Westridge & Other Schools(Formerly LDS Perceptions thread)

[_Jersey Girl]

The Westridge website mentions it doesn't take youth with serious behavioral issues. It says only soft to moderate emotional and behavioral problems. And amongst their listing they have, low self esteem, low motivation, peer problems and depression.

No, marg. Go to the "admissions" link on the website. There, you will see a list of admissions criteria and exclusions as follows:


Admissions Criteria excludes the following
Psychosis
Low IQ (below 80)
Pregnancy
Parents that are unwilling to participate
Anti-social or conduct Disorder
Physically Violent Histories


Admissions Criteria
Bi- Polar
Oppositional- Defiant
Post Traumatic Stress
Substance Abuse
Anxiety Disorders
Low Self-Esteem
Learning Disabilities
Low Motivation
Habitual Lying
Adoption/Attachment Issues
Identity Issues
Peer Problems
Bereavement
Victims of Abuse and Neglect
Family Adjustment Difficulties
Personality Disorders
(borderline, histrionic,narcissistic traits)
Depression or Dysthymia

2 things that I'm going to speculate here. I believe they do take youth with severe issues, Bob has mentioned they do, Eric has mentioned they do and Eric's friend Chris has mentioned they do.

They do now or they have in the past?

However I learned in my discussion with a fellow from the abuse hotline department that if they took youth who are under State custody because of some serious behavioral issue the State would investigate the premises and follow the youth involved. So what I speculate on is that they advertise they don't take serious cases, in order to avoid accepting State youth who would be in close contact with outside gov't bodies which would oversee the program essentially, but that in practical terms they do...for financial interest. They charge over $3,000 per youth, it would take a good reason to turn one away.

They are licensed for foster care, marg. They are still accountable to DHS for following the child's case through DHS. The premises are already investigated (inspected) by DHS due to licensing continuance procedures.

The second speculation that I have is that many youth who end up there are there because they've given their Mormon parents a hard time with regards to obeying attending church, and being good Mormon kids. I think the niche market of this school is middle to upper Mormon parents. It's run by Mormons, a heavy emphasis is placed upon promoting Mormonism, studying the Book of Mormon, confessing to a Bishop, meeting with missionaries etc. If one doesn't comply with the readings, the confessing etc, punishment in the form of lost privileges is given.

Certainly possible.

There is no independent professional assessment given for admittance of youth.

There is the indication of independent professional eval on the website prior to admittance.

I think the main behavioral issue the school is dealing with is youth rebellion against the Mormon religion and naïve upper to middle class parents willing to fork out money, see this place as a solution to what they have failed in. I don't think the parents appreciate the education is lacking in this place, and that youth are subjected to psychological abuse.

Part that I bolded. Are you implying that the accreditation organizations that accredit West Ridge aren't following up with accreditation site visits?

[_harmony]

The only way threads get closed here is if they fall off the page and no one posts on them anymore. In other words, they are open forever, and can be resurrected with any current post.

Try to remember where you are, why me.

[_harmony]

You have provided most informative links. Thank you!

Would you mind comparing the informative links to the context of Eric's post and point me in the direction of the list of officers of the "Executive Committee" that appears anywhere on the link he supplied?

I don't see it. Do you?

If you see it, would you show me what office Buttars currently holds on the "Executive Committee"?

Quit pestering them for facts, Jersey. Surely you can see it's a futile exercise.

I wonder when we're going to hear an update on the lawsuit against DCP.

[_marg]

No, marg. Go to the "admissions" link on the website. There, you will see a list of admissions criteria and exclusions as follows:

"No" ... what J.G? Please explain what you are saying no to, with regards to what I said.

2 things that I'm going to speculate here. I believe they do take youth with severe issues, Bob has mentioned they do, Eric has mentioned they do and Eric's friend Chris has mentioned they do.

They do now or they have in the past?

I'm speculating J.G...I suspect they still do out of financial interest. I see little reason why that would change.

However I learned in my discussion with a fellow from the abuse hotline department that if they took youth who are under State custody because of some serious behavioral issue the State would investigate the premises and follow the youth involved. So what I speculate on is that they advertise they don't take serious cases, in order to avoid accepting State youth who would be in close contact with outside gov't bodies which would oversee the program essentially, but that in practical terms they do...for financial interest. They charge over $3,000 per youth, it would take a good reason to turn one away.

They are licensed for foster care, marg. They are still accountable to DHS for following the child's case through DHS. The premises are already investigated (inspected) by DHS due to licensing continuance procedures.

When and if I ever get replies from someone knowledgeable in the Dept of Human Services, I hope to find out what sort of abuse they are concerned about..is it only basic safety, shelter, and food or are they concerned about psychological abuse as per a punitive behavioral modification program? Do they post the abuse hot line in the school easily observable to youth? If a youth calls on the hotline and complains about pyschological beh. modification abuse ..how is it handled? Does the Dept of Human services actively explore the premises and question youth..especially taking into consideration youth may fear reprisals and be reluctant to talk. I'm not convinced J.G. that the DHS...takes much if any interest in punitive behavioral modification programs. I suspect they are interested in being responsible for the basics of food, shelter and safety being met but not much more. I also suspect Westridge has close ties with politicians who may influence the DHS. And I suspect that many in the DHS in Utah are very religious and view Westridge as closely aligned with religion and that it can do little wrong.

There is no independent professional assessment given for admittance of youth.

There is the indication of independent professional eval on the website prior to admittance.

This is what the web site says

Acceptance is based on a review of the student's current and past history of behavior, consultation with parents and professionals, and psycho-educational testing when appropriate.

There is nothing about an independent profession assessment required. I've said this before to you J.G...the psycho-edu assessment which should be a requirement should not be done by the facility or anyone associated with it.

I think the main behavioral issue the school is dealing with is youth rebellion against the Mormon religion and naïve upper to middle class parents willing to fork out money, see this place as a solution to what they have failed in. I don't think the parents appreciate the education is lacking in this place, and that youth are subjected to psychological abuse.

Part that I bolded. Are you implying that the accreditation organizations that accredit West Ridge aren't following up with accreditation site visits?

I'm saying that the education is inferior compared to most schools in which it isn't assumed youth have behavioral issues. I think the standards are low there.

[_marg]

I spoke with Bonnie at the Utah DHS. She was very willing to talk, pleasant, apologized for not getting back to me last week, she had taken down the wrong telephone & and my email she said she never got. She is in the office about 1/2 the time during a week with generally one full day on call there each week. She has been there less than a year.

She is aware of Eric's site and complaints and is a main reason she spent more time in January, I believe 2 full days, when visiting Westridge than she does other places. During her visit she did question youth, she would make specific requests such as a request to speak with youth who hadn't been there long and not solely relying upon Westridge to pick and choose students. In retrospect I should have questioned her further on this, and get clarification of how many students she spoke with and did she specifically choose particular youth.

The school's program she says has changed in last few years. Work crew no longer exists and that's only been in last 2 - 3 years, ...instead difficult youth attend a self contained classroom..so they still get schooling, whereas in the past with work crew that wouldn't be the case. She was aware that in the past with work crew youth were given menial tasks in which nothing was learned. They still use a colored t-shirt system..yellow, green & blue. She questioned youth during her visit about their once a week meeting with a missionary and was surprised that most had positive things to say about it. She said they no longer use religion..i.e. reading the Book of Mormon as a form of punishment. She thinks there are likely still problems there. I didn't get into specifics of current complaints, she has a current complaint she is currently looking into, which didn't involve staff she said, but didn't get into specifics. Individuals such as Eric can ask about the history of complaints and get information on that. She mentioned there will be some upcoming improvement changes to current regulations but she wasn't at liberty to say what at this point. I asked if it was posted publically where youth could phone to make a complaint and she said that wasn't done but that it would be a good idea to implement. And there is no requirement that she's aware of , of an independent psycho- edu assessment for admission which she pointed out is a problem because schools have a financial interest in getting more youth. And she did think the one program fits all behavior issues problematic.

Overall I got the impression she was generally interested in whether the program was psychologically abusive or not, she seemed to have a good grasp of what generally are the complaints about these programs and to be sympathetic about it. She also seemed sympathetic with regards to Eric's experience. So I guess it would be a matter of Eric and co. informing youth at Westridge to voice complaints to her and then seeing what sort of feedback they get.

[_truth dancer]

Here are some questions I would ask, just for starters:

Are children in state custody housed in this facility? If so, how long is the average stay? Does their treatment plan clearly state a concurrent plan to get them out as quickly as possible? Does each resident have a guardian ad litem or court advocate? Who oversees the DHS worker involved with each child? How do they handle complaints? Can children make complaints to the Community Service Board or governing agency? How does DHS handle complaints from residents? Who is available for residents to report problems or concerns or abuse? Is said person (if there is one), available 24/7? Are they connected to the facility?

Are incident reports written for every incident and unsafe behavior? Who writes them? Is each and every incident or unsafe behavior documented, reviewed by medical professionals and shared with parents, social workers, and case managers? Who can have access to said reports? Does a medical professional examine each child after every incident or restraint? Who oversees the medical professional?

How are unsafe behaviors dealt with? How do they currently manage restrains? Are they documented? How long are restrains and what type are used? Are parents and guardians immediately aware of each and every restraint?

How long is the average stay? Are parents involved in the treatment plan? Do parents or social workers receive a copy of all records? How often do parents visit? Do parents receive counseling and parenting classes on site? Is family therapy a part of every treatment plan, if so what does this entail and who is the therapist? Can parents and social workers visit any time? How often can children leave the facility? Who can take them off site and for how long? What levels receive what sorts of "rewards"?

Why is this facility chosen over non-residential programs? What sorts of alternative non-residential programs are available? Are parents guided to know of other resources to help a child remain in the home? Are parents made aware of the consequences of removing a child from the home? Are parents made aware of the problems and concerns and behaviors of other residents (generally not specifically) that may involve safety issues? Does each parent receive independent counseling so they know exactly what are the ramifications of separating their child from the family and allowing their child to enter a residential facility?

Are children still kidnapped as they are removed from the home?

Just wonderin...

[_marg]

Here are some questions I would ask, just for starters:

Are children in state custody housed in this facility? If so, how long is the average stay? Does their treatment plan clearly state a concurrent plan to get them out as quickly as possible? Does each resident have a guardian ad litem or court advocate? Who oversees the DHS worker involved with each child? How do they handle complaints? Can children make complaints to the Community Service Board or governing agency? How does DHS handle complaints from residents? Who is available for residents to report problems or concerns or abuse? Is said person (if there is one), available 24/7? Are they connected to the facility?

I phoned her again and specifically asked some of your questions. Westridge does not take state custody kids. Average stay she says is 9 months and I've read that elsewhere on the Net. Children can make complaints to her, or police, or child protective services.

Are incident reports written for every incident and unsafe behavior? Who writes them? Is each and every incident or unsafe behavior documented, reviewed by medical professionals and shared with parents, social workers, and case managers? Who can have access to said reports? Does a medical professional examine each child after every incident or restraint? Who oversees the medical professional?

She said the program that Westridge follows is a national one with procedures specified. It's called CIP..Crisis Intervention Program...and I believe the company is called Positive Control Systems. She thought that could be found on the Internet.

How are unsafe behaviors dealt with? How do they currently manage restrains? Are they documented? How long are restrains and what type are used? Are parents and guardians immediately aware of each and every restraint?

I don't think I got into that with her because I believe that was part of the CIP program which she says staff are required to follow.

How long is the average stay? Are parents involved in the treatment plan? Do parents or social workers receive a copy of all records? How often do parents visit? Do parents receive counseling and parenting classes on site? Is family therapy a part of every treatment plan, if so what does this entail and who is the therapist? Can parents and social workers visit any time? How often can children leave the facility? Who can take them off site and for how long? What levels receive what sorts of "rewards"?

I know from readings I've done that parents can be involved but it would make it difficult if they are 2 states away. As far as who can take them off site and for how long, she said that would be a case by case basis with the therapist deciding.

Why is this facility chosen over non-residential programs? What sorts of alternative non-residential programs are available? Are parents guided to know of other resources to help a child remain in the home? Are parents made aware of the consequences of removing a child from the home? Are parents made aware of the problems and concerns and behaviors of other residents (generally not specifically) that may involve safety issues? Does each parent receive independent counseling so they know exactly what are the ramifications of separating their child from the family and allowing their child to enter a residential facility?

This is not really her jurisdiction. Parents do contact her for advice, but the decision to send is the parents.

Are children still kidnapped as they are removed from the home?

Just wonderin...

Yes she believes they probably still are... as that is common for those sorts of places.

She mentioned at the end of the conversation that she would welcome productive calls from anyone on this message board. She gets emails from people who she doesn't respond to because they are unproductive, overly negative. But if anyone wishes to ask her questions she's willing to answer. Phone # 801-538-4242..email bjstuver@utah.gov though 2 emails I sent her and one was a reply to her email, she has not received.

So overall my impression is that she's not too involved in assessing the program. She is of the opinion that abuse which used to occur using "work crew" no longer goes on.

[_JAK]

Here are some questions I would ask, just for starters:

Are children in state custody housed in this facility? If so, how long is the average stay? Does their treatment plan clearly state a concurrent plan to get them out as quickly as possible? Does each resident have a guardian ad litem or court advocate? Who oversees the DHS worker involved with each child? How do they handle complaints? Can children make complaints to the Community Service Board or governing agency? How does DHS handle complaints from residents? Who is available for residents to report problems or concerns or abuse? Is said person (if there is one), available 24/7? Are they connected to the facility?

I phoned her again and specifically asked some of your questions. Westridge does not take state custody kids. Average stay she says is 9 months and I've read that elsewhere on the Net. Children can make complaints to her, or police, or child protective services.

Are incident reports written for every incident and unsafe behavior? Who writes them? Is each and every incident or unsafe behavior documented, reviewed by medical professionals and shared with parents, social workers, and case managers? Who can have access to said reports? Does a medical professional examine each child after every incident or restraint? Who oversees the medical professional?

She said the program that Westridge follows is a national one with procedures specified. It's called CIP..Crisis Intervention Program...and I believe the company is called Positive Control Systems. She thought that could be found on the Internet.

How are unsafe behaviors dealt with? How do they currently manage restrains? Are they documented? How long are restrains and what type are used? Are parents and guardians immediately aware of each and every restraint?

I don't think I got into that with her because I believe that was part of the CIP program which she says staff are required to follow.

How long is the average stay? Are parents involved in the treatment plan? Do parents or social workers receive a copy of all records? How often do parents visit? Do parents receive counseling and parenting classes on site? Is family therapy a part of every treatment plan, if so what does this entail and who is the therapist? Can parents and social workers visit any time? How often can children leave the facility? Who can take them off site and for how long? What levels receive what sorts of "rewards"?

I know from readings I've done that parents can be involved but it would make it difficult if they are 2 states away. As far as who can take them off site and for how long, she said that would be a case by case basis with the therapist deciding.

Why is this facility chosen over non-residential programs? What sorts of alternative non-residential programs are available? Are parents guided to know of other resources to help a child remain in the home? Are parents made aware of the consequences of removing a child from the home? Are parents made aware of the problems and concerns and behaviors of other residents (generally not specifically) that may involve safety issues? Does each parent receive independent counseling so they know exactly what are the ramifications of separating their child from the family and allowing their child to enter a residential facility?

This is not really her jurisdiction. Parents do contact her for advice, but the decision to send is the parents.

Are children still kidnapped as they are removed from the home?

Just wonderin...

Yes she believes they probably still are... as that is common for those sorts of places.

She mentioned at the end of the conversation that she would welcome productive calls from anyone on this message board. She gets emails from people who she doesn't respond to because they are unproductive, overly negative. But if anyone wishes to ask her questions she's willing to answer. Phone # 801-538-4242..email bjstuver@utah.gov though 2 emails I sent her and one was a reply to her email, she has not received.

So overall my impression is that she's not too involved in assessing the program. She is of the opinion that abuse which used to occur using "work crew" no longer goes on.

Assuming that “abuse which used to occur using ‘work crew’ no longer goes on,” it appears that this person (or others) recognize that “abuse” in fact did occur.

Was it discontinued as a result of some publicity which became public? Since you have explored this to a considerable extent, what is your assessment of the present state of conditions at the West Ridge facility?

Generally, exposure of unfavorable situations results in either cover-up or modification. Sometimes both are the case.

JAK

[_marg]

Assuming that “abuse which used to occur using ‘work crew’ no longer goes on,” it appears that this person (or others) recognize that “abuse” in fact did occur.

Oh yes, she was quite aware that was an abusive situation, kids were kept out of school, made to do menial senseless tasks like moving rocks around. And when I mentioned that I'd heard that the staff overseeing "work crew" were the most abusive I believe she acknowledged having heard that.

Was it discontinued as a result of some publicity which became public?

It's only been the last 2 - 3 years that they stopped "work crew". by the way it's only been since 2005 that these facilities are required to be licensed. Why they have changed ..I don't know.

Since you have explored this to a considerable extent, what is your assessment of the present state of conditions at the West Ridge facility?

The problem that I currently have is that I don't know what youth who are currently there or were there in last few years have experienced. I have been to Eric's site and his message board, but the youth who do write don't write much or all that well.

I'm concerned that Westridge still uses a t shirt colored system. I'm not certain whether or what extent they use a punitive beh. mod. program any more if they no longer employ work crew but why the need for different colored t shirt if the don't? I don't like the fact that youth are not given an independent assessment to determine if a disciplinary program is appropriate. I don't like the one program cures all approach and that tells me there is likely a problem with what they offer. I don't like the fact that there is such a heavy emphasis on religion, because it makes me suspect that parents send their kids there to be indoctrinated and that the kids may have simply rebelled against religion at home and not much more. I'm going to later post something about this for you to review with regards to this school's attitude with regards to religion..I have to find the web site.

Bonnie did say she talked with kids herself in January and it was a mixture of kids she chose and some Westridge chose, at the time she was aware of Eric's website and complaints so she was on the look out for abuse. I didn't though ask her point blank did she find abuse or not, and if so what.

I guess what it boils down to is feedback from youth there currently is required. I'm concerned that many may not have opportunities to voice complaints, or may fear doing so, or may think they deserve to be treated abusively given that they probably in many instances did rebel or do something to warrant disciplinary action of some sort.

Generally, exposure of unfavorable situations results in either cover-up or modification. Sometimes both are the case.

She mentioned that she's only been there less than a year, she has looked at past complaints and noticed not much done about them.

Overall I thought she seemed willing to work with someone like Eric to ensure if anything is going on that shouldn't be she'd look into it. But of course, abuse is subjective and I didn't pin her down to what she thought constituted abuse. In my last conversation she brought up a program which I did find on the Net... CPI and that the staff at Westridge are required to follow it. What that program entails I don't know.

I feel like I'm only 1/4 of the way into having an understanding of the program and what goes on.

[_marg]

JAK, I would like you to take a look at Westridge's mission statement page 6. I find it odd, that the team report assessing this school, sees nothing odd about the school's mission statement...the school is supposed to be focussed on improving problem behaviors but I get the sense they are focussed on getting religious compliance. http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/accred/reports/TeamReports/WestRidgeAcad.pdf