Human

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Liberation

 

126 SW 148th St

Ste C100-422

Seattle, WA

98166-1984

 

(877)845-3232

 

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HEAL

HEAL’S MISSION STATEMENT

HEAL is an egalitarian network of activists self-empowered to plan events, create change, and make the world a better place for all life.  Our goals include the liberation of humans, nonhuman animals, and the earth!  We work in cooperation with like-minded organizations that put compassion in action!

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TEENS LEARN YOUR RIGHTS & PROTECT YOURSELVES!

SEARCH THE HEAL WEBSITE

 

  See HEAL's UW Guest Lecture on Behavior Modification Programs

 

A Conversation in Healing by and for Survivors

CHILDREN KILLED BY PROGRAMS

This list is incomplete as many children are reported missing or as runaways when they were actually killed and buried in unmarked graves or dissolved in barrels of acid to destroy the evidence.

 

HEAL’S Teen Liberty Agenda

 

(Watch the Congressional Hearing)

 

(See our position statement regarding HR 911, "Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs Act of 2009" at http://www.heal-online.org/HR911problems.pdf.)

 

HEAL is working to expose the rampant abuse in the "troubled teen/teen help" industry.  The SHOCKING reality is that over 50,000 teenagers a year are subjected to private, institutionalized torture camps at their parents and their parents’ insurances’ expense.  Over 300 American children have been killed in behavior modification programs in the last ten years.  Others have been severely brutalized, raped, beaten, drugged, brainwashed, and extensively tortured.  These realities are difficult to swallow and therefore most people turn a deaf ear and blind eye to the experiences of survivors and the cries of the abused.  We are asking that you choose to take a look at the reality that is “behavior modification” in the United States today.    

 

Institutionalized torture masked as “treatment” is the second fastest growing industry in the United States today.  Many abusive programs are  advertised through www.teenprogram.info and www.mytroubledteen.com, a Utah-based organization.  The World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) has been under heavy suspicion for a long time from progressives for their abuse of teens.  CA Representative George Miller demanded that the Department of Justice investigate these programs because he had received hundreds of reports of child torture and neglect, from his constituents.  The Department of Justice refused to investigate.  (For details, visit http://www.nospank.net/ashcroft.htm 

 

David Gilcrease, member of the Gilcrease family that founded Phillips Petroleum based his “behavior modification” techniques on the research of B.F. Skinner and Fritz Perls who were experimenting with mind control/brainwashing in the 20th century.  He is founder of Resource Realizations,  which has been sued along with the Worldwide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) for mentally and physically torturing  and brainwashing America's children.

 

On the board of Phillips Petroleum, Halliburton, and advisor to the Supreme Court is long time George Bush associate Lawrence Eagleburger.   On the board of SkyWest Airlines, servicing and in seeming partnership with George Bush airport in Texas is none other than J. Ralph Atkin, part owner of Teen Help/WWASPS.  President Bush is trying to move legislation that will institute the drugging and behavior modification of children in public schools with the “New Freedom Initiative”.  (Also educate your self about Teen Screen.)  In addition, George W. Bush appointed Mel Sembler (founder of torturous program Straight, Inc. and founder of the Drug Free America Foundation and associated with the new Teen Challenge programs) as US Ambassador to Italy.  Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush visited Straight Inc. regularly and used tax money to subsidize this torturous program.  And, in 2005, Congress passed legislation to grant the Semblers and Teen Challenge 1.75 million dollars.  This is not the only hefty tax-dollar donation these abusive programs have received.  It is just one example.  The largest Utah-based corporate contributor to the Republican Party is World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools.   The connections and corruption are deep and these re-education centers need to be exposed and closed immediately!

 

As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded an investigation into the WWASPS and the allegations of mind control and physical and mental torture of America's youth in the United States.  John Ashcroft refused to investigate claiming that the Federal Government had no jurisdiction in this matter.  This is absolutely false!  The Federal Government absolutely has jurisdiction to investigate fraud as well as civil and criminal allegations of the most heinous nature, that of the torture (and killing) of children. According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.”  To read the correspondence between Rep. Miller and former Attorney General Ashcroft, click here.   Angela Smith, national coordinator for HEAL, was severely abused at Provo Canyon School in Provo, UT.  She wrote an article about it in the October ’03 issue of Ruckus.  You can find that issue and scroll to the story by visiting here. .  Jello Biafra speaks directly about the abuses at Provo Canyon School in his spoken word album “No More Cocoons”.  You can see online testimony from survivors of Provo Canyon School by visiting: PCS & More Online Message Board,  http://www.beyondbusiness.net/index66.html, and www.beyondbusiness.net/index2.htm. 

 

 If you are as disgusted with this as we are, join us and take action now!  Sign the online petition!   Also, please contact the Utah Child Protective Services at (801) 629-5800 and tell them you demand an investigation into all reportedly abusive behavior modification programs in Utah including the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools and Provo Canyon School.  E-mail the Joint Commission on Accredit ation of Healthcare Organizations and demand that they remove their certification of Provo Canyon School.  E-mail the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and demand they remove their certification of Provo Canyon  School. E-mail the Utah Department of Human Services and demand they revoke the license for Provo Canyon School.  Public outcry is worth something and if enough people whisper a giant thunder will be heard!  Also, if you are a survivor of a WWASPS or WWASPS-like program, please notify Congress  about the numerous violations of the International Treaty on Human Rights and Constitutional Rights  that you experienced in a WWASPS or WWASPS-like program or any torturous “behavior modification” program by visiting: http://www.house.gov/writerep/.   Unfortunately, the UN Council on Human Rights has been disbanded.  So, you will need to work on this issue solely with US authorities. 

 

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TEEN LIBERTY PROJECTS

 

 

HEAL's Teen Liberty Campaign is our primary campaign.  We are working on a number of projects.  We provide information so parents can be informed and protect their children from the unregulated, corrupt, abusive, and fraudulent "troubled teen" industry.  We work with survivors to share their stories and help heal from the trauma of illegal institutionalization.  We help survivors and families find legal help and understand their rights.  We are also working on an ad campaign to help educate the public at large on this issue to create a public outcry to regulate this industry and/or shut it down!  You can help us reach more people on this issue by volunteering or donating today.

 

 

HEAL'S Teen Liberty Book Project: We are also creating a book of letters/testimonials written by survivors of abusive behavior modification programs like Provo Canyon School (and others that are listed at http://www.heal-online.org/childtortureusa.htm).  If you would like to submit your experience for this publication, that would be great!  The format in which the testimonials will be written will be a letter format.  Each letter will be addressed: Dear America.  Each letter will be signed by the individual author.  In the event you wish to withhold your name from the publication, we can omit it and sign it Anonymous Survivor.  If you wish to only include your first name, first name with last initial, or only your initials that will be fine too. 

 

Also, if you know other survivors of these types of programs (residential treatment centers, behavior modification programs, boot camps, etc.)  please forward this opportunity to them.  They can e-mail submissions to: heal@heal-online.org. 

 

If you choose to submit for the project, please include in the message that you give us permission to use the submission for this project, your full name (first and last), and certify that everything you state is true to the best of your knowledge. 

 

We believe such a book will go far to educate the public on this issue.  Many people think it isn't happening or that it only happens to a handful of people.  We have met so many people that think what we have experienced is not a systemic problem.  But, it is.  We will continue to do all in our power to make change and liberate the children and teens who still suffer across the nation (and the world).  We hope you will continue to support these actions and join in this project.

 

You may submit your entry via e-mail at heal@heal-online.org, at one of our meetings (schedule online at http://www.heal-online.org/events.htm),  or via snail mail at HEAL, 126 SW 148th St, Ste C100-422, Seattle, WA 98166-1984.  Remember to include a message that you give us permission to use the submission for this project, your first and last name, and certify that everything you state is true to the best of your knowledge.  Let’s educate the public together!

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Cult Techniques Employed By Teen Programs

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Teen Liberty Links

Parent Support Network

Government Attempting Something on Programs

Government Warning and Advice to Parents

Secret Prison Camps for Teens

Int'l Survivors  Action Committee

Teen  Liberty

 

 

Unofficial  Provo Canyon School Site

 

Hell Camps for Jesus

The Roots and The Fruits

 http://www.libertarianrock.com/topics

/teencamps/teencampsindex.htm

Video: PBS--"Who's Watching the Kids?"

 

Domestic Predators aka The Teen "Help" Industry

 

Stanford Prison Experiment

 

 

Milgram Experiment: Obedience to Authority

 

 

Teen Advocates USA

 

 

National List of Abusive Programs

 

 

Surgeon General's Warning Against Residential/Wilderness Treatment

 

 

October 10th, 2007 Congressional Hearing Exposing System-wide Abuses in Teen "Hurt" Industry

 

 

April 24th, 2008 Congressional Hearing Exposing System-Wide Abuse and Murder in Teen "Hurt" Industry

 

 

Psychiatric Drugs May BE THE PROBLEM!

 

Want Your Child To Disappear?

HEAL Relays Important News…

Matthew Magagna vs. Salisbury Township School

 

Teen Screen Truth!

 

Pathway Family Center Truth

What's Wrong with SSRIs?

 

 

Ask Questions, Get Answers!

 

 

The Agitator: Comments on Abuse

 

 

"Casa by the Sea: A memory that will haunt me forever," By Jennifer Ilona

Chambard

 

"BREAKING THE VOW OF SECRECY: A true story about Teen Help / WWASP," By

Karen Lile

 

 

www.childrenshealthcare.org

 

 

The Defense Foundation for Children

 

 

Loving Them to Death: The Story of One Teenager's 'Wilderness Experience'

 

Children’s Gulags--US

 

Ethical Treatment for All Youth

Behavior Modification in Public Schools!

Robert S. vs. Stetson School Inc.

Congressional Hearing (May, 2009) on Abuse of Restraint in Public and Private Schools & Treatment Centers

More Videos:

 

Wes Fager's collection
Includes GHW and GW Büsh and Nancy Reagan, investigative journalism into various locations, history, protest footage and more.

 

Two short clips from Aspen Achievement Academy:
Takedown
Pain Compliance
And this is one w/ a reputation for being less brutal than most.

 

 

 

Synanon is the program from which The Seed, Straight, Inc., CEDU (stands for Chuck E. Dederich (sometimes spelled "Diederich") University--Cult!  Aspen Education Group has continued with the CEDU model) and many other abusive "treatment" programs/cults sprung.

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TEEN LIBERTY ACTION ALERTS

Action Alerts are in order of Priority with Newest/Priority Alerts First!

Kids Should Be Safe in Child Care!--Congress is back in session! This is just a reminder to ask your Senators to cosponsor Senator Burr's background check legislation, S. 2903, the Child Care Protection Act.  Currently, the legislation is cosponsored by one Senator, Senator Enzi of Wyoming.  We need to try to get as many cosponsors as possible so that we can show strong support for comprehensive background checks as part of the reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).  Children should be safe in child care! Federal funds should not be used to pay those with a violent record to care for children.  Please click here, to send your Senator a request to cosponsor the bill today.

 

 

 

Keep Children Safe: Train Child Care Providers!--Many parents believe that their child care providers receive special training before taking care of their children. But the truth is that many providers begin work with little or no training.  Demand that child care providers be properly trained. »

 

 

 

Boycott Montel Williams, "Shame On You" for Sending a Child to Red Rock Canyon School and Endorsing Abusive Programs:  On Thursday, July 19th, 2007, the Montel Show enrolled a child (escorts and all) in Red Rock Canyon School.  The episode was sensationally called "Ticking Time Bombs: People On The Edge".  Red Rock Canyon School in St. George, UT is an abusive behavior modification program.  “A $6 million wrongful-death lawsuit, (was) filed in U.S. District Court by parents of the teenage girl, Katherine Lank, who fell into a deep crevice while hiking. It was filed against the Red Rock Canyon School, St. George, Utah, on May 28, 2002. The suit, accuses the school of negligence and breach of contract, asks for $5 million in compensatory damages, and $1 million in punitive damages and attorney fees. The Lanks have also demanded a jury trial.”  Further information about this is in the article by Michael Vigh of the Salt Lake Tribune.  In February of 2008, Montel referred children to Eagle Ranch Academy and continues to endorse their abusive program as of December 29th, 2009!  Please contact Montel Williams at:

 

Attn: Montel Williams

Viewer Services
The Montel Williams Show
433 West 53rd St.
New York, NY 10019

 

Express your outrage at this blatant assault on youth and support of a corrupt and unregulated industry!  Don't watch or support Montel Williams and his child-abuse-profiteering.

 

 

BOYCOTT DR. PHIL BECAUSE HE CONTINUES TO REFER AND ENROLL "GUESTS" INTO ABUSIVE PROGRAMS!!-- On Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2003.  Dr. Phil was profiling a family with a 12 year old girl with Reactive Attachment Disorder. At the end of the segment, Dr. Phil announced that he was sending the girl to Provo Canyon. In his words Provo Canyon "has a proven track record of helping young people." The parents, of course, were clueless, and agreed to this immediately. We need to flood the Dr. Phil show with letters, faxes and emails. Dr. Phil has repeatedly referred children to abusive programs.  The Dr. Phil website still refers to Copper Canyon Academy (Aspen Education Group) and Provo Canyon School as of December 28th, 2009!  Send an e-mail by visiting: http://www.drphil.com/email/email_phil_show.jhtml or snail-mail him at: Dr. Phil Show, 5482 Wilshire Boulevard #1902, Los Angeles, CA 90036.  Don't watch or support Dr. Phil and his child-abuse-profiteering.

 

Attn: Eagle Ranch Academy Survivors/Families--We NEED Your Help!--HEAL is currently working with a family to help rescue a teen from Eagle Ranch Academy.  We need survivors and victims (defrauded families) to come forward to provide additional sworn testimony and evidence to help get this teen out!  Please e-mail fightera@heal-online.org if you can help! 

 

Stop Child-Sex Trafficking Hotels--Right now, children are falling prey to sex trafficking in American-owned hotels all over the world, including right here in the states. Take, for instance, a North Carolina Comfort Inn, where five-year-old Shaniya Davis was sold for sex shortly before her body was found on the side of the road. Human Trafficking blogger Amanda Kloer writes that hotels have a responsibility to make sure that child prostitution isn't happening within their rooms. There's a simple code of conduct, known as EPCAT, that hotels can sign in order to prevent child prostitution. Sadly, Comfort Inn's parent company, Choice Hotels, still hasn't signed up. Click here to demand they take action now. Read More and take action!

 

Take Action Against Forced Circumcision of Boys!--"Very compelling."  That's how Susan Blank – who chairs the American Academy of Pediatricians' task force on circumcision – described studies of adult males in sub-Saharan Africa that suggest circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission.  Well, here's what we think is very compelling: circumcising babies is wrong – ethically, morally, and medically. It's shocking to think Dr. Blank and her task force are considering policy recommendations for baby boys in the United States based on misconstrued data from controversial African studies.  Send a message directly to Dr. Blank today and urge the AAP task force not to recommend circumcision.

 

Attn: Turn About Ranch Survivors & Victims--We Need Your Help!--HEAL is currently working with a family to keep their child from being subjected to Turn About Ranch.  We need survivors and families willing to testify or submit affidavits regarding Turn About Ranch.  The family is in Florida.  If you can help, please contact us for details!

 

Contact Mississippi Attorney General and Demand Investigation into Child-Torturing Mayor of Gautier, MS!--Tommy Fortenberry, formerly sued and settled for torturing children at Bethel Boys Academy in Lucedale, MS, is the current mayor of Gautier, MS!  Fortenberry was sued for fraud as well as torturing minors in his care.  Please contact US Attorney General Eric Holder and MS Attorney General Jim Hood and tell them to investigate Fortenberry and remove this child-abusing fraud from office!  Suggested letter:

Dear Attorney General Holder/Hood:

I am horrified and disgusted that a man who defrauded families and abused children for profit is currently the mayor of Gautier, MS.  I ask that you immediately open an investigation into Mr. Fortenberry.  He transported a child across state lines from Illinois to Mississippi for an illegal purpose (to commit fraud, slavery, and child abuse/torture).  Please see the court papers at www.heal-online.org/bethelsuits.htm

Mr. Fortenberry should not be allowed to do to Gautier what he has done to so many families.  Please investigate and prosecute to the furthest extent of the law.

Thank you for your time.

(Your Name Here)

 

 

Contact the State of California and Ask Them to Cut Funding for Phoenix Academy as Planned!--The Phoenix House/Phoenix Academy programs were the inspiration of the "extreme intervention" dramatized in the television show "The Cleaner" starring Benjamin Bratt.  This is human rights abuse at its worst.  It is not treatment and is physically and psychologically damaging.  Please write Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Department of Health and Human Services and demand an end to funding abuse and torture. disguised as "treatment".  Any survivor of cult-like "treatment" programs or family who has witnessed the fraud and abuse can attest to the lasting negative affects of such disregard for the humanity of those seeking help.  Contact:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160 ( new number )

http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email

California Department of Human Services

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/contact.htm

Sample Letter:

Dear Gov. Schwarzenegger:

 Please discontinue funding of Phoenix House and similar programs. The model used is an illegal and psychologically harmful method for behavior modification and violates civil and international human rights laws.

Please look into HR 911, passed by the House of Representatives and now in the Senate HELP Committee for review. These programs have caused so much damage to so many and ought not receive any public funding.

Thank you.
 

(Your Name Here)

 

 

Help Stop Child Sex Trafficking!--In 1994, seven-year-old Megan Kanka from New Jersey was raped and killed by a known child molester. 
In the wake of this tragedy, the Kanka family fought successfully to have local communities warned about sex offenders in the area. All states now have a form of Megan's Law.  There is now a bill in Congress that would expand the protection of Megan's Law, mandating reporting requirements for convicted sex traffickers trying to engage in international travel, and preventing entry into the U.S. by any foreign sex offender against a minor. 
Click here to help stop the sex trafficking of children >

 

Require Licensing for ALL Child Care Centers!--Child care licensing establishes minimal health and safety standards. Yet only 12 states nationwide license child care centers and family child care homes, and only one state requires quarterly inspections of these settings.  Without licensing or inspections, states cannot safeguard the health, development and well-being of children in care. Take action >>

 

Support Freedom Of Trafficking Victim Sara Kruzan! --Kruzan is a victim of child-traffickers and is currently facing life without parole.  Please read and sign petition at:  http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/support_freedom_of_trafficking_victim_sara_kruzan_2

Tell Vermont to Immediately Dismiss Rae Ann Knopf of Aspen Education Group from her Deputy Commissioner of Education Office!--Below is how the Vermont Business Magazine reported the news:

"Rae Ann Knopf of St Johnsbury was confirmed as Vermont’s Deputy Commissioner of Education by the State Board of Education in a special meeting today. Knopf, who most recently served as the Assistant Director for Student Support and Safe and Healthy Schools, also serves as the department’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) coordinator.

“We on the State Board of Education are excited about Rae Ann Knopf's appointment as Deputy Commissioner,” said Board Chair Fayneese Miller. “I have had the pleasure of watching her expertly steward the department and our education partners through the complexities of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I personally look forward to working with her and the commissioner as we continue our work on the transformation of education in Vermont. ”

Rae Ann Knopf has worked nationally over the last 26 years to establish learning communities where young people can thrive and realize their true potential. She uses her experience as a school administrator, clinical director, corporate executive and organizational development specialist to lead statewide efforts to continue strengthening Vermont’s educational system by implementing tiered systems of support and intervention for academics and behavior."

The reality is that Aspen Education Group and behavior modification/brainwashing programs are being transferred into the public sector.  This is unacceptable.  Please contact the Vermont Department of Education (contact info available through link or e-mail: DOE-EdInfo@state.vt.us) and tell them that hiring anyone who touts his/her experience working in the fraudulent and abusive teen "help" industry (especially confirmedly abusive organizations like Aspen Education Group) is not fit to work with or determine what is best for children in public schools.

Sample Letter:

Dear Vermont Department of Education,

I understand that you have recently appointed Rae Ann Knopf, formerly with Aspen Education Group, to Deputy Commissioner of Education.  I highly recommend you do a thorough review of the Aspen Education Group enterprise.  Many of their facilities are run by former/current CEDU cult members and recently two of their facilities are under state and federal investigation for wrongful deaths and abuse.  I don't believe the people of Vermont would approve of their children being educated by someone with connections to what amounts to organized crime.  I suggest you immediately open an investigation on Rae Ann Knopf and take immediate action to protect Vermont's school children and families from irreparable harm.

For more information, please visit www.heal-online.org/aspenachieve.htm and related links.

Sincerely,

Your Name Here

 

Demand Sex Education That Works!--The Bush administration spent eight years and more than $1 billion on ineffective "abstinence-only" programs that censored information about birth control.  The legacy of those programs is a teen health crisis: one in four American girls has a sexually transmitted disease and the teen birth rate is up in 26 states.  It's time to demand responsible, accurate sex-education for teens. »

 

Tell Pres. Obama to Sign the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child!--Over nearly 20 years, 193 nations have stood up one by one to declare their commitment to protecting children by ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention protects children by defining their basic human rights: the right to live free from violence, protected from exploitation, the right to learn and the right to live a healthy life.The Convention ensures nations support all actions and policies in the best interests of children. Only 2 countries have yet to show their support by ratifying the Convention—Somalia and the United StatesThis cannot continue.  Sign the petition now so that children no longer pay the price for the United States' delay.

 

Attn: Teen Challenge Survivors--Write Comment Shedding the Light of Truth About Teen Challenge on Recent News "Story"!-- Visit http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2009/09/strict_discipline_christian_te.html to leave a comment exposing the fraud and abuse at Teen Challenge programs!

 

Attn:  Diamond Ranch Academy Survivors and Victims, We Need Your Help!--HEAL is currently working with a Gainesville, Florida community to rescue a teen from Diamond Ranch Academy.  They need firsthand testimony regarding what goes on at Diamond Ranch Academy.  They are willing to pay travel expenses.  Please contact HEAL immediately if you can help.  This is very time sensitive and the court documents have already been filed.  (posted September 3rd, 2009)

 

Attn:  All Survivors/Victims of Teen Programs, Comment on the film "Boot Camp" Today!--"Boot Camp" starring Peter Stormare is set to be released on DVD on August 25th, 2009.  There are already comments growing on the amazon.com product information page for this film.  Join other survivors/victims in speaking out against the industry and confirm that "Boot Camp" is bad, but, the programs are worse.  Take Action Now!

 

Attn: Turning Winds in Montana Survivors and Families, We Need Your Help!--HEAL is currently working with a grandparent in the northwest  who wishes to rescue his/her grandchild from Turning Winds.  If you are willing to testify or provide a sworn statement regarding abuses and violations at Turning Winds, please contact us immediately!

 

Stop the Harassment of LGBT Teens in School!--Within just two weeks this spring, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover of Springfield, MA, and Jaheem Herrera of DeKalb, GA, returned from school with broken spirits and hanged themselves following relentless bullying and anti-LGBT taunts.  Demand action to stop anti-LGBT bullying in schools >>

 

Take Action Against The Academy in Oregon (& Fiji)!--One of our supporters recently did some investigating into The Academy.  Here is her statement, "I see you are investigating The Academy. I contacted the people from this school & said I was British (I am Australian) & was told that the Oregon program is not taking any more students & only the Fiji campus was available.  This seemed dubious to me. I suspect that any foreign kids that they may get would go to Fiji direct but the Oregon campus is some sort of Brightway hospital (WWASPS "hospital" used as holding pen while children awaited transport to foreign shores for torture and brainwashing) style holding pen while American kids get their passports etc processed. Incidentally, I was also advised that the Fiji campus gets regular checks from the Australian High Commission as well as the American Embassy. The Australian high commission in Fiji had of course never heard of the place,& the Americans kind of stonewalled me I assumed because I am not a tax payer or a voter in your country. I had an American send an email to the US embassy in Suva (capital of Fiji) but they have not heard back yet."

Please e-mail the US Embassy in Suva at consularsuva@state.gov.  Below is a suggested letter format:

Dear US Embassy Personnel,

 
I am writing to you, as a concerned citizen, to ask what the US embassy knows of a boarding school primarily for American teenagers called the Coral Island Academy, or simply The Academy located on the island of Viti levu. I have been advised by the staff of the school that there have been frequent visits and welfare checks from both the Australian High Commission in Fiji and the American Embassy.

Australian contacts have advised me that the Australian High Commission has never visited the school and seemed unfamiliar with it.
Has the US embassy visited this school to perform welfare checks on the students? To what extent are you familiar with this institution?

 
Sincerely,

(your name here)
 

Sign Petition Demanding Acknowledgment & Action Regarding Abuse at AARC in Canada!--AARC is a Straight, Inc. spin-off program that is currently torturing children in Canada.  Please sign petition requesting validation of harm to victims and request to investigate, regulate, and/or close AARC!  Sign petition now at: http://www.petitiononline.com/AARCSurv/petition.html

 

Attn: Heartland Christian Academy (in Missouri) Survivors & Victims!--Please contact Frederic Nessler.  Mr. Nessler is an attorney who has handled cases against institutionalized child abuse in the Catholic Church and is now helping victims of Heartland seek aid and justice.  If you were a victim of abuse or witness to abuse at Heartland Christian Academy, please contact Mr. Nessler at:

Nessler & Associates, Ltd.

536 North Bruns Lane
Springfield, IL 62702
Tel: (217) 698-0202
Free: (800) 727-8010
Fax: (217) 698-0203

lawoffice@nesslerlaw.com

 

Attn: Mount Bachelor Academy (in Prineville, OR) Survivors & Victims!--Please contact Jim Wrigley.  He is an attorney working on gathering information to expose the abuse at Mount Bachelor Academy.  Here is the briefing from fornits.com:

I am asking for help with circulating this message to any former MBA Students - it doesn't matter how long ago they were incarcerated there. I am trying to reach as many students as possible in a very short amount of time. What I am looking for specifically is anyone who would be willing to share their recollection in two areas "MBA's Schooling (or lack thereof) and the LifeSteps program."

I have been asked by the "Disability Rights of Oregon" to get as many students as possible to either e-mail or call them and share any information on these two areas. This is very time sensitive and the sooner contact is made, the better.

We heard through the grapevine that MBA decided to stop "LifeSteps" (per DHS request). Then, we were told "LifeSteps" are still going on. If you know a former student and they would be willing to talk to someone about these two areas - doesn't matter how little they think they know, please pass this message on to them. Time is definitely running on this one.

The person to contact at Disability Rights of Oregon is:

Jim Wrigley, Attorney
Disability Rights of Oregon
Phone: 503-445-7710 or
e-mail:
jwrigley@disabilityrightsoregon.org

The person can either call or e-mail Jim Wrigley. Also, if a person wants to remain confidential - just tell Jim. Jim is a very nice man and definitely on our side. He wants to do what he can for MBA Students - he totally gets it. He understands what MBA has done and wants them to stop completely. He just needs a little more information. If you would be willing to help, that would be great. Or, share this with anyone you can think of. To make MBA stop, it is going to take people like us to make the difference.

 

Tell the Eloy City Council to Cancel Plans to Allow Three Springs to Expand Teen Torture Enterprise in Eloy!--Last week, City Council members unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Three Springs to build its 17,900 square foot, secured facility on a 2.27-acre site, northeast corner of Hunt Avenue and Court Drive.   Three Springs is notoriously abusive.  For information on abuse at Three Springs programs, click here.  Contact the Mayor of Eloy, Byron Jackson and tell Mr. Jackson that Three Springs is an abusive, cult-like facility.  Here is a suggested letter format:

Dear Mr. Jackson,

It has come to my attention that the City of Eloy is permitting Three Springs to build a troubled teen facility in your city.  Three Springs is one of many abusive behavior modification programs under investigation and cited by watchdog organizations that work to expose institutionalized child abuse.  Please see the statements from victims and former employees highlighting the abusive methods at Three Springs by visiting www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm

Also, I recommend you review the recent congressional hearings at www.beyondbusiness.net/congress.htm and legislation (HR 911, Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs Act of 2009-- see http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-911). 

I highly recommend for the safety of your community and the families of Eloy that you stop Three Springs from entering your city, corrupting your people, and harming your children and families.  Stop the construction, void the permits, and don't allow Three Springs to hurt Arizona families with their deceptive marketing, fraud, and child abuse. 

Sincerely,

(your name here)

 

Take Action to Protect School Children from Civil Rights Violations!--When Savana Redding was just 13 years old, she was strip-searched by school officials for allegedly possessing prescription-strength ibuprofen. This traumatizing search was based solely on the false and uncorroborated accusation of a classmate who was caught with similar pills.  Overzealous school officials violated Savana's rights and called into question basic constitutional protections for all students in schools across America.  This morning, the Supreme Court heard arguments from ACLU attorney Adam Wolf in this powerful case.  Savana and her mother, April, recorded a short video with Graham Boyd, an attorney here at the ACLU who is working with them. I think you’ll find it moving to meet a real hero who’s taken her case to the Supreme Court.  Please watch this powerful video, and send a message of support to Savana and her mother.

 

Take Action to Stop Institutionalized Abuse in Mississippi's Private Prison for Children/Teens-- Today we filed suit to stop the horrible abuse of children at a Mississippi detention center, where they are confined in filthy, bug-infested cells for 23 hours a day with no adequate mental health or education services. Our client, D.W., is a 17-year-old African-American youth who endured a brutal physical assault by guards who slammed his face into a concrete floor. After a week at the facility, he tried to hang himself with a bed sheet. But rather than provide him counseling, guards harassed and taunted him — telling him his mother no longer cared and would not visit him again.  The children held at the Harrison County Juvenile Detention Center in Biloxi are not hardened criminals. Most are accused of minor, nonviolent offenses and are simply awaiting court hearings.  This detention center is operated for profit by a company that has blocked civil rights investigators from inspecting the facility, even though they have a right under federal law to monitor the conditions there.   Dozens of other children describe their own nightmarish experiences. Because their cells were overcrowded, many slept on the floor next to dirty toilets. Infections were rampant. Guards were quick to use violence. One teen described conditions as "unbearable" and said children were treated like "dogs." It's appalling that a private company is being allowed to profit from the misery and suffering of these children.  This lawsuit is just one of the strategies we're using to protect children from a broken system that would rather spend money on prisons than mental health services and education. Across the country, thousands of children — disproportionately black and many suffering from mental disabilities — are being needlessly incarcerated for petty offenses.  We're doing everything we can to stop this unconscionable abuse. You can help by adding your voice to this fight. Click here to tell Harrison County officials to stop abusing children. We'll make sure they get your message.

 

Tell Steve Wilkos "Shame on You for Supporting Institutionalized Child Abuse!"--Last week Steve Wilkos assisted in the "enrollment" (kidnap and unlawful imprisonment) of a teen on his show into confirmedly abusive Abundant Life Academy.  Please contact Steve Wilkos and tell him that he made an error in placing a child at Abundant Life Academy and that if he has any ethics he'll advocate for the teen's immediate rescue and return home.  Contact Steve now.  (Visit http://www.heal-online.org/childtortureusa.htm#abundant for talking points and additional information on Abundant Life Academy.)  Sample Letter:

Dear Mr. Wilkos,
 
I am writing to ask that you investigate services to which you refer your viewers for assistance.  You recently aired an episode in which you helped enroll a teen in Abundant Life Academy in Utah.  Abundant Life Academy was closed down in Mexico due to human rights violations and abuse and moved to Utah since it is a safehaven for abusive programs.  You can learn more about Abundant Life Academy and its sordid history, by visiting: http://www.heal-online.org/childtortureusa.htm#abundant
 
The House of Representatives recently passed HR 911, the "Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs Act of 2009".  That legislation is now in the Senate HELP Committee.  At this time, there is no regulation or oversight at programs like Abundant Life Academy and even programs with no public history of abuse are being exposed as frauds, child-torturers, pedophiles, and murderers.  Please watch the hearings exposing this industry at http://www.beyondbusiness.net/congress.htm
 
If you have any sense of social responsibility, you will cease and desist sponsoring or endorsing unregulated and/or confirmedly abusive programs such as Abundant Life Academy. 
 
Thank you for your time.
 
Sincerely,

(your name here)

 

Please Take Action to Help "Free Nathan" from Heartlight Ministries Program/Cult:  Visit www.freenathan.com to learn more and get involved!

 

Tell Country Music Television that Exploiting Troubled Families is Irresponsible!--CMT is starting a new series in April called "World's Strictest Parents" where teenagers are forced to live with "host" families who have "strict values and rules" (apparently not strict enough to avoid televising and exploiting children for personal gain).  Please write CMT and let them know why "World's Strictest Parents" is exploitative and not representative of ethical family values.  Here is the contact info:

Address: Country Music Television

330 Commerce St.
Nashville, TN 37201

Phone: 615-335-8400
Fax: 615-335-8614
Online Forums http://community.cmt.com/

 

The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009  

Write the Senate HELP Committee and Ask that they Revise HR 911 to Include Real Regulation!--For talking points, click here Click here to write the Senate HELP Committee.

 

Sign Petition to Revise HR 911, the "Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs Act of 2009":  HR 911 has many problems and does not do enough to protect children and families from fraud and abuse.  Please sign the petition now at: http://www.petitiononline.com/hr911/petition.html

 

Attn: Logan River Academy Survivors and Familes--WE NEED YOUR IMMEDIATE HELP!--HEAL is working to help a parent rescue his/her child from Logan River Academy.  We need your statements to help show the court why Logan River is not appropriate.  Please contact us immediately if you can help.

 

Contact Minnesota Congress and Tell Them to Oppose and Remove Any and All State Funding of Teen Challenge!--Contact Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and ask her to withdraw her earmark for MN Teen Challenge: http://klobuchar.senate.gov  Please also contact Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison and ask him to oppose the MNTC earmark: http://ellison.house.govFor talking points against Teen Challenge, click here.  According to a recent article (December 16th, 2009), Minnesota is still funding Teen Challenge.  Keep the pressure on!

 

Sign Petition to Strengthen Indiana's Child Protection Laws!--This petition is aimed at regulating and/or closing abusive programs such as Hephzibah House.  Read and sign the petition at: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/indiana-law/sign.html
 

Tell Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance to Stop Covering Abusive Treatment Programs!--Write your local Blue Cross/Blue Shield and alert them that they have likely been repeatedly defrauded by a scam-artists masquerading as residential treatment, wilderness, and behavior modification programs.  Here is a suggested letter format:

Dear Blue Cross/Blue Shield Representative:

I am writing you today to alert you to the likelihood that you have been repeatedly defrauded by a number of "treatment" programs advertising and reporting services to you not rendered to your clients.

Congress and the Government Accountability Office have been investigating the rampant abuses including fraud, torture, deceptive marketing and murder/wrongful deaths of children in these programs.  The Surgeon General and National Institute of Health have determined that these programs are at best proven ineffective and harmful to children and their families.

To learn more about this issue, please visit: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/fc-2008-04-24.shtml, http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/fc101007.shtml, http://www.nospank.net/ashcroft.htm http://www.enterthefreudianslip.com/surgeon_general_mental_health_ch3_treatment_interventions_residential.htm, www.heal-online.org/teen.htm, and www.isaccorp.org.

If you review the above information and materials, I believe you will understand that the detriment of covering these fraudulent practices far outweigh the benefit of covering them.  It is unsound to cover experimental treatments that are known to be ineffective and harmful.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

(your name here)

 

Sign Petition to End Juvenile Death Penalty!--Join a global initiative to end-once and for all-the practice of executing people for crimes committed as children.  www.crin.org/petitions/petition.asp?petID=1012

 

Ask Michael Moore to Make his Next Project an Expose' on Teen Torture Industry!--Michael Moore is a well publicized advocate for progressive causes ranging from gross civil rights abuses to medical and pharmaceutical corruption.  It is time he addressed the one issue that is at the heart of the destruction of our country, the teen torture industry.  You can write Michael Moore at MMFlint@aol.com.  Here is a sample letter:

Dear Mr. Moore,

I am writing you today to ask that you investigate and expose the rampant fraud, torture, and murder in residential and wilderness programs for teens.  Congress and the Government Accountability Office have been reviewing this problem since October of 2007.  See the hearings at http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/fc-2008-04-24.shtml and http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/fc101007.shtmlThe teeth of the bill (HR 6358), passed by the house, were removed and will do nothing substantive to regulate this industry that has been torturing and killing children and destroying families for decades.  You can learn more about this issue by visiting: www.heal-online.org, www.isaccorp.org, www.teenliberty.org, and www.teenadvocatesusa.org.  Please consider making your next documentary an expose' on this corrupt, unethical, and lethal industry.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

 

Attn: Straight, Inc. Survivors--Tell Straight, Inc.  to At Least Apologize for Their Acts!-- Learn more and sign petition at: http://www.petitiononline.com/295561me/petition.html

 

 

 

Tell Oprah Winfrey to Investigate and Expose Dr. Phil McGraw's Child Abuse & Exploitation!--E-mail Oprah

 

 

 

 

Attention Behavior Modification/Residential Treatment Survivors Abused in Texas!  Please Contact Journalist Andrea Ball!--Journalist Andrea Ball is currently working on a story about abuses in Texas.  Here is what Ms. Ball had to say, "Essentially, I'm writing about psychiatric RTCs in Texas. I'm not -- at this juncture -- looking at drug or alcohol rehab places. I'd love particularly to hear from anyone in the Austin, Round rock, San Marcos area, but all of Texas would be great."  Please contact Andrea Ball if you are willing and able to contribute in her efforts.  Thanks! 

 

 

Were You or Someone You Love Defrauded and Abused by Teen Challenge?  Join the Lawsuit!--  Click here to request more information!

 

 

Attn: Survivors of Trinity Teen Youth Solutions and Mount Carmel Youth Ranch--Lawsuit!--If you are a survivor or immediate family of a victim of Trinity Teen Youth Solutions or Mount Carmel Youth Ranch please contact us at heal@heal-online.org and we will put you in touch with an attorney working on a lawsuit against them.  Attorney is looking specifically for victims of physical abuse, injury, or death.  Please contact us if you want to get involved or help!  Thanks!

 

 

 

Boycott McDonald's and Ronald McDonald House Charities!--McDonald's, the fast-food giant, has donated over $30,000 to St. Christopher Inc., a "faith-based" residential treatment center (behavior modification program) to help "turn around "troubled teens"".  Please boycott McDonald's for putting money into abuse instead of family and community!  Tell McDonald's you are boycotting them and why!

 

 

 

 

 

Tell Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, "Stop Experimenting on Children and Teens"--An advertisement soliciting parents to enroll their child to be experimented on appeared in last week's newspaper.  The add reads: "Lack of interest, troubled, strange thoughts & words, withdrawn,  DO THESE WORDS DESCRIBE YOUR TEEN?  There may be something more you can do!  A clinical research study in your area is currently enrolling teens between the ages of 13-17 years.  Study participants receive...compensation (financial) for time and travel."  Yes, let these people pay you to exploit and experiment on your child!  No way!  Contact Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences today and tell them that you are appalled by their unethical and unscrupulous business practices.  Leave our children alone!

 

 

 

 

TELL THE UNITED WAY "STOP SUPPORTING PROVO CANYON SCHOOL NOW!":  The United Way of Utah County currently refers families to Provo Canyon School, a notoriously abusive behavior modification program that has been destroying lives for over 30 years.  To learn more about the abuses at Provo Canyon School, visit: www.heal-online.org/sign.htm, www.heal-online.org/provocases.htm, www.beyondbusiness.net/index2.htm, and/or www.heal-online.org/ashley.htm.  Please contact the United Way of Utah County and tell them to stop supporting child abuse!  And, please contact the National United Way leadership to report this abuse of public trust at the United Way of Utah County, by referring families to Provo Canyon School!   

 

 

SIGN PETITION DEMANDING THE CLOSURE OF WWASPS PROGRAMS NOW!:  According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered."  Sign petition now at: http://www.petitiononline.com/peth1/petition.html 

 

SIGN CLOSE PROVO CANYON SCHOOL PETITION NOW!—Please take a moment to sign the Close Provo Canyon School Now petition located at http://www.beyondbusiness.net/closepcs.htm.  Provo Canyon School is one of many snake pit schools that HEAL is targeting in the teen liberation campaign.  

 

 

SIGN PETITION FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN OREGON: Children in the city of Portland, OR have written a Bill of Rights for Children stating they "have the right to loving care and a healthy environment at home" and the "right to be safe in our homes... and to be protected from all types of abuse and exploitation, whether physical, verbal, emotional or sexual, and to be supported in reporting and combating abuse." Please click here  to read and sign their petition.

 

 

Stop TeenScreen’s Unscientific and Experimental “Mental Health Screening” of American School Children:  TeenScreen is just one of  many moves to bring abusive, invasive, and corrupt mind-altering programs to public schools.  Take action now at: http://www.petition online.com/ TScreen/petition .html

 

 

SUPPORT THE CHRISTOPHER BILL - THE JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM ACT: In SC and other US states, children as young as 10 are being arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced as adults under mandatory sentencing mandates. Children are being sentenced to mandatory terms created to net young people involved in gang violence and the drug trades. Children are being sentenced to life without parole. Often under the influence of prescription drugs, otherwise average and above average children commit unthinkable crimes. These children are then thrown into a court and sentencing system designed for hardcore adult criminals. Mandatory sentencing does not take into consideration the past non-violent social history or the effects strong prescription drugs have on young minds. The results are ruined young lives. We need your support. Please sign this petition and lend your name to the pursuit of Juvenile Justice.   Your signature will affirm the belief that we need this slightly major problem  corrected. Immediately.    Please give a moment of your life so that children will retain many moments for their own lives.  You do make a difference.  Sign petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/429258617?ltl=1114901126#

 

 

PLEASE ASK THE MCILHENNEY COMPANY TO HELP PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ABUSE:  Many parents are using Tabasco sauce as a punishment for their children.  This is an abusive measure and can only be administered under duress.  Please ask The McIlhenney Company to put a warning label on their product stating that product is not intended for and should not be used to punish children.  You may e-mail them at: countrystore@tabasco.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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