They made me feel disgusting and quite hideous. 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. , DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO DISCOVERY RANCH IF YOU CARE ABOUT THEM! if I saw him today i would punch him in the face. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. Staff unresponsive, administration unresponsive and kept to company line to detriment of my son. 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! TENA CAMPBELL U.S. District Court Judge. I ended up running away from this program and deciding on a much better program that actually wanted to help people. Also there were lawsuits against this place. The program is affiliated with several other Ascent Company programs, such as RedCliff Ascent, Discovery Academy, Discovery Connections, and Oxbow Academy. They gave all the kids the same level of trust, none. I dont know why but when i was there I never wanted to leave. This type of environment makes reporting abuse and neglect impossible for teenagers. My brother was at the Ranch over a decade ago. John (Yelp), 10/28/2019: (SURVIVOR) There are plenty of articles that prove why Discovery Ranch is dangerous for the mental development of children. , your son will confront his personal challenges with the goal of healing and increasing his capacity which builds his self-confidence and self-esteem. 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. 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. 1308 South 1600 West, Mapleton, Utah 84664, . The ranch horse manager Jerry put a phone in my face showing horses having sex. The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was treated like some sort of criminal. 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. Therapy was more like brainwashing than therapy. Every part of Discovery Ranch, from the amazing campus to the nationally accredited Academic Program, helps to promote growth and healing. We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. Carebear (Yelp), 2015: (SURVIVOR) This place is horrible. Its another long, tough, painful battle after you leave DR and I havent known one other person who didnt suffer after getting out. 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. If you have any logic in your brain in the slightest then you should realize how goddamn stupid it would be to send your kid to this shit hole. Derek (Yelp), 8/21/2015: (SURVIVOR) Its been about 8-9 years since I left DR; Im now 25 and although I dont dwell on what happened so much anymore, this place has had such a negative impact on my life. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. 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. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. Seek other avenues for your child. Keith (Yelp), 6/28/2013: (PARENT) This is the worst place to send your child. Lawsuit, warrant allege abuse at southern Utah ranch for troubled girls Please. The discovery process was contentious, especially with respect to the Aaron Ranch Lawsuit, and went on for years in state court. worked as a Therapist at Discovery Ranch. They tear children apart, and they come out broken. For many parents, this focus on parental participation is the reason they choose our program. They made me feel disgusting and quite hideous. Last year, Granby Ranch Metropolitan District, a homeowner-controlled metro district, filed suit against the group of entities associated with the Granby Ranch development. There is a culture of caring and respect, but also of excellence and high expectation both for staff and students. 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. You will also be able to observe your sons progress through our secure, password-protected parent portal. The boat bought with funds by Discovery Ranch was not once used for the kids, the owners just use it for personal use. This is my real name, as Im no longer afraid to write my review under an alias. how to walk a human a dogs guide. Completing the assessment is free. Are they just being a teenager? It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? This is not just a couple of resentful people. Blind Frog Ranch 2022 lawsuit update In season 2, we see someone come onto the ranch and serve the gang some sort of paper. 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. I still maintain close relationships with both girls and boys who are around my age (23-27) that have gone through exactly what you are going through now; so whether its easier to talk to a guy or girl or someone with a similar case to yours, I can put you in contact with them if youd like (Free of charge too! 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. 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). Amy Golden. My parents sent me there because I was depressed, doing poorly in school instead of getting straight As, got caught shoplifting a pack of gum from 7-11, spent too much time on the computer, and was too angry and defiant. 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. You Have Questions, We Have Answers. Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) If you are in an urgent situation and need help call 911. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. 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. 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. Not only were surveillance cameras found pointing at their worksite, but military helicopters have flown over the Utah land and spy drones have been seen, too. Your Participation Is Key To Success Have been in contact with many former students that have not done well once leaving the ranch. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. 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. The average stay is OVER a year not under like they love to say. There are over 600 people in 2 different groups put together, and we are all in contact with many kids that just left. Stages of a Personal Injury Case - FindLaw He will have opportunities for growth through our experiential campus, by developing new skills and interests. 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. They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. And it wasn't just because he was suddenly a millionaire . 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. Its sick and I hope in the future these places will be illegal and I will NEVER send my kids to one of these places. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. Its not just the kids too, sometimes there are good staff, but whenever there is that person never lasts long at all, they all literally quit because this place is so horrible. My first treatment center was Redcliffe ascent, and I did really well there. 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. Top Teen Residential Treatment Center | Discovery Ranch for Boys 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. He previously worked at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. 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. (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. Clinton Dorny is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch. "Defendant White took the minor child on a hunting trip where he gave him alcohol . Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. These programs are money makers. able to inform their parents of abuse, their parents are manipulated by DR into believing that their child is lying and being manipulative in an attempt to be pulled from the program. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. Like other behavior-modification programs, Discovery Ranch utilizes a level system based around a merit/demerit structure. I am not the only victim. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. Staff care about one another and take a genuine interest in the girls. discovery ranch lawsuit - platinostereo.com 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. They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. 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. 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. We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as The Joint Commission and NATSAP. ), 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. I stopped feeling emotions and didnt for two years. . Eaton County Circuit Court 1045 Independence Blvd. 10 Discovery Ranch for Girls reviews. It got heated on the ranch and Duane kept referring to this person as a "freeloader." The ranch hasn't been short of intruders, in many forms including surveillance cameras and spy drones. The men have also come up against many dangerous physical hitches in getting to the treasure. discovery ranch lawsuit. They dont let parents talk freely to their own child. The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. 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. 8 9 comments Best Add a Comment dsholliday 7 yr. ago I stopped feeling emotions and didnt for two years. 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. It wasnt until he left the program that people even found out about this happening!! Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. 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. 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 tear children apart, and they come out broken. 54A District Court 124 W. Michigan Ave., #54A Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 483-4433 Court Website. Also the staff there (although there were some that I liked) were extremely rude. I ended up running away from this program and deciding on a much better program that actually wanted to help people. 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. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. 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. He also worked for a time as the Director of, Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. 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. ORDER AND MEMORANDUM DECISION. They want the parents to say only what they tell them to say. However, our neighbor whose son went there the following year had all good experiences. 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. 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. 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. Feel free to ask anything about my stay I'm an open book. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. 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. 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. He previously worked at the confirmedly abusive, organization. agolden@skyhinews.com. 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. But I fucking wasnt. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. survivors to be an extremely abusive program. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. If you are like most parents of Discovery Ranch students, you have been looking for help for a long time. No one deserves what they really do to people. Yes, we have an amazing ranch!! 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. Get Confidential Help Today, Call Us Anytime, Internationally-recognized Residential Treatment Center for Teen Boys Ages 13-18 Located in Utah, Top Residential Treatment Center For Teens, Discovery Ranch combines the power of traditional and experiential therapies to create a clinically sophisticated, relationship-based. 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. My mind sometimes uncontrollably cradles and turns to static when I hear the same radio noise as the staff used at DR. 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 pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. 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 . If anything, kids got worse from being here. In addition to taking part in the equine therapy and horsemanship programs, he will have access to the fully-equipped music studio. You have tried outpatient therapy. Staff parents "were expected to replicate a. You might feel that you are all alone. This merit system was easy for some kids to abuse, in one circumstance during my stay, a child was repeatedly raped, and was threatened with the merit system to get him to keep quiet. 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. Regardless of what they were there for, NO ONE SHOULD EVER BE TREATED AS INHUMANELY AS CHILDREN SUCH AS MYSELF WERE. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. 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. The teenagers at Discovery Ranch as forced to adhere to a strict set of rules at all time. The main issue I have with this place is that it literally fucked up my education so bad that Im 17 and still in freshman English. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). 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. 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. I felt meaningless, worthless, like a pawn used to control my dads emotions, fishing out hundreds of thousands of dollars from him. They are very abusive and they will lie to you. On top of that I was forced to study 7 hours straight on the weekends if I didnt meet academic requirements. Therapeutic experiences challenge your son to learn and grow. He will be expected to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes daily exercise and well-balanced meals. The main issue I have with this place is that it literally fucked up my education so bad that Im 17 and still in freshman English. It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. because Utah has a natural landscape that is second to none. The level-system consists of five levels, which the boys progress through by earning points for good behavior while avoiding demerits for negative behaviors and rule infractions. This type of environment makes reporting abuse and neglect impossible for teenagers. Countless amounts of times seeing staff restrain kids in inhumane ways. Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. We provide a safe, home-like environment for your son. 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. dont do this to your child We are all begging you. Also they lie to the kids about the effects of marijuana, such as the claim that you can withdrawal from it, but I know that isnt true. (and have it be removed weeks later). 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. Non-Verbal Learning Disability including High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD). I suggest seeking different options for your child. The night staff was apparently fucked up on heroin, meth, pcp, etc the whole time and had virtually no training or qualifications, which I learned when a male staff member sexually propositioned me over Facebook when I was 18, so three years later, and told me what happened behind closed doors. The school uses research to help create an individualized treatment plan for each teen. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. 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. My mind sometimes uncontrollably cradles and turns to static when I hear the same radio noise as the staff used at DR. Overpriced, over rateddo not send your child there if you care about them. Id go on to say I have PTSD. Discovery ranch uses a merit system to punish kids. 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 have been warned and I still have ptsd and Ive been going to therapy for 2 and a half years and more to come. 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. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. 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 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.

John Clay Wtaj, Consumer And Retail Investment Banking League Tables, Articles D