WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT CA

COALITION AGAINST INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILD ABUSE
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WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT CAICA

Take a moment to see what parents, professionals, and others around the world are
saying about CAICA's efforts to bring about awareness and change in the tough-love industry.

Send your comments to info@caica.org

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Dear Isabelle,

I will tell your readers one thing you have helped and supported me when my son had his head beat into a concrete floor and all of the other abuse by Dozier staff, my son is still going through this being trapped in a failed system, and I might have broken down, if it had not been for your support in to many ways to type out, and the fact that you still support us and offer your kind help, {never asking for anything in return}, in dealing with this nightmare is real!

How you have helped me to deal with this, and the blogs, and emails, and letters to press and media and trying to bring this abuse to public attention so we can stop it, not just the abuse of my son, but we have found so much more since we started and continue to work on this together, and your skills Isabelle, are excellent in helping others unconditionally!

We love and thank you for your continuing support, and you are an Angel to me and my family! Most sincerely, Mark Caldwell, I love you son!!!!

July 4, 2007 6:17 AM

Anonymous said... CAICA, you have my full support!!!

July 4, 2007 11:20 AM

Isabelle, I just wanted to also leave MY support for you here. Your readers need to know how much you have also helped me and my family. Without your support, and guidance I too would have broken down.

I can't express the appreciation that we have for all the time and effort that you have put into helping us and putting out press releases, bring our story to the Country, and never giving up in helping to stop the abuse.

My son was held in the Florida DJJ system as well, without your support for him and for us, well, I don't know what we all would have done.

Your readers need to know that you were there for us, never asking for anything in return!!

Never give up Isabelle.. your work is the proof of your dedication to all abused Kids and family!!! Thank you so very much for being there for us Isabelle!!!

You are also our Angel!!

Anonymous said...

Isabelle has been nothing but helpful to me and my daughter since I pulled my child from Majestic Ranch Academy in Feb of 2005 after she had spent 4 months there.

Isabelle is an honest person, truly trying to help the huge number of abused kids in bogus "programs" which prey on desperate parent's worst fears.

You do good work, Isabelle, and CAICA is a godsend for many of us trapped between a rock and a hard place in dealing with a system that truly does not care about kids, and greedy, inhumane "programs" that claim to help our kids, when in reality they make a bad situation much worse, after picking the family's pockets.

Tricia Bolster

July 4, 2007 12:28 PM

Dawn Chase said...

I cannot thank you enough for the support and the friendship that you have given me and my Son Christopher Sholly. He too was abused in the Florida DJJ system, and had his childhood and adolescent years stolen from him.

You have support from all of the family's and kids that you have helped and been there for!!! We love you, and thank you!! Dawn Chase Mother of a VICTIM of DJJ abuse!

July 4, 2007 3:38 PM

Cathy Corry, JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG said... Isabelle and CAICA,

Tragically, many children suffer abuse by people entrusted to care for them. You are the bright light that shines over this evil darkness! I have the utmost respect for your devotion to child advocacy and I believe that you have saved many lives! We are often the only voice to save the children!

July 4, 2007 7:02 PM

Julie Hoefs said...

Isabelle and CAICA were extremely supportive and helpful to me and my family when my 7 year old niece Angellika "Angie" was killed due to being held in a prone restraint.

She got paid nothing and still she worked very hard to spread the word to show how dangerous prone restraint is.

We appreciate CAICA and Isabelle!!!!

July 5, 2007 5:13 AM

Dear Isabelle,

Throughout the last year and a half, I have come to know and trust you. You were the only advocate who took the time to talk, listen and gain my trust. I have dealt with many professionals in the 9 years I have been managing my child's problems. You are the only one who has gone the distance to hold accountable those who assult, molest, torture and murder innocent children.

The professionals that are entrusted with our "problem" children are lacking compassion, vision, and patience. They are under paid by those who are flush with the high dollar payments the parents make hoping for REAL help for their children.

I brought my child home from a WWASP program after learning that a staff was having sex with one of the students there. The school covered up the crime. Other parents shut their eyes and claimed that "we" (the parents who knew for a fact it was true) we're lying, as an excuse to bring our child home.

My child was not totally ready to return to regular public school. I kept my child home for another nine months. During this time, I became acquainted with you and the services CAICA provides. Your support and coaching provided validation, clarity and insight in what to do next.

Please know that I support you 100%. I am available when you need me, as you have been there for me & my child.

In all sincerity and support, Name withheld until pending lawsuit is settled.

July 5, 2007 10:25 AM

Isabelle

I want your readers to know just how important your work is, and how much you helped our family when we were faced with removing my son from Tranquility Bay in Jamaica.

It was such a trying time, and you took time off from your busy schedule to talk with me, and calm my daughter, and help us make an informed decision.

You went out of your way to sway us from placing him in any other facility, and never once mentioned another facility as an alternative.

You spent many hours on the phone, writing letters, and sending emails to the appropriate authorities, all without ever asking for anything in return.

You are a true child advocate.

Thank you again for all the support you've given us over these past few months.

Anonymous

July 5, 2007 4:08 PM

Hi Isabelle,

Your insight is empowering.

It was really great talking to you! You have helped put things into perspective for me. It is a very difficult decision but knowing that there are people like you & Sue out there who only have the kids best interest at heart takes away the fear of the unknown about programs & the process.

I had no idea this industry (behavioral boarding schools ect..) even existed until I recently started looking for help for my daughter. It's unbelievable how many programs are out there & how many kids are in them. The thought of it not being regulated is very scary.

And reminding me to take a deep breath & not make rash decisions was just what I needed to hear & I am following your advise.

I have decided at this point to seek as much help as possible for my daughter while she remains at home. I have also come to realize that the constant conflict between us isn't getting us any where so I am trying to let go & let her learn some life lessons on her own as long as she agrees to go to counseling ect.

Once I get thru this time in my life I would be very interested in volunteering for an organization that helps parents the way you have helped me. Please keep this in mind if you need any assistance in the future researching places ect.

Thanks again for your time & help.

To Isabelle Zehnder: Thank you so very much for stopping by. I would also like to thank you for being in such an important role, you should be very proud of your intentions and efforts. Keep up the good work!

First I would like to send my thanks from the bottom of my heart for everything you (Isabelle) and everyone has, is, will, and are doing for my sister and our family. This has been hard on her as well as us. We want justice, this is what Joey would have wanted. He went for help, not to be killed! We must keep fighting for the ones who are still there and who are scared to talk. We won't give up, neither should you! Thanks you are in my prayers!

Denise C.

Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse

It makes me very sad that the Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse even has to exist. But exist it does, and it tracks deaths in facilities—like psychiatric hospitals—that result from the use of restraints. (Note: Not surprisingly, I am completely opposed to the use of restraints.) Some of these deaths are caused by being physically restrained by a staff member; looking at this website, I wonder how often such staff members are held legally accountable. It seems like they're given every benefit of the doubt.

These photos are of Angie Arndt, who died this year one day after being restrained at the Northwest Counseling and Guidance Clinic in Wisc. Cause of restraint? The 7-year-old was "gargling milk." Jesus.

angie goggles.jpg

CAICA's list of deaths

Liz Spikol, managing editor of Philadelphia Weekly.

Thank you ,and God bless you for your kind words, My grandchildren were very lucky ! But there are others who are not, I am the Mom of three and Proud granny to 5 grandchildren.. Children are very dear and close to my heart always have been.. Thanks for adding me to the list, Much appreciated... Have a Nice Holiday as well to you and Yours.. and I hope more folks light the candles... Myrna

I just visited the website, I must confess first of all with all the stuff surrounding trying to get Justice4Joey, I really haven't been able to link to CAICA as much as I would like but today I was there and I have to tell you I am impressed.

The work you have done and continue to do to get changes made in the justice system across the United States for the safety of all our children touches my heart.

The fact that you have resources available to parents to help them get information before they have to send their children to one of these facilities is very thoughtful.

Parents need to be aware that not all of these facilities are good for our children and there are many questions to ask, but because by the time our children are in need of institutional help most parents are so worn and tired that when someone says "We have a place that may be able to help your baby, a GOOD place" that we want to believe and trust that there is help and hope for the future that we forget or don't think to always ask questions like:

How often and under what circumstances do you restrain children?
What is the staff ratio to children?
Have you ever been cited or investigated for child abuse?
Has any child ever died at your facility?
What if any type of restraints do you use?
How much say so will I have in his/her treatment plan? Meds?
Are your staff licensed? Certified? Etc.

Thank you Isabelle.

Cynthia S. Allen...Joeys Mom, Joeys Voice

NOTE: Joey lost his life February 2006 at SummitQuest Academy, a ViaQuest facility in Ephrata, PA, when he was restrained by two unlicensed, unqualified staff. She is seeking Justice for Joey, and CAICA will support her until she gets it. Thank you for your comments, Cynthia. We all love you!

Clearly, you all put in a lot of effort to monitor various organizations/schools - which is something that most people do not have the resources to do. So, your organization provides a needed service.

Sincerely,

Thank you so much ... your organization has helped us tremendously. At this point, I think it would be best if we simply kept our son in counseling with his psychologist rather than risk sending him to one of these schools. He has some issues to deal with, many of which are typical of teenagers and some a bit more serious, but none of them would warrant the risk of placing him in an academy with a dubious reputation.

Thank you again for your insight and your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Thank you! What you are doing is of such vital importance in our world. May the Lord richly bless you for your efforts and grant you strength to endure the vicarious pain you must feel while doing your work.

Nancy

Thanks for letting me know about your group. Your web site is a goldmine of information. I didn't know there was a group such as yours and am relieved to know people are watching these "gulags".

Gretchen C.

I really need you. These people have left us emotionally and financially bankrupt. My child is home now and safe and we are scrambling for educational needs required for her to finish 9th grade … I am still in shock.

You’re a sweet heart by the way, please let me know how I can help.

Tracey, FL

I have been looking for quite some time for a website like yours. This topic hits very close to home. My fiancee’, and several other members of my family have been victimized by adolescent treatment programs that were abusive and neglectful to say the least. I can provide a wealth of first-person accounts and other information. I am very passionate about taking doing whatever it takes to stop programs like these. I have even considered setting up my own website. I would like to assist in any way I can. By the way, I live in Utah. This seems to be huge problem here. I really admire you for taking such a proactive stance. It takes courage and I am with you in this fight.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your time.

Brian, UT

The behavior modification industry is a growing epidemic in this country. All too often, young people, having been convicted of no crime, are sent by their parents to abusive institutions in the hope of modifying their behavior. The World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools is perhaps the greatest purveyor of this disturbing oppression. While campaign contributions have protected WWASPS thus far, there is a movement to shut down their affiliates, and it has gained considerable momentum in the past month. Isabelle Zehnder of http://www.kidsincaptivity.com/ (now www.caica.org) has dedicated herself to taking action against these gulag schools. With the help of The Emancipation Project's Tom Coleman, and four former WWASPS employees, Isabelle wrote a comprehensive report detailing the abuse and neglect prevalent at Majestic Ranch, a WWASPS affiliate in Utah. The report is based on her travels to Utah, correspondence with county officials, and testimony from former Majestic Ranch employees, including Karleen Farnsworth, a member of the NYRA Forums. Isabelle Zehnder's report is some of the most damming evidence amassed regarding the human rights violations at Majestic Ranch.

A recent investigation by local authorities failed to do what Zehnder and her associates were able to do on their own time without government funding. This is a testament to the well funded lobbying efforts of the behavior modification industry. Zehnder and Coleman held a press conference at the Capitol building in Salt Lake City. The press conference was an overwhelming success, attracting many major media outlets. Articles about Majestic Ranch and Isabelle's report are linked in the "news from the web" section.

National Youth Rights, Alex and Scott, '05

Thank you Isabelle from Me [child's name omitted] and all the kids we will help save!

Cynthia, PA

I just read your very interesting article … we also reported the abuse our child both witnessed and experienced while she was a patient at (facility name omitted).

I completely agree with everything you said and share your sentiments. I have been venting about this for over a year now.

Best Wishes to you in this very noble endeavor.

Helen, CA

Wow! This letter is great. That is exactly what I was looking for! Your words sound more professional. I think that those three things are important to list. Other than that I think the letter is ready to go! Thank you so much Isabelle!

Ingrid H., MT

Thank you Isabelle from Me, [child’s name omitted] and all the kids we will help save!

Cynthia, PA

Yes, I do remember our conversation a few years ago. I took a quick look at your web site and read the abstract for your speech this morning. You're doing great!

Your research, thoughts, and ideas about the boarding school industry are very accurate.

John, CA

Thank you very much. I look forward to speaking with you.

Allen, CA

I'd like to thank everyone here who helped me out during the writing of this letter and who provided suggestions, information, and help in general. Special thanks also goes to Isabelle Zehnder over at CAICA for all of the help she's given.

Adam, TX

Our hope is that he will truly be concerned and want to do what’s best for [child’s name omitted]. We are going to offer to take custody of her. This as our last option at helping her.

Thank you for all your help!

Carolyn, NY

I really appreciate the work you are doing. [Name omitted] is an abusive, intolerable organization, and it is good to see people like you are working to expose them. If you ever need anything else please let me know.

Scott, NY

… I really want to thank you for thinking of us.

Thanks again, Terry, SC

Thank you for your interest and I would be more then welcomed to share my experiences at [name of facility omitted]. I am currently at school now, and I may only talk via-e-mail so please keep in touch.

Thanks,

Steve, WA

Just received the following email and wanted to know if there was anything I could do to help …

Thanks, Ryan, ID

I appreciate you keeping pressure on the state agencies responsible for monitoring this type of program. Having officially served as a monitor in Utah myself, I was often applauded at some of the treatment that youth received in a setting that was supposed to help them. While many facilities provide exceptional care, many conscientiously attempt to skirt the rules (if not avoiding licensing altogether). I believe that legislation is warranted to close some of the "loop holes" these programs have. Specifically, I think that it should be illegal to keep children from having frequent, uncensored contact with parents and relatives from time of placement. In addition, since child welfare and the licensing officials are in separate agencies, turf issues often arise as to whom will monitor what. Thanks for your efforts.

Rob, UT

I am greatly heartened by reading of your work, and support what you are doing. I've been working against child abuse for over 40 years myself, and currently write an e-letter encouraging people to intervene when witnessing child abuse. (Thus far, 250 people have signed my Resolution.)

This anti-abuse issue is one whose time has come. With persistence, even Utah will capitulate and stop the ugliness and horror the children are suffering.

Thank you for all you do.

Norm, CA

Thanks for sending me this update. I also checked out your website. It looks very professional and great info. I think the Death List adds a very sobering impact to the reality.

Keep in touch. Great site.

Sande, WA

I found your website through the www.helpyourteens.com website. It's so nice to find people who do really care about children.

Thanks.

Nikki, France

I respect the efforts that you are making. I am interested in the problems and abuses of [facility omitted] because a friend of mine just financed and planned "enrollment" of her granddaughter at a [facility omitted] school in Jamaica and then the transport to [facility omitted]. The school in Jamaica just did not make sense, and I started doing research on the internet. I am convinced that my friend has been led to make her decisions through the deceptive practices of [facility omitted] and her own fear. Her intentions are not to abuse her granddaughter, but I think that this is what is happening.

Gretchen

I just stumbled upon your website; I wanted to write and let you know you know that I am a gulag survivor (I believe that is the term we use) and I completely support your website and mission. I see that it is fairly new, your last post, and wanted to let you know, every word is true. The memories are haunting. Please let me know if I can ever help.

Thank you,

Katelyn

It's good to hear from you. I am doing well. I am dancing and teaching a lot. I love it here in California. Life has been fun lately and I have been starting to get my life together. I am happy. I am in the process of getting my transcripts so I can finish up high school. That will be good to get done. [Formerly a victim of a tough-love program].

I'll talk to you later.

Love, Grace, CA

Thank you, I'm on your website since an hour, it's very interesting and complete.

Regards, Fred, France

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REFERRALS: CAICA is not a referral agency. CAICA does not refer to or promote facilities or transport companies for children or teens. CAICA warns parents that the parent pay / parent choice programs ie. Residential Treatment Centers, Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Behavior Modification Programs, Christian Programs, Positive Peer Culture Programs, etc., are not regulated by the Federal Government and that it is a "Buyer Beware" industry. CAICA provides the following for parents: Message to Parents, Help for Distraught and Desperate Parents, and Questions to Ask and Warning Signs.

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