Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS - Huge Corporate Giant!

MAGNOLIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ALERT

2009-11-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

Are you a parent with an at risk teen, considering a residential treatment center? Maybe a therapeutic boarding school? Do you have a good kid that is making some not so good choices? Are you at your wit's end? Please read my earlier post on Magnolia Christian School.

Magnolia Christian School formerly Carolina Springs Academy Alert

2009-10-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

Are you at your wit’s end and desperately searching the Internet for help for your out of control teen? Is your child a good teen making some very bad choices? Failing in school? Underachieving? Defiant? Runaway? Teen drug use? Teen drinking?

Are you considering a Residential Treatment Center (RTC), Therapeutic Boarding School (TBS), Emotional Growth Program, Behavioral Modification Program, Wilderness Program, etc?As a Parent Advocate, I founded my organization after struggling with my own teenage daughter.

My story has been widely read and published by Health Communications, Inc - original home of Chicken Soup for the Soul book series.My daughter was harmed at Carolina Springs Academy. I won a court battle in 2004 proving my allegations against World Wide Association of Speciality Programs (WWASPS – the umbrella that Carolina Springs Academy fell under) and what they did to my daughter and the deception I endured.

It has been brought to my attention that Carolina Springs Academy recently lost their license and now have re-opened with a new name – “Magnolia Christian School“.

It is my own opinion that if you are considering this “school” for your family, you may want to do your homework and also read my story. I understand not much has changed except the name.

Although my story was in 2000, sadly I still receive calls and emails from parents and former students that have claimed abuse and fraud recently (2009).

If you mention my name or my story to any of their marketing arms, I believe they call me a disgruntled parent. Yes, you harm my daughter - I do become disgruntled. Please take the time to read my story and how I defeated the them in court as they attempted to sue me into silence - I won!

TEEN HELP: Horizon Academy, Midwest Academy, Red River Academy, Jane Hawley, Lisa Irvin, Cross Creek Academy, Teens in Crisis etc...

2009-10-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

PARENT ALERT: Are you at your wit's end and making a major decision for your at risk teen? Considering any of the above mentioned so-called - Specialty Schools/Programs?

Think twice - do your research.

Take time to read my story and there are many others.

Magnolia Hills Christian formerly Carolina Springs Academy - Parent ALERT

2009-08-19T08:26:00.001-07:00

Just in - Carolina Springs Academy had their licensed revoked and changed their name to Magnolia Hills Christian.

Read more here.

More from DSS.

Carolina Springs Academy, Horizon Academy, HelpMyTeen, Lisa Irvin, Red River Academy, Midwest Academy, Teen Help....

2009-07-25T08:43:00.001-07:00

Are you a parent and your teen is escalating in negative behavior? Wanting to drop out of school? Using drugs? Running away? Defiant and disrepectful? Struggling with peer pressure and simply not the child you raised? Are you at your wit’s end? Especially if your teen is nearing 17 years old, don’t waste time in finding help.

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
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA (CLOSED)
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.
Sunset Bay Academy, CA
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis (Lisa Irvin)
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica (CLOSED)
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! Don’t be a parent at risk! Learn from my experiences, my daughter’s abuse and gain from my knowledge through the legal victories I have accomplished.

Sue Scheff - Helping Parents Not to Make the Same Mistake

2009-05-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

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 (CLOSED)
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA (CLOSED)
**Discovery, Mexico - see below
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!

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.

CAROLINA SPRINGS ACADEMY - LEARN MORE

2009-04-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

It has been almost 10 years since I made the horrible mistake of choosing Carolina Springs Academy for my daughter who was struggling. Good kid making some not so good choices? I felt she needed some sort of program to help her through her struggles - and sadly what we received was anything but help.

In the past 9+ years - I have successfully defeated WWASPS/Carolina Springs Academy through a jury trial as well as continuing to be a voice for parents that are at their wit's end. I also won the landmark case ($11.3M Jury Verdict for Damages) for Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy done to my by a former WWASPS parent that defamed me online. Read more about that in my upcoming book.

If you are considering a Teen Help Program - take your time, do your homework - learn from my mistakes and gain from my knowledge.

Read Wit's End and hear my daughter's firsthand experiences. This is my first book published by Health Communications, Inc. (HCI) - the home of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Don't be a parent in denial - don't be afraid to give your teen a second chance at a bright future - there are many good programs, just take your time and do your research.

Learn more at http://www.helpyourteens.com/.

Sue Scheff Back with Book 2 - Online Slime and Parenting Teens

2009-03-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

Are you a parent struggling with a teen today? Are you at your wit's end? Troubled by the defiance and negative behavior your teen is displaying?

Lack respect for authority - for YOU -the parent?

Know you are not alone!

Almost a decade ago I went the very same feelings of isolation, hostage to my own home and watching my good teen turn into a person I hardly recognized! Read the online story of A Parent's True Story.I created P.U.R.E. (Parents' Universal Resource Experts, Inc.) in hopes of helping other parents learn from my mistakes and gain from my knowledge.

I was almost silenced when the massive organization (WWASPS/Carolina Springs Academy) sued me - but I fought back and the truth prevailed. I won all legal actions!When they lost on all counts including in the Supreme Court (I had a jury trial victory) my next hurdle was defeating the negative Internet Slander and Defamation.

You see, when you can't defeat someone legally - the Internet has become the next legal lethal weapon.Again, I fought back - only this time I won an unprecedented jury verdict of damages for over $11M!So, when you see ugly postings about me - twisted truths and outright lies, understand I will always have critics that don't agree with me as well as those that want to silence me or discredit me, but I continued to fight back and continued to be victorious on all counts.

Read Wit's End and look for my new book coming out in the fall of 2009 which will focus on this new legal lethal weapon.

Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS - Parents Learn About Teen Help

2009-02-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

If you are debating residential therapy for your teen, learn more about this extremely daunting and confusing industry. Yes, you need to get help - but educate yourself first.

Learn more about Wit's End at http://www.witsendbook.com/ and author Sue Scheff at http://www.suescheff.com/ -the response has been overwhelming!

If you are struggling with your teen today - pick up Wit's End and learn more!

For a quick read, check out http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ - the foundation of Wit's End!

Sue Scheff: Carolina Springs Academy - Learn More from Firsthand Experiences

2009-01-29T09:32:00.001-08:00

Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework! Learn from my mistakes - Gain from my knowledge!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS (allegedly recently closed)
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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 (allegedly closed)
Sky View Academy, NV (allegedly closed?)
Spring Creek Lodge, MT (allegedly they closed?)
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Oceanside, CA - rumors of short term program there.
There is a rumor a new program in Mexico is opening - parents need to be aware of this.

There are good programs - take your time to do your research - for helpful hints in finding safe alternatives visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/

Sue Scheff - A Parent's True Story Still Helping Thousands of Families

2009-01-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Are you a parent struggling with a teen today? Are you at your wit's end? Troubled by the defiance and negative behavior your teen is displaying? Lack respect for authority - for YOU -the parent?Know you are not alone!

Almost a decade ago I went the very same feelings of isolation, hostage to my own home and watching my good teen turn into a person I hardly recognized! Read the online story of A Parent's True Story. I created P.U.R.E. (Parents' Universal Resource Experts, Inc.) in hopes of helping other parents learn from my mistakes and gain from my knowledge.

I was almost silenced when the massive organization (WWASPS/Carolina Springs Academy) sued me - but I fought back and the truth prevailed. I won all legal actions!

When they lost on all counts including in the Supreme Court (I had a jury trial victory) my next hurdle was defeating the negative Internet Slander and Defamation. You see, when you can't defeat someone legally - the Internet has become the next legal lethal weapon.

Again, I fought back - only this time I won an unprecedented jury verdict of damages for over $11M!

So, when you see ugly postings about me - twisted truths and outright lies, understand I will always have critics that don't agree with me as well as those that want to silence me or discredit me, but I continued to fight back and continued to be victorious on all counts.

Read Wit's End and look for my new book coming out in the fall of 2009 which will focus on this new legal lethal weapon.

Sue Scheff - Weston Mother Helps Others in Wit's End

2008-12-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

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/ .

Mark Peterson, Teen Help, Lisa Irvin, Carolina Springs Academy, Darrington Academy, Academy at Ivy Ridge, Spring Creek Lodge, etc...

2008-11-14T11:23:00.001-08:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework! Learn from my mistakes - Gain from my knowledge!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Ally Schools - Marketing Arm - Jane Hawley
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
Mark Peterson - Teen Help Marketing Arm
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 (recently closed)
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Alert - rumor is that a new program is Mexico is opening soon.
ALERT - It is also rumored that there is a short-term program in or near Oceanside, CA - which may be connected with this organization.

Visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/ for more information.

Sue Scheff Talks with Kim Iverson

2008-11-11T06:12:00.001-08:00

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.

Wit's Ends details her experiences with Carolina Springs Academy and WWASPS - take a moment to review www.aparentstruestory.com - and learn more. Especially if you are considering residential therapy.

Sue Scheff Talks to Global Talk Radio about her Experiences

2008-11-02T06:18:00.001-08:00

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/

Cross Creek Manor, Carolina Springs Academy, Darrington Academy, Academy of Ivy Ridge, Lisa Irvin, Jane Hawley, Teen Help, Ally Schools, WWASPS etc...

2008-10-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework! Learn from my mistakes - Gain from my knowledge!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Ally Schools - Marketing Arm - Jane Hawley
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Alert - rumor is that a new program is Mexico is opening soon.
ALERT - It is also rumored that there is a short-term program in or near Oceanside, CA - which may be connected with this organization.

Visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/ for more information.

Sue Scheff featured in Florida SunSentinel

2008-10-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

'Wit's End' book offers advice to help out-of-control teens

By Liz Doup South Florida Sun-Sentinel

October 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

Sue Scheff Talks about Wit's End and the Mistakes she Made as a Parent - and her Victories on Walking on Air

2008-10-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

Betsy Brint and Sally Higginson are wives, mothers, sisters and friends. The two live five blocks from one another. Betsy is the mother of three; Sally is the mother of two. Their husbands are friends as well as brothers-in law. A large percentage of the time, Betsy and Sally consider themselves happily married. The remaining small percentage of time makes for lively radio.

Visit http://www.walkingonair.org/index.htm to listen and pick-up helpful tips on life today with families and parenting!

Sue Scheff - Parents, Learn from my mistakes! And my Victories!

2008-09-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework! Learn from my mistakes - Gain from my knowledge!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Alert - rumor is that a new program is Mexico is opening soon.

Visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/ for more information.

Sue Scheff on South Florida Voices

2008-09-23T04:51:00.001-07:00

Sue Scheff was on South Florida Voices and talked about her new book - Wit's End!
Hosted by Deborah Ally, South Florida Voices features in-depth analysisof issues affecting the lives of South Floridians.Recent shows have explored health care, personal financial planning, the arts and community resources.

Sue Scheff - Featured on Talk Radio - Speaks out about Wit's End

2008-09-18T14:33:00.001-07:00

Sue Scheff talks about Wit's End! and the struggles parents are facing today with their teens. Learn more and list live! http://www.kandeeg.com/

Sue Scheff Shares Her Story - Defeating WWASPS and Admitting Her Mistakes

2008-09-15T06:31:00.001-07:00

Weston, Florida - Parent Sue Scheff knows all too well the frustrations of dealing with a troubled teen. Being a single mom was tough, but as daughter Ashlyn reached her teenage years, the problems became too much to handle. Bad decisions and difficult situations left Sue Scheff with no choice but to look to outside help for her troubled teen and salvation for strained family.What she didn’t know continues to haunt her. Seven years after her devastating travels through the teen help industry,Sue Scheff has become an advocate for safe alternatives and parent education. Through her organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Scheff has helped numerous families safely and successfully find help.

Lori Rubenstein - Life Coach

http://www.daretotranscend.com/
http://www.transcendingdivorce.com/

"Leap, and the net will appear!" Julia CameronListen to my new Radio Show, Journeys from the Heart...

Sue Scheff, Founder of Parents Universal Resource Experts featured on Here's Help

2008-09-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

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/ .

Sue Scheff on ABC News talks about Wit's End!

2008-08-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

What a great experience to share my book, Wit's End! and story with Lisa Hayward at ABC News in West Palm Beach!

My voice will continue to help and education parents to learn from my mistakes and gain from my knowledge!

A Mother and Daughter's True Story - Wit's End! Advice and Resource for Saving Your Out Of Control Teen

2008-08-18T08:11:00.001-07:00

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!

Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS

2008-08-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework! Learn from my mistakes - Gain from my knowledge!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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)
Royal Gorge Academy, CO
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
There is a rumor a new program is opening in Mexico

Visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/ for more information.

Darrington Academy, Carolina Springs Academy, Spring Creek Lodge, Red River Academy, Lisa Irvin, Royal Gorge, Teen Help....

2008-08-08T06:31:00.001-07:00

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.

Sue Scheff on The Lifetime Channel

2008-07-30T09:02:00.001-07:00

What a great opportunity to showcase my new parenting book, Wit's End!

Today Kristin Stattel, Author and Youth Advocate, and myself were featured on The Balancing Act - a Lifetime Television Series.

Speaking of my new book, Wit’s End! on this segment, Kristin also shared some of her experiences when she was struggling during her youth years. Her upcoming book, It’s All Good! will help teens to better understand the pressures of today’s society and give them inspiration and hope. Kristin is an amazing young adult who spends her time giving back to others as well as going to college. She is a mentor to so many youths!

Sue Scheff on CBS4 Morning Show

2008-07-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

This morning I was on the CBS4 Jim and Jade in the Morning talking about my new book, Wit's End! Bringing awareness to parents that are considering residential therapy for their out-of-control teen as well as the giant organization, World Wide Association of Specialty Programs (WWASPS)/Carolina Springs Academy - which I defeated in a jury trial as they attempted to silence me - however I fought back and you can learn from my mistakes and gain from my knowledge.

Carolina Springs Academy, Darrington Academy, Midwest Academy, Horizon Academy etc - DO YOUR HOMEWORK

2008-07-21T08:33:00.001-07:00

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.

Sue Scheff Discusses Wit's End! A Mother and Daughter's True Story

2008-07-17T06:11:00.001-07:00

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.

http://miamibeach.plumtv.com/videos/parental_advice

Sue Scheff Launches Wit's End!

2008-07-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

From the same publishers that brought you the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, now offers you "Wit's End!"

My story if filled with inspiration and hope as well as offers parents and people that work with today's pre-teens and teens, advice and resources for today's struggling teens.

The response has been overwhelming since we launched the book!

I am very proud of my daughter who spoke for the first time publicly in Wit's End! Hear her story of what she endured at Carolina Springs Academy.

Most importantly- learn from our mistakes so you don't make the same ones.

DARRINGTONG ACADEMY - CAROLINA SPRINGS ACADEMY - HORIZON ACADEMY - ETC.. STOP - THINK - LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES

2008-07-09T06:17:00.001-07:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - www.aparentstruestory.com as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at www.witsendbook.com .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework! Learn from my mistakes - Gain from my knowledge!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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)
Royal Gorge Academy, CO
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

Sue Scheff: I Fought Back and Won!

2008-07-03T14:06:00.001-07:00

To learn more about P.U.R.E. http://www.helpyourteens.com/ and to contact the author, visit http://www.suescheff.com/.

I defeated the one of the largest teen help programs (WWASPS aka Carolina Springs Academy) in both a jury trial and the Supreme Court of Appeals. I went on to win one of the largest jury verdicts of $11.3M for damages done to me on the Internet.I have fought back and won! My book "Wit's End!" is now available.

Sue Scheff - Learn About Wit's End and More - LIVE ON PURPOSE RADIO

2008-06-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

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.

http://parentalpower.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/sue-scheff-at-wits-end/

Carolina Springs Academy, Teen Help, Darrington Academy, Midwest Academy, Royal Gorge Academy, Horizon Academy, Red River Academy, WWASPS etc...

2008-06-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

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.

Darrington Academy, Carolina Springs Academy, Spring Creek Lodge, Lisa Irvin, Teen Help, Red River Academy, Horizon Academy, WWASPS etc....

2008-06-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at www.witsendbook.com .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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)
Royal Gorge Academy, CO
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS

2008-06-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

"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!

Sue Scheff - A Parent's True Story is now published! From the Publishers that brough you Chicken Soup for the Soul brings you Wit's End!

2008-06-07T10:15:00.001-07:00

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/

Sue Scheff Authors Wit's End! Read It and Learn more About WWASPS and Carolina Springs Academy

2008-06-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at www.witsendbook.com .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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)
Royal Gorge Academy, CO
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

Wit's End! By Sue Scheff - Read How I defeated WWASPS/Carolina Springs Academy

2008-06-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Midwest Academy, Teen Help, WWASPS, Darrington Academy, Horizon Academy, Carolina Springs Academy, Red River Academy, Royal Gorge Academy....

2008-05-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

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."

Sue Scheff: Carolina Springs Academy, Darrington Acadmey, Horizon Academy, Red River Academy, WWASP, WWASPS, Teen Help, Lisa Irvin, Jane Hawley etc..

2008-05-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ .

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (Recently withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
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)
Royal Gorge Academy, CO
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

Sue Scheff: Online Harassment

2008-05-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

"A Successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him" - David Brinkley

For those that know me, know that I have been the target of the most vicious and malicious attacks in Cyberspace. Fortunately I was able to fight back and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of over $11.M. $5M of it was set for punitive - meant to punish the defendant.

I am contacted on a daily basis from other victims of Internet Harassment and most people are unable to retain an attorney. It can be very difficult when it seems like the entire world is staring at you through their computer screens.

The quote above was sent to me today and I just felt I had to share with everyone. So when those bricks are being thrown at you through cyberspace - think about the great foundation you can build from it!

As with A Parent's True Story, it was the foundation of Wit's End! book and a tremendous help to thousands of parents with at risk teens.

Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS (A Huge Corporation) - Read About it all in "Wit's End!" Now Available

2008-05-18T14:17:00.001-07:00

Carolina Springs Academy - Sue Scheff - A Parent's True Story - Learn More

2008-05-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Click here to read more.

Our story has been read by thousands of families since I posted it years ago. I have been through litigation and proved my story is our experiences. I fought back as I have been maliciously attacked online and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of over $11M! My daughter and I are fighters - that is how she endured Carolina Springs Academy and I endured 5 years of litigation victoriously!

Sue Scheff - Parent Advocate - Troubled Teens? At wit's end?

2008-05-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Are you struggling with your teen or pre-teen? Considering outside treatment?

Take a moment to read "A Parent's True Story" and soon you can purchase "Wit's End!" which is where many parents feel when they are desperate with today's kids.

Carolina Springs Academy - Sue Scheff - Being Stung by WWASPS

2008-04-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

As someone that has been vocal and victorious in two major court cases, I have attracted a lot of attention, both negative and positive.

Thankfully, mostly positive.If you see questionable things on the Internet about me or my organization (P.U.R.E.), please feel free to come to the source about it.After years of helping many families through my own experiences, I will continue to share my story in hopes that others will learn from my mistakes.

Read the Blog to learn why WWASPS and the Teen Help Sales Reps continue to discredit me. At the end of the legal process, I won victoriously against a million dollar corporation. I defeated them again in the Supreme Court of Appeals - and again had victory with an $11.3M jury verdict for damages done to me on the Internet and Invasion of Privacy.

Sue Scheff - Parent Advocate

2008-04-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Sue Scheff is a parent advocate who founded Parents’ Universal Resources Experts, Inc. (P.U.R.E.) in 2001. She has been featured on 20/20, The Rachel Ray Show, ABC News, Canadian CBC Sunday News Magazine, CNN Headline News, Fox News, BBC Talk Radio, and NPR, discussing topics of Internet defamation as well as her work helping troubled teens and their families through her organization. To learn more about P.U.R.E. www.helpyourteens.com and to contact the author, visit www.suescheff.com.

I have won against the one of the largest teen help programs (WWASPS aka Carolina Springs Academy) in both a jury trial and the Supreme Court of Appeals.

I went on to win one of the largest jury verdicts of $11.3M for damages done to me on the Internet.

I have fought back and won! My book "Wit's End!" will be here in July.

Darrington Academy, Carolina Springs Academy, WWASPS, Mark Peterson, Lisa Irvin, Jane Hawley, Teen Help, Spring Creek Lodge etc....

2008-04-20T14:57:00.001-07:00

Are you struggling with your teen or pre-teen? Considering outside treatment?

Take a moment to read "A Parent's True Story" and soon you can purchase "Wit's End!" which is where many parents feel when they are desperate with today's kids.

CAROLINA SPRINGS ACADEMY - SUE SCHEFF DEFEATS WWASPS IN A JURY TRIAL AND THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS

2008-04-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

As someone that has been vocal and victorious in two major court cases, I have attracted a lot of attention, both negative and positive. Thankfully, mostly positive.

If you see questionable things on the Internet about me or my organization (P.U.R.E.), please feel free to come to the source about it.

After years of helping many families through my own experiences, I will continue to share my story in hopes that others will learn from my mistakes.

Read the Blog to learn why WWASPS and the Teen Help Sales Reps continue to discredit me. At the end of the legal process, I won victoriously against a million dollar corporation. I defeated them again in the Supreme Court of Appeals - and again had victory with an $11.3M jury verdict for damages done to me on the Internet and Invasion of Privacy.

Carolina Springs Academy - "A Parent's True Story" A must read for any parent considering Teen Help Programs

2008-04-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

My true story is based on our experiences (my daughter and myself) with Carolina Springs Academy in Due West, SC.It seems that Carolina Springs Academy representatives are telling parents that my story is false and I lost in a lawsuit with them.

This continues in their pattern of misrepresentation in my opinion.I not only defeated them in a jury trial - I went on to defeat them in the Supreme Court of Appeals when they tried to appeal it!

Click here for more details.

Wit's End! coming soon - will give you our story, with my daughter's voice of her experiences at CSA.

Carolina Springs Academy - Sue Scheff first parent to defeat WWASP

2008-03-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Amazing, it is almost 4 years since I defeated WWASPS in August 2004 and I still hear they are telling parents the jury made a mistake or some parents have told me their sales rep told them I lost? Strange - I have 100% legal documents proving my victories as well as winning an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of $11.3M from a defendant that received monies from WWASPS.

Are you considering the following schools or programs? I would never tell a parent what to do -but I do encourage you to do your homework. My story can give you insight to the desperation I felt, the mistakes I made and hopefully you will gain from the bumps I made.

As of May 2006, it is believed that WWASP aka WWASPS or Premier Educational Systems has affiliations with the following:

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (Recently withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor
Darrington Academy, GA
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Horizon Academy, NV
Jane Hawley (Lifelines)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs).
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Majestic Ranch, UT
Mark Peterson (Teen Help)
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here).
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Royal Gorge Academy, CO
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

On June 6, 2006 WWASPS LOST again in the Supreme Court of Appeals - Sue Scheff's victory speaks for so many children and parents that were victims of WWASPS.

My book - Wit’s End! will feature for the first time my daughter’s voice - her story told firsthand. Wit’s End is our journey as well as a valuable resource book to help you not to make the mistakes we did.

By Sue Scheff, Parents Universal Resource Experts

Carolina Springs Academy - Sue Scheff - A Thorn in WWASPS Side

2008-03-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

Again, WWASPS (Carolina Springs Academy) like to tell twisted truths and outright lies to get an admission.

I have defeated WWASPS in a jury trial in their home state of Utah in August 2004. I again defeated them the Supreme Court of Appeal in June 2006.

Read below a letter that a Sales Rep, Mark Peterson, of Teen Help aka WWASPS is writing about me - and I am sure the other Sales Reps are saying about me. I have removed the confidential information from the parent that sent it to me.

Ironically - right below it - I received an email from a victim of CSA - only minutes earlier - their name is withheld too. It didn't take much for this parent to realize exactly who was telling the truth.

Read my story - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ - and also my essay on Admitting my Mistakes. If you are a parent and getting feed back from Teen Help Sales Reps like this - think twice.

This is typical of what CSA and Teen Help Sales Reps tells parents about me - however the Jury Verdict in my favor - the Supreme Court of Appeal in my favor - as well as the $11.3M jury verdict for damages done to me on the Internet - speaks volumes.

True - while I was under the spell of WWASP - I was satisfied - I knew no better - I attended their cult like seminars (in my opinion) and even though I had some ugly gut feelings, I thought I was doing what was best for my daughter. It wasn't until my daughter came home (remember, she was there 6 months and I never saw her or spoke to her) - I only picked her up at 6 months since she ended up in the hospital and no one ever told me - I found out what actually happened to her once she was home several months, she was literally petrified she would have to go back. True - I fought back, but not legally at the time - I posted our story online - WWASP sued me to get it down - I fought back to prove it was TRUE - and that is why I won! After almost $1M in legal fees - and a jury trial in Utah (their home state) I won - and my story stands strong on the Internet.

The truth prevailed - in all cases - and yes, I was a foolish and desperate parent that fell for their scam - and yes I participated in their referral program - but what they neglected to say is that I gave my referrals to a parent that had two kids in the program. This was all proven in a court of law - in a trial. But it is easier to leave it all out in a lame attempt to discredit me and get an enrollment. Yes - there were referrals after my daughter was home - that is simply because of their excellence in marketing - there were hundreds of brochures released with my ID Code - so yes - I assume there were referrals in my name after my daughter was home.

Amazing - what stories will they create next? My voice is strong - my book - "Wit's End!" also features my daughter's voice. Hear her first hand experiences.

Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:01:46 -0600 (MDT)
From: Mark Peterson <markp@teenhelp.us>
To:
Subject: Re: enrollment approval

.....

Our schools have a very high success rate. I hope that you will also understand that individual counseling with an adult therapist just isn't effective or necessary for most teens. They do many, many times better in a group therapy setting. We do that at no extra fee. We also have a school (Cross Creek) with all the needed psycological counseling for those teens with serious emotional/psychological disturbances/issues. I would encourage you to look into this further to be sure you are not getting yourself or [name withheld] into a mess or paying more than necessary.

We have been at this for a long time, are very good at it and have developed a very efficient program, thus the lower cost and high success.

Years ago Sue Scheff placed her daughter at Carolina Springs but removed her before program completion. She had no complaints at the time, liked our schools and referred parents to them until she was caught doing something unethical and greedy in the parent referral program. She was asked to stop her unethical practices. She then turned about face and started up her own group. You will notice her website refers to it. Her website has contradictions and false claims all over it. Her parents "true" story is one fabrication after another. Also, to those who know the industry and the schools we represent, the supposed student affidavit "declaration under penalty of perjury pursuant to 28 USCA 1746" totally perjurs itself.

...........................

Thanks,Mark Peterson
Admissions Advisor
Teen Help Adolescent Resources
800-637-0701 x121
mailto:x121markp@teenhelp.us

==========================
READ THIS EMAIL BELOW - RECEIVED SHORTLY AFTER MARK PETERSON - SALES REP FOR TEEN HELP - MARK PETERSON DEFENDS A PROGRAM THAT I RECEIVED EMAILS LIKE THIS REGULARLY. VERY SAD. IN MY OPINION.
==========================

From:
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 7:36 PM
To: sue.s@helpyourteens.com
Subject: I attended carolina springs academy

Hi, My name is [name withheld], I was at Carolina Springs for almost 5 months. It was an incredibly abusive, and horrible environment. I know exactly what your daughter went through. I was picked on by other students, and the staff just sat there and laughed, and was also picked on by the staff as well. That is not the worst part though, I was also sexually molested by another student. I was extremely emotionally unstable, and when other students would pick on me, it was all I could do not to hit them. The only reason I didn't was because I knew that I would go to jamaica, or costa rica. I had kids throwing things at me, and jumping out of the showers and throwing a towel over my head, and tossing me around, and the staff could have cared less. But when I would freak out and start crying, I would get in trouble, and they wouldn't. The fact that the "upper levels" could be so called "junior staff," it gave them a power trip, and that was when they would bully me the most. When I first went there, I had just turned 13, and the whole time I was there, I was the youngest. I have tourette's syndrome, and when I would have muscle tics, I would get in trouble for being disruptive, breaking shutdown rules, etc. It was a nightmare. It was probably the worst time of my life. I would also get restrained, they would take me out back to the "OP" building, and one of the staff, which was usually Mr. Gus, would put one hand on my wrist, and the other hand on my elbow, and push my wrist down, and push my elbow up. It seemed like he really got a kick out of this. He would start yelling, and I was crying, and trying with everything that I had not to scream. I knew that if I did, I would most likely get beaten or something like that. I was scared, I was a little kid, for crying out loud. I was constantly threatened by one of the night staff(Mr. Tony) to be taken out behind the OP building, and be given an "old fashioned woodshed beatinng." He would constantly say stuff like " that woodshed's calling your name [name withheld]." I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about. I saw the documentary on wwasp, and I can't imagine what it was like for Steven Frederickson to be in wwasp for five years. Five months alone seemed like forever to me, I would rather die than be there five years. My main concern is that I want to get wwasp shut down, and I won't rest until they do. It's awesome that you won that lawsuit against them, that is a tremendous victory. I'm also looking at filing a lawsuit against them, and doing whatever else it takes to get them shutdown, and all these kids home safely. I would really like to talk to you on the phone, if you get a chance, please call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX, and ask for [name withheld], this is my Dad's office phone. I really look forward to talking with you. Thank you times a million, [name withheld]

Sue Scheff the first parent to DEFEAT WWASPS - Continues to be a very strong voice for parents

2008-03-05T06:59:00.001-08:00

Here we are - years after my victories (both a jury trial I won and I won again in the Supreme Court of Appeals when WWASPS appealed the verdict) yet WWASPS still continues to tell some people I lost?

Are you a parent that is at your wit's end - desperate and fall into the trap of urgency to place your child? Think twice - read "A Parent's True Story" - then visit my website at www.helpyourteens.com - My book - Wit's End! will be released in July 2008 - you will get to hear my daugthers voice and her upclose and personal experiences of Carolina Springs Academy.

Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS in a Jury Trial AND the Supreme Court of Appeals

2008-02-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

I have been contacted by several parents that stated that Carolina Springs Academy has been telling parents that I lost the lawsuits - please understand, I not only won the lawsuit in a jury trial - I defeated them in the Supreme Court of Appeals after they appealed my victory - I won again!

There are legal documents to prove my victories.

Sue Scheff: Defeats WWASPS in a Court of Law

2008-01-09T04:31:00.000-08:00

After a long 2+ years of litigation and a jury trial - I defeated WWASPS! Again, in June 2006 I defeated them in the Supreme Court of Appeals!

In September 2006 I defeated Carey Bock Levine who was paid by WWASPS $12,500.00 in an attempt to harm me. It back-fired as she went on a campaign to destroy my organization, my family and myself with defamatory and libelous statements on a variety of Blogs and Forums.

She now has an $11.3M judgment over her for the rest of her life. Again, a jury - after reading all the slanderous and libelous comments she wrote about me, they awarded me over $11M - $5M for punitive damages.

Remember, free speech is free - but it will not condone defamation.

Parent's Universal Resource Experts and Sue Scheff: DEFEAT WWASPS IN A JURY TRIAL! THEN AGAIN IN THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS

2007-12-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

I have been contacted by several parents that stated that Carolina Springs Academy has been telling parents that I lost the lawsuits - please understand, I not only won the lawsuit in a jury trial - I defeated them in the Supreme Court of Appeals after they appealed my victory - I won again!

There are legal documents to prove my victories.

Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS and Moves Forward

2007-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Sue Scheff Defeats WWASPS

2007-09-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

Take note that is seems WWASPS aka WWASP is now being called Premier Educational Systems. Changing their names doesn't change who they are - in my opinion.

Read my story here.

Sue Scheff Defeats World Wide Association of Specialty Programs (WWASP aka WWASPS)

2007-06-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out my Blog - Click Here: Sue Scheff Talks about WWASPS in 2007.

WWASPS tries to discredit me however, many people can see through them.

Sue Scheff (P.U.R.E.) Defeats WWASPS in Jury Trial

2007-02-18T04:25:00.001-08:00

WWASP Fails – Florida Mom Prevails (Jury Rules in favor of Mom)

WESTON, Florida (August 8, 2004). Corporate giant, World Wide Association of Specialty Programs (WWASP), came after a single Florida mom, Sue Scheff, and her organization Parents Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), because she spoke out about the company's alleged abuses against children. When she learned her daughter and other children had been abused in their programs, she fought back.

WWASP came after her through fear, intimidation, and the high cost of litigation, when she tried to speak out by reporting fraud, child abuse, and child neglect against their programs both in the U.S. and other countries. They brought three charges against this mother and her organization - defamation, civil conspiracy, and false advertising.

As a result of her tenacity in seeking the truth, along with her attorney, Richard Henriksen, Salt Lake City, Utah:

WWASP's attempt to silence this mother failed.
Sue Scheff and P.U.R.E. prevailed.

Enlarged photos and video clips from 48 Hours, Primetime, Dateline, and Inside Edition were shown to jurors. Tears welled up in some of their eyes as they watched the following accounts of child abuse and neglect:

Video clips were shown of children who were locked in dog cages in the hot Mexican sun at WWASP's High Impact program in Mexico, sometimes for days at a time. High Impact was shut down by the Mexican government for allegations of child neglect and abuse. Although Robert Lichfield, Ken Kay, and Karr Farnsworth will claim High Impact is not a WWASP program, former employees and parents testified they were. An employee testified she was asked not to divulge the program's association with WWASP – she further testified she traveled to High Impact with Ken Kay, president of WWASP, who specifically warned her against divulging its association with WWASP.

Amberly Knight was the former Director of Dundee Ranch in Costa Rica. She testified that a girl was raped there and her skull was cracked. She further testified children at Dundee Ranch were punished with food deprivation and were kept in a small isolation room where they were made to kneel and lay on concrete for up to 14 hours a day. Dundee Ranch was closed in May 2003 after she reported WWASP's alleged child abuse to Costa Rican protective services. This resulted in the arrest of Narvin Lichfield.

Photos were shown of children who were locked inside The ISO Box (Isolation Box), a wooden structure no larger than a small closet at WWASP's Paradise Cove program in Western Samoa. Children told of their experiences when they were hog-tied, struck by staff members, and duct-taped during their stay. When an investigation into allegations of child abuse and neglect was initiated, WWASP closed this program.

Again at Paradise Cove in Western Samoa, bugs were seen in the children's meager food portions. There were photos of children with skin infections, including scabies.
Former victims demonstrated the abuse and neglect they endured. They also verbalized it on Dateline, Primetime, Inside Edition and 48 Hours.

More disturbing accounts of abuse and neglect surfaced during the trial, both in WWASP facilities in the U.S. and in other countries:

A Texas mother whose two sons were sent to Tranquility Bay, a WWASP facility in Jamaica, stated when she went to pick them up she saw terror on their faces, ringworm scars, and chemical burns on their bodies. Her children were forced to sleep on plywood beds with soiled mattresses; they had no soap, no toilet paper, no fans, and no hot water.

One boy spent 4 ½ years of his adolescence being physically moved between five WWASP programs. He entered their programs when he was 12 and was 19 at the time of this trial. He broke into tears as the defendants showed the jury a video of children who were locked inside dog cages in the hot Mexican Sun, the very place where his nightmare ended when he was removed from those very cages. In an interview this young man described more horrific events. He told of how older children in the program plotted to kill him in an attempt to shut the program down. They lured him into the water, grabbed him, beat his head against a large piece of coral until he passed out, as they tried to drown him. He has been left with lifelong emotional scars.

Chris Goodwin's son started his journey through WWASP at Casa by the Sea in Mexico. He stressed he did not want a discipline-based environment for his son, but rather a loving environment and was reassured repeatedly that Casa by the Sea was just that – a loving and caring program. He was not allowed to speak to his son for seven months, and was told speaking to him would harm his progress in the program. He later learned his son had been beaten by four staff members in the middle of the night, then forced to sit Indian-style for up to 16 hours per day while facing a wall. Mr. Goodwin received a call from the program director telling him his son needed a harsher environment, recommending his son be sent to Tranquility Bay in Jamaica. Mr. Goodwin would not agree and insisted his son be sent to Cross Creek in LaVerkin, Utah. He was asked to enroll his son into a new WWASP program, High Impact, on a short-term basis while they worked out the details of his transfer to Cross Creek. He was told it was basically a wilderness experience. All the while, his son had already been transferred there without his permission or knowledge. While there, his son's thumb was broken, needing surgery to put it back in place with several screws. He told of how his son's head was pounded into the ground by staff during a restraint. He further testified when he picked up his 15 ½ year-old son from Cross Creek he witnessed a girl whose mouth was covered with duct-tape and felt he had been deceived and financially "taken" by WWASP.

A young Florida girl was described as having to bathe outside in cold water with other girls. When they had their menstrual cycle they all showered in their blood and discharge. She experienced eating pork with hair still on it. Every night she heard kids screaming in OP (observation placement) while others cried for their parents.

This young girl witnessed the suicide death of Valerie Heron on Valerie's first day at Tranquility Bay in Jamaica. Witnesses say there was no staff present to keep her from climbing up onto the railing, jumping to her death. Girls who witnessed this event were told they would receive counseling to cope with their grief and trauma but the therapist never arrived. Instead, the girls witnessing this traumatic event were given some pills to cope with their pain. During the night after Valerie's death, she heard staff trying to scrub the blood stains off the concrete. The next morning, they made the girls line up for head count directly over the blood-stained "X" that marked the spot where Valerie landed.

Jay Kay, Director of Tranquility Bay, and son of Ken Kay, President of WWASP, sat in the courtroom with seemingly no remorse while the defendants presented Prime Time's video clip of him admitting: "Do I have pepper-spray? You bet I do. And, I haven't had to use it in five and a half or six months." Since the time of this trial, Fox aired an interview with a mother whose son was pepper sprayed by Jay Kay and Randall Hinton, employee at Tranquility Bay, on a daily basis for over eight months. Further, his genitals were scrubbed with a toilet brush. In an interview, his mother revealed that before being sent to Tranquility Bay, her son was a 4.0 student and a good boy. He turned to drugs when she and his father divorced, which resulted in her turning to WWASP for help. She stated, "My son suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a direct result of the abuse he suffered at Tranquility Bay. He had a breakdown and spent two years in a mental hospital. He is now 24 years old and still living at home. He has had repeated nightmares for years on at least a weekly basis if not more. Just last week he screamed out in his sleep ‘Randall, why are you doing this to me?' I can personally attest that my child was far worse when he returned from the emersion of abuse and neglect at Tranquility Bay than before he entered this so-called children's program."

John France, an Educational and Forensic Psychologist, testified about his son's stay at WWASP facility Spring Creek Lodge in MT. He stated his son spent nearly nine months in "The Hobbit", a small structure that was no more than two shelves on top of one another, his body barely able to fit. It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. So cold, his orange he stored away at night was frozen by morning. He was forced to sleep on a small shelf and to urinate in his drinking cup during the night. He etched the words "Let Freedom Ring" on one of the shelves.

While others were shocked, distraught, and cried as these accounts of child abuse, neglect, and even death, were divulged, Robert Lichfield was seen smiling in the corner of the courtroom while WWASP lawyers were seen laughing in the presence of the Federal jury.
In 2006 WWASP continues to grow and thrive, housing thousands of children from all over the world. To this day, WWASP refuses to admit any wrongdoing, including child abuse, child neglect and fraud.

WWASP has repeatedly filed lawsuits against advocacy groups in an attempt to stop them from exposing child abuse and neglect in their programs.

Today, Sue Scheff continues in her quest to provide families with the resources, options, and safe alternatives they need in finding help for their children. Congressman George Miller continues to fight for Federal legislation to regulate this industry, and we at PURE support his fight. For more current news and information on the tough-love industry, please visit Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (CAICA) at http://www.caica.org/.

As of May 2006, it is believed that WWASP aka WWASPS or Premier Educational Systems has affiliations with the following:

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (Recently withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor
Darrington Academy, GA
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Horizon Academy, NV
Jane Hawley (Lifelines)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs).
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Majestic Ranch, UT
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here).
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Royal Peak Academy, CO (It is believed that Randall Hinton - who admitted using pepper spray on teens - is employed at this facility).
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

On June 6, 2006 WWASPS LOST again in the Supreme Court of Appeals - Sue Scheff's victory speaks for so many children and parents that were victims of WWASPS.

On September 20, 2006 Sue Scheff defeated Carey Bock in a Jury Trial for Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy. Many believe that Carey Bock was a puppet for WWASPS in an attempt to destroy Sue Scheff since her courtroom victories. It was confirmed that Carey Bock received $12,500.00 from WWASPS and their attorneys. Sue Scheff was awarded $11.3M for the damages that were done on the Internet. See More Blogs by Sue Scheff.

http://winsjuryverdict.blogspot.com/

http://freedomofspeechdoesnotsupportdefam.blogspot.com/

http://www.aparentstruestory.com/

http://www.suescheff.com/

Sue Scheff (P.U.R.E.) Defeats WWASPS in Jury Trial

2007-02-18T04:25:00.000-08:00

WWASP Fails – Florida Mom Prevails (Jury Rules in favor of Mom)

WESTON, Florida (August 8, 2004). Corporate giant, World Wide Association of Specialty Programs (WWASP), came after a single Florida mom, Sue Scheff, and her organization Parents Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), because she spoke out about the company's alleged abuses against children. When she learned her daughter and other children had been abused in their programs, she fought back.

WWASP came after her through fear, intimidation, and the high cost of litigation, when she tried to speak out by reporting fraud, child abuse, and child neglect against their programs both in the U.S. and other countries. They brought three charges against this mother and her organization - defamation, civil conspiracy, and false advertising.

As a result of her tenacity in seeking the truth, along with her attorney, Richard Henriksen, Salt Lake City, Utah:

WWASP's attempt to silence this mother failed.
Sue Scheff and P.U.R.E. prevailed.

Enlarged photos and video clips from 48 Hours, Primetime, Dateline, and Inside Edition were shown to jurors. Tears welled up in some of their eyes as they watched the following accounts of child abuse and neglect:

Video clips were shown of children who were locked in dog cages in the hot Mexican sun at WWASP's High Impact program in Mexico, sometimes for days at a time. High Impact was shut down by the Mexican government for allegations of child neglect and abuse. Although Robert Lichfield, Ken Kay, and Karr Farnsworth will claim High Impact is not a WWASP program, former employees and parents testified they were. An employee testified she was asked not to divulge the program's association with WWASP – she further testified she traveled to High Impact with Ken Kay, president of WWASP, who specifically warned her against divulging its association with WWASP.

Amberly Knight was the former Director of Dundee Ranch in Costa Rica. She testified that a girl was raped there and her skull was cracked. She further testified children at Dundee Ranch were punished with food deprivation and were kept in a small isolation room where they were made to kneel and lay on concrete for up to 14 hours a day. Dundee Ranch was closed in May 2003 after she reported WWASP's alleged child abuse to Costa Rican protective services. This resulted in the arrest of Narvin Lichfield.

Photos were shown of children who were locked inside The ISO Box (Isolation Box), a wooden structure no larger than a small closet at WWASP's Paradise Cove program in Western Samoa. Children told of their experiences when they were hog-tied, struck by staff members, and duct-taped during their stay. When an investigation into allegations of child abuse and neglect was initiated, WWASP closed this program.

Again at Paradise Cove in Western Samoa, bugs were seen in the children's meager food portions. There were photos of children with skin infections, including scabies.
Former victims demonstrated the abuse and neglect they endured. They also verbalized it on Dateline, Primetime, Inside Edition and 48 Hours.

More disturbing accounts of abuse and neglect surfaced during the trial, both in WWASP facilities in the U.S. and in other countries:

A Texas mother whose two sons were sent to Tranquility Bay, a WWASP facility in Jamaica, stated when she went to pick them up she saw terror on their faces, ringworm scars, and chemical burns on their bodies. Her children were forced to sleep on plywood beds with soiled mattresses; they had no soap, no toilet paper, no fans, and no hot water.

One boy spent 4 ½ years of his adolescence being physically moved between five WWASP programs. He entered their programs when he was 12 and was 19 at the time of this trial. He broke into tears as the defendants showed the jury a video of children who were locked inside dog cages in the hot Mexican Sun, the very place where his nightmare ended when he was removed from those very cages. In an interview this young man described more horrific events. He told of how older children in the program plotted to kill him in an attempt to shut the program down. They lured him into the water, grabbed him, beat his head against a large piece of coral until he passed out, as they tried to drown him. He has been left with lifelong emotional scars.

Chris Goodwin's son started his journey through WWASP at Casa by the Sea in Mexico. He stressed he did not want a discipline-based environment for his son, but rather a loving environment and was reassured repeatedly that Casa by the Sea was just that – a loving and caring program. He was not allowed to speak to his son for seven months, and was told speaking to him would harm his progress in the program. He later learned his son had been beaten by four staff members in the middle of the night, then forced to sit Indian-style for up to 16 hours per day while facing a wall. Mr. Goodwin received a call from the program director telling him his son needed a harsher environment, recommending his son be sent to Tranquility Bay in Jamaica. Mr. Goodwin would not agree and insisted his son be sent to Cross Creek in LaVerkin, Utah. He was asked to enroll his son into a new WWASP program, High Impact, on a short-term basis while they worked out the details of his transfer to Cross Creek. He was told it was basically a wilderness experience. All the while, his son had already been transferred there without his permission or knowledge. While there, his son's thumb was broken, needing surgery to put it back in place with several screws. He told of how his son's head was pounded into the ground by staff during a restraint. He further testified when he picked up his 15 ½ year-old son from Cross Creek he witnessed a girl whose mouth was covered with duct-tape and felt he had been deceived and financially "taken" by WWASP.

A young Florida girl was described as having to bathe outside in cold water with other girls. When they had their menstrual cycle they all showered in their blood and discharge. She experienced eating pork with hair still on it. Every night she heard kids screaming in OP (observation placement) while others cried for their parents.

This young girl witnessed the suicide death of Valerie Heron on Valerie's first day at Tranquility Bay in Jamaica. Witnesses say there was no staff present to keep her from climbing up onto the railing, jumping to her death. Girls who witnessed this event were told they would receive counseling to cope with their grief and trauma but the therapist never arrived. Instead, the girls witnessing this traumatic event were given some pills to cope with their pain. During the night after Valerie's death, she heard staff trying to scrub the blood stains off the concrete. The next morning, they made the girls line up for head count directly over the blood-stained "X" that marked the spot where Valerie landed.

Jay Kay, Director of Tranquility Bay, and son of Ken Kay, President of WWASP, sat in the courtroom with seemingly no remorse while the defendants presented Prime Time's video clip of him admitting: "Do I have pepper-spray? You bet I do. And, I haven't had to use it in five and a half or six months." Since the time of this trial, Fox aired an interview with a mother whose son was pepper sprayed by Jay Kay and Randall Hinton, employee at Tranquility Bay, on a daily basis for over eight months. Further, his genitals were scrubbed with a toilet brush. In an interview, his mother revealed that before being sent to Tranquility Bay, her son was a 4.0 student and a good boy. He turned to drugs when she and his father divorced, which resulted in her turning to WWASP for help. She stated, "My son suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a direct result of the abuse he suffered at Tranquility Bay. He had a breakdown and spent two years in a mental hospital. He is now 24 years old and still living at home. He has had repeated nightmares for years on at least a weekly basis if not more. Just last week he screamed out in his sleep ‘Randall, why are you doing this to me?' I can personally attest that my child was far worse when he returned from the emersion of abuse and neglect at Tranquility Bay than before he entered this so-called children's program."

John France, an Educational and Forensic Psychologist, testified about his son's stay at WWASP facility Spring Creek Lodge in MT. He stated his son spent nearly nine months in "The Hobbit", a small structure that was no more than two shelves on top of one another, his body barely able to fit. It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. So cold, his orange he stored away at night was frozen by morning. He was forced to sleep on a small shelf and to urinate in his drinking cup during the night. He etched the words "Let Freedom Ring" on one of the shelves.

While others were shocked, distraught, and cried as these accounts of child abuse, neglect, and even death, were divulged, Robert Lichfield was seen smiling in the corner of the courtroom while WWASP lawyers were seen laughing in the presence of the Federal jury.
In 2006 WWASP continues to grow and thrive, housing thousands of children from all over the world. To this day, WWASP refuses to admit any wrongdoing, including child abuse, child neglect and fraud.

WWASP has repeatedly filed lawsuits against advocacy groups in an attempt to stop them from exposing child abuse and neglect in their programs.

Today, Sue Scheff continues in her quest to provide families with the resources, options, and safe alternatives they need in finding help for their children. Congressman George Miller continues to fight for Federal legislation to regulate this industry, and we at PURE support his fight. For more current news and information on the tough-love industry, please visit Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (CAICA) at www.caica.org.

As of May 2006, it is believed that WWASP aka WWASPS or Premier Educational Systems has affiliations with the following:

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (Recently withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Horizon Academy, NV
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs).
Majestic Ranch, UT
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here).
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Royal Peak Academy, CO (It is believed that Randall Hinton - who admitted using pepper spray on teens - is employed at this facility).
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

On June 6, 2006 WWASPS LOST again in the Supreme Court of Appeals - Sue Scheff's victory speaks for so many children and parents that were victims of WWASPS.

On September 20, 2006 Sue Scheff defeated Carey Bock in a Jury Trial for Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy. Many believe that Carey Bock was a puppet for WWASPS in an attempt to destroy Sue Scheff since her courtroom victories. It was confirmed that Carey Bock received $12,500.00 from WWASPS and their attorneys. Sue Scheff was awarded $11.3M for the damages that were done on the Internet. See More Blogs by Sue Scheff.

http://winsjuryverdict.blogspot.com/

http://freedomofspeechdoesnotsupportdefam.blogspot.com/

www.aparentstruestory.com

www.suescheff.com

www.caica.org