Their website lists the following conditions the program claims to treat: various mental illnesses including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and oppositional defiance the last of which is no longer listed in the DSM substance abuse and other addictions, eating disorders [] learning disorders and nonverbal learning disability [] social struggles, low self-esteem, adoption/attachment issues, and grief and loss The unadvertised conditions that I witnessed among detainees included being LGBT, Internet addiction, and one girl in particular was sent there for having a black boyfriend. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. If you are in an urgent situation and need help call 911. After discovery ranch I couldnt even talk to my parents for months because of the trauma it caused me. They have the same goals in mind. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. Id go on to say I have PTSD. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) The school uses research to help create an individualized treatment plan for each teen. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. NAAS is an organization that has accredited many notoriously abusive behavior-modification programs, including, The program is affiliated with several other, is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch. When Jack Stuef found a chest of gold and jewels in a Wyoming forest last year, he felt giddy. I suggest seeking different options for your child. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. They will do everything to keep themselves looking like the best option at all costs just for money. Once a lawsuit gets underway, parties to the lawsuit or their lawyers start gathering information related to the lawsuit. Each part of his daily experience will reinforce his therapeutic goals. It is reported that they are only allowed to communicate with their parents through heavily censored and monitored letters, as well as a once-monthly phone call, which is also monitored by staff. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). Please reach out to me for questions, I will do my best to educate you on what is happening and get you current information. Sanoy (Google Reviews). A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. The schooling they provide is a joke. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. This is my real name, as Im no longer afraid to write my review under an alias. They love tossing kids emotional and mental state around for worse, or they will lie about problems that a kid doesnt have just to keep kids there longer.They will try to keep kids from telling you from what is really going on, the use their security measures as a punishment Instead of safety and they can, have, and will threaten kids. But I fucking wasnt. You Have Questions, We Have Answers. Lawsuits, harassment then found him. discovery ranch lawsuit. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? If you are at all struggling and/or would like to talk to someone who can relate, please do not hesitate to contact me through this post and Id be happy to exchange information so we can talk. Discovery Ranch is an Ascent Company behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. The lawsuit filed by the staff parents said the couple joined Eagle Ranch as staff parents in April 2020 and ended their employment in January 2022. Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. We have created this bond because unless you went through a detention center such as DR, you will not understand. If they mention these sorts of things to parents (over heavily monitored phone calls and letters in the mail), contact between student and parent would be cut off. My first treatment center was Redcliffe ascent, and I did really well there. Discovery Ranch combines the power of traditional and experiential therapies to create a clinically sophisticated, relationship-based residential treatment center for boys ages 13-18. We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as The Joint Commission and NATSAP. Also, I would sit there and talk to my therapist while he takes notes and this is a direct quote is that it? Then the session was over. Stay in touch with the other people you shared your time with during DR, reach out to them when things are tough, talk about your struggles. Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. We believe that teens are more than their diagnosis. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) The program has a maxmimum enrollment of 60 boys, and the average length of stay is reported to be around 10 months, but this can be substantially longer if the boy is deemed resistant. You and your son will work to rebuild your relationship with weekly family therapy, family visits, and Parent Day Seminars. 1308 South 1600 West, Mapleton, Utah 84664, . You are a survivor of an abusive environment that is very similar to a prison. For a year I was put down and felt stupid and inadequate and my opinion didnt matter and if I decided to express it I would be put on some protocol that restricted me from doing anything but sitting at a fucking desk and staring at the god damn wall. The reason for posting this is that this is cathartic for me and nice to have a group of people who have at least a basic At one point during my stay, I saw my friend stab his arm repeatedly with a pencil, spraying blood all over me and the windowsill we were sitting on. Last year, Granby Ranch Metropolitan District, a homeowner-controlled metro district, filed suit against the group of entities associated with the Granby Ranch development. Therapeutic experiences challenge your son to learn and grow. Proof is attached as an image. They left me more broken than they found me. Jackson (Yelp), September 2020: (SURVIVOR) Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. Kids are constantly getting restrained and put on drugs to keep them under control. We have experience working with a variety of behavioral and emotional issues. When you try to induct real truths into the once a week, 1/2 hour, monitored phone call, the therapist redirects you to la la land. I would estimate their rate of rehabilitation around 20%. Privilege to them is being able to sit on a couch, to be able to speak out loud, to be able to eat a single apple. They have the same goals in mind. This investigative process is aptly named "discovery," because it often turns up facts and documents that were previously unknown -- to at . Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. Its another long, tough, painful battle after you leave DR and I havent known one other person who didnt suffer after getting out. In addition, survivors have reported that on the off-chance that they. In other words, do not trust them. It is reported by survivors that these calfs are later slaughtered, apparently in an attempt to teach the residents how to deal with loss. This practice is extremely cruel, and is reported to be very traumatic to many survivors. After discovery ranch I couldnt even talk to my parents for months because of the trauma it caused me. After essentially being re-traumatized after remembering all this, I recently went on a five day bender started Wednesday where I got high and or drunk every waking moment, which culminated with me waking up on my bathroom floor on Monday morning covered in blood and vomit next to two empty bottles of wine and Xanax spilled across the floor with a five page suicide note on my computer that Id written in a blackout. We were victims of abuse. Now, other past guests on the show are coming forward with similar stories, including . They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. There are over 600 people in 2 different groups put together, and we are all in contact with many kids that just left. May their souls rest in peace. Your teen is struggling. It is run like a prison. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). It does not represent any obligation. Your son will have the opportunity to build the strength and resilience he needs to thrive at home. I had repressed memories of the physical, sexual, and psychological torture i endured for five years until I watched a documentary on the stanford prison experiment in my psychology class. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. They would arbitrarily lock me in a tiny pitch black closet devoid of food, water, a bathroom, or human contact for days, usually because I made an inappropriate facial expression like crying or raising my eyebrows when they screamed at me that I was worthless and no one could ever love me. Im happy to say that she is leading a normal life and leaving DR was the best thing that happened. , I try to think positively about it but honestly this shithole gave me PTSD. To them, there is one way that every kid learns, and if you have learning disabilities thats too fucking bad and ask the doctor to raise your meds the next time he comes. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. Discovery Ranch is an Ascent Company behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. Your Participation Is Key To Success Clinton Dorny is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. Allegations of abuse that have been reported by survivors include malnutrition/food deprivation, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and solitary confinement used as punishment. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. He also worked for a time as the Director of NATSAP. In this experiential, safe, and supportive environment, your son will confront his personal challenges with the goal of healing and increasing his capacity which builds his self-confidence and self-esteem. The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. I had no contact with the outside world except letters to my parents which were censored, and observed phone calls once a month. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). They dont let parents talk freely to their own child. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. They would yell at us and use excessive force. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. Also, I would sit there and talk to my therapist while he takes notes and this is a direct quote is that it? Then the session was over. Every part of Discovery Ranch, from the amazing campus to the nationally accredited Academic Program, helps to promote growth and healing. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. Your family is struggling. NAAS is an organization that has accredited many notoriously abusive behavior-modification programs, including many WWASP programs. the licensed substance abuse counselor has obviously never touched a substance in her life. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. It sickens me that even after the kid is out of this place they threaten to send them back to this horrible place. If you absolutely need mental support for your child, I suggest something that is close to home, and something that does not limit their ability to see and interact with the outside world. If you are LGBTQ and need support, call the Trevor Project Hotline 1-866-488-7386, If you are having suicidal thoughts, call toll free 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741, If you are a child being abused or know of a child being abused call toll free 1-800-422-4453. ), I witnessed a 15 year old boy be sodomized by a broom handle and have the living shit beat out of him because he tried to run away and watched a girl punch a window and slit her wrists in front of me because she couldnt take it anymore. Im in therapy, on medication, have been to three AA meetings in the past three days, and just feel like I am out of options and suicide or getting constantly fucked up is my only option at this point. Any complaints about the program and the abuse kids witnessed would be brushed off by program coordinators and therapists. I still hear screams from my friends being restrained in the back of my mind. You can find much better treatment for a better price. Discovery Ranch only wants to know and talk about their truth which is nothing close to reality. Discovery ranch was hell on earth for me. Discovery ranchs idea of privileges is being able to sit on something other than hard wood chairs. Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. You will also be able to observe your sons progress through our secure, password-protected parent portal. I still have insomnia and night terrors of being at that place. Your job as parents is to help your child, you guys are the problem not your kids. I am not the only victim. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. , This place is horrible. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. It makes me fucking sick that this place, along with HUNDREDS of others, still exists, quietly protected under the umbrella of the state government of Utah, and that parents are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for their children to be tortured and driven insane or into obedient, soulless sociopaths. Anonymous (Tales from the Black School), 7/8/2013: (SURVIVOR) DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO DISCOVERY RANCH IF YOU CARE ABOUT THEM! In February of 2015, a former resident at DR and his family filed a lawsuit against the school reporting that the boy was violently and repeatedly sexually assaulted by another resident at the program. There was never any you can do it it was you better do it or youre going to be put on mc and never get out of here. But, the couple was later outspoken on social media about the extent to which they were helped by the Raney family. They would yell at us and use excessive force. The ranch has the best of both worlds: a small-town atmosphere with access to world-class skiing, outdoor activities, surrounded by beautiful mountains, and close to two major universities and hospitals. Fact-Finding and Discovery Find out about "discovery" -- the process by which opponents in a lawsuit get information from each other to establish facts in the case. My brother was at the Ranch over a decade ago. , There are plenty of articles that prove why Discovery Ranch is dangerous for the mental development of children. In other words, do not trust them. The lawsuit was filed in Eaton County Circuit Court more than four months after Hultberg initially "asked the district to provide mask exemptions that had been approved," in a Sept. 7, 2021, FOIA . It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. Even when I started feeling feelings again I realized on Wednesday that I had been experiencing emotions with maybe 50-75% of the intensity that I normally should, which was put into perspective when I finally accepted that these things truly happened to me and felt for the first time in my life the appropriate pain and humiliation that corresponds to being treated in such a way for such an extended period of time. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. It is reported that they are only allowed to communicate with their parents through heavily censored and monitored letters, as well as a once-monthly phone call, which is also monitored by staff. The civil lawsuit seeks a minimum of $350,000. I was forced to do the most humiliating and degrading things possibly conceivable; I was forced to eat a girls used tampon, lick cow shit off a girls boots, unclog a toilet with my bare hands adult male staff would masturbate to me showering, changing, and using the toilet while masturbating (keep in mind I was 15. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. You have tried community resources or other programs. At Discovery Ranch for Boys, all the professional departments work together. I understand that people need to help themselves and I cannot blame Discovery Ranch for my decisions but this environment definitely did not promote positive change in my life. And the horrible part? I literally cant live with these memories. Discovery Ranch strives to heal your family as a whole. However, it is also only 10 minutes from the urban hub of Cedar City, Utah. In January 2104, the boy was placed in a dorm at Discovery Ranch with three other boys, one who began grooming him and another resident for "sexual victimization" until he was "violently sodomized," the family says in the lawsuit. For example, in an employment law case, a fired employee will want to see their personnel file, and through discovery, an employer would likely be required to provide those documents. Please save your child from this place. Jason (Google Reviews), 6/10/2016: (SURVIVOR) Terrible place dont send your child here. They would arbitrarily lock me in a tiny pitch black closet devoid of food, water, a bathroom, or human contact for days, usually because I made an inappropriate facial expression like crying or raising my eyebrows when they screamed at me that I was worthless and no one could ever love me. Your child will be put in with kids that are older than their age group, that were in gangs, that are addicted to drugs, etc. My brother noted some of the staff was wonderful and he used their tips to get through challenges after his father died (my Moms 1st husband). We earned academic accreditation through Discovery Academy, Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. The chidren cant even have open discussions with other inmates there for fear of being punished and losing privileges. Each part of his daily experience will reinforce his therapeutic goals. I was told Control-freak parents often produce children who feel guilty and disloyal , fearing theyll disappoint their over-bearing parents. I couldnt believe he was blaming me for thisafter we could no longer afford to send her there she was abruptly released and told good luck. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. please if you are thinking of sending anyone or know anyone who is considering to send someone here, keep the kid far away from them. He previously worked at, worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. On top of that I was forced to study 7 hours straight on the weekends if I didnt meet academic requirements. I had to raise a baby cow for the slaughter to learn to deal with loss, exercise until I threw up blood, pick up cow shit every day, I could go on and on. 19K views, 49 likes, 17 loves, 159 comments, 10 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from FOX 13 News: UTAH RANCH LAWSUIT - A teen is filing a lawsuit against a Utah ranch where she says she was sexually. Im happy to say that she is leading a normal life and leaving DR was the best thing that happened. Josephine (Yelp), 11/26/2013: (SURVIVOR) I try to think positively about it but honestly this shithole gave me PTSD. Every part of Discovery Ranch, from the amazing campus to the nationally accredited Academic Program, helps to promote growth and healing. Are they just being a teenager? The reason I am writing this now is because I ended up becoming an alcoholic and drug addict once I went to college and had finally had complete freedom. Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. Completing the assessment is free. The boat bought with funds by Discovery Ranch was not once used for the kids, the owners just use it for personal use. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. Sure, we said all the things our parents wanted to hear once we got out, it was certainly drilled into us every single day, but that faded into a deep anger/depression that raised months, sometimes even years later, & you find yourself in worse condition than you were before entering DR; battling a demon 98% of people will never know. We focus on healing the entire family. They made me feel disgusting and quite hideous. It is marketed as a Residential Treatment Center for teenage boys aged 13-18 with emotional and behavioral issues. DR does not accept transgender males. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. , family visits, and Parent Day Seminars. Also if you notice, a large majority of the 5 star ratings are from former staff as opposed to parents/students. , Through my stay I personally witnessed: Two suicide attempts. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. Grand Ledge Courts. My personal experience here was horrible. Staff care about one another and take a genuine interest in the girls. And it wasn't just because he was suddenly a millionaire . When I came back to real life I had forgotten how to smile and had to train myself to make facial expressions that corresponded to the emotions I should have felt in various circumstances. Countless amounts of times seeing staff restrain kids in inhumane ways. And before you tell me that was a long time ago, I am a part of multiple survivor groups online for former students from DR and other abusive programs in Utah. They do a terrific job at keeping kids quiet. Our parents (his Mom and step-father) regret sending him there even all these years later. I highly suggest people look it up, one of the most disgusting things Ive ever read in my life: Link. Both boys have turned out well however, my brother has trauma from the experience. If any of you also went there shoot me a pm id like to hear about it. Proof is attached as an image. Those goals are helping your son learn, grow, and heal so that your family can be a family again. The discovery process was contentious, especially with respect to the Aaron Ranch Lawsuit, and went on for years in state court. No one deserves what they really do to people. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. I suggest seeking different options for your child. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. He will have the support of well-trained and experienced clinical, academic, residential, and experiential staff members. However, our neighbor whose son went there the following year had all good experiences. We were victims of abuse. Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. linus pauling vitamin c, lysine protocol. It is run like a prison. My brother noted some of the staff was wonderful and he used their tips to get through challenges after his father died (my Moms 1st husband). 8 9 comments Best Add a Comment dsholliday 7 yr. ago This place did not save my life it scared me to have problems. H.A. There thieves taking advantage of parents dispositions and they should be shut down , After my daughter was here for here for 2 months her condition worsened and she started having suicidal thoughts which had never happened before.When I met with her Dr. For many parents, this focus on parental participation is the reason they choose our program. THATS WHEN YOU KNOW THE PLACE IS TERRIBLE. Davinci (Google Reviews), 2018: (SURVIVOR) Beware the evil behind their smiling eyes! Please reach out to me for questions, I will do my best to educate you on what is happening and get you current information. Sanoy (Yelp), August 2020: (SURVIVOR) Kinda like a prison that just focuses on external behavior. I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. This is not just a couple of resentful people. They are very abusive and they will lie to you. Abuse at its finest.. we were totally and utterly underfed, one morning we were fed one mini bagel and one cream cheese. With the help of a REAL rehab and AA, I had achieved 14 months sober. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? Therapy was more like brainwashing than therapy. Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL! , The Troubled Teen Industry: Commodifying Disability and Capitalizing on Fear by Catherine Kushan. I thought I was actually crazy, but it was all real. One small slip up, and you have all privileges taken away from a day to sometimes even a week. Privilege to them is being able to sit on a couch, to be able to speak out loud, to be able to eat a single apple. Chad Ollinger and his brother, Duane, are gold prospectors in the Uintah Mountains of Utah. Discovery Ranch is accredited by the, Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS), , but it is important to note that neither the United States Department of Education nor the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes NAAS as an accrediting agency for institutions of higher education. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. please if you are thinking of sending anyone or know anyone who is considering to send someone here, keep the kid far away from them. If you want to send your kid to either wilderness or discovery ranch why dont you do us all a favor parents and send your child to Disney Land so theyll be happy rather then send them to whats pretty much a mental institution for parents that have no idea what the fuck there doing. This type of environment makes reporting abuse and neglect impossible for teenagers. ! , A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. He said that he was abused by a staff member while there. We all cope in our own ways, but if we can help by sharing our experiences and what we learned, theres not a single one of us that would turn down a younger DR peer that is currently battling our same battles. Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. The average stay is OVER a year not under like they love to say. If you are like most parents of Discovery Ranch students, you have been looking for help for a long time. He also is the Executive Director of, . Parents wont know or understand the gravity of impact this experience has had until after you get out and have openly talked about it, and although its very hard not to blame or take your anger out on them, you have to realize they made their decision out of love and ignorance.
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