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⚫ {{Infobox school| name = West Ridge Academy
{{Infobox School
⚫ | name = West Ridge Academy
| image = WestRidgeAcademy.PNG | image = WestRidgeAcademy.PNG
| imagesize = 150 px | imagesize = 150 px
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| district = | district =
| authority = | authority =
| denomination = | denomination = nondenominational
| affiliation = | affiliation =
| trustee = | trustee =
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| endowment = | endowment =
| grades = | grades =
| age range = 9 - 17<ref>http://www.utahboysranch.org/Admissions/Admissions.html</ref> | age range = 9 - 17<ref>{{cite web| title = Admissions | work = West Ridge Academy web site | url = http://westridgeacademy.com/categories/66/Default.aspx}}</ref>
| classrooms = | classrooms =
| campus = | campus =
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| students = | students =
| alumni = | alumni =
| enrollment = 150<ref>{{cite web| last =Ball| first =Fred | title =Fred Ball Speaking on Business | work =KSL Radio Small Business Resource Center | publisher =] | date = October 3, 2007 | url = http://smallbiz.ksl.com/speak-14010i.php| accessdate = June 13, 2009}}</ref>
| enrollment =
| homepage = http://westridgeacademy.com/ | homepage = http://westridgeacademy.com/
}} }}


'''West Ridge Academy''' (known as the '''Utah Boys Ranch''' until 2005), is a youth ] ] (classified as a "therapeutic school" according to Utah statutes) 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''', formerly called the '''Utah Boys Ranch''', is "an early-intervention residential program that deals with boys at risk" in ], ].


Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name 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>
⚫ ==History==
'''West Ridge Academy''', formerly called the '''Utah Boys Ranch''', is "an early-intervention residential program that serves young men and young women and their families ], ].


==Stated purpose and governance==
==History==
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 ] is composed of prominent Utah residents including ] religion instructor Sally Wyne and ]<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 Utah Senator Delpha Baird, West Jordan city Judge Ronald Kunz, and police chief Ken McGuire.<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 licensed by the ].<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>. The license of West Ridge Academy is reviewed annually and the organization receives periodic visits from a licensing specialist to monitor and provide technical assistance and to insure compliance with Core and Categorical Rules of Treatment.<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> The ] responds to West Ridge Academy upon an allegation of child abuse or neglect.
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.


⚫ ==History and controversy==
Our Goal and Mission at West Ridge Academy is to offer hope and healing to families. A young person spiraling out of control can be devastating to even the healthiest of families. Sometimes normal parenting skills simply aren't enough. We are here to help. Our passion is to build trusting relationships with your son or daughter that will hopefully help facilitate a lifelong change in heart. They will learn new coping skills and moral and spiritual values that will propel them into a more functional and peaceful way of life. Thees changes are miraculous to see and the reason why we love what we do at West Ridge Academy.
]
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>
{{citation
| title = Illegal Goings On at the Utah Boys Ranch?
| publisher = Associated Press
| year = 2004 | month = September | day = 27
| url = http://www.isaccorp.org/documents/utah-boys-ranch.09.27.04.html
}}</ref>


On May 15, 2008, Tyler Elsey, a former West Ridge Academy resident, filed a lawsuit alleging ] and ] against West Ridge Academy in Utah District court. As of June 2009, the case is inactive (the status in the Utah court system is given as "notice of removal").<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>
Our Therapeutic Program is holistic in approach, treating the mental, physical and spiritual problems. At the foundation of our program, we use natural and logical consequences to teach and tutor our students. If we can teach a student that keeping their agreements in life matters and is important, life will really begin to open up and work for them. Accountability is a must and all of our staff: home parents, live-in counselors, therapists, teachers and administrators are engaged in the process of teaching your child what works.


⚫ On January 2, 2009, Eric Norwood published an article alleging abuses and controversial 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://www.orato.com/self-help/mormon-prep-school-west-ridge-academy | 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 = 2009-01-13 | accessdate = 6/9/2009}}</ref>
Our Therapeutic Team consists of 16 licensed professionals that are here to serve you and your family's needs. Upon arriving at West Ridge, your family will be assisgned a full time therapist that will work with your son or daughter for the duration of their stay and after.


Former students and staff at the academy allege there is a strong connection with ] (also known as the Mormon Church)<ref>Frequently cited examples of this connection with the Mormon church include the following:
Therapy: Our therapeutic team provides Individual, Family and Group therapy on a weekly basis. It is the goal of our team to work past the presenting symptoms to get to the core of what is really running your child's behavior. Therapy will focus on these core issues. Once these issues are addressed, a new individual with a different perspective on life emerges. They are healthier, happier and more equipped to problem solve and communincate with everyone. The once combative and oppositional attitude is replaced with cooperation and insight. Problems simply become an opportunity to learn.
*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. {{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}} Ken Allen, the academy's director, has stated that the missionaries' role is pivotal in the reformation of the boys and girls who attend West Ridge Academy.{{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}}
*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.{{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}}
*A past Director of the Utah Boys Ranch insinuated that the facility "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}}
*Some former residents claim that they were forced to read from ].{{cite news | last = Norwood | first = Eric | coauthors = | title = Trapped In A Mormon Gulag | publisher = Orato Media Corp. | date = ] | url = http://www.orato.com/self-help/mormon-prep-school-west-ridge-academy | accessdate = 2009-02-19 }}</ref>, although the Academy maintains that it is ].<ref>http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/accred/reports/TeamReports/WestRidgeAcad.pdf</ref> <ref>http://utah.schooltree.org/Salt-Lake-County-Schools.html</ref> <ref>http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives/2006/pdf/146-October06.pdf</ref> Although Ken Allen, the academy's director, said the (Latter-Day Saint) missionaries role is pivotal in the reformation of the boys and girls who attend West Ridge Academy.<ref>http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20090415/ai_n31538696/</ref>


==References==
Specialty Groups: Along with the normal weekly group offered on campus, it has become necessary to offer a variety of specialized groups to meet the unique problems that our clients are facing. Adoption, character development, bereavement, sibs and drug and alcohol groups are available to our youth with these specific needs, These groups are held weekly and facilitated by licensed therapists. They are impactful and highly effective tools used in the therapeutic process on our campus.

Parenting Seminars: Our parent seminars are held quarterly on campus. These are typically all day events and a variety of parenting subjects are addressed and presented. Parents come away with new tools to complement what their child is learning in their residential treatment program. This will assist the parent with better understanding and can continue to aide the parent/child communication long after the child has left our program. As a part of our parenting seminars, parents are given the opportunity to visit our Hanna property for a mid year parent retreat. The Hanna property is set on the edge of the High Uintas; this gives parents the opportunity to participate in a variety of therapeutic recreational activities and to spend some quality time with their child along with our recreation and clinical staff. It is time well spent for everyone involved.

==Media coverage==
⚫ On January 2, 2009, Eric Norwood, a former Boys Ranch resident who refuses to make public his record and files from his attendance at West Ridge Academy and who is actively seeking to recruit others who did not successfully complete the program at West Ridge, published an article detailing abuses and controversial ranch practices.<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></ref>

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}} {{reflist|2}}

{{Cleanup-link rot|date=June 2009}}


==External links== ==External links==
* *
* *
*

ABUSE at Utah's West Ridge Academy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYamMAcJWs0

ABUSE at Utah's West Ridge Academy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgCldrrLGsE

ABUSE at Utah's West Ridge Academy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ8ZrVLrloM

ABUSE at Utah's West Ridge Academy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOsUjuKaq_w

Chris Buttars and the Mormon Gulag: Staff Retaliate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n694FLK2OE


] ]

Revision as of 03:35, 22 July 2009

Private school
West Ridge Academy
Location
West Jordan, Utah, USA
Information
School typeprivate
Denominationnondenominational
DirectorKenneth Allen
Age range9 - 17
Enrollment150
Websitehttp://westridgeacademy.com/

West Ridge Academy (known as the Utah Boys Ranch until 2005), is a youth rehabilitation boarding school (classified as a "therapeutic school" according to Utah statutes) based in West Jordan, Utah, USA. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens at risk. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) 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."

Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name 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 including BYU religion instructor Sally Wyne and LaVar Christensen, and past board members included 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 licensed by the Utah Department of Human Services.. The license of West Ridge Academy is reviewed annually and the organization receives periodic visits from a licensing specialist to monitor and provide technical assistance and to insure compliance with Core and Categorical Rules of Treatment. The Utah Division of Child and Family Services responds to West Ridge Academy upon an allegation of child abuse or neglect.

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. As of June 2009, the case is inactive (the status in the Utah court system is given as "notice of removal").

On January 2, 2009, Eric Norwood published an article alleging abuses and controversial 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.

Former students and staff at the academy allege 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. Although Ken Allen, the academy's director, said the (Latter-Day Saint) missionaries role is pivotal in the reformation of the boys and girls who attend West Ridge Academy.

References

  1. "Admissions". West Ridge Academy web site.
  2. Ball, Fred (October 3, 2007). "Fred Ball Speaking on Business". KSL Radio Small Business Resource Center. KSL. Retrieved June 13, 2009.
  3. "Home page". West Ridge Academy web site.
  4. "Strugglingteens.com review of West Ridge Academy".
  5. "West Ridge Academy program description". West Ridge Academy web site. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. "West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990" (PDF). p. 20.
  7. "Board of Trustees". Web Archive of Utah Boys Ranch website. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. "Home page". Proficio Management web site.
  9. "West Ridge Academy 2007 tax form 990" (PDF). p. 8.
  10. "West Ridge Academy Staff", West Ridge Academy, retrieved 6/9/2009 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. "West Ridge Academy web site home page". West Ridge Academy web site. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. "UT Admin Code R501-15. Therapeutic Schools". Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. "Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy". Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  14. Bradford, Mary Lythgoe (1995). Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian. Dialogue Foundation. pp. 214–215. ISBN 1560850817.
  15. Illegal Goings On at the Utah Boys Ranch?, Associated Press, 2004 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |day= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  16. "Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390". Federal District Court Filings. 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 (2009-01-13). "RadioActive! Jan 9 The Mormon Gulag". KRCL RadioActive website. Retrieved 6/9/2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  19. Frequently cited examples of this connection with the Mormon church include the following:
  20. http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/accred/reports/TeamReports/WestRidgeAcad.pdf
  21. http://utah.schooltree.org/Salt-Lake-County-Schools.html
  22. http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives/2006/pdf/146-October06.pdf
  23. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20090415/ai_n31538696/

External links

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