Human Earth Animal Liberation (HEAL)

126 SW 148th St

Ste C100-422

Seattle, WA

98166-1984

heal@heal-online.org

(206)244-1894

HEAL

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Warning Signs of a Potentially Abusive

 Behavioral 

Treatment Center

A Treatment Center May be Abusive if:

      1.      Verbal and/or written communication between the client and family members is prohibited, restricted or monitored.

      2.      The program requires the parents or client to sign a form releasing the program of liability in case of injury during treatment.

      3 .      The program requests/demands legal custody of juvenile clients.

4    4.      The program houses clients in foster homes or host homes instead of allowing them to reside with their parents.

      5.      The client or parents are forbidden from discussing the daily happenings at the facility. Often this policy is called “confidentiality.”

6.      The client is denied access to a telephone.

7.      Client phone calls are monitored.

8.      The program uses confrontational therapy.

9.      The staff includes former clients of the program.

10.  Clients are restrained or otherwise physically prevented from leaving the facility.

1    11.  The program claims that self-injury or cutting/carving on ones body is normal behavior for a client in treatment.

      12.  Parents are not allowed to stay with their child during the entire intake/entry process.

      13.  The program inflicts physical punishments on clients such as exercising, running, food restrictions, and cleaning.

14.  Reading materials are prohibited or restricted.

      15.  The facility does not have a clearly visible sign outside the building stating the name of the program.

      16.  Clients must submit “chain of commands” or any other such requests for basic needs such as clothes, shoes, personal items and medical care.

17.  The program is run or staffed by persons who lack adequate experience or credentials.

      18.  The program requires parents or siblings of clients to volunteer services and/or raise money for the facility.

19.  A medical doctor (MD) is not present at any time during normal operating hours.

20.  Clients of the program conduct, participate in or supervise the intake/entry process.

      21.  Staff members offer to help the parents obtain a court order forcing the client into the program.

      22.  Clients are observed on any level of the program, while bathing, dressing or using the toilet.

      23.  The purpose of the program is to treat drug abuse, but the program does not conduct a drug screen prior to entry.

24.  The program requires clients to be strip-searched.

25.  The program does not allow clients to follow their religion of choice.

26.  Staff members must approve friends, siblings, family visits, or employment.

27.  Juvenile clients are not afforded an education in accordance with state requirements.

      28.  Medication is recommended, prescribed, approved or dispensed by anyone other than a medical doctor (MD).

      29.  Staff members make statements such as “your child will die without treatment” to the parents of prospective clients.

30.  Clients escort/supervise other clients.

31.  The program lists a post office box instead of a physical street address.

32.  Clients have to “earn” the right to speak during group sessions.

33.  Clients are denied outside activities on any level/phase.

34.  Staff must approve the withdrawal of clients from treatment.

35.  The program expects total and unquestioned support of parents.

36.  Clients on any phase/level are forbidden to speak to other clients.

37. Program questions parents in-depth but cuts off parents' questions and/or refuses to answer or redirects when asked specifics about program policies and procedures.

38.  See the Federal Trade Commission warnings and suggestions at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro27.shtm

ISAC and HEAL will be adding to this list as necessary.

If you are a parent who is considering placing a child in a behavioral treatment facility, PLEASE protect your child. Thoroughly investigate the program and all staff members by contacting local news sources, conducting internet searches, and reviewing court and police records. Be sure to verify all licenses, certifications, and accreditations of the program.

NEVER place your child in a program outside of the United States.

NEVER place your child in an unlicensed facility.

NEVER surrender custody of your child to a treatment center.

ISAC and HEAL will provide research assistance free of charge. Visit ISAC at www.isaccorp.org.