Name

Unit/Position

License Information

HEAL SPECIAL REPORT:

CAPSTONE TREATMENT CENTER

 ADMISSION PACKET REVIEW

HEAL has found multiple problems with Capstone Treatment Center's (Capstone/Capstone's) admissions agreement including apparent unconscionable terms and/or contradictory terms leaving us to believe that Capstone is running a money-making scam on families in need of assistance.  We will be alternating between "quoted text" from pages of Capstone's admissions agreement (as was downloaded from capstonetreatmentcenter.com on August 13th, 2009) and HEAL's questions/concerns.  HEAL will not repeatedly link to the admissions packet in full throughout this review, and, we advise readers to scroll back and/or open the admissions agreement in a new window while reviewing our work for accuracy or if additional contextualization is preferred.  This is an independent review and if you are in need of legal assistance or advice, please consult with an attorney.  (This review also includes review of the "packing list".)

Admissions Packet (Page 1)

"How were you referred to Capstone:"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL believes the program requests information on the referral source for the purpose of compensating the referrer.  This is a common practice in the industry and many who claim they do not receive "kickbacks", actually do.  This has included supposed non-profits such as PURE and judges in the juvenile court system.  Such practices raise serious ethical concerns and concerns regarding the appropriateness of placement in programs that offer such compensation.

Admissions Packet (Page 2)

"__________ is being admitted to Capstone Treatment Center, Inc., on ____ for an evaluation period for the following reasons, but not limited to: ....Family Conflict...Substance Abuse/Dependency...Parent/Child Relationship Problems...Adjustment Disorder...Anger Management...Depression...Oppositional Defiance..."

"Continued placement will be determined on the basis of, but limited to:...Family or legal guardian does not consent to the course of treatment recommended by Capstone Treatment Center...Placement is no longer appropriate..."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL is concerned that Capstone Treatment Center, Inc. advertises itself primarily as a drug/alcohol treatment center and such is the focus of the majority of questions asked throughout the packet.  By the above, one would assume they also claim to treat other mental health issues including depression and/or other issues.  It appears to be a non-funded program by the Division of Behavioral Health Services and recognized as a residential facility for adolescent boys with no clear licensing for the treatment it claims to provide children and their families.  Arkansas' Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (ADAP) has the following rule in place: "ADAP shall require that ADAP funded treatment programs shall comply with all federal and state funding criteria and shall meet all program Licensure Standards as defined in Arkansas Code §20-64-901 et seq."  This implies that non-funded programs are not regulated by the State of Arkansas and is a serious concern.

In addition, ADAP states they will license anyone who is "accredited" by the Joint Commission, CARF, or COA, without requiring additional oversight or regulation by the state.  "Programs meeting the alcohol and drug abuse treatment program standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), or the Council on Accreditation (COA) will automatically receive Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention licensure as a licensed alcohol and drug abuse treatment program. and Such license shall be awarded by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention upon presentation by the program of evidence of Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations, the Council on Accreditation or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities’ accreditation."  There are multiple concerns arising out of this licensing scheme.  These include the fact that the Joint Commission has repeatedly failed to enforce patient safety standards.  And, even so, Capstone Treatment Center is not accredited by the Joint Commission.  The only entity using the name Capstone that is accredited by the Joint Commission is located in Tyler, TX.  Capstone Treatment Center is not accredited by CARF.   Capstone is not accredited by COA.  We base the previous claims regarding Capstone's lack of accreditation on the fact that we visited CARF International and COA's websites, reviewed their accredited programs lists, and Capstone was not listed on any of their approved or processing of approval lists.  This is a serious concern.  It appears that the State of Arkansas may need to employ more efficient and accurate techniques to insure families are not being harmed or defrauded by unlicensed and/or unaccredited programs.  In addition, Capstone Treatment Center does not appear to be a licensed business and is not a recognized corporation (Inc.) by the State of Arkansas.  This suggests deceptive marketing practices on the part of Capstone Treatment Center, Inc.

What if the "patient" does not agree with the course of treatment recommended?  Is Capstone a voluntary-placement only program?  In some areas of this review we see evidence it is voluntary and in others we evidence that it is involuntary.  This will be developed later in the review. (Special Note: HEAL received a response on September 29th from S. Ferguson of the ADAP stating that Capstone is licensed by their office as a drug and alcohol treatment center only.  The above concerns still apply as the licensing and regulations were not made clear and HEAL was advised to contact another person in Arkansas government with our concerns.  This may take a while...)

Admissions Packet (Page 3)

"The confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records maintained by Capstone Treatment Center, Inc. is protected by Federal laws and regulations.  Generally, the program may not...disclose any information identifying a patient as an alcohol or drug user unless:...The disclosure is made by medical personnel in a medical emergency or to qualified personnel for research, audit, or program evaluation..."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL has reason to believe Capstone is not licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.  This is based on the information provided in the above analysis of page 2 of the admissions packet.  The Department of Health is charged with enforcing the Federal laws and regulations referred to in this section of the agreement.  This is a concern since the Department of Health likely does not regulate programs or facilities it does not license. 

In addition, HEAL finds it a concern that Capstone references sharing private information about you and/or your child for research purposes.  The language also implies that they are at times audited and/or evaluated.  Is Capstone audited or evaluated by third-parties (i.e. accreditation agencies, licensing boards, etc.)?  The above analysis of page 2 clearly shows that Capstone is likely not evaluated by any third-parties.  And, this is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 4)

"I/we understand that all Capstone employees are mandated child abuse and neglect reporters.  In the case of abuse or neglect disclosure they must contact appropriate authorities."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

This page is reassuring in that if abuse occurs it will be reported.  However, it is a concern that the child's ability to contact the outside world is severely limited by the program (covered in detail later in review) and that the grievance procedures are in-house only.  This creates an environment in which any reports of abuse will likely not reach the proper authorities.  This has been an ongoing problem with programs in this industry and raises a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 5)

"RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY"

"All residents of Capstone Treatment Center, Inc. (collectively with its owners, directors, officers, employees, representatives and/or agents, referred to herein as "Capstone") will be actively involved in activities at various locations that may be dangerous and that may involve an inherent risk of physical injury, illness or death.  These activities include, but are not limited to, participating in a ropes course, weight lifting, canoeing, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, rappelling, rock climbing, solo time in the wilderness, backpacking, swimming, fishing, and various other activities."

"This Release and Waiver of Liability is provided as a condition of enrollment as a resident at Capstone Treatment Center, Inc.  Acceptance as a resident at Capstone is the sole compensation for this Release and Waiver of Liability."

"Without limitation of the causes of physical injury, the undersigned acknowledges that the inherent danger of participation in activities at Capstone can include, but is not limited to: falls; cold weather related injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia; heart related injuries such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke; acts of nature which may include, among other things, cave-ins, rock slides, high winds, crevice falls, severe weather, hail and lightning; river crossings, fording, or travel including travel to and from activities; risks associated with crossing, climbing or down-climbing rocks and mountains; risks associated with canoeing and water sports; risks such as muscle strain, stress fracture, other fractures and tears, associated with weight lifting, ropes course participation, and other activities; and equipment failure."

"The undersigned acknowledges that personal property may be lost, and that he may suffer an accident or illness in remote places where there is no medical facility immediately available, and acknowledges that wearing a helmet, wearing appropriate clothing, and following safety instructions provided by Capstone are basic safety precautions.  The undersigned further acknowledges that he will comply with any safety precautions required by Capstone, but that such precautions may not adequately protect him against all risks of injury, illness or death."

"By enrolling as a resident at Capstone and signing below, you acknowledge that (i) these risks have been adequately explained to you, (ii) you comprehend and appreciate the nature of these risks, (iii) you understand and have voluntarily consented to accept these risks, and (iv) you hereby forever release, waive, acquit, discharge, and covenant to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Capstone from and against all actions, rights, and causes of action, expenses, costs, claims and demands whatsoever that may exist or hereafter accrue against Capstone and any other person, corporation, association or partnership who or which may be charged with responsibility for injuries to the undersigned person, the treatment thereof, and all consequences flowing there from, as a result of participation in any activity at any property or location while a resident at Capstone Treatment Center, Inc.  The foregoing waiver, release and indemnity shall also apply with respect to any injury, illness or death resulting from the undersigned's receipt of medical care with respect to any injury or illness occurring through participation in the activities that are the subject to this Release and Waiver of Liability."

"As a potential participant in actives during the course of your treatment by Capstone Treatment Center, Inc., you have the right to ask to see the safety record and know of accidents and incidents of past residents at Capstone Treatment Center, Inc."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

It is a serious concern that the activities of Capstone Treatment Center present inherent risks that include "physical injury, illness or death".  HEAL asks: What are the other activities that may harm the child that are not included in the list?  What are the conditions the child must live in when living "solo...in the wilderness"?  Leaving a youth alone in the wild without assistance or proper equipment to protect from the elements is a serious concern and appears to suggest abandonment and neglect of the child by the program. 

HEAL believes in the second segment that Capstone meant "consideration" where it wrote "compensation".  Regardless, the sole consideration being given in exchange for indemnifying Capstone against their own wrongdoing or incompetence is that they allow a child to participate in life-threatening activities.  This is a serious concern and suggests an unconscionable clause as Capstone should modify its program to provide a safer environment that does not include inherent risks of injury and death.  And, Capstone should carry insurance to cover any costs associated with harms incurred through a participant's participation in the program.

The risks detailed in the third segment include risks associated with being improperly prepared for time in the wilderness.  Those risks including frostbite, hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat exhaustion), and heat stroke.  It is a serious concern that children would be taken into the wilderness during extreme weather conditions and be subjected to possible loss of life or limb because of choices made by the authorities at Capstone. 

It is a concern that lost and/or stolen items belonging to a participant are not protected in any sense by Capstone.  HEAL members have, in regards to similar programs, experienced and/or received reports of "lost" items or "confiscated and disposed of" items that had sentimental and/or pecuniary value that were actually taken by program staff for personal use/gain.  This is a concern.

This waiver is expected to be signed by a minor.  Capstone should understand that minors cannot be held to contracts signed while in their minority and/or contracts signed as a result of duress, coercion, or undue influence.  Is this program strictly voluntary?  The rules and other areas of the application packet suggest it is not a voluntary program.  This is a concern because the language of the contract would dissuade children victimized by the program from pursuing justice in the event the program is responsible or would be legally responsible for any harms caused to the child in the program.  This is a serious concern as it would impose a sense of helplessness and hopelessness in the event of abuse or other violations.

It is also a concern that Capstone seeks for the enrolling families to indemnify those chosen by Capstone to provide external care.  This leaves families nowhere to turn in the event of harm befalling their child while in the program and it appears to be an unconscionable term.

What accidents and/or incidents have occurred resulting in injury or death at Capstone?  Why isn't this information available on the website?  Why doesn't Capstone provide information regarding the proven risks associated with participation in the Capstone program?

Admissions Packet (Page 6)

"The undersigned warrants that no promise or inducement has been offered for this Release and Waiver of Liability except as set out herein; that the undersigned is of legal age (or signature of a responsible parent or guardian accompanies his signature) and is competent to sign this Release and Waiver of Liability, and he accepts full responsibility therefore."

"Signature of resident"

"I/we forever release, waive, acquit, discharge, and covenant to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Capstone and any other person, form or corporation charged or chargeable with responsibility or liability, from any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions and causes of action, belonging to the said minor or the undersigned arising out of participation in any activity while a resident of Capstone Treatment Center, Inc."

"The undersigned further agree that this Release and Waiver of Liability shall apply to all known and unknown and unanticipated injuries and damages directly and indirectly resulting from the identified minor's participation as a resident at Capstone Treatment Center, Inc., and/or his participation in activities during his course of treatment through Capstone Treatment Center, Inc."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

It is a serious concern that Capstone demands families indemnify, hold harmless and defend Capstone in the event Capstone is, or would otherwise be, liable or responsible at law for the injuries caused, up to and including death of the participant.  These appear to be unconscionable terms.

Admissions Packet (Page 7)

"If the resident ranks high enough on the self-harm scale a referral will be made to Baptist Recover Teen in Little Rock, AR... If Baptist doesn't have openings then another psychiatric facility will be contacted."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL was unable to locate any hospital or psychiatric facility called "Baptist Recover Teen" in Little Rock, Arkansas.  We did find Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute and Baptist Health in Little Rock, AR.  Baptist Health appears to offer clergy-support to their own patients under an internal and apparent out-patient service known as "Recover" and "Recover Teen".  However, these programs do not appear to be associated with psychiatric hospitalization or treatment and appear to be given to assist individuals and families to cope spiritually with illness and loss.  It is a concern that Baptist Recover Teen does not appear to be a psychiatric facility and it leads HEAL to wonder what type of "funny business" might be going on in relation to this program.

Admissions Packet (Page 8)

"Client's with grievances may make an appointment to discuss the grievance with the program manager.  If the Manager's decision has not resolved the grievance, a written appeal to the Clinical Director should be submitted.  The Clinical Director's decision will be final and given to the client in writing."

"The program will use proven techniques to assist with drug or alcohol problems.  No drugs, other than those specifically prescribed by a physician, or over the counter medications approved by the nursing staff, will be used by the client."

"Capstone Treatment Center is an equal opportunity organization and promotes a strong non-discrimination policy in all aspects of the program."

"The client will be informed of the need for parental or guardian consent for treatment, if appropriate."

"Informed consent will be received prior to being involved in research projects."

"The client will actively participate in treatment, including discharge planning, as appropriate."

"The client will receive the least restrictive treatment that is appropriate and available.  Clients will also have the right to refuse treatment.  If this occurs, the client will be informed of other appropriate substance abuse providers from which they may seek services."

"The client will have the right to refuse procedures deemed invasive such as blood screens, body searches, and searches of personal belongings.  However, the client may be subject to discharge from the program due to concerns for safety of the client and others for search refusal."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

It is a serious concern that the grievance procedure does not include an outside source.  If the grievance is in regards to abuse of the child, this raises a serious concern.  In addition, it reads as if the process may take some time to complete and abuses that are reported outside of 72-hours are typically not investigated by authorities.  This is an additional concern.

What are these "proven techniques" that Capstone employs?  Do they use a behavior modification model that has been proven to be ineffective and harmful by legitimate researchers?  This is a serious concern. 

Capstone claims to be an "equal opportunity" facility that has a strong non-discrimination policy.  However, in some of the areas of this contract (discussed below), it appears Capstone may discriminate against persons who are not Christian or of the same faith as those running the program.  This is a serious concern as it suggests contradictory terms.

It is a concern that Capstone maintains rigid control of the child and will deny the child any rights if Capstone deems it appropriate to deny those rights to the child.  This is a serious concern.

It is good that Capstone recognizes that informed consent is required prior to involving the child in a research project.  However, this is contradicted by the statement made on page 3 that suggests consent is not needed and will not be requested in using data about the child in research projects.  This is a concern.

Do children often refuse to participate?  How does Capstone handle these refusals?  Given the inability of the child to communicate with the outside world, it is difficult to imagine a child will be given a legitimate opportunity to report wrongdoing and/or request an alternative to Capstone.  These "rights" sound nice, but, how are they enforced and by whom? 

It is a serious concern that Capstone conducts body searches.  This may be a violation of the civil rights of the minor and if the minor is coerced or otherwise involuntarily subjected to Capstone, does Capstone accept permission from the parents for such searches even if the minor refuses?  This is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 9)

"Treatment is provided at $400 per day.  The average stay is 3-3 1/2 months, but the actual term of treatment could be more or less than the average."

"In addition to the daily rate, the responsible party agrees to pay a one time fee of $400 for the Wilderness Equipment."

"Any additional costs for resident are due upon receipt (Medications, Nicotine supplements, etc.)"

"Payment due upon admission: $12,000.00 plus $400 Wilderness Fee"

"Payment due on 31st day of treatment....$12,000.00"

"Payment due on 61st day of treatment....$12,000.00"

"Payment due Monday of Family Retreat...Balance on account"

"In the event of discharge for any reason before complete of the program, the entire balance shall be due immediately upon discharge, based upon the daily rate.  If payment is not made in full at discharge, the responsible party must sign a promissory note for the balance, which shall include a specific payment schedule.  $1,500 shall be charged as an early withdrawal penalty for any resident not completing the program, in addition to all other scheduled fees and charges."

"ALL PAYMENTS ARE DUE FROM THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY.  CAPSTONE WILL ASSIST YOU TO BE REIMBURSED BY INSURANCE, WHERE APPROPRIATE, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM.  CAPSTONE DOES NOT RELY ON ANY INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR PAYMENT.  PAYMENTS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNDERSIGNED RESPONSIBLE PARTY."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

What is the longest period a child has stayed in the Capstone program?  Why are parents paying over $42,000.00 for a program that appears to be unaccredited?  The cost of this program exceeds the cost of similar programs.  Why does Capstone charge so much? 

It is unethical and likely unconscionable for Capstone to include a penalty to families who make the smart choice by withdrawing their child from an unlicensed and/or unaccredited program.  $1,500 is excessive.  It is also a concern that it appears Capstone also requires families to pay for the average length of stay regardless of the point of termination.  If this is an accurate interpretation of the contract, then this too would be an unconscionable term.

Capstone likely does not rely on insurance payments because their program is likely not covered due to being unaccredited to provide the services it claims to provide.  This is a serious concern and could place families in financial jeopardy.

Admissions Packet (Page 10)

"Three to three and a half is the estimated length of stay.  Adventure Week and graduation dates are contingent on my son and our family's readiness and if we are not ready, those dates could change.  Scheduling is also worked around other families, staff, and holidays."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

This is a concern.  Who decides when the family and/or participant is ready?  Is this a ploy to drain as much money out of the family as possible?  Again, what is the longest a child has been in the program? 

Admissions Packet (Page 11)

"I/We understand that Capstone Treatment Center will inform me/us if my/our son begins taking these on a regular basis and I/we will be charged for it.  I/we understand that I/we will not be notified about medication or supplements that are administered on a need to have basis."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

What medications are administered by Capstone on a "need to have" basis?  What does this mean?  Does Capstone administer psychoactive drugs (including dangerous and debilitating anti-psychotics) to clients without first getting approval from the family and/or client based on their subjective believe that such drugs are "needed"?  If so, this is a serious concern.  Please see www.heal-online.org/parent.htm for parenting tips and information relating to the harmful effects of psychoactive drugs on children. 

Admissions Packet (Page 12)

"I/We,____release Capstone Treatment Center to screen my/our child's incoming and outgoing mail.  I/We will make a list of approved persons...If that mail is not approved it will be held at Capstone and not given to my/our son."

"List of Approved Persons (Family and Family friends ONLY; No peers)"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

This is a serious concern and implies a conspiracy to deny the child's privacy and other rights without legal right to do so.  In the case of Milonas and Rice v. Provo Canyon School, a federal court found that such monitoring/censoring of a child's mail was unconstitutional and that the program did not have a legal right to so monitor nor did the parents of the minors have the right to waive the rights of the minors in regards to the program.  Parents should realize that they have the right to waive their own rights, but, not the rights of their minor children.  See www.heal-online.org/legalarguments.htm for more information.  Again, this is not legal advice.  If you need legal help, please consult an attorney.

Admissions Packet (Page 13)

"Phone Policy"

"Residents are allotted a total of 20 minutes of talk time per week (10 minutes on each Monday or Tuesday and Friday)."

"Residents are only allowed to call numbers that have been approved on the list below.  This list must be family ONLY."

"A resident must have resided at Capstone for one week before making a phone call."

"Residents must always be monitored while talking on the phone."

"The monitor must fill out the phone log and use the staff notes section to record any unusual activity or conversations. (When in doubt, document!!)"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

The above phone policy raises a number of concerns.  Residents are not allowed to telephone law enforcement or child protective services in the event abuse is occurring.  This is a serious concern. 

There appears to be an at least one week communications "blackout" period.  This is a serious concern and the monitoring of both phone and mail are both warning signs of an abusive program.  See our warning signs and questions to ask list at www.heal-online.org/warn.htm for additional information.

Children are likely heavily discouraged from reporting any negative or abusive tactics employed by the program.  This again jeopardizes the welfare of the child and puts him at the sole mercy of those who seek to gain, at least financially, from keeping the child in the program and preventing any possible reports of abuse from reaching those on the outside who could initiate an investigation if needed.  This is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 15)

"I understand that my/our son,______, is required to have a physical examination, including a blood work-up for STD's and HIV, in order to participate fully in the Capstone Treatment Center program."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

This is a permission slip that seems to indicate that such tests will be run without the child's consent.  If so, this contradicts page 8 of the admissions packet. These are invasive procedures and HEAL is concerned that they may be violative of and/or traumatize a child who may not have any history of sexual activity or intravenous drug use.  This is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 17)

"I, ____give my permission to be tested for HIV/STD through Dr. Joe Dugger's office at Searcy Medical Center."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL has included the above to highlight the outside professional(s) with whom Capstone claims to work and whom Capstone demands families indemnify in the event harm results from that treatment/examination.

Admissions Packet (Page 18)

"(Only to be completed if resident is currently in school or will be doing school while in treatment)"

"Does your son have an IEP?"

"Please list educational goals for resident at Capstone?"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Capstone does not appear to offer accredited educational services through their program.  Do credits earned at Capstone transfer to legitimate schools and colleges?  Has Capstone ever accepted students under an Individual/Independent Education Plan?  If so, this suggests Capstone accepts state and/or federal funds and therefore would be held to standards requiring the protection of a child's civil rights while in the program.  Requiring submission to searches and other violative and/or traumatic practices indicate that Capstone may be in violation of the law by their contract admissions alone.  These are serious concerns.

Admissions Packet (Page 19)

"Relationship to patient"

"Religion"

"What are the religious/spiritual practices of the family?"

Are you aware of any involvement by your son in cults, etc.?"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL finds it a concern that Capstone refers to residents as patients since it does not appear to be licensed as a medical or mental health facility in Arkansas. 

It is a "Christian" program according to its own promotional materials (i.e. capstonetreatmentcenter.com).  It is a concern since some "Christian" programs and/or churches believe that Catholicism, Judaism, or any other religion is a "cult".  It is a concern that Capstone may be seeking to convert the child to a "Christian" cult that is not in line with traditional or mainstream Christian values.

Admissions Packet (Page 20)

"Names and birthdates of children outside your household:"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

This seems a bit invasive of the private information of adult children no longer living and/or who will not be participating in the program. 

Admissions Packet (Page 21)

"What is the problem with your son as you see it?"

"Adolescent Awareness of Problem:...No Awareness: "No Problem, I'm no worse than my friends, everybody's doing it."...Well aware of problem and accepts responsibility for change..."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

If Capstone, as is implied by the above, accepts children who are not aware they have a problem, it suggests that it is an involuntary program and that children can be placed in the program involuntarily.  This contradicts previously discussed portions of the contract in which it is claimed or implied that the child is in the program voluntarily.  This is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 23)

"Why do you think your child has sought treatment at this time?...To Comply with someone else's wishes...To avoid consequences of recent behavior..."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Again, the above suggests that the child is entering treatment voluntarily, but, this is contradicted elsewhere in the contract as denoted above.  Also, the reasons include complying with the wishes of other or avoiding other consequences which implies the use of undue influence or coercion to gain the "consent" of the child to treatment.  This is another serious concern.

Packing List (Page 1)

"Unacceptable Clothing:...Any musical groups...Alcohol, drug, tobacco ads...Crude or suggestive language...Billabong brand...Dry clean only clothing...Bandanas...North Carolina memorabilia...Rebel or Confederate flag..."

"DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Radios/walkmans/I-pods...Musical instruments...Cell phones...Game boys...Magazines...Books...Photos of girlfriends and peers...Lucky Brand jeans...Flat Billed Hats..."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

What's wrong with North Carolina memorabilia?  What's wrong with bandanas?  Bandanas can be used to protect one's face from the sun and from the elements in a wilderness setting.  It would seem appropriate for children to be "adventuring" in the wilderness to bring bandanas for such protection.  What's wrong with music?  In addition, the "unacceptable clothing" list seeks to deprive a child of self-expression.  This is a serious concern and suggests a behavior modification setting that is likely violative of civil and human rights guaranteed even to children in the United States.  For more information on behavior modification, see our free e-book at www.heal-online.org/ebook.pdf. 

It is also a concern that books, photos of friends, and other items are not allowed.  Why?  What's wrong with books?  This seems to be an overly restrictive environment by the description and this contradicts the statements made on page 8 of the admissions packet. 

Based on our preliminary findings in this review, HEAL recommends against placement of any child in Capstone Treatment Center and would recommend parents remove children currently held at the facility.