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. 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. 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. Isnt that tax evasion? 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. (Blood sprayed on me). 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. Like other behavior-modification programs, Discovery Ranch utilizes a level system based around a merit/demerit structure. 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 cannot even put into words the pain I feel even today when my experience gets brought up or when I read about other kids that are STILL suffering from having to go through this program. 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. 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. When we have the opportunity to get together, its a very special and meaningful time for all of us, we reminisce about the little funny stories that helped us get through the day during our time, we think about about all the suffering we endeared and how we survived, and we always take the time to honor our close friends that didnt and have passed. 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. 2023 Discovery Ranch Residential Treatment Center for Teen Boys |. However, the abuse overshadowed it. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. Even though I have left the program, if I dont follow their horribly rigorous and reclusive aftercare rules I go back. 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. Discovery Ranch for Girls is a well run industry leader in residential treatment for adolescent girls. linus pauling vitamin c, lysine protocol. Find out more about the assessment. 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. I was 15 years old. 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. He will take part in equine therapy and horsemanship programs and will have the responsibility of caring for a rescued baby calf. Although you move on and mature, its a wound that never fully heals and cuts deep. Reading these reviews it is obviously a place that needs to make some changes if the accusations are correct. They often cause way more harm than good. ! Jack (Yelp), 5/28/2020: (SIBLING) A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. The kids come out shell shocked, traumatized and fearful. , As a father I was treated poorly. Until now I had remembered my experience there as a happy one- I literally only remembered what went on during the day. My parents (his Mom and step-father) note sending him away added to his sense of rejection started by peer abuse even though they were desperate due to his issues at home and school. Seek other avenues for your child. , This is the worst place to send 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. , Kinda like a prison that just focuses on external behavior. Discovery Ranch is an Ascent Company behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. 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. As part of the therapeutic learning process, all boys participate in weekly ropes activities that build character and help develop lifelong skills. The representative will help connect you with resources that can help your family--even if that help is not from us. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. 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 ended up running away from this program and deciding on a much better program that actually wanted to help people. 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 school uses research to help create an individualized treatment plan for each teen. This place did not save my life it scared me to have problems. , I attended Discovery Ranch 5 years ago when I was 15 years old. 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. Although you move on and mature, its a wound that never fully heals and cuts deep. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. He also worked for a time as the Director of NATSAP. If you have a child with attention deficit disorder do not send your son here BECAUSE it is like water boarding to have a kid sit in a room for 7 hours straight and have them study all day even though they are trying. 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. If you are like most parents of Discovery Ranch students, you have been looking for help for a long time. One small slip up, and you have all privileges taken away from a day to sometimes even a week. We believe that teens are more than their diagnosis. She currently works as the Residential Director at, is reported by survivors to have run the facility. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. 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. Brent Hall is reported by survivors to have run the facility. Caring, experienced professionals are ready to help your son. DR also advertises their calf program heavily, where each new resident is given a baby calf to care for and raise. A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. I dont know why but when i was there I never wanted to leave. 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. 02-17-2016. My first treatment center was Redcliffe ascent, and I did really well there. Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. The discovery process was contentious, especially with respect to the Aaron Ranch Lawsuit, and went on for years in state court. Even though I have left the program, if I dont follow their horribly rigorous and reclusive aftercare rules I go back. The location is part of a dispute between the city and one tow truck company that filed a federal lawsuit on Dec. 2, 2020. Now, other past guests on the show are coming forward with similar stories, including . 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. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. It wasnt until he left the program that people even found out about this happening!! 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. DISCOVERY RANCH FOR GIRLS Ripoff Reports, Complaints, Reviews, Scams, Lawsuits and Frauds Reported Your Search: Discovery Ranch for girls. the licensed substance abuse counselor has obviously never touched a substance in her life. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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 trauma Ive witnessed, and seen other kids witness was unbearable. 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. They dont let parents talk freely to their own child. Discovery ranchs idea of privileges is being able to sit on something other than hard wood chairs. I dont believe that the people who tortured me were innately evil; i think it was a situation similar to Abu Ghraib. 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. because Utah has a natural landscape that is second to none. . Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. 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 uses a merit system to punish kids. Your job as parents is to help your child, you guys are the problem not your kids. They often cause way more harm than good. Once a lawsuit gets underway, parties to the lawsuit or their lawyers start gathering information related to the lawsuit. They dont give the children any hope of getting out whatsoever. 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. Throughout your sons experience at Discovery Ranch he will have the support of caring, educated, experienced professionals. If anything, kids got worse from being here. Are they just being a teenager? While enrolled at Discovery Ranch, your son will experience a safe and structured environment. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. 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 was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. NAAS is an organization that has accredited many notoriously abusive behavior-modification programs, including many WWASP programs. I stopped feeling emotions and didnt for two years. 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 These programs are money makers. The schooling they provide is a joke. 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. They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. This is my real name, as Im no longer afraid to write my review under an alias. 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. We also understand that every teen and every family is unique. We respect your privacy. 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. We would act like we loved the treatment center, and that there wasnt any abuse going on. Discovery Ranch only wants to know and talk about their truth which is nothing close to reality. After discovery ranch I couldnt even talk to my parents for months because of the trauma it caused me. I felt meaningless, worthless, like a pawn used to control my dads emotions, fishing out hundreds of thousands of dollars from him. 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. BE CAREFUL OF THEM. , This place is sickening. 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. 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. This investigative process is aptly named "discovery," because it often turns up facts and documents that were previously unknown -- to at . ages 13-18. The website is misleading. I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. We will not share your information. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? Amy Golden. Lawsuits, harassment then found him. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. 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. I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. 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. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. The amounts of times I screamed out loud in physical/mental exhaustion from being undermined and unheard is uncountable. I thought I was actually crazy, but it was all real. On top of that I was forced to study 7 hours straight on the weekends if I didnt meet academic requirements. Have been in contact with many former students that have not done well once leaving the ranch. Your son will have the opportunity to build the strength and resilience he needs to thrive at home. I literally couldnt make this shit up. 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. Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. worked as a Therapist at Discovery Ranch. Residential Treatment is an Intensive Healing Experience, Individual, family, and group therapy all take place within a residential treatment setting. Discovery Ranch has been a NATSAP member since 2005. My parents spent over $200,000 here before they realized I was not getting the help I needed. We were victims of abuse. 25 votes, 28 comments. They will do everything to keep themselves looking like the best option at all costs just for money. 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. Your son will experience the value of hard work through daily chores and responsibilities. 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). The facility in Utah is run like a prison. Leslie Glies worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. I have maintained very close friendships with a handful of other patients that were there during my time (for a wide range of different reasons) and we even make it appoint to see each other each year. We provide a safe, home-like environment for your son. But I fucking wasnt. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). Are they just being a teenager? Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. 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. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. 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. 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. Seek other avenues for your child. Keith (Yelp), 6/28/2013: (PARENT) This is the worst place to send your child. Completing the assessment is free. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. 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. Our parents (his Mom and step-father) regret sending him there even all these years later. The last few years of my life have felt unreal, Ive had migraines with frustration wondering how places like this exist, and how theyve gotten away with so much deceit. Any complaints about the program and the abuse kids witnessed would be brushed off by program coordinators and therapists. It is run like a prison. I still have insomnia and night terrors of being at that place. Youre not. 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. Discovery Ranch strives to heal your family as a whole. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. 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. if I saw him today i would punch him in the face. 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. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). This is not just a couple of resentful people. He reportedly began working in the TTI because his brothers have worked at various other treatment centers. 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. It is degrading and disrespectful and I will forever hate this program as they manipulate people into spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to not help there kids. 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 emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. Your job as parents is to help your child, you guys are the problem not your kids. I wish I could give negitive stars! Education was packets and computer testing only poor. 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 . Learn about discovery -- the legal procedures used to gather evidence for a lawsuit. This website uses cookies and third party services. 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. We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as The Joint Commission and NATSAP. June 7, 2022 . The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. THATS WHEN YOU KNOW THE PLACE IS TERRIBLE. Davinci (Google Reviews), 2018: (SURVIVOR) Beware the evil behind their smiling eyes! Abuse at its finest.. we were totally and utterly underfed, one morning we were fed one mini bagel and one cream cheese. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. discovery ranch lawsuitshaun thompson elmhurst Consultation Request a Free Consultation Now. This isnt how we should treat precious children The staff have no idea how much damage theyre doing as theyre just following orders This is a mess it needs to be shut down.. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. 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. The tuition is reported to be anywhere between $6,500 to $12,000 per month. Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. We support & vent to each other about how difficult and lonely it was for us to get back to normal life after we left, how it shaped us into the adults we are today, and what steps we took to try and heal from this horrible experience. Blind Frog Ranch 2022 lawsuit update In season 2, we see someone come onto the ranch and serve the gang some sort of paper. Lawsuit filed March 3rd against the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF). 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 you are in an urgent situation and need help call 911. (Check glassdoor reviews) In return, we have lots of untrained, unequipped young adults who arent prepared to deal with seriously mentally ill children. He will receive consistent feedback. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. Discovery is the legal term used to describe the different processes that require parties in a lawsuit to exchange information that each side possesses. Your community does not have the resources to help. The average stay is OVER a year not under like they love to say. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. 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. 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. In fact, the administration at discovery ranch intentionally delayed my high school graduation by refuting me the right to do my classes in order to keep me there longer. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. 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. 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! Before you would consider sending your son away, you need to know that he is going to a place you can trust. 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. However, it is also only 10 minutes from the urban hub of Cedar City, Utah. He also worked for a time as the Director of, Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. He also is the Executive Director of, . Discovery Ranch South offers the perfect healing environment for troubled teens with mental health or behavioral issues. In addition, survivors have reported that on the off-chance that they are 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. The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was treated like some sort of criminal. ! , A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was treated like some sort of criminal. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). Renewed Hope Ranch seeks "to provide unsurpassed residential care to troubled teenage girls who significantly struggle to overcome their mental, emotional, behavioral and educational challenges," according to its website.