'Dr. Phil' Ranch Abuse Scandal: What to Know - Celebrity 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. If any of you also went there shoot me a pm id like to hear about it. 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. Parents have no clue what they are getting themselves into by sending their children there. She currently works as the Residential Director at, is reported by survivors to have run the facility. 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 chidren cant even have open discussions with other inmates there for fear of being punished and losing privileges. The schooling they provide is a joke. 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. 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. 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. They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. 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. 25 votes, 28 comments. The school uses research to help create an individualized treatment plan for each teen. The boat bought with funds by Discovery Ranch was not once used for the kids, the owners just use it for personal use. Im happy to say that she is leading a normal life and leaving DR was the best thing that happened. Josephine (Yelp), 11/26/2013: (SURVIVOR) I try to think positively about it but honestly this shithole gave me PTSD. 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. 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. Your family is struggling. 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. 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. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. 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. At Discovery Ranch for Boys, we hold ourselves to the, We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as, . You Have Questions, We Have Answers. Also there were lawsuits against this place. Basically non-existent education. The chidren cant even have open discussions with other inmates there for fear of being punished and losing privileges. I highly suggest people look it up, one of the most disgusting things Ive ever read in my life: Link. 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. 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. My Mom says she wishes she had heard of that school at the time. 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. 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. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. 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. My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). We had a close friend that took her life during our time there, we lost a friend to drug addiction that spiraled after leaving DR, and we had another friend who lost her life to cancer, which could have been detected in the earlier stages if DR didnt fail to seek proper medical attention (she was actually punished quite often for complaining about the pain and was either made to do hard manual labor or the staff would put her in isolation for days on end. 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. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. He since has shut down and will not discuss it so no idea if it was accurate or something he said when first home to avoid being sent back. 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. However, the abuse overshadowed it. 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. 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. 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. Please save your child from this place. . I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. Discovery Ranch combines the power of traditional and experiential therapies to create a clinically sophisticated, relationship-based residential treatment center for boys ages 13-18. Also if you notice, a large majority of the 5 star ratings are from former staff as opposed to parents/students. , Through my stay I personally witnessed: Two suicide attempts. They have the same goals in mind. 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. However, in 2013 DR moved their girls program to Cedar City, UT and began makerting theis program as, member since 2005. He will have opportunities for growth through our experiential campus, by developing new skills and interests. I thought I was actually crazy, but it was all real. discovery ranch lawsuit. You are a survivor of an abusive environment that is very similar to a prison. 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. The Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, which airs on Discovery Channel, is currently in its fifth season. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. discovery ranch lawsuit - kestonrocks.com Abuse at its finest.. we were totally and utterly underfed, one morning we were fed one mini bagel and one cream cheese. Blind Frog Ranch 2022 lawsuit update In season 2, we see someone come onto the ranch and serve the gang some sort of paper. I literally couldnt make this shit up. how to walk a human a dogs guide. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. They want the parents to say only what they tell them to say. However, it is also only 10 minutes from the urban hub of Cedar City, Utah. Chad Ollinger and his brother, Duane, are gold prospectors in the Uintah Mountains of Utah. You might feel that you are all alone. They do a terrific job at keeping kids quiet. Discovery ranchs idea of privileges is being able to sit on something other than hard wood chairs. 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 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! They often cause way more harm than good. linus pauling vitamin c, lysine protocol. Your son will experience the value of hard work through daily chores and responsibilities. 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. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. We have the record and independent verification to prove it. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. In comparison, most of the other residents had serious drug problems, were in gangs, were extremely violent, etc. Court does not dismiss case against Granby Ranch's owner Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. . Your teen is struggling. One small slip up, and you have all privileges taken away from a day to sometimes even a week. Id go on to say I have PTSD. If you are like most parents of Discovery Ranch students, you have been looking for help for a long time. 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. The program is affiliated with several other Ascent Company programs, such as RedCliff Ascent, Discovery Academy, Discovery Connections, and Oxbow Academy. Discovery Ranch is an Ascent Company behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. At one point during my stay, I saw my friend stab his arm repeatedly with a pencil, spraying blood all over me and the windowsill we were sitting on. This is my real name, as Im no longer afraid to write my review under an alias. Are they just being a teenager? He will receive consistent feedback. We will not share your information. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. Is 'Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch' Fake or Scripted? What We Know 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. The Famous Blind Frog Ranch: A Private Ranch In Montana That Is Home To THATS WHEN YOU KNOW THE PLACE IS TERRIBLE. , Beware the evil behind their smiling eyes! 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. They only allow astonishing ones to pass. 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. The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. Isnt that tax evasion? When Jack Stuef found a chest of gold and jewels in a Wyoming forest last year, he felt giddy. It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. Until now I had remembered my experience there as a happy one- I literally only remembered what went on during the day. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. 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. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. It is run like a prison. This will provide him with the. 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. Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. Let us help. You are a survivor of an abusive environment that is very similar to a prison. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. I had no contact with the outside world except letters to my parents which were censored, and observed phone calls once a month. I still have insomnia and night terrors of being at that place. He began his career working in Admissions at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. 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. Basically non-existent education. Even when I started feeling feelings again I realized on Wednesday that I had been experiencing emotions with maybe 50-75% of the intensity that I normally should, which was put into perspective when I finally accepted that these things truly happened to me and felt for the first time in my life the appropriate pain and humiliation that corresponds to being treated in such a way for such an extended period of time. 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. Countless amounts of times seeing staff restrain kids in inhumane ways. Regardless of what they were there for, NO ONE SHOULD EVER BE TREATED AS INHUMANELY AS CHILDREN SUCH AS MYSELF WERE. If youre a troubled teen thats reading this that just recently got out, or its been years and its still effecting you, please believe me when I say that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. 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. He will take part in equine therapy and horsemanship programs and will have the responsibility of caring for a rescued baby calf. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. DISCOVERY RANCH - 20 Photos & 27 Reviews - Yelp 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.. Reading these reviews it is obviously a place that needs to make some changes if the accusations are correct. We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. , This place is horrible. But I fucking wasnt. Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. They love tossing kids emotional and mental state around for worse, or they will lie about problems that a kid doesnt have just to keep kids there longer.They will try to keep kids from telling you from what is really going on, the use their security measures as a punishment Instead of safety and they can, have, and will threaten kids. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. 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. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. 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. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. Happened several times to my friends. He since has shut down and will not discuss it so no idea if it was accurate or something he said when first home to avoid being sent back. Children sexually abused by other children at Eagle Ranch, lawsuit 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. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. Even though I have left the program, if I dont follow their horribly rigorous and reclusive aftercare rules I go back. They strip you of everything, even contact with your own parents, and dangle it in front of you as motivation to do/act how they want. ORDER AND MEMORANDUM DECISION. This will provide him with the experience of a lifetime because Utah has a natural landscape that is second to none. 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. Our academic program meets your son at his level. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. Discovery ranch was hell on earth for me. If anything, kids got worse from being here. We do all this so that you can know your son is safe with us. They are left up to their own with limited to no help from the teachers. Therapy was more like brainwashing than therapy. Each part of his daily experience will reinforce his therapeutic goals. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). ), 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. Discovery Ranch only wants to know and talk about their truth which is nothing close to reality. Therapy was more like brainwashing than therapy. Working at Discovery Ranch for Girls: 25 Reviews - Indeed My son, although he enjoyed his stay, refused to be brainwashed, and therefore got nothing therapeutical out of his stay; only resentment and anger, and he gained knowledge how to manipulate therapists to his benefit. Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. 2:14-CV-751-TC. Aside from the obvious prejudice and discrimination, many of these conditions are not legitimate clinical impairments, and those that are require individualized care, which this facility does not provide.. I attended Discovery Ranch in Mapleton Utah from November 18th 2015 to May 15th 2015. The representative will help connect you with resources that can help your family--even if that help is not from us. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. They made me feel disgusting and quite hideous. because Utah has a natural landscape that is second to none. Discovery Ranch strives to heal your family as a whole. $1,000 in 1990 worth today . Discovery ranchs idea of privileges is being able to sit on something other than hard wood chairs. 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. They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. I suggest seeking different options for your child. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. Reading these reviews it is obviously a place that needs to make some changes if the accusations are correct. Lawsuit claims Utah rehab ranch broke its own rules by admitting an Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. There is a culture of caring and respect, but also of excellence and high expectation both for staff and students. Caring, experienced professionals are ready to help your son. 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. 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. Staff care about one another and take a genuine interest in the girls. 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. Its another long, tough, painful battle after you leave DR and I havent known one other person who didnt suffer after getting out. We Have Helped Struggling Teens To Learn The Skills They Needed To Heal, Thrive, And Reunite With Their Families. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. Top Teen Residential Treatment Center | Discovery Ranch for Boys It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. He reportedly began working in the TTI because his brothers have worked at various other treatment centers. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. 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. 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. It does not represent any obligation. 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. ), There is a significant lack of professional supervision/lack of training, There is a high turnover rate for employees, There is parent manipulation/lies on the programs part for $$, There is lack of necessary medical care to avoid the girls telling a doctor they are being abused, and they are never alone when with a doctor, Run like a bootcamp, zero free time for the kids, every day feels like a punishment, Mormons are running it and very religiously biased, Please. Happened several times to my friends. Residential Treatment Program for Teen Girls Ages 13-17 They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. Although there are no support groups for people like us and since the program is so small & were from all over the country, it feels and looks very real that you may be alone, YOU ARE NOT. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. However, your teen is still troubled and your family is still in crisis. if I saw him today i would punch him in the face. 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. Those goals are helping your son learn, grow, and heal so that your family can be a family again. With the help of a REAL rehab and AA, I had achieved 14 months sober. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. DISCOVERY RANCH FOR GIRLS Ripoff Reports, Complaints, Reviews, Scams, Lawsuits and Frauds Reported Your Search: Discovery Ranch for girls. (Check glassdoor reviews) In return, we have lots of untrained, unequipped young adults who arent prepared to deal with seriously mentally ill children. discovery ranch lawsuit. They do a terrific job at keeping kids quiet. My mind sometimes uncontrollably cradles and turns to static when I hear the same radio noise as the staff used at DR. the licensed substance abuse counselor has obviously never touched a substance in her life. They dont give the children any hope of getting out whatsoever. 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. 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. My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. agolden@skyhinews.com. 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. 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. 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. My parents spent over $200,000 here before they realized I was not getting the help I needed. 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. , family visits, and Parent Day Seminars. Discovery Ranch a Utah corporation doing business as Discovery Ranch, Discovery Connections Attorney/Law Firm Details Plaintiff Attorneys Kathryn J. Steffey Attorney at SMITH HARTVIGSEN PLLC 257 E 200 S Ste 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Clayton H. Preece Attorney at SMITH HARTVIGSEN PLLC 257 E 200 S Ste 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Court Documents