The facilities must keep these records on file. Transitioning Home After Residential Treatment Lastly, the level program is cult-like. On this level, the residents gain more leadership responsibilities and freedom. As a result, Moonridge offers all of the clinical intensity of an outstanding residential treatment center (small clinical case loads, 2 individual therapy sessions weekly, weekly family therapy sessions via the telephone, deep family systems work, etc.) A detailed analysis by The Salt Lake Tribune shows that Cedar Ridge had sex crimes reported to police at a rate 4.5 times higher than the average Utah youth treatment center. It has publicly threatened to pull a license if immediate action isnt taken, like when Cedar Ridge owners had not reported the sexual abuse between two boys in 2016. We were told if we refused food three times, we would be sent to the hospital and hooked up to an IV. I was yelled at for the smallest things, like forgetting to line up my shoes or not asking to enter a room. Utahs Office of Licensing inspects and regulates each facility, and sometimes finds neglect, child abuse or sexual misconduct. The amount of food we ate was larger than what I was used to, and I was very small. Moonridge Academy is a CERTS behavior-modification program founded in 2004. 3/26/2021: (SURVIVOR) I wish I could give this place negative stars. It was bad enough that my therapist had me fill out a form on her computer stating one of the incidents, where a staff swore at me for not walking fast enough for her liking. She only said she was worried I still felt that way. He was 13 years old then and kept getting into trouble. The program was traumatic for her as well. Grace (BreakingCodeSilence), 3/18/2020: (PARENT) Looking for a therapeutic boarding school for your daughter? WebThere was strong evidence that Geary Oakes had sexually abused four boys on the campus located at the end of a remote road in rural Utah. This is the most common response. I was overfed to the point that I puked. It includes a summary of the incident that was reported, and what actions a facility has taken and plans to take in response. My time in treatment ranges from bad to traumatic. At this time, all violations are weighed equally, so a ripped van seat counts the same as kids complaining they arent given enough to eat. Male staff members participated in female students strip searches. A very autistic girl was regularly restrained for spinning around. Donate to The Salt Lake Tribune today. Together we can make a difference! I feel like I should have been required to eat a smaller amount of food, but that was never considered. I was demoted from level 4 to level 1 for kissing another girl. Male staff members participated in female students strip searches. The program is located at 9450 West 2400 South, Cedar City, UT 84721. I learned that the only way to survive is to comply. GRACES STORY "I was sent - Breakingcodesilence I was regularly threatened, sworn at, belittled, compared to the other girls, lied about, manipulated and made fun of by staff and students alike. When The Tribune initially asked for these records, the Office of Licensing estimated it would cost more than $6,250. But Ross said that punishment often meant days on end spent in an isolation room, a cold concrete room with no furniture. Not to mention the puppy that they got for us was left outside without food and eventually died of starvation. Jack Hinman is the Executive Director of Moonridge Academy and Kolob Canyon RTC, another CERTS program. The company said in a statement that four of the crimes reported from the campus located in the southern Utah town of Virgin during the two-year period The Tribune reviewed were calls made by therapists or staff about abuse students disclosed that happened elsewhere. Clearly sick students (fainting, puking, in severe pain) were denied access to doctors and hospitals until they nearly died. It happened again in 2015, when Russell Robb groped two girls, one of whom he was supposed to look after on watch level, an increased supervision because she threatened to run away or harm herself. Please, don't send your child there." While at Moonridge Academy, the residents are forced to adhere to a strict set of rules. Make sure your post is relevant to the Troubled Teen Industry. With those choices comes the option to make poor choices. I followed the rules and pretended I was doing better so I could go home. We are a community of survivors and advocates who oppose the abusive Troubled Teen Industry. Jewly Krause is a manipulative woman who just wants your money, this place will not help you or your child, it will simply cause your child to push their issues deep down. The average length of stay is 10-12 months. Jan. 26, 202301:26. Monitored/restricted communication is one of the WWASP Program Red Flags as it creates an environment in which children are unable to report abuse and neglect. The remaining funds will be used to assist The Tribune in future public records disputes. Lydia Kauppi, a parent of a student in the district, said its unsettling to know that her familys private information Moonridge Academy - National Association Therapeutic Schools If we didn't eat all of the food on our plates at every meal (which was mostly chunks of meat with large pieces of fat attached-- yes, we were forced to eat the fat too) we had to sign a "food refusal form" and lost privileges like free time and your weekly phone call. Male staff members participated in female students strip searches. Well continue to report on this industry, including our own findings from this trove of records. She was not being unsafe. I was told I was fine when I said I was depressed. No, she was not at risk of hitting someone, and no, she was not hurting herself. On this level, residents get ready to go home and gain additional privileges and freedoms. I can communicate with her privately every wk. This database includes only critical incidents where the facility is found to have violated a rule. In 2005, the State of Maine began investigating Moonridge Academy and the quality of its program. I only actually rode a horse there maybe 4 times. It also led to criminal charges, settled lawsuits, and, more recently, a change in ownership. National Interstate Compact Laws (ICPC): This refers to laws adopted by each state that require case workers or parents to have certain documents filled out when a child is going from one state to another for treatment or adoption services. Find a different boarding school for your daughter." I remember crying a little while telling someone about how I felt once, and the next day, I learned I did not have free time because my daily grade had been too low from crying. One of the therapies they promoted was horseback riding. Not every troubled-teen facility in Utah sees a high number of reports of sexual abuse, whether that is staff harming children or youths acting out sexually on one another. At that time, it was just a house on a hill surrounded by wilderness and dirt. I was told I was fine when I said I was depressed. TeenLife is passionate about teen success. She also works at Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy. When I apologized and tried to politely explain that I was just trying to understand what was going on, this staff member said she wouldn't give me diary back for two weeks. as it creates an environment in which children are unable to report abuse and neglect. A girl nearly died from neglect. The only good that came from it is making one friend who I still talk to regularly. Two of the staff members in particular had it out for me. Together we can make a difference! Once a week there's a "level ceremony" where the staff and students had to sit on the floor and lock arms and sway back and forth while "The Reason" by Hoobastank played. I threw up from eating too much. Moonridge Academy and the quality of its program. At this point, its not about what happened to me 10 or 15 years ago. Individual therapy was usually fine, but I could not actually talk about things because my therapist would ask if I needed to be put on safety. Moonridge Academy believes that younger girls should be treated in a loving and nurturing setting that recognizes the unique age and maturity level of girls this age. The man said he sent the emails because he felt ignored, and he worries about the 13-year-old boys like him who have been at Provo Canyon School and other troubled-teen facilities in the years since he left. Please do not send your child to Trails or Moonridge Academy." This means, in total, the cost of receiving these records was just under $2,000. Parents who are considering sending their child to Moonridge Academy, please look at different residential or outpatient centers. Thats what comes to mind when I think of Moonridge Academy. I cried in my sleep almost every night and staff would tell me to shut up. Its impossible for kids to articulate that theyre being sexually abused when they dont know what sex, abuse or sexual abuse is, he said. The Tribune created a crowdfunding campaign that raised more than $11,000 from 136 donors. Group therapy included either talking about how you felt or getting a Consequence and having no Free Time. Moonridge Academy has been a NATSAP member since 2012. that many struggling girls need without forcing parents to expose their daughters to "older girl" issues. One girl tried running away and one of the staff members (a very large Samoan guy) sat on her for over an hour in the dirt. Im burning with Moonridge Academy states that it enrolls girls, including transgender girls, with a history of attachment issues, depression, anxiety, self-harm, school refusal, family conflict, sexual boundaries, computer addiction, attention issues and low-level substance abuse. Moonridge helped our daughter, and our family, get on a path towards healing and growth - it feels like we are a family again. He had groped some of them during unapproved medical procedures in a small room after covering the only window with butcher paper so no one could see. Thats how I got out after a year mistreatment from this place, I dont regret it. Utahs Office of Licensing inspects and regulates each facility, and sometimes finds By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I still have nightmares about this place." This is not an exaggeration. One girl tried running away and one of the staff members (a very large Samoan guy) sat on her for over an hour in the dirt. The only good thing about this place is they dont have bars on the windows so you can smash them. Nateasa McGuire worked as a Therapist at Moonridge Academy. WebCall 888-406-5968 Home CERTS Programs La Europa Academy Kolob Canyon Moonridge Academy Mountain Springs Prep Academy Mosaic House CERTS Therapy Art Therapy DBT Therapy Equine Therapy Experiential Therapy About Us Blog FAQs Parents Bill of Rights Contact Us Call 888-406-5968 Menu control Posted on January 23, 2019 by This story was produced as part of a larger project by Jessica Miller, a participant in the 2019 Data Fellowship. Executive Director Jacob Pope said that means making sure students are a good fit, that they want to be there, and their families are on board to participate in therapy. The program has a maximum enrollment of 24 girls, and the average length of stay is reportedly between 9 and 12 months. The Salt Lake Tribune is making public thousands of inspections and critical incidents reports in this free, searchable database. Birdeye helps millions of local businesses to be found online with all their reviews and accurate business information. On this level, the residents cannot be more than an arms length away from a staff member at all times. One of the therapies they promoted was horseback riding. It is marketed as a Residential Treatment Center for girls aged 11-14. The program was traumatic for her as well." Learn more about Birdeye, How to respond to negative reviews - business owners guide. Unlicensed therapists, staff ignoring huge medical issues, forcing us not to use the bathroom until we pee our pants (then were forced to wear diapers or sit on doggy pee pads), verbal abuse, and psychological manipulation. But some do. 0:53. Support also came from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Whether thats sexual or not, thats grooming for a ton of issues that are therapeutically completely inappropriate.. The punishments used by Moonridge Academy are reported by survivors to be: Several survivors report developing PTSD following their time at Moonridge Academy. $150,000$350,000 $150K$350K loan to Do yourself a favor. It took half an hour. Its about whats going on today. Thats how I got out after a year mistreatment from this place, I dont regret it. They did not have a solitary confinement room at Moonridge. If a report is found to have merit, state licensing officials further determine if the facility violated a rule. She also worked as the Executive Director of Kolob Canyon RTC, and Director of Outreach at La Europa Academy and Kaizen Academy, which are all CERTS programs. I threw up from eating too much. Press J to jump to the feed. (2) That the Troubled Teen Industry is riddled with abuse, fraud, deceptive marketing, and violations of medical ethics and human rights. I was there for a year and they constantly dropped me and others back to level one for simply stating our mind about the mistreatment/abuse. Corrective Action Plan (CAP): This requires facility administrators to submit a plan to correct the violations, and the Office of Licensing monitors. At capacity, the treatment center can house nearly 50 students, but on a recent December day, 10 teenagers were staying there. Moonridge Academy - BREAKING CODE SILENCE So please for me and every other kid that was hurt by this place, never send your kids here . This team is continuing to collaborate on a reporting project on youth residential treatment centers. In the past five years, the licensing agency has revoked two licenses neither of which was a youth treatment facility. They would restrain us before accessing the situation and would use restraining as a punishment. Jalane Christian-Stoker worked as the Clinical Director of Moonridge Academy from 2005 until 2008. Two involved incidents on the campus, they said, but were investigated and did not result in any citations or concerns involving the facility.. I fought for myself until I was so broken that I had nothing left to fight for. Date. Staff member accused of possible sexual assault at Hillcrest But it has been hard to identify what places have a good track record and which ones dont. This was a difficult chapter in our family history, but we are glad we "bit the bullet" and went through the program instead of waiting and hoping for things to get better on their own. Family therapy usually meant I got blamed for everything that went wrong and my therapist nodded a bunch. She did schoolwork in a different room, but she still ate meals with us. Her period was way too heavy and shes a vegetarian. Level systems have been used in many confirmedly abusive programs, including the notoriously abusive WWASP programs. I still cannot trust myself. " Nateasa McGuire worked as a Therapist at Moonridge Academy. - G.S. Other states have made similar databases public, but Utah requires people who want to see these records to pay for the cost of redacting private information, such as the names of children receiving treatment. Sometimes his punishment would be sitting on the floor, legs crossed for hours. I could go on and on with the stories. Please look elsewhere for your child. This is possible because of the donations from more than 100 people. Instances of abuse and neglect that have been reported by survivors include excessive restraints, staff abusing their power, punitive punishments, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. The remaining funds will be used to assist The Tribune in future public records disputes. I was demoted from level 4 to level 1 for kissing another girl. Robert said that even if workers found out what was happening, no one told the authorities like they were required to do. Find a different boarding school for your daughter. Ava (Yelp), 2019: (SURVIVOR) I was a student here, the staff is extremely out of line. Get more reviews from your customers with Birdeye. One girl tried running away and one of the staff members (a very large Samoan guy) sat on her for over an hour in the dirt. I remember crying a little while telling someone about how I felt once, and the next day, I learned I didnt have free time because my daily grade had been too low from crying. One of the girls was anemic and by the time the staff took her to the hospital two weeks later, she was close to dying. I would rather soil myself than be watched. These reports are based on a complaint or an incident occurring at the facility. We were all given the same portion of food no matter if you were smaller or bigger, if you couldnt finish your plate they would give you a consequence (paper where you right how you were wrong)or drop your level. The only staff members that treated us well were Gwen, Danny, Karolin (Caroline?). I was hyperventilating, sobbing, rocking back and forth, and all I was asking for was a little distance. MOONRIDGE ACADEMY My first night, I had a panic attack. The program has a maximum enrollment of 24 girls, and the average length of stay is reportedly between 9 and 12 months. I was sworn at for not walking fast enough. Some of the children in these sorts of facilities have already experienced trauma, Milne said, and they sometimes try to cope through sexualized behaviors. Grow your business. In response to an appeal, the Office of Licensing lowered its estimate to $4,582. They wouldnt give me painkillers when I had a sore throat and a fever. The only good thing about this place is they dont have bars on the windows so you can smash them. Our daughter was at Moonridge and management failed her on every level with a fraudulent smile on their faces and the sing-song sound of their voices. In response to an appeal, the Office of Licensing lowered its estimate to $4,582. They made me believe that I deserved all of this. 27 were here. There are two types of reports included in this database: Inspections and critical incident reports. She was also restrained for saying she did not want to do a chore. After revelations of sexual abuse claims, lawmakers drop The school falsely advertises. It has been reported that phone calls are closely monitored by staff. He said they are working on setting up a phone so students can have immediate access to call authorities if they feel unsafe. For more information, please see our I was not allowed to go to the bathroom without being watched. Like other behavior-modification programs, Moonridge Academy uses a level system consisting of 6 levels. It has been reported that phone calls are closely monitored by staff. When a pencil was found in the middle of the room I shared with four other students, all five of us were forced to do school work with crayons. - Grace (BreakingCodeSilence), 6/20/2020: (SURVIVOR) "I went to Moonridge Academy and it was traumatizing. She previously worked as the Clinical Director of Kolob Canyon RTC, another CERTS program. It has been reported that phone calls are closely monitored by staff. Web0:04. The proximity to a stranger made me feel unsafe. That information should be easy to get. I felt suffocated and trapped and hopeless. The only good that came from it is making one friend who I still talk to regularly. The investigation involves a female staff member at 0:04. For Robert, a 24-year-old who grew up in Utah, it didnt register when he was young that what was happening to him at youth facilities was abuse. This page includes several publications related to preventing child abuse, protecting children from the risk of abuse, and promoting healthy Some of these rules include: If residents break a rule, they are given a punishment. Practice that while your child is in treatment. All he does is insist that you should never pull your daughter from the program before she graduates. That place acts entirely different when parents arrive. Instead of helping me learn the rules when I asked questions, a staff member took my diary when I asked a question during "no-talk", a silent time for students to study. I was sworn at daily, regularly forced to eat so much food that I threw up and I was only allowed to use the bathroom at certain times. They would restrain us before accessing the situation and would use restraining as a punishment. Utah officials want your help as they draft new rules for the troubled-teen industry. On this level, the residents no longer have to stay within arms-distance of staff, but still cannot leave line-of-sight or earshot of staff. We strongly advise you to seek alternatives to the Troubled Teen Industry. Those children that are being abused today, youre not going to hear from them until 10 to 15 years from now., Management at Provo Canyon School denies Ross allegation and told The Tribune in a statement that it considers his mischaracterizations to be detrimental to those seeking mental health care today.. 3/26/2021: (SURVIVOR) "I wish I could give this place negative stars. Utah has centers with only a dozen beds, and some that house several hundred children. She currently works as a Lead Therapist at, Like other behavior-modification programs, Moonridge Academy uses a level system consisting of 6 levels. We are continuing to ask for your help. A staff member didnt think my hair was washed properly. If I had not eaten that much, I would have been put on safety and a female staff member would have watched me in the bathroom for the next three days. I wish I could give this place negative stars. $150,000$350,000 $150K$350K loan to MOONRIDGE ACADEMY LLC Moonridge Academy has been a NATSAP member since 2012. We recommend that no parent send their child to a facility that is run by CERTS.". We were all given the same portion of food no matter if you were smaller or bigger, if you couldnt finish your plate they would give you a consequence (paper where you right how you were wrong)or drop your level. I was forced to eat until I threw up. A team of journalists at The Salt Lake Tribune, KUER and APM Reports worked to bring you this database. A girl with autism was regularly restrained for not leaving a room or for spinning around in one spot. Private Schools Read the violation reports and inspections for Utah's 'troubled Reports can come from parents, former staff members and also directly from facilities, which are required to report any time a student is injured or seriously ill. Have hated that song since. A team of journalists at The Salt Lake Tribune, KUER and APM Reports worked to bring you this database. ", This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. WebAn investigation is underway after a possible incident between a worker and student at a school in Springfield Township. She also works at Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy. We recommend that no parent send their child to a facility that is run by CERTS.. Rather than attempting to help me process my trauma, staff at MRA brainwashed me into even further believing everything was my fault and I was the only problem. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I worked my way back up to level 3, until one morning I had reached my emotional limit and found myself unable to get out of bed due to depression. At this time, all violations are weighed equally, so a ripped van seat counts the same as kids complaining they arent given enough to eat. Sequel Youth and Family Services owns Falcon Ridge Ranch, the Utah center with the highest rate of reported sex crimes. (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune). It was known about, but completely ignored.. I was told I was fine when I said I was depressed. I only actually rode a horse there maybe 4 times. Web"I was sent to Moonridge Academy in 2016 at age 12, which focused a lot on school and therapy. Kids are cut off from the outside world, he said. Theyre also keeping a close watch on staff, Pope said, to ensure they dont have favorites or push boundaries. Avalon Hills Residential Eating Disorders Program, Catalyst Residential Treatment (Grey House), Discovery Academy (Discovery Connections), Pine Ridge Behavioral Health (FV Canyon)*, Utah Youth Village (Alpine Academy/Lakeview Campus/Cedar Creek Home), Utah Youth Village (Beverly Taylor Sorenson Home), Waterfall Canyon Academy (Oakgrove - Girls Program), Waterfall Canyon Academy (Oakgrove - North Campus), Waterfall Canyon Academy (Oakgrove - South Campus), Young Women's Empowerment Center (House #1), Young Women's Empowerment Center (House #3), Youth Health Associates (Cedar Valley Ranch), Youth Health Associates (Lakeside Academy), Provo Canyon School Intermediate Secure Care. Communication with family is considered a privilege which must be earned by the teenager. This level typically lasts 1-3 months. If you are a parent thinking of sending your child here, I am begging you not to. They used our coping skills as punishments. We recommend that no parent send their child to a facility that is run by CERTS., is the Executive Director of Moonridge Academy and, program. Tawny Thomas worked as the Executive Director of Moonridge Academy. Please research alternatives for RTCs. On the left, youll see an outline of the core rules. An inspectors job is to check whether the facility is in compliance. As soon as I arrived, I was put on a cocktail of multiple medications at high dosages and because of this, there's full periods of time that I don't even remember. At the time, journaling and drawing were my only healthy coping skills. As soon as I arrived, I was put on a cocktail of multiple medications at high dosages and because of this, theres full periods of time that I dont even remember. A very autistic girl was regularly restrained for spinning around. The only staff members that treated us well were Gwen, Danny, Karolin (Caroline?). Group Safety is when you always have to stand next to a staff member and you are watched in the bathroom. I nearly tried to kill myself dozens of times. Because the kids have no voice. With the money from the crowdfunding campaign, we were able to expand the database to include youth wilderness therapy programs. There was sexual, physical, and constant emotional abuse. While in a facility in North Carolina, he said, the boys participated in group masturbation. However that was just driving to Kolob Canyon (the equally bad sister school to Moonridge for older teen girls) and shoveling horse manure and moving hay bales for hours at a time. Some of these rules include: If residents break a rule, they are given a punishment. I was sent to Moonridge in 2003 when I was 13 years old. The food they serve is fattening and unhealthy, and they force the girls to eat it. Andy Larsen: Heres where National Weather Service forecasts flooding, in the short term and the long term, Murray police officers were justified in their use of force against a 52-year-old man who died after arrest, Salt Lake County D.A. Jewly Krause is a manipulative woman who just wants your money, this place will not help you or your child, it will simply cause your child to push their issues deep down. Ross is 33 years old now. As someone who had been clean from self-harm for months, this felt like a slap in the face. Be mindful of your language and be sensitive to survivors. When a violation is found, the state can take the following actions: Written notification: The office can give written notice that a violation took place with no formal follow-up. The level system is from 1-7, its extremely punitive. In the past decade, there have been 37 lawsuits filed in Utah against troubled-teen facilities and 40% have involved allegations of sexual misconduct. Easy, done. This organization We had no voice., A project supported by The California Endowment, He raped me, Ross recalled in a recent interview. My 13yo daughters father is trying to send her to Moonridge. They did not have a solitary confinement room at Moonridge.