Be Fully Informed
Convictions for, or reports to authorities of, abuse or fraud at residential programs for teens do not prohibit program operators from opening new facilities under different names or in different states. Check with state regulators and conduct your own independent research before placing your child.
In the News
The Cult That Spawned the Tough-Love Teen Industry
Mother Jones Magazine - Sept./Oct. 2007 — The idea that punishment can be therapeutic is not unique to the Rotenberg Center. In fact, this notion is widespread among the hundreds of "emotional growth boarding schools," wilderness camps, and "tough love" antidrug programs that make up the billion-dollar teen residential treatment industry. Read more
Founder of Judge Rotenberg Educational Center set to face charges
Boston Globe/Boston.com - May 25, 2011— The founder of the controversial Judge Rotenberg Educational Center is scheduled to face criminal charges in Dedham today arising from a night in 2007 when two special needs teenagers at the center were wrongfully administered dozens of electrical shocks, according to the father of one of the victims and another person with knowledge about the case. Read more
Is D.C. Neglecting Neglect?
Washington City Paper - May 27, 2011— “Every year, the District spends tens of millions of dollars sending its most troubled children to distant [Residential Treatment Centers] RTCs—and The Pines [operated by Universal Health Services, parent company of The Pines and Aspen Education Group] has benefited like few others. Between 2009 and 2010, the city’s Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services nearly doubled the number of kids it sent there. Several other city agencies that tend to troubled kids also use The Pines. Read more
When Tough Love Turns Dangerous
Pasadena Star-News - 6/26/2011 — Pasadena boot camp operator "Sgt. Mac" McFarland will to court June 29 to be arraigned on charges of kidnapping, extortion, child abuse, false imprisonment and unlawful use of a badge. The charges stem from a May 16 incident where McFarland allegedly handcuffed a 14-year-old girl and reportedly extorted $100 from the victim's family. Read more
An Oregon School for Troubled Teens is Under Scrutiny
By Maia Szalavitz, Time Magazine, April 17, 2009 —A spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) declined to discuss the details of the ongoing investigations, which include a second inquiry based on possible licensing violations. But according to 10 students, two separate parents and a part-time employee interviewed by TIME — some of whom are involved in the inquiry — Mount Bachelor Academy [of Prineville] regularly uses intensely humiliating tactics as treatment. Read more
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Last updated 6/8/12