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GAO Asked to Investigate WWASPS

California Congressman George Miller isn't giving up it seems.

According to Robert Gehrke of the Salt Lake Tribune, Miller has again asked for a Congressional investigation into WWASPS.

Only this time, his request went to the GAO - the Government Accountability Office.

According to the Tribune,

"Across the country and abroad, treatment facilities that in many cases appear to be unregulated, unlicensed, and unaccredited are enrolling thousands of American children. In countless cases, children have reported acts of physical and emotional abuse by staff members at these facilities," Miller said in a statement.

"There is no issue more serious than the health and safety of our children. Congress needs this information so it can act to keep children safe," Miller said.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Star Ranch - Texas

There is very tragic news from Texas.

Another child has died at a residential treatment facility.

12 year-old Christening "Mikie" Garcia, died on Sunday while being "restrained."

An autopsy showed that Mikie suffocated while being pinned to the floor in what is commonly called a "basket hold."

Not surprisingly, Star Ranch has been investigated 5 times in the last 2 years for improper restraint and/or child abuse.

Mikie Garcia is the third reported restraint death of 2005.

In September, 14 year-old Linda Harris died after being restrained at the Chad Youth Enhancement Center in Tennessee.

In April, 13 year-old Travis Parker died after being restrained at the Appalachian Wilderness Camp in Georgia.

6 staff members have been charged with his murder.

I know some of you are probably thinking that 3 deaths is not that many.

But the TEEN HELP industry claims to be "treating" these "problem" kids.

I know for a fact that the people involved aren't telling parents that DEATH is a possible side-effect of "treatment."

posted December 8, 2005

U-Turn for Christ - Mexico

Mexican authorities deserve a round of applause for closing another U.S. teen help camp.

According to Reuters, officials shut down U-Turn for Christ near Tijuana on Tuesday after finding signs of "physical and mental mistreatment," festering bug bites, unqualified employees, and inadequate bathroom and dining facilities.

Just over a year ago, Mexican authorities closed 4 U.S. owned teen facilities, including the WWASPS program Casa by the Sea as well as Genesis by the Sea, owned by (alleged) child-rapist Michael Palmer.

And in 2001, the Federales closed High Impact, widely considered to be connected to WWASPS, after seeing kids in chain-link CAGES.

It's clear that Mexican authorities care more about our kids than we do.

Note to the United States: Take a lesson from Mexico and do something to protect the kids here at home.

posted December 6, 2005

News on the Case of Michael Wiltsie

In 2000, Michael died after being restrained at Camp E-Kel-Etu, an Eckerd program in Florida.

A state investigation revealed that a staff member used excessive force that resulted in Michael's death.

This week, Michael's mother, Linda Ibarra killed herself and another son in Ocala, Florida.

Friends and neighbors say Michael's mom never got over his death.

posted December 1, 2005