Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. Discovery ranch uses a merit system to punish kids. We had a close friend that took her life during our time there, we lost a friend to drug addiction that spiraled after leaving DR, and we had another friend who lost her life to cancer, which could have been detected in the earlier stages if DR didnt fail to seek proper medical attention (she was actually punished quite often for complaining about the pain and was either made to do hard manual labor or the staff would put her in isolation for days on end. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. Discovery ranch was hell on earth for me. And the scariest part was that it was fantastic during the day; we would do ropes courses and go skiing and horseback riding and talk to a truly kind therapist every day who genuinely though I was insane or a pathological liar and convinced me I was hallucinating or having nightmares. It sickens me that even after the kid is out of this place they threaten to send them back to this horrible place. 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. If you are like most parents of Discovery Ranch students, you have been looking for help for a long time. DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY, INC., Plaintiff and Counterclaim Defendant, v. CHELSEA FILER, Defendant and Counterclaim Plaintiff. Isnt that tax evasion? Your community does not have the resources to help. 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. 10 Discovery Ranch for Girls reviews. We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. One small slip up, and you have all privileges taken away from a day to sometimes even a week. I had been raped when i was 12 and was unable to tell my male therapist or parents about this happening because my family is very Catholic. For many parents, this focus on parental participation is the reason they choose our program. Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. We earned academic accreditation through Discovery Academy, Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. Its another long, tough, painful battle after you leave DR and I havent known one other person who didnt suffer after getting out. They gave all the kids the same level of trust, none. They are very abusive and they will lie to you. Discovery Ranch is an Ascent Company behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. The parents believe discovery ranch and most kids have no hope of anyone listening to them because they think no one believes them and they wont talk and they lie about it. However, in 2013 DR moved their girls program to Cedar City, UT and began makerting theis program as, member since 2005. Also a staff there named Matt polson threatened to restrain me several times. 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. A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. Phil McGraw is wrapped up in a new scandal after sending multiple young guests to a treatment facility that has been accused of abuse. They only allow astonishing ones to pass. 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. He also worked for a time as the Director of NATSAP. If you are in an urgent situation and need help call 911. 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. I literally couldnt make this shit up. I ended up running away from this program and deciding on a much better program that actually wanted to help people. We have the record and independent verification to prove it. I didnt ask to see that.. At Discovery Ranch for Boys, all the professional departments work together. Yes, we have an amazing ranch!! Seek other avenues for your child. , This is the worst place to send your child. The average stay is OVER a year not under like they love to say. He since has shut down and will not discuss it so no idea if it was accurate or something he said when first home to avoid being sent back. Amy Golden. Discovery Ranch is the Top Residential Treatment Center for Troubled Teen Boys 1318, Located in Utah. DISCOVERY RANCH - 20 Photos & 27 Reviews - 1308 S 1600th W, Mapleton, UT - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Discovery Ranch 27 reviews Unclaimed Counseling & Mental Health Edit Write a review Add photo Save Photos & videos See all 20 photos Add photo Location & Hours 1308 S 1600th W Mapleton, UT 84664 Get directions Edit business info I can still hear the screams of kids being restrained and having their arms pinned behind them and blood flow cut off because they didnt follow simple orders. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) 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. You can find much better treatment for a better price. Aside from the obvious prejudice and discrimination, many of these conditions are not legitimate clinical impairments, and those that are require individualized care, which this facility does not provide., 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. If anything, kids got worse from being here. My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. 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. As part of the therapeutic learning process, all boys participate in weekly ropes activities that build character and help develop lifelong skills. It wasnt until he left the program that people even found out about this happening!! I suggest seeking different options for your child. In this, experiential, safe, and supportive environment. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. They are very abusive and they will lie to you. 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. They strip you of everything, even contact with your own parents, and dangle it in front of you as motivation to do/act how they want. Let us help. They dont let parents talk freely to their own child. Although there are no support groups for people like us and since the program is so small & were from all over the country, it feels and looks very real that you may be alone, YOU ARE NOT. discovery ranch lawsuitshaun thompson elmhurst Consultation Request a Free Consultation Now. BE CAREFUL OF THEM. James (Yelp), 2019: (SURVIVOR) This place is sickening. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. It began with a lawsuit filed by Hannah Archuleta, who appeared on Dr. Phil in 2019 and then went to the Turn-About Ranch. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. They have the same goals in mind. 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. While some people purchase land for views or for the prospect of building a property, Duane Ollinger 's family bought the massive 160-acre Utah plot known as Blind Frog Ranch to search for buried treasure. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. I literally cant live with these memories. The men have also come up against many dangerous physical hitches in getting to the treasure. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. He will take part in equine therapy and horsemanship programs and will have the responsibility of caring for a rescued baby calf. Clinton Dorny is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch. It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. I literally cant live with these memories. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. 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. You are a survivor of an abusive environment that is very similar to a prison. We do all this so that you can know your son is safe with us. the licensed substance abuse counselor has obviously never touched a substance in her life. Overpriced, over rateddo not send your child there if you care about them. The protocols here suck, and do absolutely nothing in the way of help. Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. Discovery Ranch for Girls is a well run industry leader in residential treatment for adolescent girls. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. My first treatment center was Redcliffe ascent, and I did really well there. Also the staff there (although there were some that I liked) were extremely rude. I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. Even though I have left the program, if I dont follow their horribly rigorous and reclusive aftercare rules I go back. The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was treated like some sort of criminal. discovery ranch lawsuit. dont do this to your child We are all begging you. 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. 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. Listen to your child, and dont fall into the traps that programs make which lead parents to think their child is untrustworthy, a liar, manipulator, etc. Reading these reviews it is obviously a place that needs to make some changes if the accusations are correct. Each part of his daily experience will reinforce his therapeutic goals. There is not enough research of the negative effects places like DR have on a young person, people dont like to talk or hear about places like DR, the system is extremely flawed, its a corporation that works very hard to keep you there as long as possible for obvious financial reasons while hiring unqualified staff. 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. The trauma Ive witnessed, and seen other kids witness was unbearable. Youre not. Caring, experienced professionals are ready to help your son. 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. My Mom says she wishes she had heard of that school at the time. 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. Your teen is struggling. Happened several times to my friends. It is run like a prison. 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. As per Discovery, intruders have appeared on the land at Blind Frog Ranch in many forms. They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. As I walked away in shock he was tackled by staff.This was after I had already seen two separate suicide attempts. Your family is struggling. ! Jack (Yelp), 5/28/2020: (SIBLING) A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. Although the system failed us, my peers and I have created somewhat of a little support group to cope and its helped us tremendously. DR also advertises their calf program heavily, where each new resident is given a baby calf to care for and raise. They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. May their souls rest in peace. 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. Both boys have turned out well however, my brother has trauma from the experience. Regardless of what they were there for, NO ONE SHOULD EVER BE TREATED AS INHUMANELY AS CHILDREN SUCH AS MYSELF WERE. Residential Treatment is an Intensive Healing Experience, Individual, family, and group therapy all take place within a residential treatment setting. We were victims of abuse. DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL! Jeff (Google Reviews), HEAL Program Information Discovery Ranch, Family Alleges Bestiality at Alternative School, The Troubled Teen Industry: Commodifying Disability and Capitalizing on Fear by Catherine Kushan (mentions Discovery Ranch), Strength in the Struggle A Marketing Video uploaded by the school to YouTube, Discovery Ranch Secret Prisons for Teens. (and have it be removed weeks later). This creates a streamlined experience for your son. We would act like we loved the treatment center, and that there wasnt any abuse going on. And the scariest part was that it was fantastic during the day; we would do ropes courses and go skiing and horseback riding and talk to a truly kind therapist every day who genuinely though I was insane or a pathological liar and convinced me I was hallucinating or having nightmares. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. 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. He began his career working in Admissions at, , which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the. 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. Isnt that tax evasion? 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. Its funny, almost all of the kids that left as a level 5 or 4 ARE DOING DRUGS AND ARE DOING WORSE AT HOME, goes to show how little the program works. if I saw him today i would punch him in the face. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. They do a terrific job at keeping kids quiet. I would estimate their rate of rehabilitation around 20%. When Jack Stuef found a chest of gold and jewels in a Wyoming forest last year, he felt giddy. 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. They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. They dont give the children any hope of getting out whatsoever. 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). They are there only to try and give the staff (who by the way have no training in psychology at all) an easier time. 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. Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. This is not just a couple of resentful people. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. Both boys have turned out well however, my brother has trauma from the experience. Your job as parents is to help your child, you guys are the problem not your kids. dont do this to your child We are all begging you. These experiences will teach your son values like Responsibility, Grit, Honesty, Respect, Courage, Kindness, and Accountability. Discovery ranch was hell on earth for me. survivors to be an extremely abusive program. I suggest seeking different options for your child. 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. In addition to taking part in the equine therapy and horsemanship programs, he will have access to the fully-equipped music studio. However, our neighbor whose son went there the following year had all good experiences. But, the couple was later outspoken on social media about the extent to which they were helped by the Raney family. 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. We focus on healing the entire family. 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. We were victims of abuse. He reportedly began working in the TTI because his brothers have worked at various other treatment centers. Happened several times to my friends. The protocols here suck, and do absolutely nothing in the way of help. When the program opened, it housed both boys and girls on the same campus, but kept them completely seperate in different parts of the campus. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. They later sued the show, saying . June 7, 2022 . Also if you notice, a large majority of the 5 star ratings are from former staff as opposed to parents/students. William (Google Reviews), 6/1/2020: (SURVIVOR) Through my stay I personally witnessed: Two suicide attempts. I didnt ask to see that.. Terrible place dont send your child here. My parents spent over $200,000 here before they realized I was not getting the help I needed. Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. The boat bought with funds by Discovery Ranch was not once used for the kids, the owners just use it for personal use. They report that 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 attacker used threats of violence, coercion, guilt, and the merit system of Discovery Ranch to manipulate (the boy) to avoid reporting increasingly deviant sexual behaviors, including discussions about sex, pornography, masturbation, and sexual violence. According to the complaint, Discovery Ranchs merit system also prevented (him) from reporting the assaults because he believed that his inferior status and past interactions with Discovery Ranch staff and administrators would result in him being punished if he attempted to disclose the assaults. The family claims the sexual assaults went undiscovered and unchecked throughout the months of January and February and were only revealed when he [the assailant] was transferred from Discovery Ranch after being discovered engaging in bestiality with a horse. The family says that Discovery Ranch failed to adequately investigate the assailant for psychosexually deviant and violent tendencies before admitting him to Discovery Ranch and placing him in the dorm. Additional Information: Family Alleges Bestiality at Alternative School, 9/20/2020: (SURVIVOR) Discovery ranch seems to actively try to remove as many negative reviews as they can, many were mine being removed over and over. And the horrible part? If youre a troubled teen thats reading this that just recently got out, or its been years and its still effecting you, please believe me when I say that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The representative will help connect you with resources that can help your family--even if that help is not from us. On top of that I was forced to study 7 hours straight on the weekends if I didnt meet academic requirements. They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. They gave all the kids the same level of trust, none. If Im in the car with someone and they make a wrong turn or something I will flip out and start having a panic attack because all I can think about it oh my god where are they taking me theyre locking me up again. I suggest seeking different options for your child. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. (Yelp), 11/10/2013: (SURVIVOR) Link to Anonymous Survivor Testimony, 10/13/2013: (SURVIVOR) I attended Discovery Ranch 5 years ago when I was 15 years old. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. There is not enough research of the negative effects places like DR have on a young person, people dont like to talk or hear about places like DR, the system is extremely flawed, its a corporation that works very hard to keep you there as long as possible for obvious financial reasons while hiring unqualified staff. This is not just a couple of resentful people. 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. 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. 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. 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. You might feel that you are all alone. 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. , your son will confront his personal challenges with the goal of healing and increasing his capacity which builds his self-confidence and self-esteem. He previously worked at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. Discovery Ranch South offers the perfect healing environment for troubled teens with mental health or behavioral issues. I had an IEP at my old school because I cant learn that easily but the program directors convinced my parents I was too lazy to do work that I had trouble doing. 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. Also there were lawsuits against this place. They are there only to try and give the staff (who by the way have no training in psychology at all) an easier time. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. 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. When the program opened, it housed both boys and girls on the same campus, but kept them completely seperate in different parts of the campus. 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. , family visits, and Parent Day Seminars. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. 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. Blind Frog Ranch 2022 lawsuit update In season 2, we see someone come onto the ranch and serve the gang some sort of paper. agolden@skyhinews.com. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? Aside from the obvious prejudice and discrimination, many of these conditions are not legitimate clinical impairments, and those that are require individualized care, which this facility does not provide.. May their souls rest in peace. Now, other past guests on the show are coming forward with similar stories, including . I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. The location is part of a dispute between the city and one tow truck company that filed a federal lawsuit on Dec. 2, 2020. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. 2:14-CV-751-TC. Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. I wish I could give negitive stars! I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. The amounts of times I screamed out loud in physical/mental exhaustion from being undermined and unheard is uncountable. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. Abuse at its finest.. we were totally and utterly underfed, one morning we were fed one mini bagel and one cream cheese. At Discovery Ranch for Boys, we hold ourselves to the, We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as, . She currently works as the Residential Director at, is reported by survivors to have run the facility. 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. ! , A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. Although the system failed us, my peers and I have created somewhat of a little support group to cope and its helped us tremendously. I am not the only victim. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. This will provide him with the. Regardless of what they were there for, NO ONE SHOULD EVER BE TREATED AS INHUMANELY AS CHILDREN SUCH AS MYSELF WERE. 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. If this describes your family, let us help. I had no contact with the outside world except letters to my parents which were censored, and observed phone calls once a month. ), 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. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. If any of you also went there shoot me a pm id like to hear about it. These programs are money makers. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. At Discovery Ranch we understand that when your teen is in trouble, your whole family is in trouble. There thieves taking advantage of parents dispositions and they should be shut down Derek (Google Reviews), 1/12/2014: (SURVIVOR) Link to Anonymous Survivor Testimony, 12/1/2013: (PARENT) 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.
Northwood Golf Club Membership,
Georgetown Bars 1970s,
Articles D