Please note that Carolina Springs Academy, the program that harmed my daughter and defrauded us, has had their license revoked this month. They have recently changed their name to Magnolia Hills Christian. It is believed the staff will remain and I believe nothing will change except the name. Falling under a Christian/Religious umbrella may not require them to meet the same regulations a traditional accredited school or program would meet.
The irony of this change is when my daughter asked for her Bible at Carolina Springs Academy, they took it from her – and she got demerits. They were not allowed Bible Study or to have any Bibles.
She prayed every night that she wouldn’t wake up – it was that bad. She was cautious not to be caught praying since that would have been a demerit, too. Our story is published in Wit’s End (Health Communications, Inc. July 2008) or you can read A Parent’s True Story.
The marketers (Teen Help, Lisa Irvin, Help My Teen, Jane Hawley, Teens in Crisis, Life Lines, etc) of these programs claim I was a disgruntled parent. Yes, when a program harms our children parents do become disgruntled.
Parents still contact me to this day letting me know about treatment their children have received. Former students also contact me with their stories. And the sad news is it’s the same treatment my daughter received 10 years ago!
Sure, maybe they’ve made a few improvements while they were under scrutiny. But the problem is the same “people” are running the program.
I defeated this organization in a jury trial – proving my story has truth – and then won an $11M judgment for Internet Defamation that I endured following my victory and their loss. My book, Google Bomb, The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict (Health Communications Inc. September 2009) is available now for early release.
Learn from my experiences and my mistakes – gain from my knowledge.
Showing posts with label Troubled Teens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Troubled Teens. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Sue Scheff: Are you a Parent At Risk with Your Teenager?
For many that have read my book - Wit's End! (Published by Health Communications Inc.) - which give my experiences with WWASPS and my daughters experiences with Carolina Springs Academy, it is a wake up call for all parents that are at their wit's end and desperately looking for help for their struggling teenager.
Are you worried or concerned about your teens recent behavior? Do you believe it is time for outside help? Local therapy is not working?
Visit my organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, that I created to help educate you on researching for safe and quality alternatives for your family.
Are you considering these programs or talking to these sales reps?
Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (CLOSED)
Bell Academy, CA (CLOSED)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Casa by the Sea, Mexico (CLOSED)
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA (CLOSED)
*Discovery, Mexico
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS (CLOSED)
Horizon Academy, NV
Jane Hawley - Lifelines Family Services
Kathy Allred - Lifeline Sales Representative
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen) and Teens in Crisis
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
Mark Peterson - Teen Help Sales Representative
Majestic Ranch, UT
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here)
Parent Teen Guide (Promotes and markets these programs)
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Respect Academy, NV
Royal Gorge Academy, CO (CLOSED)
Sherri Schwartzman - Lifelines Sales Representative
Sky View Academy, NV (allegedly closed?)
Spring Creek Lodge, MT (CLOSED) Rumors they have re-opened in another area of MT.
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis (Lisa Irvin)
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Oceanside, CA - rumors of short term program there.
*There is a rumor a new program in Mexico is open - parents need to be aware of this. It is believed they have re-opened Casa By the Sea with another name - possibly Discovery. Another rumor that was heard is Jade Robinson is running this program - he was formerly at Horizon Academy, Bell Academy (closed) and Casa by the Sea (closed).
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Are you worried or concerned about your teens recent behavior? Do you believe it is time for outside help? Local therapy is not working?
Visit my organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, that I created to help educate you on researching for safe and quality alternatives for your family.
Are you considering these programs or talking to these sales reps?
Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (CLOSED)
Bell Academy, CA (CLOSED)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Casa by the Sea, Mexico (CLOSED)
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA (CLOSED)
*Discovery, Mexico
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS (CLOSED)
Horizon Academy, NV
Jane Hawley - Lifelines Family Services
Kathy Allred - Lifeline Sales Representative
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen) and Teens in Crisis
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
Mark Peterson - Teen Help Sales Representative
Majestic Ranch, UT
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here)
Parent Teen Guide (Promotes and markets these programs)
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Respect Academy, NV
Royal Gorge Academy, CO (CLOSED)
Sherri Schwartzman - Lifelines Sales Representative
Sky View Academy, NV (allegedly closed?)
Spring Creek Lodge, MT (CLOSED) Rumors they have re-opened in another area of MT.
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis (Lisa Irvin)
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Oceanside, CA - rumors of short term program there.
*There is a rumor a new program in Mexico is open - parents need to be aware of this. It is believed they have re-opened Casa By the Sea with another name - possibly Discovery. Another rumor that was heard is Jade Robinson is running this program - he was formerly at Horizon Academy, Bell Academy (closed) and Casa by the Sea (closed).
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sue Scheff - Wit's End - Miami Herald
Posted on Sun, Dec. 14, 2008
Weston mother helps other parents
By JULIE LEVIN
When Sue Scheff was at the end of her rope trying to deal with her own out-of-control teenager, she admits she never could have imagined a time when she would become a leading voice in the field of parent advocacy.Yet the Weston author is rapidly becoming a familiar face in the national spotlight speaking about just that.
”I never went into this to become a national voice or figure, but that is what I have become,” said Scheff, author of Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out of Control Teen.
Scheff appeared last month on the Lifetime Network’s daily television series The Balancing Act during an episode entitled “Plain Talk and Straight Answers for Parents with Troubled Teens.”
A taping with the Oprah Winfrey show also is planned.
Wit’s End, a 168-page book released earlier this year, is a tool for parents navigating the choices and methods available to help struggling teens.
Scheff, now a full-time parent advocate, said she wrote the book not as an expert or therapist but as a parent who endured a long and painful experience trying to help her daughter, Ashlyn.
Almost a decade ago, she watched her child go from promising athlete to troubled teen, repeatedly running away, being verbally abusive and having serious problems at home and school.
With no experience or help to fall back on, she enrolled Ashlyn in a residential treatment facility that wouldn’t allow her contact with her daughter for six months.
She would later learn her daughter endured months of beatings, sexual abuse, starvation and neglect.
”It nearly destroyed her,” Scheff said. “It took us two years to deprogram her after what they had done.”
The experience led Scheff to her new purpose. She founded a group called PURE, or Parents Universal Resource Experts, which she said has served thousands as a parent advocacy group.
Through Wit’s End, she provides parents with resources to help them sort out and evaluate treatment options, including therapeutic boarding schools and treatment centers.
”You step into an arena of teen help and you are bombarded with a barrage of information,” she said. “This is one way to help sort it out.”
In her newfound role as advocate, Scheff also has appeared nationally on the ABC news magazine program 20/20, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet and Rachael Ray, among others.
Ashlyn, now 23, has seemingly rebounded and gone on to coaching gymnastics and becoming a mother herself.
Scheff said she would like their story to provide a light for other families.
”I think any parent out there struggling with a teen right now, you don’t see the hope and you don’t think you will ever come out of it. I didn’t think I would,” she said. “`But now I look back and see all those dark times have actually helped others.”
For information, visit http://www.suescheff.net/ .
Weston mother helps other parents
By JULIE LEVIN
When Sue Scheff was at the end of her rope trying to deal with her own out-of-control teenager, she admits she never could have imagined a time when she would become a leading voice in the field of parent advocacy.Yet the Weston author is rapidly becoming a familiar face in the national spotlight speaking about just that.
”I never went into this to become a national voice or figure, but that is what I have become,” said Scheff, author of Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out of Control Teen.
Scheff appeared last month on the Lifetime Network’s daily television series The Balancing Act during an episode entitled “Plain Talk and Straight Answers for Parents with Troubled Teens.”
A taping with the Oprah Winfrey show also is planned.
Wit’s End, a 168-page book released earlier this year, is a tool for parents navigating the choices and methods available to help struggling teens.
Scheff, now a full-time parent advocate, said she wrote the book not as an expert or therapist but as a parent who endured a long and painful experience trying to help her daughter, Ashlyn.
Almost a decade ago, she watched her child go from promising athlete to troubled teen, repeatedly running away, being verbally abusive and having serious problems at home and school.
With no experience or help to fall back on, she enrolled Ashlyn in a residential treatment facility that wouldn’t allow her contact with her daughter for six months.
She would later learn her daughter endured months of beatings, sexual abuse, starvation and neglect.
”It nearly destroyed her,” Scheff said. “It took us two years to deprogram her after what they had done.”
The experience led Scheff to her new purpose. She founded a group called PURE, or Parents Universal Resource Experts, which she said has served thousands as a parent advocacy group.
Through Wit’s End, she provides parents with resources to help them sort out and evaluate treatment options, including therapeutic boarding schools and treatment centers.
”You step into an arena of teen help and you are bombarded with a barrage of information,” she said. “This is one way to help sort it out.”
In her newfound role as advocate, Scheff also has appeared nationally on the ABC news magazine program 20/20, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet and Rachael Ray, among others.
Ashlyn, now 23, has seemingly rebounded and gone on to coaching gymnastics and becoming a mother herself.
Scheff said she would like their story to provide a light for other families.
”I think any parent out there struggling with a teen right now, you don’t see the hope and you don’t think you will ever come out of it. I didn’t think I would,” she said. “`But now I look back and see all those dark times have actually helped others.”
For information, visit http://www.suescheff.net/ .
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sue Scheff Talks with Kim Iverson on Wit's End
Sue Scheff talks with Talk Show Radio Host, Kim Iverson about her new book, Wit's End! and her experiences with her own teen as well as helping to educate parents on today's teens. Learn from my mistakes - gain from my knowledge.
Wit's Ends details her experiences with Carolina Springs Academy and WWASPS - take a moment to review http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ - and learn more. Especially if you are considering residential therapy.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sue Scheff Talks to Global Talk Radio About Her Experiences that brought her to "Wit's End!"
Valerie Connelly speaks with Sue Scheff about her book, Wit's End "Resources for Saving Your OUT-OF-CONTROL TEEN," and Kathleen Duey, about her book, "My Animal Family." Also, Ramona Rubio joins to discuss her book, "The Alchemical Woman."
Listen here: http://www.globaltalkradio.com/shows/callingallauthors/
Listen here: http://www.globaltalkradio.com/shows/callingallauthors/
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sue Scheff, Parenting Book about experiences with Carolina Springs Academy (WWASPS)
With peer pressure and social influences at all-time highs, many good teens are making bad choices, placing intense emotional and financial strain on parents and families. Lack of motivation, substance abuse, negative peers and gang affiliation are just some of the common challenges facing kids today.
To help address these and other issues, parent advocate Sue Scheff has announced the release of her new book, “Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen.”
Scheff’s book chronicles her painful journey with a struggling teenage daughter and also offers advice, resources and help to mothers and fathers forced to make tough choices regarding their children.
“In the MySpace generation, kids are under more pressure than ever before,” says Scheff, author and founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), an organization that assists families with at-risk children.
“This book will be an invaluable resource and allow parents to learn from my past mistakes,” she adds.
As a single mother in the ‘90s, Scheff struggled to raise her teen daughter, who embraced disturbing friends, beliefs and behaviors. Ultimately, Scheff was forced to utilize a residential treatment facility as a way to instill discipline and structure.
What happened next was chilling -- stories of beatings, sexual abuse, forced starvation and neglect all surfaced from the very facility that was supposed to be protecting and rehabilitating Scheff’s daughter.
In the years following her ordeal, Scheff championed for safe alternatives for at-risk teens and began helping other parents who were facing similar challenges as she once did.
Published by Health Communications, Inc., “Wit’s End” is an extension of the assistance Scheff has been able to provide to families over the years.
“Parents need to know that they’re not alone,” says Scheff. “This book is a much-needed guide to avoid the pitfalls and will ultimately help expedite the healing process.”
For more information, visit http://www.witsendbook.com .
About the Author
Sue Scheff is the founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts
(http://www.helpyourteens.com ) and is a sought-after interviewee and speaker on topics such as Internet abuse, struggling teens, cyberbullying and defamation. She has been featured on 20/20, CNN Headline News, ABC News, Fox News, The Rachael Ray Show, Lifetime Television, NPR, BBC Talk Radio and has appeared in the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Miami Herald and San Francisco Chronicle.
To help address these and other issues, parent advocate Sue Scheff has announced the release of her new book, “Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen.”
Scheff’s book chronicles her painful journey with a struggling teenage daughter and also offers advice, resources and help to mothers and fathers forced to make tough choices regarding their children.
“In the MySpace generation, kids are under more pressure than ever before,” says Scheff, author and founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), an organization that assists families with at-risk children.
“This book will be an invaluable resource and allow parents to learn from my past mistakes,” she adds.
As a single mother in the ‘90s, Scheff struggled to raise her teen daughter, who embraced disturbing friends, beliefs and behaviors. Ultimately, Scheff was forced to utilize a residential treatment facility as a way to instill discipline and structure.
What happened next was chilling -- stories of beatings, sexual abuse, forced starvation and neglect all surfaced from the very facility that was supposed to be protecting and rehabilitating Scheff’s daughter.
In the years following her ordeal, Scheff championed for safe alternatives for at-risk teens and began helping other parents who were facing similar challenges as she once did.
Published by Health Communications, Inc., “Wit’s End” is an extension of the assistance Scheff has been able to provide to families over the years.
“Parents need to know that they’re not alone,” says Scheff. “This book is a much-needed guide to avoid the pitfalls and will ultimately help expedite the healing process.”
For more information, visit http://www.witsendbook.com .
About the Author
Sue Scheff is the founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts
(http://www.helpyourteens.com ) and is a sought-after interviewee and speaker on topics such as Internet abuse, struggling teens, cyberbullying and defamation. She has been featured on 20/20, CNN Headline News, ABC News, Fox News, The Rachael Ray Show, Lifetime Television, NPR, BBC Talk Radio and has appeared in the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Miami Herald and San Francisco Chronicle.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sue Scheff Shares her story with the Sun-Sentinel
'Wit's End' book offers advice to help out-of-control teens
By Liz Doup South Florida Sun-SentinelOctober 8, 2008
A decade ago, when her 14-year-old daughter spiraled out of control, Sue Scheff didn't know where to turn.
As a result, the Weston mom sent Ashlyn to a residential program that harmed rather than helped, she says. It was a drastic move after her daughter had temporarily run away and threatened violence.
In hindsight, Scheff wishes she had looked more closely at schools and asked more questions. To help parents avoid her mistakes, she started researching programs that offer professional treatment in a residential setting. She put what she learned in the recently published book, Wit's End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen (Health Communications Inc.; $14.95). She also created Parents' Universal Resource Experts Inc. (helpyourteens.com).
Read the entire article here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/sfl-1008-troubled-teens-help,0,3889948.story
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Sue Scheff Featured on Here's Help Talk Radio
I was honored to be a guest on the Y-100 Here's Help Radio Show talking about my new book, Wit's End! as well as parenting teens today.
About Here's Help, Inc.
Founded in 1968, Here’s Help has become one of Miami-Dade County’s premiere providers of residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment, annually serving 800 adolescents and young adults starting at the age of 13. Funded by local, state and federal contracts, Here’s Help has excelled as a substance abuse treatment provider and is lauded by the Departments of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Families (DCF), and Probation and Parole for its treatment, educational and preventive services.
Learn more at http://www.helpfl.com/ .
Monday, August 18, 2008
A Mother and Daughter's True Story - Wit's End! Learn from our Mistakes
Learn more about Wit's End at www.witsendbook.com and author Sue Scheff at www.suescheff.com -the response has been overwhelming! If you are struggling with your teen today - pick up Wit's End and learn more!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Teen Help? Parents At Their Wit's End!
If you are considering residential treatment for your child - be sure to read through this Blog - it will be very enligthening and help educate you on a loosely regulated industry - "teen help."
Be sure to take time to read www.aparentstruestory.com and order "Wit's End!" today.
Be sure to take time to read www.aparentstruestory.com and order "Wit's End!" today.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sue Scheff Discusses Wit's End! A Mother and Daughter's True Story
It was very exciting to be on Miami DayBreak to discuss my first book, Wit's End!
Over the past several months I have been on many radio and TV shows discussing both my book and the effect Cyber Abuse can have on peoples lives. My Podcast website will be updated shortly with many of these shows.
Over the past several months I have been on many radio and TV shows discussing both my book and the effect Cyber Abuse can have on peoples lives. My Podcast website will be updated shortly with many of these shows.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sue Scheff - Live On Purpose Radio - Wit's End!
From: Dr. Paul Jenkins
Hello Parents!
Thanks to all of you who were on our call today. We had Sue Scheff on as our guest, who shared some remarkable resources and her personal story about dealing with her out-of-control teen daughter. You just may want to save a copy of today’s call for future reference, or to share with people you know who might be dealing with this right now. Our association with each other is one of our greatest resources – thank you for being part of this community of parents!
Visit http://www.parentalpower.wordpress.com/ to pick up the audio content – we are getting close to having this available through iTunes so you can just subscribe and get it automatically. Stay tuned.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sue Scheff - Parents Universal Resource Experts - "Wit's End"
"Wit's End!" is now available with my daughter's voice finally being heard of her experiences at Carolina Springs Academy. Order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ and you will receive it shortly. "Wit's End!" will be in all book stores in July, so order the early release today!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Sue Scheff - A Parent's True Story is Published by the people that brought you Chicken Soup for the Soul
Help for Parents of Out-of-control Teens
Resources to help families in this critical time
(SOUTH FLORIDA)—In 2000, a teenager at a residential treatment center was locked-up in an isolation box for 17 hours with no windows, heat or air conditioning because she had tried to help a girl who was having a seizure. Later, that same teenager got food poisoning and was rushed to the ER (unbeknownst to her mother) because sewage had contaminated the food she was eating and sunk into the carpet of the living areas.
These are just some of the experiences that Sue Scheff’s daughter, Ashlyn, experienced while enrolled in a residential treatment program, supposed to be helping her cope with emotional and behavioral problems while building up her self-esteem. Furious about how Ashlyn had been treated, Scheff posted her experiences online about the program and was promptly sued for libel. Scheff won by a long shot.
Now parents can read Scheff’s story and learn from her mistakes in Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your OUT-OF-CONTROL TEEN (HCI Books, July 2008). The book is the result of her years of effort to educate parents and provide them with the proper resources to care for their own difficult teen.
“I was desperate to find good help for my daughter, but this program ended up making things worse,” says Scheff. “My book provides positive, prescriptive help for families who want to put their children on the road to a safe, healthy adulthood. It is imperative parents do their homework and Wit’s End can offer a convenient outline to get them started.”
Parents doing their homework becomes even more important in light of a 2007 study released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office which uncovered thousands of allegations of abuse, some of which involved death, at residential treatment programs across the country and in American-owned and American-operated facilities abroad between the years 1990 and 2007.
For parents who need one-on-one guidance, Scheff founded Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), an advocacy group that not only researches residential treatment centers and other teen help programs around the world, but helps educate parents to choose which facilities are best suited to match their child’s needs.
Sue Scheff is a parent advocate and the founder of Parent’s Universal Resource Experts, Inc. She has been featured in numerous publications and broadcasts, including: 20/20, The Rachel Ray Show, ABC News, CBC News: Sunday Morning, CNN Headline News, Fox News, BBC Talk Radio, National Public Radio and The New York Times.
For more information, please visit http://www.suescheff.com/ or http://www.helpyourteens.com/
Resources to help families in this critical time
(SOUTH FLORIDA)—In 2000, a teenager at a residential treatment center was locked-up in an isolation box for 17 hours with no windows, heat or air conditioning because she had tried to help a girl who was having a seizure. Later, that same teenager got food poisoning and was rushed to the ER (unbeknownst to her mother) because sewage had contaminated the food she was eating and sunk into the carpet of the living areas.
These are just some of the experiences that Sue Scheff’s daughter, Ashlyn, experienced while enrolled in a residential treatment program, supposed to be helping her cope with emotional and behavioral problems while building up her self-esteem. Furious about how Ashlyn had been treated, Scheff posted her experiences online about the program and was promptly sued for libel. Scheff won by a long shot.
Now parents can read Scheff’s story and learn from her mistakes in Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your OUT-OF-CONTROL TEEN (HCI Books, July 2008). The book is the result of her years of effort to educate parents and provide them with the proper resources to care for their own difficult teen.
“I was desperate to find good help for my daughter, but this program ended up making things worse,” says Scheff. “My book provides positive, prescriptive help for families who want to put their children on the road to a safe, healthy adulthood. It is imperative parents do their homework and Wit’s End can offer a convenient outline to get them started.”
Parents doing their homework becomes even more important in light of a 2007 study released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office which uncovered thousands of allegations of abuse, some of which involved death, at residential treatment programs across the country and in American-owned and American-operated facilities abroad between the years 1990 and 2007.
For parents who need one-on-one guidance, Scheff founded Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), an advocacy group that not only researches residential treatment centers and other teen help programs around the world, but helps educate parents to choose which facilities are best suited to match their child’s needs.
Sue Scheff is a parent advocate and the founder of Parent’s Universal Resource Experts, Inc. She has been featured in numerous publications and broadcasts, including: 20/20, The Rachel Ray Show, ABC News, CBC News: Sunday Morning, CNN Headline News, Fox News, BBC Talk Radio, National Public Radio and The New York Times.
For more information, please visit http://www.suescheff.com/ or http://www.helpyourteens.com/
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS (A Giant Corporation) - Buy "Wit's End!" Today to Learn More
Are you considering sending your teen into a "teen help" boarding school or program? Be sure to learn more about this loosely regulated industry. There are good programs out there, just be sure to do your homework to find them.
"Wit's End!" is now available with my daughter's voice finally being heard of her experiences at Carolina Springs Academy. Order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ and you will receive it shortly. "Wit's End!" will be in all book stores in July, so order the early release today!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS and Moves Forward
Admitting Mistakes as a Parent – and Moving on from the Past
By Sue Scheff
Several years ago my beautiful teenage daughter and I endured a very stressful and painful time. My daughter, like many teens today, was going through a difficult time and I began searching for outside help. In my desperation I stumbled on several misleading websites that changed our lives in so many ways. Our story has been long posted at "A Parent's True Story."
Since then it has been nothing short of an emotional ride of mental abuse and legal battles. For the past five years I have been involved in litigation, once as a defendant when I was sued by the people who harmed my daughter and defrauded me, and once as a plaintiff in an Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy lawsuit.
When I posted my story (above website) I was immediately under attack by the very people that I believed harmed my daughter and defrauded me, the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP aka WWASPS). They sued me in an attempt to silence me and eliminate my website from the internet. After 2+ years of litigation and approximately $1 million in legal fees (which I was fortunate to have my insurance cover most of it) I defeated WWASPS in a jury trial in their home state of Utah. They appealed and I went on to defeat them again in the Supreme Court of Appeals in June 2006.
The campaign to destroy and discredit me on the Internet exploded. At one point it was so out of control that I had to take legal action to protect the privacy of my family and children. Carey Bock, a woman who I believe was retained by WWASPS, continued posting excerpts from confidential and sealed depositions about my family. Though I had nothing to hide, it was a matter of our privacy which I am sure most people can relate to.
It was discovered WWASPS paid Bock $12,500.00 for her computer hard-drive in an attempt to incriminate me – which it did not do. Because of her insistence and continued crusade to destroy me and my family I filed a lawsuit against her for Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy. After two years of litigation, on September 20, 2006, I won again when the jury awarded me $11.3 million - $5 million of this was in the form of punitive damages which is meant to punish the defendant for her actions. Further, the jury wanted to send a strong message to people: Freedom of Speech does not give a person the right to destroy, discredit, defame, and ruin others with false statements.
Though I experienced these two amazing legal victories – where the truth prevailed – there has unfortunately been an up-rise in continued Internet attacks by people who want to silence me and by people who believe programs for children and teens should not exist. Many of these people were institutionalized in the 70’s and 80’s and were harmed in the programs they attended. They have every right to feel hostility towards programs, considering what they went through. However, not all programs are bad and there are good programs for teens in crisis.
Desperate parents need to know there are safe options and that it is critical they do their research so they do not fall into the same trap I did. I have also been criticized by parents who, too, placed their children into abusive programs. Many parents have a difficult time admitting that we, as parents, made mistakes when we placed our children into bad and abusive programs. Some have come away with the belief that all programs must be bad and shame on me for thinking differently! As a parent I did make a mistake. I am not condoning my daughter’s behavior prior to placement. She was out of control and needed help but I made the mistake of not listening to my gut feelings and not doing better research. I believe parents need help in making such a major decision which is why I have spent the past seven years providing resources and assistance to parents.
Yes, as a parent I made a drastic mistake - one that cost my daughter years of emotional distress. Quite honestly she still suffers today with back flashes of what happened to her at the program she was in (Carolina Springs Academy). My daughter will still lash out at me in times of anger due to the abuse she endured, because for some time I did not believe her, and because I admitted openly that I did not do the research I should have done. This is why my organization, Parent’s Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.) is so important to me. It is a way in which I can help educate parents on how to research programs for their teens. The best parent is an informed parent.
My website HelpYourTeens.com brings awareness to parents when they begin their search for schools or programs and feel that anxiousness to make a rash decision. Many parents are learning from my experiences and are able to investigate potential programs with a better understanding of the teen help industry.
With this awareness parents are becoming wise and are not falling for the slick marketing tactics, fancy websites, tearful DVD’s, and glossy brochures provided to them. One of the marketing strategies of WWASPS is to have parents “sell” the program to other parents in exchange for free tuition. Initially I believed in the program and was one of their supporters. That quickly stopped when I learned what they had done to my daughter. All of this has made WWASPS and those who work for them extremely uncomfortable. Lisa Irvin is a Teen Help Sales Representative who sells WWASPS programs and who may be affected by my story being made available to parents on the Internet. I was recently informed by a former WWASPS employee that she is posting old e-mails from me when I was involved in the WWASPS system. This is a blatant act of attempting to discredit me again; however, I am going to address this head on.
While I was under the enchantment of WWASPS I was completely (in my opinion) brainwashed as one of their followers. Those of you who were once involved with WWASPS will understand this. I would venture to say I was one of their top referral parents. I actually sent out Newsletters in an attempt to help other parents. I truly believed in what they told me and what they sold me. I wanted to help other parents who were having trouble with their teens. I remember how relieved I felt when I believed my daughter was getting the help she needed (it wasn’t until much later that I learned the truth) and I wanted to share this information with as many people as possible.
When I first became involved with WWASPS Randall Hinton was my Sales Representative. Over the months he helped me with my parent referrals. Some time after I discovered what happened to my daughter Hinton left WWASPS/Teen Help. He kept in touch with me every so often via e-mail. Eventually he ended up in Puerto Rico where he agreed to interview for Zadig Productions and expose what went on at Teen Help and WWASPS facilities. Shortly after his interview, Hinton went back to work for WWASPS (Robert Lichfield). I never had contact with him again. Today, Hinton is charged with various felony charges in Colorado pertaining to children.
In a continued effort to destroy P.U.R.E. and me, old e-mails between Hinton and me are being posted on the Internet. My association with him was many years ago and has no relevance to what is going on today. Admittedly I did associate with Hinton, Lisa Irvin, and other Teen Help employees. However, that in no way means I condone what they did or what they do.
I was a victim who made bad choices in the interest of my child. I have learned from these experiences and though I wish my daughter and I did not have to go through this, I know PURE has helped thousands of families over the years because of our experiences. My book, which will be published shortly, "Wit's End!" is about learning from my mistakes and gaining from my knowledge.
It is sad that people like Lisa Irvin and others feel a need to find and post old information at my expense. It is sad that anyone would stoop to this level. If a person feels they are honest and make an honest living then why do they feel the need to attempt to destroy others?
People have e-mailed or called me asking about these e-mails that are showing up on Internet forums, and I have answered them what I have stated here. I wrote this statement so people can understand that evil generates more evil. I am not haunted by my mistakes. Instead I look at my mistakes as stepping stones and not stumbling blocks. I am not bitter from my experiences but rather I am better for them!
I am moving on from the past and looking forward to a tremendous future helping to educate parents from my personal experiences. P.U.R.E. is based on reality, not textbook and definitely not from perfection. Learn from my mistakes; make a smart decision for your family.
If you have read any statements on the Internet or forums about me or P.U.R.E. that you have questions about, please feel free to contact me directly via email at sue.s@helpyourteens.com or call me 954-349-7260 EST. Although the rumors and gossip may never end, rest assured the truth always prevails as both my legal trials have proven.
By Sue Scheff
Several years ago my beautiful teenage daughter and I endured a very stressful and painful time. My daughter, like many teens today, was going through a difficult time and I began searching for outside help. In my desperation I stumbled on several misleading websites that changed our lives in so many ways. Our story has been long posted at "A Parent's True Story."
Since then it has been nothing short of an emotional ride of mental abuse and legal battles. For the past five years I have been involved in litigation, once as a defendant when I was sued by the people who harmed my daughter and defrauded me, and once as a plaintiff in an Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy lawsuit.
When I posted my story (above website) I was immediately under attack by the very people that I believed harmed my daughter and defrauded me, the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP aka WWASPS). They sued me in an attempt to silence me and eliminate my website from the internet. After 2+ years of litigation and approximately $1 million in legal fees (which I was fortunate to have my insurance cover most of it) I defeated WWASPS in a jury trial in their home state of Utah. They appealed and I went on to defeat them again in the Supreme Court of Appeals in June 2006.
The campaign to destroy and discredit me on the Internet exploded. At one point it was so out of control that I had to take legal action to protect the privacy of my family and children. Carey Bock, a woman who I believe was retained by WWASPS, continued posting excerpts from confidential and sealed depositions about my family. Though I had nothing to hide, it was a matter of our privacy which I am sure most people can relate to.
It was discovered WWASPS paid Bock $12,500.00 for her computer hard-drive in an attempt to incriminate me – which it did not do. Because of her insistence and continued crusade to destroy me and my family I filed a lawsuit against her for Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy. After two years of litigation, on September 20, 2006, I won again when the jury awarded me $11.3 million - $5 million of this was in the form of punitive damages which is meant to punish the defendant for her actions. Further, the jury wanted to send a strong message to people: Freedom of Speech does not give a person the right to destroy, discredit, defame, and ruin others with false statements.
Though I experienced these two amazing legal victories – where the truth prevailed – there has unfortunately been an up-rise in continued Internet attacks by people who want to silence me and by people who believe programs for children and teens should not exist. Many of these people were institutionalized in the 70’s and 80’s and were harmed in the programs they attended. They have every right to feel hostility towards programs, considering what they went through. However, not all programs are bad and there are good programs for teens in crisis.
Desperate parents need to know there are safe options and that it is critical they do their research so they do not fall into the same trap I did. I have also been criticized by parents who, too, placed their children into abusive programs. Many parents have a difficult time admitting that we, as parents, made mistakes when we placed our children into bad and abusive programs. Some have come away with the belief that all programs must be bad and shame on me for thinking differently! As a parent I did make a mistake. I am not condoning my daughter’s behavior prior to placement. She was out of control and needed help but I made the mistake of not listening to my gut feelings and not doing better research. I believe parents need help in making such a major decision which is why I have spent the past seven years providing resources and assistance to parents.
Yes, as a parent I made a drastic mistake - one that cost my daughter years of emotional distress. Quite honestly she still suffers today with back flashes of what happened to her at the program she was in (Carolina Springs Academy). My daughter will still lash out at me in times of anger due to the abuse she endured, because for some time I did not believe her, and because I admitted openly that I did not do the research I should have done. This is why my organization, Parent’s Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.) is so important to me. It is a way in which I can help educate parents on how to research programs for their teens. The best parent is an informed parent.
My website HelpYourTeens.com brings awareness to parents when they begin their search for schools or programs and feel that anxiousness to make a rash decision. Many parents are learning from my experiences and are able to investigate potential programs with a better understanding of the teen help industry.
With this awareness parents are becoming wise and are not falling for the slick marketing tactics, fancy websites, tearful DVD’s, and glossy brochures provided to them. One of the marketing strategies of WWASPS is to have parents “sell” the program to other parents in exchange for free tuition. Initially I believed in the program and was one of their supporters. That quickly stopped when I learned what they had done to my daughter. All of this has made WWASPS and those who work for them extremely uncomfortable. Lisa Irvin is a Teen Help Sales Representative who sells WWASPS programs and who may be affected by my story being made available to parents on the Internet. I was recently informed by a former WWASPS employee that she is posting old e-mails from me when I was involved in the WWASPS system. This is a blatant act of attempting to discredit me again; however, I am going to address this head on.
While I was under the enchantment of WWASPS I was completely (in my opinion) brainwashed as one of their followers. Those of you who were once involved with WWASPS will understand this. I would venture to say I was one of their top referral parents. I actually sent out Newsletters in an attempt to help other parents. I truly believed in what they told me and what they sold me. I wanted to help other parents who were having trouble with their teens. I remember how relieved I felt when I believed my daughter was getting the help she needed (it wasn’t until much later that I learned the truth) and I wanted to share this information with as many people as possible.
When I first became involved with WWASPS Randall Hinton was my Sales Representative. Over the months he helped me with my parent referrals. Some time after I discovered what happened to my daughter Hinton left WWASPS/Teen Help. He kept in touch with me every so often via e-mail. Eventually he ended up in Puerto Rico where he agreed to interview for Zadig Productions and expose what went on at Teen Help and WWASPS facilities. Shortly after his interview, Hinton went back to work for WWASPS (Robert Lichfield). I never had contact with him again. Today, Hinton is charged with various felony charges in Colorado pertaining to children.
In a continued effort to destroy P.U.R.E. and me, old e-mails between Hinton and me are being posted on the Internet. My association with him was many years ago and has no relevance to what is going on today. Admittedly I did associate with Hinton, Lisa Irvin, and other Teen Help employees. However, that in no way means I condone what they did or what they do.
I was a victim who made bad choices in the interest of my child. I have learned from these experiences and though I wish my daughter and I did not have to go through this, I know PURE has helped thousands of families over the years because of our experiences. My book, which will be published shortly, "Wit's End!" is about learning from my mistakes and gaining from my knowledge.
It is sad that people like Lisa Irvin and others feel a need to find and post old information at my expense. It is sad that anyone would stoop to this level. If a person feels they are honest and make an honest living then why do they feel the need to attempt to destroy others?
People have e-mailed or called me asking about these e-mails that are showing up on Internet forums, and I have answered them what I have stated here. I wrote this statement so people can understand that evil generates more evil. I am not haunted by my mistakes. Instead I look at my mistakes as stepping stones and not stumbling blocks. I am not bitter from my experiences but rather I am better for them!
I am moving on from the past and looking forward to a tremendous future helping to educate parents from my personal experiences. P.U.R.E. is based on reality, not textbook and definitely not from perfection. Learn from my mistakes; make a smart decision for your family.
If you have read any statements on the Internet or forums about me or P.U.R.E. that you have questions about, please feel free to contact me directly via email at sue.s@helpyourteens.com or call me 954-349-7260 EST. Although the rumors and gossip may never end, rest assured the truth always prevails as both my legal trials have proven.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Sue Scheff continuing to be a voice for many....
After surviving WWASPS as a parent and my daughter as a victim, I have won two jury trials in an effort to help others to learn from my mistakes.
My journey goes on as many learn from my mistakes and gain from my knowledge.
My journey goes on as many learn from my mistakes and gain from my knowledge.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Sue Scheff speaking out.....
When you speak out on sensitive subjects, you can become the target of criticism.
The Teen Help Industry for new parents can be daunting and overwhelming. Surfing the Internet can make matters more confusing, however as a responsible parent, if our child needs help we need to find quality resources.
Because of my own personal experiences, mainly with WWASPS/Carolina Springs Academy, I have become a voice that is well-respected by many parents, professionals, therapists, guidance counselors, and others working with adolescents. There will always be people that don't agree with my opinion, and I can respect that.
The Teen Help Industry for new parents can be daunting and overwhelming. Surfing the Internet can make matters more confusing, however as a responsible parent, if our child needs help we need to find quality resources.
Because of my own personal experiences, mainly with WWASPS/Carolina Springs Academy, I have become a voice that is well-respected by many parents, professionals, therapists, guidance counselors, and others working with adolescents. There will always be people that don't agree with my opinion, and I can respect that.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sue Scheff talks about WWASPS
Worldwide Association of Specialty Schools and Programs aka
WWASP then changed to WWASPS now I understand is Premier Educational Systems....
Do you know what you are considering for your child? Do your homework and your research.
Be sure to read my story if you are debating a school or program for your child.
WWASP then changed to WWASPS now I understand is Premier Educational Systems....
Do you know what you are considering for your child? Do your homework and your research.
Be sure to read my story if you are debating a school or program for your child.
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