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HEAL SPECIAL REPORT:

teen challenge - monterey bay

 intake packet REVIEW

"THIS FORM SHALL BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT AND HIS OR HER DOCTOR."

"The enclosed application provides Teen Challenge with a student's health, medical, psychological, and substance abuse history."

"STUDENTS SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BRING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION INTO THE PROGRAM OR RECEIVE THEM FROM OUTSIDE THE PROGRAM.  THEY MUST BE PURCHASED BY THE CENTER STAFF, FOR THE STUDENT, LOCALLY.  BRING MONEY WITH YOU TO BUY THE MEDICATION-NO EXCEPTIONS."

"Genital exam - if indicated for sexual transmitted diseases"

COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN TO: ....FREEDOM, CA"

Teen Challenge requires everyone bring their own money to pay for prescriptions.  However, they do not allow their initiates to have any money on them for the first 61 days of the program and only $3 once they achieve the "right" status level.  This is covered below as well. 

Why does Teen Challenge need to know if an individual has STDs?  Sex is forbidden, even among married couples, at this program.  Since Teen Challenge isn't a medical care provider and abstinence is a requirement of the program, why do they need to have their initiates submit this information?  What do they use it for?  And, will it be used to harass and/or abuse the individuals sharing this confidential information with a party that has no regulating body that will enforce HIPAA laws at a non-medical, non-licensed program?  These are all serious concerns and we believe Teen Challenge includes the mental health and medical health request information to suggest that is providing treatment services it is not qualified to provide.  And, this is a serious concern.

"Name"

"Date of Birth"

"Blood Type"

"Insurance Information"

"Will the insurance company pay for your stay at Teen Challenge?"

"List any major operation-START WITH YOUR MOST RECENT"

"When were your eyes last examined:"

"When were your teeth last examined:"

"HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED OR PRESENTLY HAVE A PHYSICAL AILMENT, INJURY, HANDICAP OR MEDICAL PROBLEM THAT WOULD PREVENT YOU FROM PERFORMING MANUAL WORK RELATED TASKS WHILE ENROLLED IN ANY TEEN CHALLENGE PROGRAM?"

Oh...  It is like a modernized slave inspection.  The only reason they want this information appears to be in order to ensure that applicants will make good slaves.  The work isn't compensated and they actually charge their slaves for the privilege of being treated terribly and enslaved.  They also have a civil rights waiver (discussed below) to supposedly protect themselves from lawsuits or criminal charges for civil and human rights violations.  Are you really still considering Teen Challenge?  Why?

"Family medical history"

"Mother"

"Father"

"Sister"

"Brother"

"PERSONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY"

"Please circle the word or words below that describe you now:"

"OFTEN BLUE"

"IMPULSIVE"

"INTORVERT"

"HARD-BOILED"

"IMAGINITIVE"

"EASILY INFLUNCED"

"WORTHLESS"

"SUBMISSIVE"

"HAPPY"

"FOLLOWER"

"FRIGHTENED"

It remains a serious concern that Teen Challenge requires your protected health information when it is not a medical nor mental health services provider.

What does Teen Challenge mean by "OFTEN BLUE"?

What does Teen Challenge mean by "IMPULSIVE"?  Teen Challenge may say impulsivity in committing to their program is a good thing, while impulsivity that leads to decisions Teen Challenge wouldn't approve are bad.  Also, Teen Challenge is not a mental health care provider and therefore such a question is unlikely to result in a proper assessment of the applicant's needs.

Teen Challenge misspelled "INTROVERT".  It is not the only misspelling in the documentation.  And, these errors raise multiple concerns regarding the competency of Teen Challenge to provide any service. 

What does Teen Challenge mean by "HARD-BOILED"?

Teen Challenge misspelled "IMAGINATIVE".  Teen Challenge also misspelled "INFLUENCED".  Does Teen Challenge believe being "EASILY INFLUENCED" is a good thing that they should reinforce or a bad thing in which they teach critical thinking and reasoning skills in order to avoid being influenced by those who mean harm to initiates?  Given the nature of the program and the civil rights waiver, HEAL believes Teen Challenge requires individuals who enter their program to be easily influenced.

What does Teen Challenge mean by "WORTHLESS"?  It appears programs like Teen Challenge are only successful because the institutionalize abuse.  Many who have studied the effects of spousal abuse and child abuse have found that fear and a sense of worthlessness imposed by the maltreatment make individuals easy to control.  The amount of control Teen Challenge exerts over those in the program suggests that they hope that initiates enter already beaten down so that the breaking process imposed by Teen Challenge will be easy for Teen Challenge.  This is also true of their question regarding being "SUBMISSIVE".

"HAPPY" and "FOLLOWER" are coupled together on the form.  Does Teen Challenge believe that initiates are only good as followers and not leaders?  Does Teen Challenge believe that being happy and being a follower are synonymous?  These are serious concerns as HEAL has reason to believe that Teen Challenge is a cult that rips off families and destroys lives.

Anyone considering placement or enrollment in Teen Challenge should be frightened and we advise against such placement or enrollment.

"Would you as a student of our program, be willing to authorize doctors' or agencies involved in previous treatment to release the above mentioned confidential information, (7) (a) (b) to Teen Challenge?"

"SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT HISTORY"

"THE UNDERSIGNED STUDENT APPLICANT FULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS ACCURATE AND TRUE TO THE BEST OF HIS KNOLWEDGE, AND THAT THE APPLICATION FORM HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND FILLED-OUT BY STUDENT APPLICATN IN THEIR HANDWRITING.  STUDENT APPLLICANT FURTHER UNDERSTANDS THAT ANY FALSE OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION MAY CAUSE AND RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FROM ADMITTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM, WHERTHER A STUDENT IS JUST ENTERING INTO OR IS IN THE PROGRAM."

Also, since it is only a Christian Discipleship program, it should not require protected health information from applicants.  Will Teen Challenge accept an applicant for discipleship without providing his/her mental and medical health information?  If not, then this is also a serious concern as there is no reasonable basis for the program to require that information.

"IF THIS APPLICATION FORM HAS BEEN COMPLETED OR FILLED OUT BY ANYONE, OTHER THAN THE STUDENT APPLICANT, PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:"

"Name of person completing and filling out application form:"

"Date:"

"Relationship to the applicant:"

"EXPLAIN WHY STUDENT APPLICANT WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE OR FILL OUT THE ENCLOSED APPLICATION FORM:"

"PHYSICIAN TO SIGN"

"IN MY OPINION THIS PERSON IS CAPABLE, PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, AND EMTIONALLY, TO PARTICIPATE IN A YEAR LONG PRGRAM INVOLVING TEACHING, LEARNING, WORK EXPERIENCE, TAKING OF RESPONSIBILITY AND STRICT DISCIPLINE TO HELP PRODUCE A SELF-DISCIPLINED LIFE-STYLE."

There are multiple misspellings in the last paragraph above.  It is a serious concern that the program term is one year.  That is an extremely long period for an individual to be withheld from his/her family and community.  What does Teen Challenge mean by "strict discipline"?  Why do they require a "civil rights waiver"?  These are serious concerns.

"I also understand that I assume full responsibility for keeping the terms of this agreement (abiding by or breaking rules).  Infractions on my part, therefore, constitute my decision not to cooperate with the program as agreed.  Such failure to comply with any of the terms of this agreement, or any directives by Teen Challenge, will subject me to possible dismissal by Teen Challenge and from the program, and I agree to bear the responsibility for any disciplinary or dismissal consequences for such.  In such case, Teen Challenge and Teen Challenge staff will be entitled to recourse to any legal action provided by law."

"I understand Teen Challenge is not a "drug rehabilitation program".  It is a Christian discipleship program which is aimed at those with life-controlling problems.  As such, I realize that building a relationship with Jesus Christ is the heart of the program.  Extra peripheral helps, such G.E.D. training, vocational guidance and training, etc., are only secondary."

"I understand that Teen Challenge shall not be responsible for the medical or dental needs of a student prior to entry or during program attendance.  Student's medical and dental expenses incurred by students while enrolled in Teen Challenge shall be the responsibility of each individual student.  This shall include an accident or injury while student is enrolled and participating in the program."

"I understand that withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or any other chemical will be done "cold turkey" (without a graduated chemical detoxification) aided by prayer."

"Student Conduct Policies and Guidelines"

Teen Challenge admits that it is not a drug rehabilitation program.  Teen Challenge also admits that any supposed benefit from enrolling the program is secondary to being a productive member of the Teen Challenge cult.  This is a serious concern.

If Teen Challenge operates a program and the conditions imposed by the program result in injury or illness, Teen Challenge should accept financial responsibility for those injuries.  The program is charging individuals and/or their families thousands of dollars.  Teen Challenge is also using initiates for free labor to make money for Teen Challenge.  So, it is a serious concern that the program uses and abuses individuals in this manner without accepting any responsibility for any injuries that arise out of their own methods and practices.  Again, this is not legal advice.  If you need legal advice, consult an attorney.

It is a serious concern that Teen Challenge is not a medical facility and that it accepts individuals in need of legitimate medical help.  Detoxification is a serious and life-threatening process that often requires medical assistance.  Prayer may soothe the soul and even heal the mind.  But, addiction is a physical condition that requires legitimate medical assistance.

HEAL would love to receive a copy of the "Student Conduct Policies and Guidelines".  You can send a copy to: HEAL, 126 SW 148th St, Ste C100-422, Seattle, WA 98166-1984. 

"STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM WORK EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES-I understand and agree that I will participate in the work experience programs of the Center as long as I am in the program and will work willingly and I will complete all assignments given to me.  Student work experience assignments are an integral part of the program, not only in terms of character, responsibility, honesty and good work habits; but also as a way of financial support basis for the program.  Students shall not be paid for work performed will in the program."

"I am not in Teen Challenge to "do time", but to do whatever is necessary for me to be a true follower of Christ."

"I understand that the counseling I am to receive is not professional clinical counseling.  It will be Biblical counseling, and for the most part "Peer Counseling"."

"I also understand that, while Teen Challenge meets its own National Certification Standards, it is not licensed by the State as a mental health facility.  I agree not to hold Teen Challenge liable for any possible negative consequence, be it physical or emotional, resulting from my living here.  I understand that I am here voluntarily and that I may leave at any time."

"I authorize the Teen Challenge staff to search my person and my belongings upon admission into the program.  It's further understood that I release the right to Teen Challenge to make room searches and also my physical search of my person as deemed appropriate by Teen Challenge.  I also authorize Teen Challenge to search my incoming and outgoing mail or any items brought in later by visitors for drugs, information, or any matter that might be harmful to my progress or other students.  I understand that all phone calls made by or received for me will be screened and/or monitored."

"I understand that Teen Challenge or Teen Challenge staff shall not be held responsible for any of my personal property while I am in the program in case of damage, fire, loss or theft, or left upon leaving...Any funds credited to my account, return ticket, etc., may be forfeited to the general fund if I fail to comply with program procedures."

"I agree that Teen Challenge Monterey Bay may reveal information about me to any or all of the Teen Challenge Monterey Bay staff.  I understand that Teen Challenge Monterey Bay has a policy of maintaining confidentiality of all my private communications between Ten Challenge Monterey Bay and me.  Generally, such confidential communications will not be disclosed to a person or persons outside the Teen Challenge program, including my family members, unless I have signed the Authorization for Release of Confidential Information for the release of such information and/or records.  Even then, Teen Challenge Monterey Bay reserves the right to privileged information unless required by law in accordance with Federal Law 42 CFR Part II.  This means that Teen Challenge Monterey Bay has no duty to notify or inform family members about any program communication(s) between Teen Challenge Monterey Bay and myself."

Do people entering the program receive constant verbal reminders regarding the details in the agreement?  Does Teen Challenge advertise as a discipleship program that requires absolute control over initiates and expects to be paid while using these initiates for free labor?  Here is a quote from the teenchallengemontereybay.org (February 21st, 2011):  "Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Endorses Teen Challenge 8/17/10 - It was an honor for the Tucson Teen Challenge center to host the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)." Since this program is not a drug treatment program, why is it so heavily involved with the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Drug Free America Foundation?  And, why is this association on the main page of the Teen Challenge - Monterey Bay website?  Why do they imply they provide drug treatment and detoxification assistance when they are not licensed nor qualified to provide such services?  These are serious concerns.

Teen Challenge appears to be nothing more than a cult-recruiting center.  Many of the "clients" do go on to work or run Teen Challenge programs.  And, this is a serious concern.  What does Teen Challenge believe it takes to be a "follower of Christ"?  And, does Teen Challenge's values reflect true Christian values?  Since the program controls the relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and initiates and the outside world, these all raise serious concerns.

Peer Counseling and/or Positive Peer Culture are often synonyms for "confrontational therapy".  Such therapy has been proven to be ineffective and harmful.  This is a serious concern.  It is also a serious concern that Teen Challenge is so arrogant to assume that their narrow interpretation of the Bible and/or their misuse of the Bible as a tool for personal financial gain is anywhere within reach of the real meaning of the Bible.  If they believed in Jesus Christ, they would behave humbly and would show compassion, respect, and understanding to their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Since Teen Challenge does not do this, it raises serious concerns regarding their motives and actions.

It is a serious concern that Teen Challenge subjects initiates to enslavement and other forms of coercion and abuse and accepts no responsibility for injuries resulting from Teen Challenge's own policies and methods.  This is unethical and raises serious concerns.  It also shows that Teen Challenge does not follow the Christian ethic or leading by example and plays the "blame game" to avoid responsibility for their own negligent and/or malicious conduct.

Teen Challenge claims individuals can leave at any time.  However, they do not explain how Teen Challenge will react when an attempt to leave occurs.  According to survivor reports, Teen Challenge withholds an individual's shoes, identification, and money when they attempt to leave.  Teen Challenge requires initiates to sign the "Civil Rights Waiver" that supposedly gives Teen Challenge the "right" to deny initiates contact with the outside world.  If you are allowed to leave a program without shoes, identification, your own money and belongings, and without contacting family for assistance, are you really being allowed to leave?  If you allow or sign off on the program strip searching you and confiscating/stealing items from you that would assist you in leaving the program, are you really free to leave?  If you are confronted, attacked, and/or restrained "for your own good" by the program, are you really free to leave?  If the program denies you contact with anyone in the outside world for the first two months, are you really free to leave or ask for help in leaving? 

It is a serious concern that if an individual is denied access to their shoes, money, and belongings and they leave for their own personal safety that the program assumes the right to confiscate the money and/or items and use as it sees fit.  The program should either hand over all the belongings immediately to individuals who wish to leave the program or should be required to turn those items over once the individual returns with the authorities or family to retrieve those items.  The withholding or holding hostage of identification and/or other items is unethical and seemingly illegal.

It is an additional concern that the program reserves the right to confiscate any items it deems "harmful" to the progress of individuals going through the program while denying any responsibility for the care or safe return of those items.  Survivors have reported that their Bible was considered contraband because it wasn't the preferred version used by the program.  This is a serious concern.

Teen Challenge is not a correctional facility and not an arm of law enforcement.  Teen Challenge is not a drug rehabilitation program.  Teen Challenge is not a medical nor mental health facility.  Teen Challenge therefore has no legal right to search individuals or their rooms.  And, this appears to be an additional civil rights violation and/or waiver request.  Such searches and permission to physically touch individuals may also include the use of restraint to perform such a search.  The use of restraint to detain individuals in this "voluntary" program raises additional concerns.

It is one of many warning signs of abuse that Teen Challenge monitors/reads/listens to all mail and phone calls.  This deprives individuals the liberty to discuss issues with the program they are having in a private manner with their families.  This raises serious concerns.  For more warning signs and questions to ask any program you consider, see www.heal-online.org/warn.htm. 

If one chooses to leave the program, is that considered non-compliance with program procedures?  If so, do people who choose to leave automatically forfeit their money and belongings?  Is this something the program suggests is the case?  If so, this is a serious concern.

What is Federal Law 42 CFR Part II?  It is Federal Regulations, Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 2.  This law applies to drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs only.  Since Teen Challenge is not a drug and alcohol treatment program, it does not fall under these confidentiality regulations.  And, by quoting this legislation in their documentation, they imply that they provide drug treatment services and this is something they disclaim elsewhere in the documents.  So, what is Teen Challenge?  The only thing Teen Challenge claims to be is a Christian Discipleship program.  It is not licensed nor qualified to provide any other treatment or service.  And, it is arguably not even qualified to provide Christian Discipleship training.

"Furthermore, in consideration for the opportunity to obtain this program ministry, I promise that I will not take any legal action in the future for anything said, done or omitted by Teen Challenge Monterey Bay during enrollment in the program.  I agree to hold Teen Challenge harmless for any legal claims of negligence or damage of any sort which a person could assert relating to the program ministry."

"I specifically release Teen Challenge Monterey Bay and its staff from any and all financial or legal responsibility in case of accident, injury, illness, or other imponderable misfortune, and release Teen Challenge Monterey Bay and its staff from all liability of any kind whatsoever as a result of this agreement and my participation with them."

"I understand that I have civil rights guaranteeing confidential communications by phone and mail, as well as exercising the religion of my choice.  I also understand that Teen Challenge Monterey Bay is an evangelical Christian discipleship ministry for people with life controlling problems.  Therefore, since I choose to be a Student in this program, then I also realize and submit to the ministry's expectations to attend Christian religious activities as coordinated by the ministry."

"I do herby agree to abide by all rules, regulations and conditions of Teen Challenge Monterey Bay program."

Hey!  We have an answer regarding whether or not Teen Challenge demands that people be submissive to their particular will and for the sole benefit of Teen Challenge.  The answer to the question raised in Application, Page 7 above, regarding whether or not Teen Challenge looks for submissive personalities for their cult, is YES!

Once again, Teen Challenge has misspelled "hereby" as "herby".  Does Teen Challenge explain in detail the rules, regulations, and conditions of the Teen Challenge Monterey Bay program prior to accepting initiates?  If not, how can anyone be held to have agreed to terms of which they had no knowledge at the time of signing?  This is a serious legal and ethical concern.

"My medical opionon"

"I understand that IF I am admitted as a student, that I will be required to participate in Teen Challenge Monterey Bay Work Therapy Program."

"I understand that IF I am admitted, I will be performing my work assignments not as an employee of Teen Challenge Monterey Bay, but solely for my benefit, to further my spiritual growth and maturity, character development, recovery from controlled substances, and readiness to back into the work place."

"Accordingly, by submitting this Application, I am not applying for a position of employment, and IF admitted, I understand I will not be receive ANY compensation or in-kind benefits in exchange for the performance of any work assignments."

"I further understand that if I fail to perform my work assignments, Teen Challenge Monterey Bay may revoke my status and privileges as a student, not because performance of work assignments are the consideration for the receipt of such status and benefits, but because each student's participation in the Work Therapy Program is a necessary and vital part of the recovery process."

The second section claims that the work therapy is for the sole benefit of the initiates.  However, this is obviously not the truth.  Here is a quote from the Agreement (Page 2 of 3) above: "Student work experience assignments are an integral part of the program, not only in terms of character, responsibility, honesty and good work habits; but also as a way of financial support basis for the program.  Students shall not be paid for work performed will in the program."  Emphasis added.  And, another misspelling revealed in the Teen Challenge paperwork.  Instead of "will", Teen Challenge intended "while".  All of these issues raise serious concerns.

It is un-Christian to enslave our fellows.  And, this is quite clearly the intention of Christ's teachings.  It is a serious concern that Teen Challenge forces people to provide free labor for their own financial gain.  This is unconscionable.

Once again, Teen Challenge suggests it is a drug treatment program by claiming that the work therapy program is imposed as part of a recovery program.  Teen Challenge is admittedly not a drug treatment program.  (See: Agreement, Page 1 of 3, above)  This again suggests deceptive marketing practices on the part of Teen Challenge.

The only "recovery" service claimed by Teen Challenge is recovery from substance abuse.  If the trade-off for working for free is supposed to be getting off of drugs/recovery from addiction, then it should apply to those in recovery only.  If Teen Challenge is truly a discipleship training ministry, why is drug treatment a constant focus of their advertising and documents?  Teen Challenge is not a drug treatment program and it is not licensed to provide mental health nor medical care.  So, there are a number of serious ethical concerns regarding their advertising and business practices.

"The right to confidential communications and the exercise of religion of choice are civil rights.  However, Teen Challenge, in the interest of the discipleship process for the student, reserves the right to monitor and/or control communications.  Further, as an evangelical ministry, we require students to attend religious functions.  This waiver shall be administered at the time of admission or as soon thereafter as the student is capable of rational communication."

"I voluntarily give my consent allowing staff to exercise these procedures."

"I fully understand my rights and what I am waiving."

HEAL recommends no one waive their constitutional rights in the manner required by Teen Challenge.  This includes first amendment rights and the rights against unreasonable search and seizure.  These rights are the rights Teen Challenge demands you waive and it is not right or in line with the law or Christ's teachings.  These issues raise serious ethical, moral, spiritual, and legal concerns.

"Leaving the program, which can include - consistent defiance towards authority, leaving the premises without permission or not being where assigned."

"If the student shows true penitence and the determination to work toward changing old habits, the Accountability Committee may choose to reinstate the student.  A restriction may be imposed, such as a 30- day hold on the program, 30- day blackout with no outside contact, etc."

How can a program exert complete control over an individual and restrict their access to the outside world and still claim to be voluntary?  Communication blackouts are among the warning signs of abusive, cult-like programs.  See www.heal-online.org/warn.htm for additional warning signs and questions you should ask any program you consider for your family.

"Loss of privileges will be cumulative.  Should a Student be found to be smoking during a 30-day blackout period, he will have an additional 30 days' loss of privileges added to the current loss of time, etc."

"A Crisis Phase Student must have four (4) clean tobacco-use tests in a row to promote to First Phase."

"A fifth Phase student caught smoking will have to work two weekends in a row."

"Staff caught smoking will forfeit two weeks' pay."

Teen Challenge - Monterey Bay staff may wish to review the article at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19226911/ns/business-careers/ regarding the possible illegality of the last term mentioned above regarding docking two weeks' pay if caught smoking.  This appear to be unreasonable and unconscionable.  And, HEAL would recommend that staff contact labor lawyers for answers.

"By my signature below, I expressly authorize and instruct Teen Challenge Monterey Bay (TCMB) to perform a Background Check Report(s) on me in conjunction with my job and/or enrollment application.  I understand that if TCMB hires and/or admits me, my consent will apply throughout my employment and/or enrollment to the extent permitted by law, unless I revoke or cancel my consent by sending a signed letter or statement to TCMB."

"By my signature below, I authorize the disclosure to TCMB of information concerning my employment history, earning history, education, credit history, credit capacity and credit standing, motor vehicle history and standing, criminal history, and all other information TCMB deems pertinent by an individual, corporation or other private or public entity, including without limitation the following: employers; learning institutions; including colleges and universities; law enforcement agencies; federal, state and local courts; the military; credit bureaus; motor vehicle records agencies; and other applicable sources."

"I further acknowledge that a telephone facsimile (FAX) or photogenic copy of this release will be as valid as the original."

"Maiden Name or other name(s) used"

"Social Security Number"

"Date of Birth/Place of Birth"

"Have you ever been charged, indicted, received a deferred prosecution, received a deferred judgment and sentence, entered a plea of guilty, entered a plea of no contest, or been places on adult diversion for any violation of any law?  Note: You must response "yes" even if the charge(s) or action was ultimately dismissed, expunged, pardoned or the matter was not prosecuted."

"CALIFORNIA: YOU MAY VIEW THE FILE MAINTAINED ON YOU BY TCMB"

"This Center does not require Students who are HIV+ to notify other Students in the program of their HIV status, since HIV+ alone is not a contagious condition that others should be concerned about."

"Teen Challenge is not a medical care facility and is unable to provide 24-hour on-site medical supervision."

"All Students are prohibited from any sexual intercourse (relationships) with other STUDENT OR STAFF."

"Any HIV+ Student who intentionally puts another person at risk of being infected with the HIV virus will be IMMEDIATILY DISMISSED FROM THE PROGRAM."

Teen Challenge is NOT A MEDICAL FACILITY.  This has been covered above, but, here we have Teen Challenge admitting again that they are not qualified to provide drug rehabilitation treatment services.

And, the final quote above has yet another misspelling.  It should read "immediately" not "immediatily".  TCMB appear to be unqualified and incompetent. 

"Approved"

"I arrived at Teen Challenge Monterey Bay on _____.  I will be on a 30-60 day "black out" period during which time I may have no contact from outside the program.  I need to use this time to settle into the routine of the Center, familiarize myself with the rules and schedule and to focus on my issues."

"After that time, I am entitles to one 15-minute phone call per week on Saturdays (hours to be determined).  I may call you on the phone collect, or by using a phone card.  At this time, I may also send and receive mail from immediate legal family.  Mail is unlimited; please remember to be encouraging.  The people with whom I may have mail or telephone contact are:"

"After the first 60 days, I may have Sunday visitors here at the Center, with my immediate legal family and Pastor, from 1:00p, to 5:00pm.  I do need to know about visits ahead of time to put in a written request.  I may also request an 8-hour pass on pass weekend (9am-5pm Saturday), during which time I am allowed to leave the Center with family members or other approved accountability."

"Watsonville, CA 95019"

"I am not allowed to hold money until after Day 61, where I can only keep $3 on my person at a time."

"As I successfully progress in my program, I will be given additional privileges, such as passes for home and other off-campus activities.  I will let you know more about these when the time comes.  I am aware this will be the most difficult year of my life."

Also, families should remember that all mail and phone calls at TCMB are read/monitored and even censored or withheld as part of the program.  This is a serious concern as well.  It is not necessary to hold people hostage and incommunicado to train them in Christian discipleship.  There is no limit to the control and arrogance of TCMB.

It is a serious concern that families are not welcome to visit their family members at TCMB on a regular basis from day one.  This is another sign of an abusive program. 

Also, many of the sentences above do not make sense and contain spelling/grammatical errors.  Why are initiates not allowed to use their own words to inform their families about TCMB?

We included Watsonville because there are two locations mentioned in the intake packet.  One is in Freedom, CA and the other address listed is Watsonville.  Is there a central mail-processing location that is different from the program location?  Are initiates allowed to tell their families where they are?  If not, this raises additional concerns given the restraints on free speech, free assembly, and communication with the "outside world". 

It is a serious concern that individuals are held incommunicado with no access to funds and no true ability to leave the program in a safe manner.  Experts have stated an individual can be brainwashed in as little as a few days.  So, since Teen Challenge operates like a cult, it raises serious concerns.

Why will a year at Teen Challenge be the most difficult year of an initiate's life?  If you are dealing with a population that has been abused, addicted, scorned, thrown away, or otherwise mistreated, then you should provide a caring, compassionate, respectful, and loving environment to help individuals truly heal from their painful pasts.  It is absolutely obscene to claim to provide a healing atmosphere while ripping off families and enslaving their loved ones. 

Based on the above and reports we have received regarding Teen Challenge, we advise against enrolling yourself or a loved one in this program.