Name

Unit/Position

Gatehouse CEO sentenced:

 

Kent Michael Sherman, the 43-year- old CEO of the Gatehouse Academy, was recently sentenced in a Maricopa County Superior Court criminal case to three years probation.  The incident included charges of dangerous drugs, narcotics, misconduct involving a weapon and money launder- ing. Sherman was charged with two counts of solicitation of a crime and one count of illegal control of enterprise. He was not sentenced to any jail time. 

Source: http://wickenburgsun.com/content/current/display_ads/newsinreviewwebad.pdf

 

Gatehouse Academy Application

On page 1, Gatehouse states it is not a medical facility and that it is a "voluntary" program.  The use of the word "voluntary" is at issue.  While adults may sign up for the program, the program reportedly denies inductees communication with the outside world while on the lower levels of the program.  This suggests that while entry into the program may be "voluntary", that the "voluntary" condition loses all meaning once someone is under the control of the program.  This is a serious concern.  It is an additional concern that this program is not a licensed medical facility nor treatment facility (see below under Transitional Living Corporation Application).

On page 2, Gatehouse requests the social security number of the potential "resident" and includes information for a Financial Sponsor (person other than potential "resident" taking financial responsibility for "resident").  The primary concern here is that Gatehouse appears to be a fraudulent program and HEAL would be very reluctant to give any financial information, including social security numbers, to Gatehouse Academy.

On page 3, Gatehouse requests the specific information on the referral source.  Many programs in this industry provide incentives and/or compensation to referrers for "pimping" for the industry.  This is a serious concern and individuals and families considering Gatehouse Academy should inquire whether or not referrers receive any incentives or compensation for referring to the program.  If so, this is highly unethical and a serious concern.

On page 5, Gatehouse requests information regarding the applicant's addictions.  However, the questionnaire appears to be aimed at a third-party and not the individual seeking help.  This is a concern as the motivation for cessation of an addiction needs to generate from the addict, not from outside pressure, to be effective and long-lasting.  So, this is a mild concern.

On page 6, Gatehouse asks if the applicant has been diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional.  HEAL recommends families and individuals demand to know the credentials of Gatehouse Academy and verify that Gatehouse Academy is qualified to review mental health information.  It is very likely that this is not the case.

On page 7, Gatehouse asks what grade the "participant" is in and whether or not they have yet completed high school.  This suggests that the program may accept minors.  And, is a serious concern.  Individuals and families should ask exactly what kind of educational services, if any, are provided by Gatehouse Academy and if such services are accredited and any credits transferrable to legitimate educational programs, schools, colleges, and universities.

On page 8, Gatehouse includes the "Gatehouse Guidelines".  The guidelines state, "I am committed to participate in the Gatehouse Private Residential Community agenda and recognize that the facility is neither a treatment center nor a medical facility...I am committed to dress appropriately and to actively and cheerfully do my share in a weekly rotating schedule, maintaining in a general way the property and the main house...I clearly understand that to remain at Gatehouse, I must remain sober, abstinent, and drug free."  So, this is a cult.  It is is not a residential treatment center and it is not a medical facility.  Gatehouse Academy/Transitional Living Corporation is not recognized as an alternative school/private school in Arizona.  According to the state of Arizona, private "schools" can operate without government oversight.  Regardless, Gatehouse Academy does not appear to be recognized as an academic institution.  We were unable to find any listings of Gatehouse Academy or Gatehouse College Campus as recognized institutions of higher learning in Arizona.  In searching the website for the Office of Postsecondary Education, US Department of Education, we found no listing for Gatehouse College Campus nor Gatehouse Academy.  It is not a legitimate school or college.  It is not a treatment center.  It is not a medical facility.  So, what is it?  According to reports, it is a cult and a scam.  This is a serious concern.

Transitional Living Corporation Application

On page 1, Transitional Living Corporation states, "Transitional Living Corporation is an Arizona Corporation that operates Gatehouse Academy (GA), Gatehouse Therapeutic Health Services (GTHS), Gatehouse College Campus (GCC), Hassayampa River Ranch (HRR) and Adventures in Recovery (AIR) and is affiliated with San Cristobal Academy (SCA)."  HEAL includes the above to show all of the programs that operate under the Transitional Living Corporation umbrella.

Also on page 1, "Transitional :Living Corporation is not a medical facility."  The remainder of this application is nearly identical to the Gatehouse Academy Application above and we will not repeat the issues and comments.  Please compare both applications and review the above for more information on issues already covered.

Website: gatehouseacademy.com/family_communications.php (December 23rd, 2008)

Family therapy is provided by phone.  The focus is on the parents, not the adult who is enrolled in the program.  It has been reported by multiple families that direct and unsupervised communication is not permitted and that adult residents of the program are not permitted to have uncensored/unmonitored communications with the outside world.  This is a serious concern.

Website: gatehouseacademy.com/employment_opportunities.php (December 23rd, 2008)

Direct quote from this page as it read in December, 2008:

Issues with the above is that there are no professional licensing requirements, training, or qualifications of "residential professionals" who work with young adults and have a lot of control over those residents throughout program duration.  This is a serious concern.

Based on the number of complaints against Gatehouse Academy and the above preliminary findings, we recommend against enrolling or having a loved one enrolled in this program and suggests families assist loved ones by removing them from this facility if currently enrolled.

2008--Failure to Comply with Admissions Requirements

2008--Failure to Keep Proper Records

2008--Failure to Warn of Risk of Physical Harm or Death

2008--Citation for Improper Drug Handling

2008--Failure to Renew License

2008--Non-Compliance with Licensing Standards

2008--2nd Non-Compliance with Licensing Standards

2008--Failure to Notify Office of Licensing of Changes in Leadership

2008--Citation for Having Unqualified Staff

2009--Citation for Toxic Substances Near Food, Dining Area, and Medicine Cabinet

2010--Civil Penalty (FINE) for Providing Unlicensed Services

2010--Failure to Comply with Staffing Requirements

2010--Failure to Protect Client Safety

2010--Failure to Provide Services Claimed

2010--Non-Compliance with Licensing Standards