Our parents (his Mom and step-father) regret sending him there even all these years later. These programs are money makers. Although the system failed us, my peers and I have created somewhat of a little support group to cope and its helped us tremendously. June 7, 2022 . This type of environment makes reporting abuse and neglect impossible for teenagers. 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. My mind sometimes uncontrollably cradles and turns to static when I hear the same radio noise as the staff used at DR. (Blood sprayed on me). Case No. 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. Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. They picked favorites and we were treated like garbage. 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. It sickens me that even after the kid is out of this place they threaten to send them back to this horrible place. I literally cant live with these memories. 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. He also is the Executive Director of Discovery Academy. 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. Before you would consider sending your son away, you need to know that he is going to a place you can trust. The website is misleading. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. 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 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. ), 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. The program is affiliated with several other Ascent Company programs, such as RedCliff Ascent, Discovery Academy, Discovery Connections, and Oxbow Academy. 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., 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. 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. departments all work together. This place did not save my life it scared me to have problems. H.A. I am not the only victim. Discovery Ranch has been a NATSAP member since 2005. They are left up to their own with limited to no help from the teachers. You get used to the screaming and pleading for help, it becomes background noise. 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. But I fucking wasnt. 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. Both boys have turned out well however, my brother has trauma from the experience. They want the parents to say only what they tell them to say. 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. A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. 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. 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 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 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 dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. I literally cant live with these memories. There are over 600 people in 2 different groups put together, and we are all in contact with many kids that just left. 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. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. He previously worked at the confirmedly abusive Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. 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. 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. Let us help. The trauma Ive witnessed, and seen other kids witness was unbearable. discovery ranch lawsuitshaun thompson elmhurst Consultation Request a Free Consultation Now. 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. You can find much better treatment for a better price. We have created this bond because unless you went through a detention center such as DR, you will not understand. 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. Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. Carebear (Yelp), 2015: (SURVIVOR) This place is horrible. The parties fought over depositions and the production of documents, among other things, in various states where witnesses were located. 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 have the record and independent verification to prove it. 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. 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. "Defendant White took the minor child on a hunting trip where he gave him alcohol . The chidren cant even have open discussions with other inmates there for fear of being punished and losing privileges. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). . We respect your privacy. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their 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. While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. 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. They emotionally and mentally compromise kids for fun. While at Discovery Ranch, your son will participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Overpriced, over rateddo not send your child there if you care about them. Isnt that tax evasion? It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. The Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, which airs on Discovery Channel, is currently in its fifth season. We can help your family. worked as a Therapist at Discovery Ranch. Their website lists the following conditions the program claims to treat: various mental illnesses including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and oppositional defiance the last of which is no longer listed in the DSM substance abuse and other addictions, eating disorders [] learning disorders and nonverbal learning disability [] social struggles, low self-esteem, adoption/attachment issues, and grief and loss The unadvertised conditions that I witnessed among detainees included being LGBT, Internet addiction, and one girl in particular was sent there for having a black boyfriend. We focus on healing the entire family. They would restrain kids to the point the kids arm was almost broken. Caring, experienced professionals are ready to help your son. They tear children apart, and they come out broken. 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. san andreas fault, palm springs. 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. We would act like we loved the treatment center, and that there wasnt any abuse going on. He previously worked at, worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. 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. TENA CAMPBELL U.S. District Court Judge. 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. I literally couldnt make this shit up. This creates a streamlined experience for your son. 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. As part of the therapeutic learning process, all boys participate in weekly ropes activities that build character and help develop lifelong skills. Blind Frog Ranch 2022 lawsuit update In season 2, we see someone come onto the ranch and serve the gang some sort of paper. DISCOVERY RANCH FOR GIRLS Ripoff Reports, Complaints, Reviews, Scams, Lawsuits and Frauds Reported Your Search: Discovery Ranch for girls. NAAS is an organization that has accredited many notoriously abusive behavior-modification programs, including many WWASP programs. Therapy was more like brainwashing than therapy. 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 was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. They tear children apart, and they come out broken. We have created this bond because unless you went through a detention center such as DR, you will not understand. However, it is also only 10 minutes from the urban hub of Cedar City, Utah. Your Participation Is Key To Success In addition to taking part in the equine therapy and horsemanship programs, he will have access to the fully-equipped music studio. I dont believe that the people who tortured me were innately evil; i think it was a situation similar to Abu Ghraib. I still hear screams from my friends being restrained in the back of my mind. 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. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. You might feel that you are all alone. This creates a streamlined experience for your son. 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. Education was packets and computer testing only poor. They only allow astonishing ones to pass. He will receive consistent feedback. 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. 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. I wish I could give negitive stars! DISCOVERY RANCH - 20 Photos & 27 Reviews - 1308 S 1600th W, Mapleton, UT - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Discovery Ranch 27 reviews Unclaimed Counseling & Mental Health Edit Write a review Add photo Save Photos & videos See all 20 photos Add photo Location & Hours 1308 S 1600th W Mapleton, UT 84664 Get directions Edit business info 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. Until now I had remembered my experience there as a happy one- I literally only remembered what went on during the day. Until now I had remembered my experience there as a happy one- I literally only remembered what went on during the day. These issues include: At Discovery Ranch for Boys, all the professional departments work together. This is not just a couple of resentful people. With the help of a REAL rehab and AA, I had achieved 14 months sober. ! Jack (Yelp), 5/28/2020: (SIBLING) A family member of mine attended this school so everything I have heard is 2nd hand. Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. 8 9 comments Best Add a Comment dsholliday 7 yr. ago 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 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. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. 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. The Clinical, Academic, Residential, and Experiential departments all work together. And it wasn't just because he was suddenly a millionaire . They will do everything to keep themselves looking like the best option at all costs just for money. 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. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) (and have it be removed weeks later). My parents spent over $200,000 here before they realized I was not getting the help I needed. 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. THATS WHEN YOU KNOW THE PLACE IS TERRIBLE. Davinci (Google Reviews), 2018: (SURVIVOR) Beware the evil behind their smiling eyes! 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. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. Those goals are helping your son learn, grow, and heal so that your family can be a family again. ), 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. survivors to be an extremely abusive program. There are over 600 people in 2 different groups put together, and we are all in contact with many kids that just left. When Jack Stuef found a chest of gold and jewels in a Wyoming forest last year, he felt giddy. 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. They left me more broken than they found me. , Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. Your son will have the opportunity to build the strength and resilience he needs to thrive at home. Like other behavior-modification programs, Discovery Ranch utilizes a level system based around a merit/demerit structure. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) 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 average stay is OVER a year not under like they love to say. Also the staff there (although there were some that I liked) were extremely rude. It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. However, the abuse overshadowed it. 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. Leslie Glies worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. STOP DISCOVER RANCH they will play you out of so much money its unbelievable. This is not just a couple of resentful people. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. 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. We also understand that every teen and every family is unique. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? They have the same goals in mind. 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. Overpriced, over rateddo not send your child there if you care about them. It does not represent any obligation. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. 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. STOP DISCOVER RANCH they will play you out of so much money its unbelievable. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. 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. ORDER AND MEMORANDUM DECISION. Even though I have left the program, if I dont follow their horribly rigorous and reclusive aftercare rules I go back. He will take part in equine therapy and horsemanship programs and will have the responsibility of caring for a rescued baby calf. Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. 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. 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. Your son will experience the value of hard work through daily chores and responsibilities. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. My cousin went to a place 2 years ago called Shortridge Academy and had a much better experience there. We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. Duane and his son, Chad Ollinger, are trying to finish a goal set by Duane's own father. You are a survivor of an abusive environment that is very similar to a prison. We earned academic accreditation through Discovery Academy, Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. They are left up to their own with limited to no help from the teachers. Please. Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. They often cause way more harm than good. 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. If you are LGBTQ and need support, call the Trevor Project Hotline 1-866-488-7386, If you are having suicidal thoughts, call toll free 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741, If you are a child being abused or know of a child being abused call toll free 1-800-422-4453. In this, experiential, safe, and supportive environment. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. dont do this to your child We are all begging you. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? 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. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. No one deserves what they really do to people. 9/17/2020: (SURVIVOR) Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. 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. However, your teen is still troubled and your family is still in crisis. I highly suggest people look it up, one of the most disgusting things Ive ever read in my life: Link. On top of that I was forced to study 7 hours straight on the weekends if I didnt meet academic requirements. If any of you also went there shoot me a pm id like to hear about it. Any minor infraction is punished severely.