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'''West Ridge Academy''' (known as the '''Utah Boys Ranch''' until 2005), is a youth ] institution based in ], ]. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens at risk. It is a non-profit ] corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart."<ref>{{cite web| title = Home page | work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/}}</ref> '''West Ridge Academy''' (known as the '''Utah Boys Ranch''' until 2005), is a youth ] institution based in ], ]. It is a non-profit ] corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. The academy states that "Since 1964, West Ridge Academy has been offering hope and healing to young men, young women and their families by providing quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart."<ref>http://westridgeacademy.com/</ref>


Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and renamed itself to West Ridge Academy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/article_5382.shtml | title = Strugglingteens.com review of West Ridge Academy}}</ref> Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and renamed itself to West Ridge Academy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/article_5382.shtml | title = Strugglingteens.com review of West Ridge Academy}}</ref>


==Stated purpose and governance== ==Stated purpose and governance==
Currently the stated purpose of the West Ridge Academy is "to offer hope and healing to families" by establishing "new coping skills and moral and spiritual values that will propel them into a more functional and peaceful way of life."<ref>{{cite web | work = West Ridge Academy web site| url = http://westridgeacademy.com/categories/67/Default.aspx | title = West Ridge Academy program description | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> The board of directors is composed of prominent Utah residents, such as ] religion instructor Sally Wyne and politician ]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf | title = West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990 | page = 20}}</ref>, and past board members included Reverend Douglass Lobb, Father Jerald Merrill, Utah Supreme Court Justice Frank Wilkins, Dr. Ralph Moffatt, and politician Gov. ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000411103942/utahboysranch.org/board.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = Board of Trustees}}</ref> The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management, a management company owned by the academy.<ref>{{cite web| title = Home page | work = Proficio Management web site | url = http://www.proficiomgt.com/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf | title = West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990 | page = 8}}</ref><ref>{{citation | title = West Ridge Academy Staff | work = West Ridge Academy | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/pages/299/default.aspx | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> Since their founding, they state they have helped over 25,000 teens.<ref>{{cite web| work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com | title = West Ridge Academy web site home page | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> West Ridge is governed by the Utah Department of Human Services and is reviewed annually for compliance to its general standards and specific standards for such facilities<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r501/r501-15.htm | title = UT Admin Code R501-15. Therapeutic Schools | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>. West Ridge Academy is current with all licensure requirements.<ref>{{cite web | title = Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy | url = http://www.hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?corp_name=West+Ridge+Academy&service=%25&SS=%25&county=%25&Submit=Search | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> Currently the stated purpose of the West Ridge Academy is "to offer hope and healing to families" by establishing "new coping skills and moral and spiritual values that will propel them into a more functional and peaceful way of life."<ref>{{cite web | work = West Ridge Academy web site| url = http://westridgeacademy.com/categories/67/Default.aspx | title = West Ridge Academy program description | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> The board of directors is composed of prominent Utah residents, such as ] religion instructor Sally Wyne and politician ]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf | title = West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990 | page = 20}}</ref>, and past board members included former Utah Senator Delpha Baird, West Jordan city Judge Ronald Kunz, and police chief Ken McGuire.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20000411103942/utahboysranch.org/board.htm</ref> The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management a management company owned by the academy.<ref>http://www.proficiomgt.com/</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/870/265/2007-870265761-049ca236-9.pdf | title = West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990 | page = 8}}</ref><ref>{{citation | title = West Ridge Academy Staff | work = West Ridge Academy | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/pages/299/default.aspx | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> Since their founding, they state they have helped over 25,000 teens.<ref>{{cite web| work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com | title = West Ridge Academy web site home page | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> West Ridge is governed by the Utah Department of Human Services. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r501/r501-15.htm | title = UT Admin Code R501-15. Therapeutic Schools | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>. West Ridge Academy is current with all licensure requirements.<ref>{{cite web | title = Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy | url = http://www.hslic.utah.gov/db_results.asp?corp_name=West+Ridge+Academy&service=%25&SS=%25&county=%25&Submit=Search | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>


==History and controversy== ==History and controversy==
] ]
The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by ] and a group of his associates in 1964.<ref>{{cite book | last = Bradford | first = Mary Lythgoe | title = Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian | publisher = Dialogue Foundation | date = 1995 | pages = 214-215 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=34wagn75d-oC&printsec=frontcover | isbn = 1560850817 }}</ref> Later, leadership changed hands and Utah State Senator ] became the executive director and remained so for more than fifteen years before retiring amid controversy stemming from allegations of use of Utah Boys Ranch facilities as part of his campaign for public office. The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by ] and a group of his associates in 1964.<ref>{{cite book | last = Bradford | first = Mary Lythgoe | title = Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian | publisher = Dialogue Foundation | date = 1995 | pages = 214-215 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=34wagn75d-oC&printsec=frontcover | isbn = 1560850817 }}</ref> Later, leadership changed hands and Utah State Senator ] became the executive director and remained so for more than fifteen years before retiring amid controversy.
<ref> <ref>
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On January 2, 2009, Eric Norwood, a former Boys Ranch resident, published an article alleging abuses and controversial practices at the ranch while it was under the direction of Buttars.<ref>{{cite news | last = Norwood | first = Eric | coauthors = | title = Trapped In A Mormon Gulag | publisher = Orato Media Corp. | date = ] | url = http://web.mac.com/goodk/www.MormonGulag.com/Legal_Issues_and_Bad_Press_West_Ridge_Academy_Mormon_Gulag_Utah_Boys_Ranch/Entries/2009/1/2_.html | accessdate = 2009-02-19 }}</ref> On January 9, 2009, ] radio station ] invited Senator Buttars, West Ridge staff, and Eric Norwood on their talk show ''RadioActive!'' to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge Academy declined.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/krcl/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1457176 | work = KRCL RadioActive website | title = RadioActive! Jan 9 The Mormon Gulag | author = Gena Edvalson | date = 1/13/2009 | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref> On May 15, 2008, Tyler Elsey, a former West Ridge Academy resident, filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and sexual abuse against West Ridge Academy in Utah District court.<ref>{{cite web | work = Federal District Court Filings| url = http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-utdce/case_no-2:2008cv00390/case_id-66003/| title = Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390| accessdate = 6/12/2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | work = www.mormongulag.com/legal| url = http://web.mac.com/goodk/www.MormonGulag.com/Legal_Issues_and_Bad_Press_West_Ridge_Academy_Mormon_Gulag_Utah_Boys_Ranch/Entries/2008/4/22_.html| title = Legal Issues and Bad Press | accessdate = 6/12/2009}}</ref>


On January 2, 2009, Eric Norwood published an article detailing abusive and unethical practices at the ranch.<ref>{{cite news | last = Norwood | first = Eric | coauthors = | title = Trapped In A Mormon Gulag | publisher = Orato Media Corp. | date = ] | url = http://web.mac.com/goodk/www.MormonGulag.com/Legal_Issues_and_Bad_Press_West_Ridge_Academy_Mormon_Gulag_Utah_Boys_Ranch/Entries/2009/1/2_.html | accessdate = 2009-02-19 }}</ref> On January 9, 2009, ] radio station ] invited Senator Buttars, West Ridge staff, and Eric Norwood on their talk show ''RadioActive!'' to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge Academy declined.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/krcl/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1457176 | work = KRCL RadioActive website | title = RadioActive! Jan 9 The Mormon Gulag | author = Gena Edvalson | date = 1/13/2009 | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>
On May 15, 2008, Tyler Elsey, a former West Ridge Academy resident, filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and sexual abuse against West Ridge Academy in Utah District court.<ref>{{cite web | work = Federal District Court Filings| url = http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-utdce/case_no-2:2008cv00390/case_id-66003/| title = Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390| accessdate = 6/12/2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | work = www.mormongulag.com/legal| url = http://web.mac.com/goodk/www.MormonGulag.com/Legal_Issues_and_Bad_Press_West_Ridge_Academy_Mormon_Gulag_Utah_Boys_Ranch/Entries/2008/4/22_.html| title = Legal Issues and Bad Press | accessdate = 6/12/2009}}</ref>


In addition to allegations of abuse, former students and staff at the academy allege there is a strong connection with ] (also known as the Mormon Church), although the Academy maintains that it is nondenominational{{cn}}. Frequently cited examples of this alleged connection include the following: In addition to allegations of abuse, former students and staff at the academy state that there is a strong connection with ] (also known as the Mormon Church), although the Academy maintains that it is nondenominational. Frequently cited examples of the connection include the following:
*The former prophet of the Mormon church, Gordon B. Hinckley, has mentioned he receives "bulletins" from the Utah Boys Ranch.<ref>http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=6bf3dbdcc370c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____</ref>
*There are several elderly couples called as Mormon service ] at the Academy. These missionaries state that they do not proselytize, but provide spiritual counsel for the youths that come to them. <ref>{{cite news | last = Farmer | first = Molly | title = West Ridge Academy missionaries tutor with love | work = MormonTimes | publisher = ] | date = April 15, 2009 | url = http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_living/mission_life/?id=7284}}</ref> *There are several Mormon "service" ] stationed at the Academy. These missionaries state that they do not proselytize, but provide spiritual counsel for the youths that come to them. <ref>{{cite news | last = Farmer | first = Molly | title = West Ridge Academy missionaries tutor with love | work = MormonTimes | publisher = ] | date = April 15, 2009 | url = http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_living/mission_life/?id=7284}}</ref>
*Prior to 2005, while operating under the name, Utah Boys Ranch, the logo of the facility included the phrase, "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow". This is also the title of an LDS hymn.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000303021520/utahboysranch.org/dowhatisright.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = "Do What Is Right...Let the Consequence Follow" Our Yearly Theme}}</ref>
*The stated purpose of the the Utah Boys Ranch in 1999 was to provide clinical services and education through theistic practices, emphasizing "spiritual and moral values" and the "principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ."{{cn}} Additionally, the Director at the time had made statements that indicated the facility "promotes and teaches religious principles".<ref>In reference to the Ranch not entering into government contracts the Director stated, "the facts indicate that our government believes the laws governing separation of church and state are violated when governmenr dollars are used in any program that promotes and teaches religious principles."{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000411154008/utahboysranch.org/director.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = A Message From Our Director}} </ref> *In 1999 the "motto" of the facility was, "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow". This is also the title of an LDS Hymn.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000303021520/utahboysranch.org/dowhatisright.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = "Do What Is Right...Let the Consequence Follow" Our Yearly Theme}}</ref>
*], the former director, said the facility "promotes and teaches the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ." He also stated, "the facts indicate that our government believes the laws governing separation of church and state are violated when governmenr dollars are used in any program that promotes and teaches religious principles.<ref>"{{cite web | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20000411154008/utahboysranch.org/director.htm | work = Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website | accessdate = 6/9/2009 | title = A Message From Our Director}} </ref>
*Some former residents claim that they were forced to read from ].<ref>{{cite news | last = Norwood | first = Eric | coauthors = | title = Trapped In A Mormon Gulag | publisher = Orato Media Corp. | date = ] | url = http://web.mac.com/goodk/www.MormonGulag.com/Legal_Issues_and_Bad_Press_West_Ridge_Academy_Mormon_Gulag_Utah_Boys_Ranch/Entries/2009/1/2_.html | accessdate = 2009-06-12 }}</ref>


==Notes== ==Notes==
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] ]
] ]
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Revision as of 17:58, 13 June 2009

Private school
West Ridge Academy
Location
West Jordan, Utah, USA
Information
School typeprivate
Denominationnondenominational
DirectorKenneth Allen
Age range9 - 17
Websitehttp://westridgeacademy.com/

West Ridge Academy (known as the Utah Boys Ranch until 2005), is a youth rehabilitation institution based in West Jordan, Utah, USA. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. The academy states that "Since 1964, West Ridge Academy has been offering hope and healing to young men, young women and their families by providing quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart."

Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and renamed itself to West Ridge Academy.

Stated purpose and governance

Currently the stated purpose of the West Ridge Academy is "to offer hope and healing to families" by establishing "new coping skills and moral and spiritual values that will propel them into a more functional and peaceful way of life." The board of directors is composed of prominent Utah residents, such as BYU religion instructor Sally Wyne and politician LaVar Christensen, and past board members included former Utah Senator Delpha Baird, West Jordan city Judge Ronald Kunz, and police chief Ken McGuire. The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management a management company owned by the academy. Since their founding, they state they have helped over 25,000 teens. West Ridge is governed by the Utah Department of Human Services. . West Ridge Academy is current with all licensure requirements.

History and controversy

Utah Boys Ranch navigation sign prior to renaming of the facility to West Ridge Academy in 2005

The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by Lowell L. Bennion and a group of his associates in 1964. Later, leadership changed hands and Utah State Senator Chris Buttars became the executive director and remained so for more than fifteen years before retiring amid controversy.

On May 15, 2008, Tyler Elsey, a former West Ridge Academy resident, filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and sexual abuse against West Ridge Academy in Utah District court.

On January 2, 2009, Eric Norwood published an article detailing abusive and unethical practices at the ranch. On January 9, 2009, Salt Lake City radio station KRCL invited Senator Buttars, West Ridge staff, and Eric Norwood on their talk show RadioActive! to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge Academy declined.

In addition to allegations of abuse, former students and staff at the academy state that there is a strong connection with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church), although the Academy maintains that it is nondenominational. Frequently cited examples of the connection include the following:

  • The former prophet of the Mormon church, Gordon B. Hinckley, has mentioned he receives "bulletins" from the Utah Boys Ranch.
  • There are several Mormon "service" missionaries stationed at the Academy. These missionaries state that they do not proselytize, but provide spiritual counsel for the youths that come to them.
  • In 1999 the "motto" of the facility was, "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow". This is also the title of an LDS Hymn.
  • Chris Buttars, the former director, said the facility "promotes and teaches the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ." He also stated, "the facts indicate that our government believes the laws governing separation of church and state are violated when governmenr dollars are used in any program that promotes and teaches religious principles.
  • Some former residents claim that they were forced to read from The Book of Mormon.

Notes

  1. "Admissions". West Ridge Academy web site.
  2. http://westridgeacademy.com/
  3. "Strugglingteens.com review of West Ridge Academy".
  4. "West Ridge Academy program description". West Ridge Academy web site. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. "West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990" (PDF). p. 20.
  6. http://web.archive.org/web/20000411103942/utahboysranch.org/board.htm
  7. http://www.proficiomgt.com/
  8. "West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990" (PDF). p. 8.
  9. "West Ridge Academy Staff", West Ridge Academy, retrieved 6/9/2009 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. "West Ridge Academy web site home page". West Ridge Academy web site. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. "UT Admin Code R501-15. Therapeutic Schools". Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. "Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy". Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. Bradford, Mary Lythgoe (1995). Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian. Dialogue Foundation. pp. 214–215. ISBN 1560850817.
  14. Illegal Goings On at the Utah Boys Ranch?, Associated Press, 2004 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |day= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  15. "Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390". Federal District Court Filings. Retrieved 6/12/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. "Legal Issues and Bad Press". www.mormongulag.com/legal. Retrieved 6/12/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  17. Norwood, Eric (2009-01-02). "Trapped In A Mormon Gulag". Orato Media Corp. Retrieved 2009-02-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  18. Gena Edvalson (1/13/2009). "RadioActive! Jan 9 The Mormon Gulag". KRCL RadioActive website. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  19. http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=6bf3dbdcc370c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
  20. Farmer, Molly (April 15, 2009). "West Ridge Academy missionaries tutor with love". MormonTimes. Deseret News.
  21. ""Do What Is Right...Let the Consequence Follow" Our Yearly Theme". Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ""A Message From Our Director". Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  23. Norwood, Eric (2009-01-02). "Trapped In A Mormon Gulag". Orato Media Corp. Retrieved 2009-06-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

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