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HEAL Review:
Love In Action/The Source Residential Program Application This program
formerly accepted minors. HEAL is uncertain whether or not this
program still accepts minors and/or whether or not the program is truly
voluntary. We understand that entering appears to be voluntary, but,
concerns are raised since the communication with the outside world is
controlled by the program and in the event someone wishes to leave or call
for help, his/her inability to do so because of the program's control of the
situation suggests that staying in the program may not be voluntary once one
has entered it. This raises serious concerns.
Since the application does not include the complete contract with waivers
and program handbook/materials, we are limiting our review to the
information provided in the application. The complete application is
linked above in the title and can be opened in a new window if full
contextualization is preferred.
We are going to quote segments of the application and follow up with
concerns raised by the claims/requirements in the application itself.
Page 2 of
Application
"If you struggle with these feelings, you may find God challenging that
mindset from the very start, even as you answer the questions on this form.
As He draws you out of isolation and takes you through the process of
becoming honest bout your brokenness, you will find (perhaps to your
surprise!) that healing will begin to come through other people."
Our primary concern is that the program claims to represent God.
This is arrogant and shows the lack of humility requisite for true spiritual
work. It is a serious concern that the program suggests the use of
isolation and refers to clients as "broken" in the above paragraph.
Beyond this, in other sections of the application the program claims to
limit the client's ability to communicate with their families, including
their wives/husbands. This is a serious concern and suggests a
cult-like environment.
Page 3 of Application
"We will not able to process your application unless all sections have
been successfully completed."
"Describe your sexual history, including:"
"Sex with men and/or women"
"Pornography"
"Masturbation"
"Visits to bookstores"
"Anonymous sex"
"Any other sexual activity"
"A photocopy of your driver's license and/or birth certificate"
"Authorization to Release Information form, found on page 13 of this
packet. This form authorizes Data Facts Inc., of Cordova, TN to
perform a background check on you."
"Application processing fee (non-refundable) of $25.00 made payable to
LIA... This fee will be applied to your program fees upon approval of your
application."
"Submitting an application does not mean automatic selection."
It is a serious concern that this program wants so much personal sexual
history from people entering the program. This is compounded by the
fact that the program is admittedly not run by professionals with expertise
in treating or assisting in the healthy lifestyles of their clients.
It is really not necessary for any program to know the extent of an
individual's sexual appetites or experiences in order to provide effective
behavior modification. And, this raises additional concerns. How
will this information be used by "Love In Action"? Why does "The
Source" need a copy of your driver's license and/or birth certificate in
order to help you? Why does "Love In Action" (LIA) need to perform
background checks and why does the information requested in the background
checks include private financial data and any other data LIA claims is
warranted?
It is a concern that LIA seeks to benefit financially and through
extended donations/follow-up retreats/etc. if people buy into their scam and
that the application fee is non-refundable regardless of whether or not an
applicant is "accepted" into the program. Again, barring people from
entering a program claiming to be Christian (which would generally require
it to be accepting of all who wish to enter and have a genuine desire to do
so), suggests hypocrisy among other issues and this is a concern.
Page 4 of Application
"28-Day Residential:...After an initial period of assessment and
skill-building, participants explore individual personal struggles and
pursue spiritual change. Family participation may occur on a
case-by-case basis, via face-to-face counseling and/or telephone support."
"Cost - $3,000 Non-refundable Deposit - $500 Application Fee
- $25.00 (both count toward fees)"
"Three-Month Residential: ...Participants benefit from extensive
treatment plans and longer-term individual counseling, with the option of
applying for a 3- or 6-month follow-up program. Family involvement
occurs on a case-by-case basis, via face-to-face counseling and/or telephone
support."
"Cost - $6,000 Non-refundable Deposit - $1000 Application Fee
- $25.00 (both count toward fees)"
"Follow-Up Programs- In addition, three-month residential clients have
the option to stay for an additional three- or six-month period to
transition gradually back into self-sufficiency...If you desire to stay for
a follow-up program, please mark your choice below."
"6 Month Follow-Up: $3,000 to be paid at start of 7th month."
"At times, our clients choose to raise financial support to assist with
their program fees. Your family and friends may contribute
tax-deductible funds on your behalf to our Scholarship Fund...The
contributions are non-refundable and if the client chooses to leave the
program prematurely, the funds will be used by Love in Action in other areas
of need, including scholarships for other clients."
"No-Refund Policy - Under no circumstances will refunds be offered for
any segment of the fees for The Source program including the application
fee, the deposit, the program fees, and any donations given on your behalf."
The concern here is that counseling is provided by
unqualified/under-qualified "professionals". And, that communication
with family is controlled by the program. This is a sign of a
cult-like program/scam and a serious concern. See
www.heal-online.org/warn.htm
for additional warning signs.
Families should inquire as to what exactly they are getting for their
money. $1000/mo. may seem reasonable when considering "treatment
options", but, what exactly are you getting for your money and don't you
think half the cost with a licensed professional would be a wiser decision
than leaving home/work to live with a "religious organization" while you pay
them thousands of dollars? Think about it.
It is still unclear whether this program can last up to or over one year.
This raises additional concerns. And, suggests that the program will
"encourage" members of the program (cult) to stay on as long as possible to
assist with "fundraising" efforts. This is a serious concern as it
interferes with family unity and individual economic advancement.
It is an additional concern that the language of much of the application
may suggest that a portion of the fees are refundable. This is clearly
not the case as the program will not refund any money regardless of whether
you discover their incompetence. This is a serious concern.
Page 5 of Application
"Based on this belief, it is the policy of Love in Action to require
total abstinence from sexual intimacy with one's spouse during the entire
time in The Source program." "During the initial phase of a client's
program there will also most likely be communication boundaries between the
client and his/her spouse. These boundaries will be established and
clearly laid out by the client's counselor." "We will not allow any
compromise in the safety or progress of any client based on outside
relationships or family needs." "Our reason for existing is to offer the
finest Christian support and discipleship programming available, and we hope
that the spouse will take advantage of the following services:" "Spouse
One-on-One Counseling...$50.00 per hour" "Spouse 4-Day Intensive-
Counseling will take place at Love in Action campus." It is a serious
concern that the program denies a married couple their marital
rights/duties. This seems out of line with biblical principles.
It is a serious concern that the program uses a phase/level system as
referenced in the second segment of page 5 quoted above. It is also a
serious concern and an additional warning sign of an abusive/cult-like
program that communication with the outside world, including one's immediate
family, is completely controlled/monitored by the program. See
www.heal-online.org/warn.htm
for additional warnings signs and questions you should ask any program prior
to enrollment. It is a serious concern that the program places the
program's needs above the needs and responsibilities of the individual to
his/her family and "outside relationships". This could put an
individual's job, career, and entire family at risk. This is
unacceptable. Families and individuals should ask what the program means
by "programming". Often "programming" is a euphemism for coercive
thought reform (http://www.heal-online.org/ebook.pdf)
which has been found to be
ineffective and
harmful. This is a serious concern. In addition, the additional
fees for including the family seem excessive. This is especially so
since the program is not providing professional services and disclaims such
in their materials. Page 6 of Application "Full Legal Name" "Work
Phone" "Birth Date" "Social Security Number" "DL #" "Name of
Employer" "Address (w/ City, State, Zip)" The concern with the above
requirements, with the exception of requiring the full name, is that the
remaining information is personally identifying and can be misused by
unscrupulous individuals. Families and individuals should ask Love in
Action why they need the employer name, phone, address, and the individual's
social security number and driver's license number. This information
is excessive and given that the program is non-profit and "faith-based", it
makes little sense that they would require personal information that is not
required by similar programs and services before even accepting the
applicant. This is a concern. Page 7 of Application "Describe your
relationship with male authority figures:" "Describe your relationship
with female authority figures:" "I have struggled or am struggling
with:...Homosexual Sex Addiction...Same-Sex Attraction..." It is a serious
concern that submission to authority is a key attribute encouraged by the
program. This also suggests it is a cult and not a legitimate
treatment center.
It is a serious concern that this program claims to cure "homosexuality"
and this has been proven to be ineffective and harmful. See article
above for more information. (Gay Reparative Therapy Isn't Advisable, says
APA) Page 8 of Application "You need to be able to sit upright in a
chair; be roused from sleep without difficulty; walk without assistance;
focus for up to 1.5 hours; hear, understand, read and write English; digest
food properly, etc." "Have you ever had, been diagnosed with, or been
treated for any of the following?" "STDs" "Crab lice" "Genital warts"
"Gonorrhea" "Herpes" "Syphilis" "Other" Since Love in Action
requires individuals to remain abstinent as part of the program, what
business is it of theirs whether or not a client has formerly had an STD?
In addition, since Love in Action is not a medical facility, what purpose
does it serve to specifically identify STDs in an application? This is
over-reaching and a concern in regards to the privacy of clients and their
sexual histories. Page 9 of Application "Have you ever had an abortion?"
This is no one's business and it is inappropriate of the program to ask this
question. Such should be disclosed only when and if the individual
chooses to disclose it and not at the request of a program that will likely
use the information as a point of bullying those seeking help. This is
a serious concern as such has been reported to have occurred at similar
programs. Page 10 of Application "We may disclose personal information
without your consent or authorization in the following circumstances:"
"Child Abuse" "Adult and Domestic Abuse" "Serious Threat to Health or
Safety: If you communicate to us an actual threat of bodily harm against a
clearly identified victim (including yourself) and we determine or
reasonably suspect that you have the apparent ability and/or are likely to
commit such an act unless prevented from doing so, we are required to take
reasonable care to predict, warn of, or exercise precautions to protect the
identified victim from your stated or suspected intention of violent
behavior." "Have you been involved in any of the following activities?
Please check all that apply...Pedophilia...Sex with minors...Child
pornography..." "Are you required to register as a sex offender?" It is
reasonable to report criminal acts involving the safety of children and
adults. It is a serious concern that the quote regarding "Serious
Threat to Health or Safety..." appears to suggest that the program will
restrain/detain or use similar means against an adult who supposedly is in
the program and remains in the program voluntarily. There should be
more than suspicion involved when adults restrict the liberty of other
adults without legal right.
It is a serious concern that minors may be allowed in this program and
the program appears to accept and claim to "treat" pedophiles/sex offenders.
Page 11 of Application "Do you have a checking account?" "Do you have a
savings account?" "Do you struggle with compulsive spending?" "Please
list your current debts:" The information requested is very specific
financial data and is a serious concern. This is an application that
can be rejected by this program. But, prior to making any agreement
with you and prior to being legally bound to you in any way, Love in Action
requires you to list all of your financial information and personally
identifying information along with any embarrassing facts about yourself or
your life. All of this raises serious concerns. Page 12 of
Application "Release of Liability" "I,_______________ acknowledge that I
have voluntarily applied to The Source residential program at Love In Action
International, Inc. to participate in worship, teaching, discipleship, and
mutual support." "I am aware that this program is not a substitute for
psychiatric treatment, psychotherapy, or professional therapeutic
counseling. I am voluntarily participating in the activities of Love
In Action International, Inc. with full knowledge of the facts stated
herein, and I hereby agree to accept complete responsibility for my own
psychological, mental, and emotional well-being, and any and all risks
attendant thereto." "If Love In Action International, Inc. or one of its
affiliated organizations accepts me for participation in its activities, I
hereby agree that I, my heirs, assigns, guardians, administrators,
executors, legal representatives, and the like, shall not make any claim
against, sue, or seek to attack the property of Love In Action
International, Inc. or any of its affiliated organizations, as a result of
my participation in these activities; nor shall I, my heirs, assigns,
guardians administrators, executors, legal representatives, and the like
make any claim against, sue, or seek to attack the property of Love In
Action International, Inc., or any of its affiliated organizations as a
result of the negligence or any other acts of any of Love In Action
International Inc.'s employees, agents, officers, directors, participants,
volunteers, or other affiliates." "I, on behalf of myself, my heirs,
assigns, guardians, administrators, executors, legal representatives, and
the like, hereby release Love In Action International, Inc. and any of its
affiliated organizations from liability for any injury (physical, emotional,
or mental) or damage resulting from my participation in The Source
residential program." "I have read this agreement and fully understand its
contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a
contract between myself and Love In Action International, Inc., and/or its
affiliated organizations and I sign it of my own free will." "For male
applicants, two of the three references must be male." "Thank you for
your submission, and we look forward to being in touch with you as soon as
possible!" Love In Action/The Source is providing unprofessional
counseling services in a residential environment and refuses to take any
responsibility for any harm their practices may cause even when caused by
the intentional and/or negligent conduct of its staff/employees/etc.
This is a serious concern. How often have former "clients" reported
having been mentally, emotionally, or physically harmed while in this
program? Love In Action/The Source should reveal their complaint
history to all clients upon request. Why is there a double-standard for
men and women in this program? Again, the application being submitted is
not a guarantee of acceptance and it requires a lot of very private and
personal information. This is a serious concern. Page 13 of
Application "I, _____________________, authorize Love In Action
International to run a background check on me to include but not limited to
criminal record searches, personal references and any other sources, if Love
In Action staff deem it necessary, as appropriate in consideration for Love
In Action programs. I authorize Data Facts to release the
investigative report to Love In Action International, the Christian
discipleship ministry." "I hereby authorize and request any law
enforcement agency, companies, institutions, agencies or other persons
having personal knowledge about me to furnish Data Facts with any and all
information in their possession regarding me, in connection with this
application." "Driver's License #/State Issued" "Social Security Number"
"Date of Birth" "Current Address" "Former Address"
Data Facts does credit checks,
background checks, and a number of other investigative services for
employers and lenders. Is Love In Action an employer? It is a
lender? Is it a consumer of the client's services? If not, then
why do they need or assume the right to conduct such an investigation on
those entering a Christian discipleship program? This is a serious
concern.
Page 14 of Application "GENERAL REFERENCE FORM" "Please describe the
life-dominating issue the applicant is struggling with:" "How did you
become aware of this applicant's life-dominating struggle?" "To the best
of your knowledge, what is the level of this struggle?" It is a serious
concern that references are to be from individuals not related to the
applicant. And, this may be extremely inappropriate and in violation
of any respect for privacy or confidentiality. The questions are not
general enough to avoid disclosing private/personal information that the
client may wish to keep from the only individuals "accepted" by the program
to contribute to the references. This is a concern. Page 15 of
Application "The Source Residential Program Reference Form" "Recognizing
that The Source residential program is based on Christian principles, from
your standpoint, as a □ Christian...□ Non-Christian, is there evidence of
salvation or spiritual growth in his or her life?...What makes you feel this
way?" "Does the applicant have problems submitting to corrective guidance
from others?" "To your knowledge, does the applicant exhibit
responsibility in the area of personal finances?" "Our program is
spiritually and emotionally stressful. Do you think the applicant is
able to walk through this commitment?" "Consider each of the following
areas. Would you say this is an area of strength or weakness in the
applicant's life? Mark either an "S" for Strength or a "W" for
Weakness. Please mark as many as apply." "Communication skills"
"Family Relationships" "Submission to authority" It is a concern that
individuals, who may not be people of faith and/or may not even know the
client very well given the guidelines for who is eligible to be a
"reference", are being asked such subjective questions and personal
questions regarding a friend seeking help. This seems extraordinarily
invasive and unnecessarily subjects the client to scrutiny from friends and
associates. This is a concern. It is a concern that submission to
authority is considered a positive attribute. Questioning authority is
the main principle taught by Jesus Christ who told followers to return to
Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. Advising individuals
to submit to a man, regardless of the man's claims of faith, is antithetical
to Christian values and principles and this raises additional concerns
regarding the claims made by "The Source". Page 19 of Application "How
can we pray for you?" Well, LIA, you can pray for HEAL and for the world
in asking God to help everyone perceive the truth and to reveal all false
prophets, liars, scam-artists, con-artists, cults, etc. for what they are so
that we can all join together in honest discourse to work towards preserving
the earth and honoring our commitment to stewardship of creation so God can
enjoy God's beauty and bounty and all human beings can honor God by acting
in truth and love. Also, you may want to review the relationship
between David and Jonathan again. Just saying... |