Name

Unit/Position

"After much digging today, I've discovered something interesting that I'm sure we'd all like to know. Tupou Fakahua-Wright, who all of us have come to know at one time or another simply as "Pou", is apparently going by another name, at the very least, professionally. You've  already documented it, but I just wanted to confirm that it's the same person. This new name is Anaseini  L. Wright. If you haven't already figured it out, she derives her additional surname from Eddie Wright. Furthermore, she left Cinnamon Hills in 1999. Around  2001 both Pou and Eddie started working at Red Rock Canyon. Eddie left around 2004, while Pou remained until about 2007. From there she went to Eagle Ranch Academy. In 2009 she returned to Cinnamon Hills for a short time. In fact, she was there during the transition from Jack to Buck. Shortly after Buck took over, he basically told her to kick rocks. From there she went on to Diamond Ranch Academy, where I have reason to believe she's there presently.As far as Eddie is concerned, he's since began working in a totally unrelated field."  Pou reportedly no longer works for Cinnamon Hills and is now working at Red Rock Canyon School.  Fakahua is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/search.html

HEAL SPECIAL REPORT:

CINNAMON HILLS YOUTH CRISIS CENTER

 ADMISSION PACKET REVIEW

HEAL has found multiple problems with Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center's (CHYCC/CHYCC's) admissions application including apparent unconscionable terms and/or contradictory terms leaving us to believe that CHYCC is running a money-making scam on families in need of assistance.  We will be alternating between "quoted text" from pages of CHYCC's admissions packet (as was downloaded from cinnamonhills.com on September 30th, 2010) and HEAL's questions/concerns.  HEAL will not repeatedly link to the admissions packet in full throughout this review, and, we advise readers to scroll back and/or open the admissions agreement in a new window while reviewing our work for accuracy or if additional contextualization is preferred.  This is an independent review and if you are in need of legal assistance or advice, please consult with an attorney.  (This review also includes review of the "program statement".  **Special Note: In order to provide a thorough review, HEAL requires submission of the parent handbook, student handbook, and all forms, waivers, and materials involved with initial enrollment that are the standard forms given to all enrollees and/or their families at time of admission and/or prior to admission.  This review is of what appears to be the pre-admission packet information only and does not include the contract, waivers, or other materials necessary for a complete review.  For information on submitting this information, see www.heal-online.org/helpteen.htm.)

Admissions Packet (Cover Page)

"Program Completion"

"Accepting this special challenge requires that we need, on the average, twelve months to prepare youth for Program Completion.  Sometimes it takes a little less time, and sometimes it takes a little more time."

"Not only do we need twelve months to prepare youth for Program Completion, we need parents and referral source staff to support our efforts for the entire twelve months."

"...sometimes their son or daughter complains about a variety of problems associated with their adjustment to the Cinnamon Hills Program."

"But we need parents and referral source staff to communicate clearly that they are in support of Program Completion."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

It is unreasonable and violative of children's rights to place them in a lock-down environment without right to telephone authorities in the event of incident.  Placing children in such an environment for 12-months is excessive and violative of their rights.  This is clearly stated in the Milonas and Rice, et al v. Provo Canyon School federal court decision.  Families may find it of interest that Jack Williams, the founder of Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center was also the founder of Provo Canyon School.  Jack Williams was found guilty of cruel and inhumane treatment of children in the Milonas case linked above.  That case was a class action lawsuit.  Jack Williams was the director of the program until his death.  Upon Williams' death, his son Buck took over the business and reportedly runs it in a manner that is unprofessional and harmful to children and families.

HEAL believes that the second and fourth segments above refers to the absolute obedience to the "authority" of the program required of staff and families.  This is a serious concern and questions about the treatment of children at this facility by their parents to program staff have been met with avoidance, according to reports HEAL has received from parents who have had issues with the treatment of their children at CHYCC.

What are the complaints children have about CHYCC?  Why is the grievance process (to be discussed below) an internal process only?  Why are children deprived of access to the phone or contact with authorities in the event abuse has occurred?  Why does CHYCC deprive children of their constitutional rights?  Under what authority do they claim the right to do what their parents could not legally do to their child if in the home?  These are all serious concerns.

Admissions Packet (Page 1)

"Cinnamon Hills administers psychotropic medications twice per day."

"I also understand that NO medication changes will be made without consent of the parent or legal guardian, and that I will be available to discuss potential changes, should they be recommended by the Psychiatrist or Pediatrician, with Cinnamon Hills nursing staff."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Psychotropic medications can be very harmful and have led to life-long disabilities including chemical dependency.  It is a serious concern that Cinnamon Hills administers psychotropic drugs to children without their consent.  For more information on the harms of psychotropic drugs and alternatives, see www.heal-online.org/parent.htm. 

The above states that no medication changes will be made without consent of the parent or legal guardian.  However, on page 5 of the admissions packet (discussed below), a consent for treatment form includes the administering of psychotropic drugs prescribed by agents of Cinnamon Hills.  The above implies that no changes will be made without authorization and that the parent will be contacted prior to changes being made.  However, this is contradicted by page 5, where consent for this type of treatment without specification of the drugs approved by the family is granted by signature.  This is a concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 3)

"Does the student have an IEP?"

"Would you like the student to obtain a Cinnamon Hills High School Diploma?"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

An IEP is an Independent/Individual Education Plan (depending on district).  It is typically used by school districts to place children in alternative schools when deemed necessary by school personnel.  These IEPs are generally funded by both state and federal tax monies.  It is a concern because the program appears to violate the rights of minors in the program that the law requires be protected when tax dollars cover the costs. 

Cinnamon Hills School is accredited by the Utah State Office of Education (USOE).  High School credits and diplomas from Cinnamon Hills should transfer to other schools and colleges.

Admissions Packet (Page 4)

"I understand that Cinnamon Hills may release these records for up to 2 years following discharge or until the above named minor turns 18 (at which time, a new release would need to be obtained before records could be shared."

This appears to be a reasonable term given the fact that Cinnamon Hills is accredited as a legitimate school in Utah.

Admissions Packet (Page 5)

"The undersigned consents to and authorizes psychiatric treatment of _______ by Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center."

"This treatment may include psychological testing, psychotherapy, counseling, medication management, laboratory tests, other appropriate therapies and the dispending of prescription medication(s) by professional staff."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL has included the above to highlight the general consent to administer psychiatric treatment, including medication.  Cinnamon Hills is licensed as a residential treatment center.  It is not licensed by the Department of Health and therefore is not regulated by the Department of Health which is charged with overseeing medical care facilities, including psychiatric facilities.  This is a concern. 

Ken Stettler with the Department of Human Services stated that there is no oversight of boarding schools such as Cinnamon Hills and Provo Canyon School.  This suggests that the only oversight comes from the department of education which relies on the NAAS for accrediting of programs like Cinnamon Hills.  The NAAS relies heavily on self-assessment and "peer review" for it's oversight.  And, with the number of programs operating in Utah that are suspect and/or abusive, it is a serious concern that the industry as a whole is allowed to self-regulate in this manner.  This is especially disconcerting considering the amount of control programs like Cinnamon Hills exercise over the children in their care.  These points will be developed further throughout this review.

Admissions Packet (Page 6)

"The undersigned consents to and authorizes permission for Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center to conduct appropriate assessments on the above named student for purpose of program planning and evaluation."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Are these assessments done by licensed professionals?  In many programs, such assessments and evaluations are done by novices or interns and not by qualified professionals.  The assessment is then turned over to a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who bases their professional evaluation on the amateur evaluation of unqualified staff and/or family members.  This is a serious concern.  In addition, in the Program Statement, CHYCC states they conduct these assessments during the first two weeks.  Even Aspen Education Group (page 9) admits that conducting such evaluations during the "adjustment period" often results in inaccuracy and often provides false-positives during the screening process.  This is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 7)

"___Cinnamon Hills Vocational and On-The-Job Training Program up to 4 hours daily.  I understand that ____will be eligible to work in Local Businesses in the St. George, Utah area."

"___Life Skills Students who are not on suspension are eligible to participate in off-campus activities."

Do children get paid for the labor they provide to local St. George businesses?  Are they paid at least minimum wage?  Is the money held for them in a separate account or do all earnings go to the program?  Many programs in this industry farm out children as slave labor and/or use children as "free" labor for their own personal gain.  This is exploitation, plain and simple.  These concerns should be addressed prior to any parent agreeing to have their child "participate". 

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Provo Canyon School used to and may still own/operate hotels in Utah.  The children in that program, also founded by Jack Williams, were used as maid service.  Children have reported not receiving wages for the hours they worked as hotel service personnel.  This is a serious concern.

How long, typically, does it take a child to earn "Life Skills" status?  How long must children remain imprisoned without access to the outside world while in this program?  These are serious concerns and should be addressed.

Admissions Packet (Page 8)

"Legal Guardian(s) may place contact restrictions or warnings for their youth in our care.  Youth may receive phone calls from: Legal Guardian...Probation Officer...Attorney...Guardian Ad Litem or Court Appointed Special Advocate...Representative of Referring Agency...Representative of School District, for IEP-placed youth."

"Students may send and receive mail daily, parents may place restrictions on who they may send mail to, or receive mail from."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL is concerned that all such telephone communications are monitored by staff who can, and are in the position to, punish children who reveal abuses or violations within the program.   Also, HEAL is concerned that the restrictions imposed by the program on with whom the children can communicate by phone or mail are excessive and place the child in a position that puts the child at risk of serious abuse and violations without access to legitimate authorities for assistance.

It is an ongoing concern that Cinnamon Hills appears to accept children through IEPs as well as adjudicated youth.  This again shows that Cinnamon Hills is receiving state, interstate, and federal tax monies for some of the children in their care.  This requires they honor the civil rights of children in the program.  The violations of civil rights implied by the limitations on mail and telephone access poses serious concerns regarding the legality of the program and/or its practices.

In the contract or other paperwork, does Cinnamon Hills require parents sign over custody or guardianship to the program?  If so, the above appears to allow the program to refuse the child communications with others, even if approved by the family.  This is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 9)

"We must provide you with this notice that describes the ways we may use and share your health information and we must follow the terms of the notice currently in effect."

"There are limited situations when we are permitted or required to disclose health information without your signed authorization...These situations include:..For health oversight activities such as investigations, audits and inspections..."

"You have a right to:...Request restrictions on how we use and share your health information  We will consider all requests for restrictions carefully, but are not required to agree to any restriction....Inspect and copy your health information, fees may apply.  Under limited circumstances, we may deny you access to a portion of your health information and you may request a review of the denial."

"We reserve the right to make changes to this notice at any time and make the new privacy practices effective for all information we maintain.  Current notices will be posted in our facility."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Cinnamon Hills does not appear to be HIPAA compliant or to be required to be HIPAA compliant as it is not regulated by the Utah Department of Health.  The Utah Department of Health is charged with enforcing HIPAA regulations of facilities they license.  Since Cinnamon Hills is not licensed by the Utah Department of Health, the above raises some concerns.  Are there any terms of the notice that are not currently in effect?

Again, since Cinnamon Hills is not regulated by the Department of Health, what "health oversight" activities are conducted by third-parties?  Who are these third-parties?  And, how often, if ever, is Cinnamon Hills investigated, audited, and/or inspected?

It is a concern that Cinnamon Hills is not required to gain your authorization prior to disclosing some or all of your or your child's private health information.  This is further discussed below in regards to page 10 of the admissions packet.

It is also a concern that Cinnamon Hills can deny you access to any portion of your health information.  This is a serious concern as many programs claim that the denials will be reviewed by other program personnel.  Such a practice places families in a position where they may be denied access to records over which Cinnamon Hills has control.  This is a serious concern.

Since many families live in other states, posting changes in policy on-site at the facility is not good enough unless such a change is also disclosed to the families in writing.  This is especially true for families who reside outside the state of Utah.

Admissions Packet (Page 10)

"Information disclosed pursuant to this authorization may be redisclosed by the recipient and no longer protected by the Federal Privacy Regulations."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

This appears to be an admission that Cinnamon Hills is not required to obey Federal Privacy Regulations since it is not licensed as a medical or psychiatric facility.

Admissions Packet (Page 11)

"I will be responsible for any medical costs.  I also understand that the costs of any medication prescriptions for which I have consented for use, that are not covered by insurance plans, will be my responsibility, unless indicated otherwise by contract."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

It is reasonable for a residential program to require families to cover medical costs as long as those medical costs are not a direct result of negligent or intentional harms caused to the child by program staff or under the direction of program staff.  Again, HEAL would need to review the full enrollment agreement/contract, including all waivers and handbooks to provide a thorough analysis.

Admissions Packet (Page 12)

"parents...acknowledge and agree to the following terms of placement:"

"To work closely with the youth's Therapist to learn program rules and structure and how to best support the youth through each privilege level in the behavior management system."

"To participate in scheduled Parent Seminars."

"To keep your child focused on treatment and Program Completion, we ask that you do NOT discuss any discharge plans, dates, or time-frames with your child..."

"To provide a minimum of 14 days advance notice of intent to discharge and participate in aftercare and reunification planning."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Cinnamon Hills uses a behavior modification level system.  This is a serious concern as programs using this model are using coercive thought reform techniques proven to be ineffective and harmful to participants.  Please see our warning signs list for important information and questions you should ask of any program you consider for your child.

Are the Parent Seminars similar to the Parent Seminars described here?  If so, this is a serious concern and shows more of a cult-like, as opposed to therapeutic, atmosphere.  The seminars described in the hyperlink above are the seminars utilized by WWASPS and reportedly by Eagle Ranch Academy.  You will notice on the Cinnamon Hills staff list that many Cinnamon Hills staff went on to work at Eagle Ranch Academy.  WWASPS was founded by former Provo Canyon School employees, Robert Lichfield and Karr Farnsworth.  And, as stated above, the founder of Provo Canyon School and CHYCC is the same man, Jack Williams.

It is a concern that the program encourages parents to deceive their children and/or hide information regarding the child's own present and future.  This practice leads to a further dissolution of trust between parent and child.  And, it is a serious concern.

It appears that CHYCC tries to keep the children as long as possible, extending their time in the program by at least 2 weeks to work-out discharge plans.  Shouldn't such plans be in place prior to program completion?  This is a minor concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 13)

"I/We authorize Cinnamon Hills, its agents & representatives, to take all necessary steps to ensure the adequate supervision, retention, and control of the minor in the event the Minor becomes a danger to the health and safety of the Minor or to others."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

This is a concern as the language is vague and the program may not have legitimate legal authority to hold a child against his/her will.  It is HEAL's understanding that, in Utah, children 14 years old and older are not to be placed in lock-down programs without their informed consent or a court order.  The above suggests that this law may be routinely ignored or violated by Cinnamon Hills.

Admissions Packet (Page 14)

"Student will be introduced to his therapist, youth development staff, teachers, and other members of the program."
 

"Youth Development will teach the student the admitting Life skills lessons, instruct student on the program structure, and provide 24 hour eyeball supervision and monitoring."

"Student's who have displayed high risk behaviors prior to admission will be placed on alert status and receive additional supervision to insure their safety."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

What does CHYCC mean by "youth development"?

What does CHYCC mean by "Life skills"?

It is a serious concern that children are monitored/watched 24/7.  Survivors of Provo Canyon School and Cinnamon Hills have reported being monitored while using the toilet and/or shower.  This is a tactic used to humiliate the child.  And, it is a violation of the child's privacy rights.  These are serious concerns.

What does CHYCC mean by "alert status"?  Are children placed in "observation" or "isolation" if deemed "high risk" by the program?  If so, this is a serious concern.  Some children have reported that other programs have kept children in isolation for months and/or the entire length of the program.  Such practices are considered torture and would raise serious concerns if imposed by CHYCC.

Admissions Packet (Page 15)

"Please check-off the problems your son or daughter is currently experiencing that you want resolved before your son or daughter completes the Cinnamon Hills Treatment Program...This information will be used to create your child's Master Treatment Plan."

"Not Following Directions"

"Unstable or Unpredictable Behavior"

"Self-Infliction"

"Problems Getting Along with Others"

"Friends' Negative Influence"

"Poor Attitude"

"Disrespectful"

"Lying"

"Manipulating"

"Demanding"

"Sexual Issues"

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

Parents and authority figures should encourage children to question directions and to establish independence and autonomy in decision-making.  This includes the right to not follow directions from time-to-time.  If children always followed the directions of perceived authority figures, there would be a flood of child exploitation.  In addition, this questionnaire is inappropriate.  Parents do not have the right do dictate the personalities of their children and need to learn to accept their children for who they are, not who the parent wishes them to be.  This is a serious concern and the entire questionnaire raises serious concerns regarding the value given and respect shown to children in this program.

What does CHYCC mean by "unpredictable behavior"?  Spontaneity is a prized social skill and a healthy attribute.  Spontaneity required unpredictability.  So, this at least may be too vague a criteria for assessment or evaluation. 

If "Self-Infliction" refers to "cutting" or other "self-harming" behaviors, it is a legitimate concern.  However, placing children in an environment where they are likely to be humiliated and/or abused really won't help "cure" children who harm themselves.  This is evident to anyone who has spent any time with victims of this industry who continue to harm themselves in order to feel "alive".

Do others try to get along with the child?  Again, many of these questions/issues are very subjective and ought not be left to a parent who is already emotionally detached from his/her child.  Teenagers are learning and establishing their independence and autonomy at this age and regressing them because they don't act like the parents' wish or don't generate pride in the form the parents' wish, is itself unconscionable and disrespectful of the child and human rights in general.

Do the parents or the program exhibit a "poor attitude"?  Who determines this and are the child's feelings and experiences taken into account before this judgment is made?  These are serious concerns,

Placing a child in an environment such as CHYCC is disrespectful to the child.  How can a parent earn respect when they can't even teach it by example?

Many programs, including CHYCC, like to imply that children are liars and manipulators and that complaints or reports of abuse at the program should not be believed or investigated by parents.  This is a serious concern.  A program that claims to treat depression, ADD, ADHD, and/or other issues that are not typically associated with "lying" and "manipulating", should not suggest that all children in the program are prone to dishonesty or manipulation.  This is a serious concern as it may imply an overt policy of covering up wrong-doing on the part of the program by blaming the children or making false accusations against the children to triangulate the parent against the child.  This type of behavior on the part of CHYCC ensures that the child/parent trust relationship is properly broken and helps insure CHYCC against lawsuits as such trust will take years to rebuild following the program.  Those years will likely result in any legal actions, that would bring justice to the family, being outside the statute of limitations to pursue a lawsuit.  This is a serious concern and is why many programs get away with fraud and abuse over long periods of time.

What does CHYCC mean by "sexual issues"?  Does CHYCC claim to "cure" homosexuality?  If so, this is a serious concern as "reparative therapy" has been proven harmful and ineffective to homosexual youth.

Admissions Packet (Page 16)

"Visits-Onsite visits with your child are dependent upon your child's status level.  After the first 30 days in treatment, Youth Development Students are eligible to have visits from parents/guardians and siblings.  First Visit: 2-Hours, On-campus, Staff-Supervised Family Visit [in One Hour Blocks]...Second Visit and thereafter: 4-Hour monthly visit from parents/guardians and siblings [in Two 2-hour Blocks]...Life Skills Students...First Visit: Two hours on or off campus..."

"Visits are not allowed if your child is on Time-Out status...check your child's status level before planning a visit...We recommend that parents wait at least 30 days after admission before visiting..."

"First Seminar-Visit your son or daughter to determine how they are doing, tour the facility to see what it is like, listen to and ask questions of youth who have been in treatment for several months to determine if you feel the program works."

"Youth are not permitted to receive packages except on his/her birthday or winter holidays...We ask that you coordinate the arrival of these packages with your child's Therapist.  Please do not send snacks or money.  Student needs are provided by the program and students earn a daily allowance as part of our incentive system to purchase other items they may want in our student store.  Books may be sent at any time, please...follow guidelines for appropriateness."

"Individual therapy sessions are held an average of 2 hours per week including time spent documenting care and treatment.  Group therapy sessions are held four times a week.  Family telephonic sessions will begin at a point 2-3 weeks after admission on a date agreed upon by you and your child's Therapist and will replace one individual session each week."

"Any explosive or out-of-control behaviors will be handled by Staff trained in nonviolent physical crisis intervention techniques, according to their training through Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).  The emphasis in these interventions is always on the welfare, safety, and security of the Student and Staff.  Once the Student has calmed him/herself, the Student will be escorted to the Time-Out Suite where they will be assessed as soon as practical by the Program Nurse for injury...These statements will be reviewed by the Physical Intervention Review Team, as part of an internal investigation conducted to make sure that the intervention was performed according to trained CPI techniques without injury or pain."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

It is a serious concern that Cinnamon Hills refuses parents the right to visit their child at any point during the child's stay in the program.  This is a warning sign of an abusive program.  For more information, see our warning signs list at www.heal-online.org/warn.htm. 

It is irresponsible for parents to place a child in any facility they have not personally visited and toured prior to placement.  It is irresponsible for parents to place children in a facility where they will not be near enough to monitor or insure the care of their child while in the program.  These are serious concerns. 

It is a concern that parents are only "sold" on the program by "upper-level" youth who have already been arguably "reformed" through coercive and psychologically harmful techniques.  It is an additional concern because their status may depend on their "positive" portrayal of the program.  This is a practice in place at many programs in this industry and is both exploitative of the youth as well as deceptive.  Parents should be allowed to interview children on the early phases of the program to see what conditions and/or techniques are being used to break/"treat" them.  This is a serious concern.

How much of an allowance do children get in the program?  According to page 21 or the "What to Bring" page, children are to use the allowance to pay for necessities such as hygiene products.  This is a concern as the "reward" may not be "rewarding".  All necessities should be provided by the program or the parents, not the children nor at the child's expense.  In the "school store", are items priced excessively in comparison to the "allowances" given to the children?  Do children ever create debt to the "school store" for necessities in the event they do not have funds to cover it?  Such practices result in a feeling of hopelessness in people subjected to such environments and is detrimental to social and mental health.

How much time is actually spent on one-on-one individual talk therapy with the child?  It appears that paperwork and other priorities utilize most of the time allotted for such sessions.  And, it is a concern that these sessions are even further reduced once the family phone calls begin.  This shows a lack of individualized care on the part of the program.  And, this further suggests deceptive marketing practices by claiming to provide a service, when in fact, such service is minimal or completely lacking.

It is likely that CHYCC uses "confrontational therapy" in the group sessions.  This is a serious concern as "confrontational therapy" has been shown to be ineffective and harmful.  Parents should demand to participate or at least observe group therapy sessions.  If a parent is observing a group therapy session, watch for behaviors that suggest the regular group structure is not being followed.  For instance, if children don't understand the protocol, ask questions, or seem particularly confused or afraid of misspeaking, these would be indicators of a change and/or different rules in place while you observe.  This is a serious concern.

Restraint and seclusion are supposedly only used when a child is deemed "out-of-control" by the program.  However, at many programs, including Provo Canyon School and CHYCC, "out-of-control" behaviors have included making eye contact with an authority figure, showing emotion, comforting a fellow student, or speaking to another student without permission.  Such behaviors do not warrant restraint or seclusion, but, these very behaviors have resulted in restraint and seclusion at programs like CHYCC.  This is a serious concern.  It is also a concern that all investigations into the "use" of restraint and seclusion in the program are handled in-house.   It does not appear that parents will be notified in the event such measures are taken and this is a serious concern and parents may wish to have any incidents resulting in harm investigated by proper authorities.

What is the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)?  "Incorporated by Anne Hayes, Julie Kren, Schubert Judith, Tony Jace, Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. is located at 3315 N 124th St Ste H Brookfield, WI 53005. Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. was incorporated on Sunday, November 30, 2003 in the State of FL and is currently active. C T Corporation System represents Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. as their registered agent."  It is a concern that CPI only requires a 4-day training seminar in order for facilities or individuals to be "certified instructors" of their methods.  "The training choice of most facilities is the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® Four-Day Instructor Certification Program. This option allows select employees to become CPI Certified Instructors and conduct in-house training. It is an ideal way to cascade the program throughout your entire organization and support an ongoing Training Process."  It appears to be a convenient way for programs like CHYCC to get "certified" without actually enforcing that the techniques suggested by CPI be utilized.  CPI's methods appear to be accepted, but, many states are working to phase out the use of restraint and seclusion in academic settings since it results in serious injury and death on a fairly regular basis.  Since CPI does not in any way regulate or audit programs claiming to use their methods, it is a serious concern and may point to additional deceptive marketing practices by CHYCC.

Admissions Packet (Page 17)

"...we ask that you not attempt to call your child until they have made this adjustment; this process normally takes 2-3 weeks."

"The first phone contact you will have with your child will be during a regularly scheduled family therapy session.  The first 5-10 minutes of every Family Therapy Session is private time for you and the therapists to discuss your child's progress and any questions or concerns you might have.  The therapist will outline the agenda for the session before your child enters.  The therapy session with your child present will last about 25-30 minutes.  The last 5-10 minutes of the session will also be private time so that you can discuss your feeling about the session."

"After the first family session, you will receive one fifteen-minute social phone call with your child each week.  (Life Skills Students will be allowed an additional fifteen-minute phone call each week and this call may occur Monday through Friday.)"
 

"Only parents and guardians are allowed to place the phone call...If your child is on Time-Out Status or in Group Therapy, you will be asked to call back at a later time."

"Students are not to guilt-load or attempt to manipulate the caller."

"Students are not to make up untrue stories about the Program."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

What is the longest it has taken a child to earn the privilege of speaking with their own parents on the phone?  It seems absurd that the program assumes control of family relations and prevents children and their families from speaking directly and/or privately with one another.  Also, this communications "blackout" period is a sign of an abusive program.  See www.heal-online.org/warn.htm for more information.

What is "Time-Out Status"?  What types of behaviors result in a cut-off of communication between the child and the outside world?  Why can't a child be pulled from Group Therapy to take a family call?  In normal psychiatric facilities, visits and phone calls are welcome anytime.  Why does Cinnamon Hills try to control the parents' access to their own children?  This is disrespectful of parental rights and authority as well as the rights of the child.  This is a serious concern.

The last two issues are a concern because programs like Cinnamon Hills are typically the ones doing the triangulating, manipulating, and lying to families.  Parents should believe their children when they report abuse or other violations by the program and should demand a full explanation of any such reports by program staff and/or an investigation by CPS or law enforcement in the event abuse or other violations are being reported.  This is imperative for the safety of the children in programs like CHYCC and is a very serious concern given the history of the Williams' family and their cruel and inhumane treatment of youth.

Admissions Packet (Page 18)

"...whenever a student feels that their rights have been violated, or that they have an issue that was not resolved to their satisfaction, they are able to utilize our grievance process."

"Questions or concerns you may have regarding program safety should also be relayed to your child's therapist."

"As an organization accredited by the Joint Commission...and licensed by the State of Utah Department of Human Services, we must meet specific treatment standards..."

"If we fail in meeting these treatment standards for your child, and our internal grievance process does not resolve your issue, it is your right, as the parent or legal guardian, to file a complaint with one of these organizations."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

An internal grievance process is not effective when the facility reportedly and regularly avoids discussing problems with their practices and/or refuses to take responsibility for its own wrongdoing.  How often do children submit grievance reports?  Are they punished or held back from the next level when they file a grievance?  How often do children who file grievances regarding their treatment get held back or further disciplined for filing a grievance?  Can anyone trust alleged abusers to self-regulate?  This internal grievance process with no access to outside authorities in the event of abuse is a serious concern.

The Joint Commission has been in repeated trouble for not insuring patient safety standards are met and maintained.  And, the Department of Human Services provides no oversight regarding boarding schools/residential treatment centers like Cinnamon Hills.  What specific treatment standards, if any, are legitimately and regularly enforced by either of these authorities?  HEAL has contacted the Joint Commission and they redirect to the licensing agency which redirects to the Joint Commission which redirects to the licensing agency which redirects to Child Protective Services which redirects to law enforcement which claims that reports need to be submitted within 24-72 hours in order to open an investigation.  If the internal grievance process alone takes more than 72 hours, this leaves children and families with a wild goose chase and no legitimate resolution process for violations and/or abuse.  This is a serious concern.

Admissions Packet (Page 21)

"What to Bring"

"The Program will provide each student with personal grooming and hygiene items at admission.  Student will then be responsible to keep these items restocked using money from their Student Account."

"STUDENT SHOULD NOT BRING ANY EXPENSIVE ITEMS, THE PROGRAM WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT OR LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

The concern, as stated above, is that the "school store", not unlike the "company store", may be overcharging for necessities and underpaying for allowance and/or labor.  This puts children in a position to be overwhelmed and/or discouraged by their efforts since the efforts only earn them their basic necessities which the law requires parents provide until the child reaches the age of majority.  Programs like Cinnamon Hills encourage irresponsible parenting.  This is a serious concern.  Parents and/or their agents (i.e. the program) are responsible for providing necessities, including hygiene products, to minor children in their care.  Charging children for their necessities is unconscionable given the absolute control over where that money is spent (i.e. paid back to the program). 

It is always a concern that programs that keep such a close 24/7 watch on children refuse to take responsibility for lost or stolen items.  At Provo Canyon School, also founded by Jack Williams, a HEAL coordinator's watch was stolen among other items and this was done by staff during the "sorting" process.  So, if staff are in control of the items and no child has access, then the program should be liable for those losses and/or thefts that occur under their control.  This seems somewhat unconscionable and shows a program unwilling to take responsibility for its own failures to safeguard its students and their belongings.

Admissions Packet (Pages 22 & 23)

"STUDENT DRESS CODE"

"No type of institutional clothing, such as juvenile hall or military uniforms, are allowed.  In addition, no Logos, Team Names, or Numbers of any type, will be permitted on clothing."

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

The student dress code is unnecessarily oppressive and denies children their constitutional right to self-expression.  It is understandable to place some limits such as the limit on "tight-fitting" clothing, but, these rules are excessive and overly controlling of these young people entering adulthood.  What is wrong with Calvin Klein and Converse?  There is something seriously wrong with Cinnamon Hills and their dress code.

Program Statement (Page 1)

"Youth participate in weekly recreational activities, as well as daily physical exercise, according to status level." (p. 1)

HEAL's Questions/Concerns

HEAL chose not to cover page 2 of the Program Statement because the issues with that page were covered in previous segments of this review.

At what level and/or how much time is the child typically confined to the program compound before being allowed to participate in recreational activities?  This is a serious concern because long-term disconnect from the outside world can create difficulties for the child in adjusting to freedom once it is again restored.  Institutionalization is generally a very bad and/or illegal idea unless someone is being legally committed or adjudicated by a proper authority.  Parents should read the Legal Arguments page to determine of they are violating the rights of their children and/or could become subject to civil and/or criminal charges for placing their child at Cinnamon Hills or any similar program.

HEAL heartily recommends parents do not place their children at Cinnamon Hills and that they remove their children from the program if currently there.