment is free. This is not just a couple of resentful people. 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. 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. Duane and his son, Chad Ollinger, are trying to finish a goal set by Duane's own father. I didnt ask to see that.. In comparison, most of the other residents had serious drug problems, were in gangs, were extremely violent, etc. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. They are very abusive and they will lie to you. 25 votes, 28 comments. san andreas fault, palm springs. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. 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. Also if you notice, a large majority of the 5 star ratings are from former staff as opposed to parents/students. , Through my stay I personally witnessed: Two suicide attempts. He can participate in various sports teams, such as basketball, flag football, wrestling, and cross-country running. They gave all the kids the same level of trust, none. 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. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. agolden@skyhinews.com. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. Your job as parents is to help your child, you guys are the problem not your kids. discovery ranch lawsuit - kestonrocks.com We have the record and independent verification to prove it. Your Call is Confidential. Dave Blackwell worked as a Therapist at Discovery Ranch. DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY, INC., Plaintiff and Counterclaim Defendant, v. CHELSEA FILER, Defendant and Counterclaim Plaintiff. The average stay is OVER a year not under like they love to say. He previously worked at the confirmedly abusive, organization. In addition to taking part in the equine therapy and horsemanship programs, he will have access to the fully-equipped music studio. 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. He also is the Executive Director of Discovery Academy. Yes, we have an amazing ranch!! The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was treated like some sort of criminal. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. You get used to the screaming and pleading for help, it becomes background noise. 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. Therapy was more like brainwashing than therapy. Isnt that tax evasion? 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. Last year, Granby Ranch Metropolitan District, a homeowner-controlled metro district, filed suit against the group of entities associated with the Granby Ranch development. , family visits, and Parent Day Seminars. I dont believe that the people who tortured me were innately evil; i think it was a situation similar to Abu Ghraib. 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. 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. We will not share your information. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. For many parents, this focus on parental participation is the reason they choose our program. THATS WHEN YOU KNOW THE PLACE IS TERRIBLE. Davinci (Google Reviews), 2018: (SURVIVOR) Beware the evil behind their smiling eyes! I suggest seeking different options for your child. 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. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. 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. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. 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. 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. We believe that teens are more than their diagnosis. I stopped feeling emotions and didnt for two years. We have experience working with a variety of behavioral and emotional issues. 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. He also is the Executive Director of, . The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. TENA CAMPBELL U.S. District Court Judge. 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. The entire facility is designed to create a rich therapeutic and healing environment. 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 parents spent over $200,000 here before they realized I was not getting the help I needed. 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 February of 2015, a former resident at DR and his family filed a lawsuit against the school reporting that the boy was violently and repeatedly sexually assaulted by another resident at the program. 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. 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. I had no contact with the outside world except letters to my parents which were censored, and observed phone calls once a month. 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. We respect your privacy. 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. because Utah has a natural landscape that is second to none. 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. May their souls rest in peace. Children sexually abused by other children at Eagle Ranch, lawsuit I wish I could give negitive stars! The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. Any minor infraction is punished severely. 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. 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. He previously worked at, worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. I wish I could give negitive stars!