They made me feel disgusting and quite hideous. NAAS is an organization that has accredited many notoriously abusive behavior-modification programs, including, The program is affiliated with several other, is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch. Although you move on and mature, its a wound that never fully heals and cuts deep. BE CAREFUL OF THEM. James (Yelp), 2019: (SURVIVOR) This place is sickening. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was treated like some sort of criminal. Parents wont know or understand the gravity of impact this experience has had until after you get out and have openly talked about it, and although its very hard not to blame or take your anger out on them, you have to realize they made their decision out of love and ignorance. We were victims of abuse. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Feel free to ask anything about my stay I'm an open book. They often cause way more harm than good. 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 tear children apart, and they come out broken. She currently works as the Residential Director at Redcliff Ascent, another Ascent Company program. Your Call is Confidential. Discovery ranchs idea of privileges is being able to sit on something other than hard wood chairs. It sickens me that even after the kid is out of this place they threaten to send them back to this horrible place. 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. A kid was put in isolation for about 4 weeks before being moved to a different treatment center. When Jack Stuef found a chest of gold and jewels in a Wyoming forest last year, he felt giddy. The lawsuit filed by the staff parents said the couple joined Eagle Ranch as staff parents in April 2020 and ended their employment in January 2022. With the help of a REAL rehab and AA, I had achieved 14 months sober. Isnt that tax evasion? In comparison, most of the other residents had serious drug problems, were in gangs, were extremely violent, etc. Paris Hilton just came out with a documentary on her experience at another abusive program just down the street from DR. 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. When she was given her home visit, her mom took her to the doctor and was diagnosed, although we have tried to find the outcome of the lawsuit, none of us have been able to track her family down to share our sympathy). We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. , This place is horrible. Staff members are chosen at random, as the turnover rate is insanely high. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. We were indirectly expected to manipulate visiting parents of troubled kids who have not yet been sent to treatment. 0. Your attorney should explain each step, but here you can learn basics on Complaints, Answers, and other motions involved at the beginning of a lawsuit. 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. Discovery ranch was hell on earth for me. I will never forgive Discovery Ranch for the damage they did to me, and the damage they continue to do to future generations. A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. They would yell at us and use excessive force. Find out more about the assessment. After discovery ranch I couldnt even talk to my parents for months because of the trauma it caused me. In this, experiential, safe, and supportive environment. 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. These programs are money makers. Every part of Discovery Ranch, from the amazing campus to the nationally accredited Academic Program, helps to promote growth and healing. The Residential Treatment Program is located on a beautiful 60-acre ranch. The program is located at 1308 South 1600 West, Mapleton, Utah 84664. Non-Verbal Learning Disability including High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD). 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. 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. Completing the assessment is free. He will be expected to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes daily exercise and well-balanced meals. Like other behavior-modification programs, Discovery Ranch utilizes a level system based around a merit/demerit structure. Discovery Ranch is an Ascent Company behavior-modification program founded on August 21st, 2005. Eaton County Circuit Court 1045 Independence Blvd. After discovery ranch I couldnt even talk to my parents for months because of the trauma it caused me. 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. Seek other avenues for your child. Keith (Yelp), 6/28/2013: (PARENT) This is the worst place to send your child. Im scared to mention my real name because Discovery Ranchs aftercare program still controls my life. 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. Anyone is free to fact check this, and contact me with further questions [redacted]. 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. It is NOT your fault and youre NOT a lesser being despite what DR drilled into you. In addition, your son will experience many opportunities to explore Utah. He will receive consistent feedback. He reportedly began working in the TTI because his brothers have worked at various other treatment centers. I didnt ask to see that.. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. This is my real name, as Im no longer afraid to write my review under an alias. They later sued the show, saying . Each part of his daily experience will reinforce his therapeutic goals. This is not just a couple of resentful people. They often cause way more harm than good. June 7, 2022 . We maintain professional memberships in research organizations, such as The Joint Commission and NATSAP. The decision you make for your child will stay with them forever. DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY, INC., Plaintiff and Counterclaim Defendant, v. CHELSEA FILER, Defendant and Counterclaim Plaintiff. I had never done drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette at this point in my life. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. They lied and were mainpulative, and power tripped all the time. Staff parents "were expected to replicate a. 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. However, it is also only 10 minutes from the urban hub of Cedar City, Utah. We would act like we loved the treatment center, and that there wasnt any abuse going on. Privileges to some might sound like being able to talk to friends, or having free time. Reading these reviews it is obviously a place that needs to make some changes if the accusations are correct. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. He also is the Executive Director of, . I have constant dreams where bugs are crawling all over my skin and I wake up screaming from anxiety. Youre parents will love that, Ha!). This is not just a couple of resentful people. 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. We have experience working with a variety of behavioral and emotional issues. san andreas fault, palm springs. I literally cant live with these memories. discovery ranch lawsuit. 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. Discovery Ranch strives to heal your family as a whole. 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. First, let me begin by stating that sending your kid anywhere is a traumatic experience they will have for the rest of their life. 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. 1308 South 1600 West, Mapleton, Utah 84664, . In Season 1, Episode 2 ("Under Siege"), the Raneys went to Virginia to help couple Kim and Josh Zabec the owners of Revolutionary Roots Farm after pigs had ruined part of their homestead. 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. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. (only the higher rank kids would be allowed to do this). Staff refusing to let kid use the bathroom, and making him pee/poop himself. Its another long, tough, painful battle after you leave DR and I havent known one other person who didnt suffer after getting out. 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. To them, there is one way that every kid learns, and if you have learning disabilities thats too fucking bad and ask the doctor to raise your meds the next time he comes. The 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 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. I am at a loss for what to do at this point. Not a single one of us agree that this program helped us or our relationships with our families. Are they just being a teenager? A friend of mine stabbing his arm 15+ times with a pencil. We have all suffered enough, its time to heal and create a system that works. Carebear (Yelp), 2015: (SURVIVOR) This place is horrible. The entire facility is designed to create a rich therapeutic and healing environment. (Blood sprayed on me). They are left up to their own with limited to no help from the teachers. I am at a loss for what to do at this point. There are over 600 people in 2 different groups put together, and we are all in contact with many kids that just left. 02-17-2016. 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. Listen to your child, what do they think they need? Please save your child from this place. Jason (Google Reviews), 6/10/2016: (SURVIVOR) Terrible place dont send your child here. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. When you fail thats on you, dont punish your kids for your actions. You will also be able to observe your sons progress through our secure, password-protected parent portal. Seek other avenues for your child. , This is the worst place to send your child. Discovery Ranch is reported by many survivors to be an extremely abusive program. They will dream about it years after, waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares about being back there. . 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. Before you would consider sending your son away, you need to know that he is going to a place you can trust. Leslie Glies worked as the Residential Director of Discovery Ranch. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. They have the same goals in mind. 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. I am not the only victim. I had to raise a baby cow for the slaughter to learn to deal with loss, exercise until I threw up blood, pick up cow shit every day, I could go on and on. 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. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. 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! He also is the Executive Director of Discovery Academy. Discovery Ranch only wants to know and talk about their truth which is nothing close to reality. You get used to the screaming and pleading for help, it becomes background noise. We were treated like we were in prison, and if we stepped out of line, we had our privileges taken away. He previously worked at Provo Canyon School, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the WWASP organization. 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. 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. This will provide him with the. Its heart wrenching to see how many families were deeply financially destroyed as well as personal connections being permanently damaged. My brother was at the Ranch over a decade ago. John (Yelp), 10/28/2019: (SURVIVOR) There are plenty of articles that prove why Discovery Ranch is dangerous for the mental development of children. Dave Blackwell worked as a Therapist at Discovery Ranch. please if you are thinking of sending anyone or know anyone who is considering to send someone here, keep the kid far away from them. 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. 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. 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. 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. Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL! , The Troubled Teen Industry: Commodifying Disability and Capitalizing on Fear by Catherine Kushan. Our academic program meets your son at his level. They dont want to discuss whats actually wrong. 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. (During my stay, a kid in a different house was repeatedly raped by another kid for days until he was caught.) The teenagers at Discovery Ranch as forced to adhere to a strict set of rules at all time. 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 gave all the kids the same level of trust, none. He also worked for a time as the Director of, Teenagers at Discovery Ranch have extremely limited contact with the outside world. We found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. Your son will have the opportunity to build the strength and resilience he needs to thrive at home. They gave all the kids the same level of trust, none. These programs are money makers. worked as the Clinical Director of Discovery Ranch. Any complaints about the program and the abuse kids witnessed would be brushed off by program coordinators and therapists. Proof is attached as an image. Now, other past guests on the show are coming forward with similar stories, including . Their motto is apparently Strength in the Struggle. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. The. You are a survivor of an abusive environment that is very similar to a prison. They tear children apart, and they come out broken. Your PRECIOUS child is NOT safe here! I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. 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. 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. For many parents, this focus on parental participation is the reason they choose our program. 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. The reviews on their website are COMPLETELY weeded before theyre posted. He will take part in equine therapy and horsemanship programs and will have the responsibility of caring for a rescued baby calf. The discovery process was contentious, especially with respect to the Aaron Ranch Lawsuit, and went on for years in state court. I thought I was actually crazy, but it was all real. The Clinical, Academic, Residential, and Experiential departments all work together. You will also be able to observe your sons progress through our secure, password-protected parent portal. "Defendant White took the minor child on a hunting trip where he gave him alcohol . She currently works as the Residential Director at, is reported by survivors to have run the facility. Discovery Ranch is the Top Residential Treatment Center for Troubled Teen Boys 1318, Located in Utah. There are over 600 people in 2 different groups put together, and we are all in contact with many kids that just left. 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 found a traditional therapist that proved to be far more effective. Also, I would sit there and talk to my therapist while he takes notes and this is a direct quote is that it? Then the session was over. 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. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. My personal experience here was horrible. There may be more reports for "Discovery Ranch for girls" For more results perform a general search for "Discovery Ranch for girls" Showing 1-1 of 1 . We provide a safe, home-like environment for your son. 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. The facility in Utah is run like a prison. 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. The program has a maxmimum enrollment of 60 boys, and the average length of stay is reported to be around 10 months, but this can be substantially longer if the boy is deemed resistant. We focus on healing the entire family. This is my real name, as Im no longer afraid to write my review under an alias. The Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, which airs on Discovery Channel, is currently in its fifth season. There is a culture of caring and respect, but also of excellence and high expectation both for staff and students. At Discovery Ranch we understand that when your teen is in trouble, your whole family is in trouble. The pain doesnt just stop, they dont forget what you did to them, regardless of your intentions. I suggest seeking different options for your child. 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. 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. It is run like a prison. 9/17/2020: (SURVIVOR) Please do not send your child to this horrific and abusive program. survivors to be an extremely abusive program. His step-father (my Dad) told me not to discuss it around him. discovery ranch lawsuit. I was there almost ten years ago, and it feels like yesterday because of my PTSD. I posted this exact review several times spacing itself out several months. The kids come out shell shocked, traumatized and fearful. Michele (Yelp), 2012: (PARENT) As a father I was treated poorly. 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 Discovery ranch uses a merit system to punish kids. Phil McGraw is wrapped up in a new scandal after sending multiple young guests to a treatment facility that has been accused of abuse. Last year, Granby Ranch Metropolitan District, a homeowner-controlled metro district, filed suit against the group of entities associated with the Granby Ranch development. We would act like we loved the treatment center, and that there wasnt any abuse going on. Contact one of our well-trained representatives now. 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! Reading these reviews it is obviously a place that needs to make some changes if the accusations are correct. 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. Have been in contact with many former students that have not done well once leaving the ranch. I stopped feeling emotions and didnt for two years. Research shows this is the best approach to help your son and family heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. You can find much better treatment for a better price. Are they just being a teenager? Overpriced, over rateddo not send your child there if you care about them. 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 Im happy to say that she is leading a normal life and leaving DR was the best thing that happened. , I try to think positively about it but honestly this shithole gave me PTSD. The representative will help connect you with resources that can help your family--even if that help is not from us. The staff often used abusive behaviors and were very rude to us. You might feel that you are all alone. I still hear screams from my friends being restrained in the back of my mind. Also MAY I NOTE THAT THEY ARE SO DESPERATE THAT THEY NEED THEIR OWN STAFF MEMEBERS TO WRITE REVIEWS. I am a victim of emotional and physical abuse by Discovery Ranch. It brought everything back because I lived that experience, except for ten months and it was real. We also understand that every teen and every family is unique. After I graduated I was transferred to discovery ranch. , family visits, and Parent Day Seminars. They have the same goals in mind. Your teen is struggling. The schooling they provide is a joke. 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. (Check glassdoor reviews) In return, we have lots of untrained, unequipped young adults who arent prepared to deal with seriously mentally ill children. Although you move on and mature, its a wound that never fully heals and cuts deep. Amy Golden. I literally cant live with these memories. 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.