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'{{multiple issues| {{Overcoverage|date=September 2014}} {{POV-check|date=October 2011}}}} {{Infobox Organization |name = Aspen Education Group |image = aspen_eg_logo.gif |size = 135px |caption = |map = |msize = |mcaption = |abbreviation = |motto = |formation = |extinction = |type = |status = |purpose = Therapeutic Interventions |headquarters = Cerritos, California |location = |region_served = 14 U.S. states and the United Kingdom |membership = |language = |main_organ = |parent_organization = CRC Health Group |affiliations = |num_staff = |num_volunteers = |budget = |website = [http://www.aspeneducation.com/ Aspeneducation.com] |remarks = }} '''Aspen Education Group''' is an [[United States|American]] company that provides [[Health intervention|therapeutic interventions]] for adolescents and young adults, including [[wilderness therapy]] programs, [[residential treatment center]]s, [[therapeutic boarding school]]s, and [[weight loss]] programs. Since November 2006, Aspen Education Group, with corporate offices located in [[Cerritos, California|Cerritos]], [[California]] has been a division of [[Bain Capital]]'s [[CRC Health Group]], based in [[Cupertino, California]].<ref name=SpecialTherapeutic>{{cite web|url=http://www.treatmentmagazine.com/special-reports/180-therapeutic-schools.html|title=Therapeutic Schools - Treatment Magazine|publisher=Treatmentmagazine.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> ==History== Aspen Education Group, Inc. was formed in December 1997 as a spin-off of [[College Health Enterprises]]. In 1998, Aspen was reported to have annual revenues of $28 million.<ref name=megadeal/> That same year, the [[Sprout Group]] and [[Frazier Healthcare Ventures]] of Seattle purchased major interests in the company.<ref name=StoryNYT2005>{{cite news|author=Louise Story |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/17/business/17teen.html?ex=1281931200 |title=A Business Built on the Troubles of Teenagers |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date= August 17, 2005}}</ref> In 2002, Aspen obtained an investment of $15 million from [[Warburg Pincus]] and $48 million or more in loans from [[CapitalSource]] and [[Caltius Mezzanine]].<ref name=StoryNYT2005/> For 2006, it projected revenue of $150 million.<ref name=megadeal/> In late 2006, Bain Capital acquired Aspen Education Group for $300 million.<ref name=SpecialTherapeutic/><ref name=megadeal>{{cite web|url=http://www.treatmentmagazine.com/feature/133-in-another-mega-deal-crc-acquires-aspen-education.html|title=In Another Mega Deal, CRC Acquires Aspen Education - Treatment Magazine|publisher=Treatmentmagazine.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> [[Private equity]] investors were attracted to the business because, unlike most educational companies, its revenue comes from payments by private individuals rather than from government sources.<ref name=StoryNYT2005/> In 2005, the ''[[New York Times]]'' reported that analysts estimated that companies like Aspen had profits between 10 and 20 percent of their revenues.<ref name=StoryNYT2005/> In the 2009 timeframe Aspen closed six programs. In March 2011, Aspen announced its intention to close five programs and consolidate three others citing "reduced demand for therapeutic schools and programs in today's economy". The closed programs include [[Bromley Brook School]], [[New Leaf Academy]] of Oregon, [[NorthStar Center]], Aspen Ranch and SunHawk Adolescent Recovery Center. In addition the program at [[Aspen Achievement Academy]] merged into Outback Therapeutic Expeditions. Youth Care of Utah merged into [[Island View Residential Treatment Center]], and Passages to Recovery moved to the SUWS Adolescent Program to expand the services offered there.<ref name=restructure>{{cite web|url=http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/AspenEducationGroupBN_110324.shtml|title=Aspen Education Group To Restructure Programs|publisher=Strugglingteens.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> In July 2013, Aspen announced that five of its programs ([[Academy at Swift River]], Stone Mountain School, Talisman Academy, Adirondack Leadership Expeditions, and SUWS Adolescent & Youth Programs of Idaho) would close later that summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/AspenEducationGroupBN_130710.shtml |title=Aspen Education Group Closes Five Programs |publisher=Strugglingteens.com |date=2013-07-10 |accessdate=2014-02-07}}</ref> ==Programs== ===Active=== Active programs are listed in the table below, sortable by name, type or location. Most programs are members of the [[National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs]] (NATSAP); several have additional affiliations, such as the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping.<ref>Affiliations [http://www.adirondackleadership.com/program.asp Adirondack Leadership website], accessed March 3, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fourcircles.crchealth.com/program/holistic-drug-treatment/|title=Holistic Rehab Program l Mental Physical Spiritual Emotional - Four Circles|publisher=Fourcircles.crchealth.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suwscarolinas.com/certifications.htm|title=Therapeutic Wilderness Camp for Troubled Teens: Tailored Treatment - Teen Treatment Program in NC|publisher=Suwscarolinas.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Therapy Programs |- ! scope="col" |Name ! scope="col" |Type ! scope="col" |Location ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |Description |- | Adirondack Leadership Expeditions | Wilderness therapy | New York, Near [[Saranac Lake, New York|Saranac Lake]] | A "character-development wilderness program for troubled teens".<ref name="Aspen_WP">{{cite web|url=http://www.aspeneducation.com/Outdoor-edu.html|title=Youth Wilderness Programs: Outcast Child鈥檚 Personal Challenges - Aspen Education Programs|publisher=Aspeneducation.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> An average stay of 45 days, using a dense forest environment for the hikes.<ref>[http://www.wnbz.com/April%202007/042407.htm] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> |- | Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment | Residential treatment | Utah, [[Syracuse, Utah|Syracuse]] | Conducts assessments needed to develop intervention and treatment plans for troubled adolescents.<ref name=Aspen_RS/> |- | Camp Huntington | Residential treatment | New York, [[High Falls, New York|High Falls]] | Co-educational, residential, summer camps for children and young adults who have special needs such as [[Autism Spectrum Disorder]], [[Pervasive developmental disorder]], and [[cognitive impairment]].<ref name= Aspen_RS/> |- | [[Copper Canyon Academy]] | Boarding school | Arizona, [[Rimrock, Arizona|Rimrock]] | Girls only boarding school with a structured therapeutic environment for ages 13–17, acquired by Aspen Education in 2002.<ref name= Aspen_RS/> |- | Four Circles Recovery Center | Wilderness therapy | [[North Carolina]], [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] | A wilderness-based treatment program for older teens and young adults ages 18–28 with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders, combining traditional counseling, wilderness experiences and a [[Twelve-step program|12-step]] program.<ref name= Aspen_RS/><ref name= Aspen_WP/> |- | [[Oakley School]] | Boarding school | Utah, [[Oakley, Utah|Oakley]] | Co-educational [[college preparatory]] therapeutic boarding school.<ref name="Aspen_RS">{{cite web|url=http://www.aspeneducation.com/Res-schools.html|title=Residential Schools|publisher=Aspeneducation.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> |- | Outback Therapeutic Expeditions | Wilderness therapy | Utah, Lehi | For ages 13–17 with academic credit available.<ref name= Aspen_WP/> [[Aspen Achievement Academy]] merged into Outback Therapeutic Expeditions March 2011. |- | SUWS Adolescent Programs | Wilderness therapy | Idaho, [[Shoshone, Idaho|Shoshone]] | Two programs are offered. One is for children aged 11–13 and the other is for children aged 14–17. A stay may last from 4–9 weeks. Passages to Recovery merged into the SUWS program March 2011.<ref name= Aspen_WP/> |- | SUWS of the Carolinas | Wilderness therapy | North Carolina | A "therapeutic wilderness program with a focus on clinical intervention and assessment" ages 13–17 and a wilderness treatment program for younger children, ages 10–13.<ref name= Aspen_WP/> |- | Talisman Camps | Wilderness therapy | North Carolina | Summer Camps for Teens with [[asperger syndrome]], [[nonverbal learning disorder]], [[high-functioning autism]] and similar [[autism spectrum]] disorders.<ref name= Aspen_WP/> |- | Turn-About Ranch | Residential treatment | Utah, [[Escalante, Utah|Escalante]] | Short-term coeducational therapy program, with a Christian-based philosophy, licensed as a residential treatment center and located on a working cattle ranch. Enrolls ages 13 to 18.<ref name= Aspen_RS/> |- | Youth Care of Utah | Residential treatment | Utah, [[Draper, Utah|Draper]] | Residential treatment center with enrollment limited to 45 students ages 12–18. Provides mental health and chemical dependency diagnosis. Academic services include the opportunity to do online classes with BYU if qualified. Must enter at least 90 days before 18th birthday. |- | [[Wellspring Academies]] (formerly Academy of the Sierras) | Weight Loss Boarding School | California, [[Reedley, California|Reedley]] | Year-round boarding schools for overweight or obese teens. |- | [[Wellspring Academies]] | Weight Loss Boarding School | North Carolina, [[Brevard, North Carolina|Brevard]] | Year-round boarding schools for overweight or obese teens. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring New York]] | Weight Loss Camp | New York, [[Adirondack Mountains]] | Weight loss program for women ages 12–24. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Adventure Camp North Carolina]] | Weight Loss Camp | North Carolina, [[Canton, NC|Canton]], [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] | Co-ed program for ages 11–17. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Camp La Jolla]] | Weight Loss Camp | California, [[La Jolla]] | Co-ed outdoor program for ages 10–24 and for families. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Adventure Lake Tahoe]] | Weight Loss Camp | Nevada, [[Incline Village, Nevada|Incline Village]], Campus of [[Sierra Nevada College]] | Co-ed outdoor program for ages 11–18. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Texas]] | Weight Loss Camp | Texas, [[San Marcos, TX|San Marcos]] | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 12–17. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Wisconsin]] | Weight Loss Camp | Wisconsin, [[Platteville, WI|Platteville]] | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–17. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Oregon]] | Weight Loss Camp | Oregon, [[Corvallis, OR|Corvallis]], Campus of [[Oregon State University]] | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–18. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Georgia]] | Weight Loss Camp | Georgia, [[Rome, GA|Rome]], Campus of [[Berry College]] | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–17. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring DC]] | Weight Loss Camp | DC, [[Washington, DC|Washington]], Campus of [[Foxcroft School]] | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 11–24. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring Pennsylvania]] | Weight Loss Camp | Pennsylvania, [[Poconos]] | Weight loss program for ages 11–24. |- | [[Wellspring camps|Wellspring UK]] | Weight Loss Camp | United Kingdom, Devon, England, Campus of [[Exeter University]] | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 12–18.|- |} ===Closed=== {| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" style="width:100%;" |- ! colspan="4" style="background:#ddd;"|Closed/Former Programs |- ! Program Name ! Location ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |Description ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |Closure |- | [[Academy at Swift River]] | Boarding school | Massachusetts, [[Cummington, Massachusetts|Cummington]] | Co-educational [[college preparatory]] therapeutic boarding school for adolescents aged 14–17{{fraction|1|2}}.<ref name= Aspen_RS/> |- | Adirondack Leadership Expeditions | Wilderness therapy | New York, Near [[Saranac Lake, New York|Saranac Lake]] | A "character-development wilderness program for troubled teens".<ref name="Aspen_WP">Aspen Education Group - Wilderness Programs [http://www.aspeneducation.com/Outdoor-edu.html], accessed March 3, 2012</ref> An average stay of 45 days, using a dense forest environment for the hikes.<ref>[http://www.wnbz.com/April%202007/042407.htm] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> |- | [[Aspen Achievement Academy]] | Utah, Southern | For adolescents 13-17. Minimum stay is 35 days. | In March 2011, Aspen announced that this program would be consolidated into Outback Therapeutic Expeditions.<ref name=restructure/> |- | Aspen Ranch | Utah, [[Loa, Utah|Loa]] | For adolescents aged 13–17{{fraction|1|2}}; utilized an [[Therapeutic horseback riding|equine therapy]] program. Length of stay ranged from 6–12 months. | Closure plans announced in March 2011.<ref name=restructure/> |- | [[Bromley Brook School]] | Vermont, [[Manchester Center, Vermont|Manchester Center]] | Boarding school for girls ages 14–18. | Closure announced in March 2011.<ref name=restructure/> |- | Cedars Academy | Delaware, [[Bridgeville, Delaware|Bridgeville]] | Boarding school for boys and girls ages 11–18 specializing in Asperger syndrome and [[Nonverbal Learning Disorder]]. There are also 18- to 21-year-olds living off-campus in a young adult transitional program. | Closed August 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/CedarsAcademyBN_090825.shtml|title=Cedars Academy Closes|publisher=Strugglingteens.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> |- | Elevations RTC (formerly known as [[Island View Residential Treatment Center|Island View]]) | Residential treatment | Utah, [[Syracuse, Utah|Syracuse]] | Academic services and therapeutic programs for adolescents aged 13 to 18. The academic program at Island View is accredited with the Utah Department of Education, the [[California Department of Education]] and the [[Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges]]. Must be admitted at least six months before 18th birthday. In 2014, this facility became independently owned. |- | [[Excel Academy (Conroe, Texas)|Excel Academy]] | Texas, [[Conroe, Texas|Conroe]] | Coeducational boarding school for grades 9 to 12. | Closed November 2008. |- | Lone Star Expeditions | Texas, [[Davy Crockett National Forest]] | Wilderness intervention for youth ages 13–17 and their families. | Closed April 6, 2009 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/AspenEducationGroupBN_090329.shtml|title=Aspen Education Group Returns To Its Roots|publisher=Strugglingteens.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> |- | [[Mount Bachelor Academy]] | Oregon, [[Prineville, Oregon|Prineville]] | Co-educational, ages 13–18 experiencing emotional and behavioral disorders including: Minor Depressive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Substance Abuse, and ADHD as well families struggling with adoption issues. Founded in 1987 by College Health Enterprises; around 1998 they spun off MBA and a handful of other facilities into the company that became Aspen Education Group. | Following actions by the Oregon Department of Human Services, closure of the school was announced Monday, November 9, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/11/prineville_boarding_school_to.html |title=Mount Bachelor Academy in Prineville to close by Dec. 9 |author=Gordon Oliver |newspaper=The Oregonian |date= November 9, 2009<!--, 6:16PM-->}}</ref> In October 2010, the state of Oregon withdrew its orders and actions against MBA in return for recognition that DHS had a "reasonable" basis to investigate the charges.<ref name=withdraw>{{cite news|url=http://www.ktvz.com/news/25258065/detail.html |title= DHS, Mount Bachelor Academy Settle Case|author= Lerten, Barney|date= October 2, 2010 |publisher= [[KTVZ]] |accessdate= 2010-10-02}}</ref> |- | New Leaf Academy | North Carolina, [[Hendersonville, North Carolina|Hendersonville]] | Private boarding school for girls ages 10 to 14 upon admission. | North Carolina location closed June 2010.<ref>FamilyLight, [http://www.familylight.com/link3/3.03/3.032/NO/Newleafnc.htmNew Leaf Academy -- North Carolina], Family Light blog, accessed July 14, 2010</ref><ref>FamilyLight, [http://www.familylight.com/link3/3.02/May2010.htm Enough, Already!-- Aspen Again], Family Light blog, May 2010. Accessed July 14, 2010</ref><ref name=MarketwireTalisman>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Aspen-Education-Group-Announces-Program-Conversion-Will-Open-Talisman-School-August-1261137.htmAspenEducationGroupAnnouncesProgram|title=Request Rejected|publisher=Marketwire.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> Aspen announced that The Talisman School would open on its site in August 2010 to enroll youth with [[Asperger's]] and other [[autism spectrum disorder]]s.<ref name=MarketwireTalisman/> Twenty-seven students remaining at New Leaf North Carolina were to be sent to New Leaf Oregon and to the [[Bromley Brook School]].<ref name=MarketwireTalisman/> |- | [[New Leaf Academy]] | Oregon, [[Bend, Oregon|Bend]] | Private boarding school for girls ages 10 to 14 upon admission. | In March 2011, Aspen announced plans to close the Oregon location at the end of the 2010–2011 academic year.<ref name=restructure/> |- | [[NorthStar Center]] | Oregon, [[Bend, Oregon|Bend]] | Young-adult transitional-living program for ages 17{{fraction|1|2}} to 24 for treatment of [[substance abuse]] and [[addiction]]. Established in 1991, NorthStar operated independently until 1998, when it was acquired by the Aspen Education Group.<ref>[http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091115/NEWS0107/911150428/1001/NEWS01&nav_category=NEWS01] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> | Closure announced in March 2011.<ref name=restructure/> |- | Passages to Recovery | Utah, Southern | A 35- to 50-day intensive outdoor drug and alcohol treatment program for young adults ages 18 and over. | In March 2011, Aspen announced that it was consolidating this program into its SUWS program in Idaho.<ref name=restructure/> |- | Pine Ridge Academy | Utah, [[Draper, Utah|Draper]] | Therapeutic boarding school and residential treatment center enrolling ages of 11 to 18. | Closed June 2009 |- | SageWalk | Oregon, [[Redmond, Oregon|Redmond]] | For boys and girls ages 13–17 with emotional and behavioral problems. The minimum stay was 30 days, after which participants often transferred to a [[therapeutic boarding school]] or other long-term facility. The average was 60 days for the "Family Reunification Plan".<ref>[http://www.sagewalk.com/programs.htm] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> | Operations suspended on public land pending the investigation of the August 2009 death of Sergey Blashchishena.<ref>[http://www.kptv.com/news/20676299/detail.html] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> |- | Stone Mountain School | Boarding School | North Carolina, [[Black Mountain, North Carolina|Black Mountain]] | [[Therapeutic boarding school]] for boys aged 11–16, specializing in [[ADHD]] and learning differences.<ref name= Aspen_RS/> Program website makes reference to finding a cure by going back to the [[Tom Sawyer]] era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stonemountainschool.com/tom-sawyer-era.html |title=Life Changing Therapeutic Programs for Troubled Teens - Aspen Education Group |publisher=Stonemountainschool.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-07}}</ref> The school operated under a Special Use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service in the [[Pisgah National Forest|Pisgah]] and [[Nantahala National Forest]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stonemountainschool.com/about.html |title=Life Changing Therapeutic Programs for Troubled Teens - Aspen Education Group |publisher=Stonemountainschool.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-07}}</ref> The school was established in 1990. |- | Talisman Academy | Boarding School | North Carolina | An academic program for grades 7-12 for students with [[Asperger syndrome]], [[nonverbal learning disorder]], [[high-functioning autism]] and similar [[autism spectrum]] disorders.<ref name= Aspen_RS/> Closed after the summer of 2013 |- | Talisman Transitions | Independent living | North Carolina | An independent living program for young adults ages 18 to 24 with [[asperger syndrome]], [[nonverbal learning disorder]], [[high-functioning autism]] and similar [[autism spectrum]] disorders.<ref name= Aspen_RS/> Closed after the summer of 2013 |- | SunHawk Academy of Utah | Utah | Residential treatment program and boarding school for teens aged 13–17 | Closure plans announced in March 2011.<ref name=restructure/> |- | Wellspring Hawaii | Hawaii, Big Island | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 13–18. | unknown |- | Wellspring Vancouver | Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia | Co-ed weight loss program for teens aged 12–18. | unknown |} ==Controversy== The Aspen Education Group has been the target of criticism related to the large revenues its programs generate, the lack of government regulation in the [[troubled teen industry]], and the charge that the provider takes advantage of parents in desperate situations. Several lawsuits have been filed against the Aspen Education Group alleging emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of students at programs owned by Aspen.<ref name=StoryNYT2005/> ===Complaints of abuse and torture in Aspen programs=== In 2009, the state of Oregon shut down two teen programs run by Aspen. State investigators found nine cases of abuse and neglect at [[Mount Bachelor Academy]], including incidents of "sexualized role play," in which teenage girls were allegedly forced to give lap dances during therapy sessions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maia-szalavitz/school-using-lap-dances-t_b_345477.html|title=Really Special Education: State Investigation Confirms "Lap Dance Therapy" Allegations&nbsp;-&nbsp;Maia Szalavitz|work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> Because Mount Bachelor and its director threatened costly lawsuits, Oregon's Department of Human Services softened the language of the report.<ref name="10-Q" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theinvestigativefund.org/files/managed/mount%20bachelor%20academy-settlement%20agreement.pdf|format=PDF|title=Settlement Agreement and Release|publisher=Theinvestigativefund.org|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> Aspen claims the allegations were false. In a lawsuit filed in 2011, 17 former students of Mount Bachelor Academy allege claims for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, battery, breach of contract and negligence arising out of their treatment at the therapeutic boarding school.<ref name=10-Q>{{cite web|url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1360474/000119312513442378/d595272d10q.htm|title=Form 10-Q|publisher=Sec.gov|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> Aspen Education Group is among the defendants in the litigation.<ref name=10-Q /> The plaintiffs seek a total of $26.0 million in the abuse lawsuit.<ref name=10-Q /> Two more suits were filed in November 2011 and January 2013, respectively, by 14 former and 13 former students, respectively, also alleging abuse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newmedianw.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Complaint.FINAL_.2ND.LAWSUITnw.pdf|format=PDF|title=IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF MULTNOMAH|publisher=Newmedianw.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> A total of $23 million in relief in the second suit and a total of $19.5 million in relief in the third suit. Aspen, also among the defendants in these two suits, intends to vigorously defend the pending lawsuits.<ref name=10-Q /> In 2009, neglect led to the death of a teen at the SageWalk wilderness program owned by Aspen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cafety.org/images/stories/documents/Sagewalk-investigation-public-record.pdf|title=Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth (CAFETY)|work=Facebook}}</ref> 16-year-old Sergey Blashchishen died of [[heatstroke]] on his very first school hike.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mournwatch.com/photos_p.php?pid=6754|title=Online Memorials - Everlasting Memories - Mournwatch.com|work=Mournwatch.com}}</ref> One summer morning, the boy suited up in an 80-pound backpack; by afternoon, the heat had topped 80 degrees, and he was soon staggering, drifting off the trail, and complaining of dizziness and exhaustion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.momlogic.com/2010/04/troubled_teens_death_possible_homicide_charges.php|title=TelepicturesTV|work=TelepicturesTV}}</ref> Staffers thought he was faking his symptoms and failed to call 911 until his pulse had stopped; that death is the focus of a negligent homicide investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cafety.org/privately-funded-programs/794-media-release-sheriff-recommends-death-by-homicide-at-sagewalk-or-sagewalk|title=Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth (CAFETY)|work=Facebook}}</ref> In 2014, a mother sued Bain Capital, Aspen Education Group, Aspen Institute of Behavioral Assessment, the Harris County Office of Human Resources and Risk Management, Guardians of Hope and two people, in Federal Court, claiming that her teenage daughter was taken from Texas by a human trafficker and locked up at a secret "private prison" in Utah, where she was made to perform "mindless tasks of blind obedience."<ref name="aspencourt">{{cite court |litigants=DBlank v. Nuszen et al |vol= |reporter=WL |opinion= |pinpoint= |court=Utah District Court, |date=2014 |url= |accessdate= |quote=}}</ref> In 2010, a mother and her son sued Aspen alleging that while the son was a student at a boarding school owned by Aspen, Cedars Academy, he was [[sexually assaulted]] and threatened by a fellow student.<ref name="cedar">{{cite court |litigants=Doe v. Cedars Acad., LLC |vol=2010 |reporter=WL |opinion=5825343 |pinpoint= |court=Del. Super. Ct. |date=Oct. 27, 2010 |url=http://recreation-law.com/2012/04/02/doe-v-cedars-academy-llc-2010-del-super-lexis-559/ |accessdate=2014-02-02 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.fornits.com/index.php?title=Cedars_Academy|title=Cedars Academy|work=Fornits.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> The same year, an action was brought against Aspen by a former student at a program owned by Aspen alleging that in July 2006, while in Utah, she engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former shift-supervisor at Aspen Ranch.<ref name="aspenranch">{{cite court |litigants=Morgan S. v. Superior Court of California Los Angeles |vol=2010 |reporter=CA App. Ct. Briefs LEXIS |opinion=6531 |pinpoint= |court= |date=|url= |accessdate=2014-02-02 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.fornits.com/index.php/Aspen_Ranch|title=Aspen Ranch|work=Fornits.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> In 2008, a 16-year-old girl enrolled at the [[Bromley Brook School]] became involved in a sexual relationship with teacher Steven Peters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vermonttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/RH/20091228/NEWS02/912280321/0/FRONTPAGE|title=Vermont Today - Vermont News, Vermont photos, Vermont business, Vermont Events|work=Vermonttoday.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="bromley">{{cite court |litigants=J.M. v. CRC Health, Inc.= |vol=2012 |reporter=Jury Verdicts LEXIS |opinion=22072 |pinpoint= |court=D.N.J. |date=2012-07-24 |url= |accessdate=2014-02-02 |quote=}}</ref> The girl asserted administrators knowingly ignored the signs of an inappropriate relationship, failed to take action once the relationship was confirmed by numerous students, and were uncooperative with criminal investigations of the teacher.<ref name=bromley /> During the investigation, a counselor at the school admitted she was aware of inappropriate behavior by the teacher for some time and reported the information to both the counseling director and the academic director, but no disciplinary action or further investigation was taken by Bromley Brook School or its staff.<ref name=bromley /> The 40-year-old teacher subsequently pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corrections.com/articles/24150|title=Guilty Plea For Frm. Teacher in Sex Charges|work=Corrections.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref><ref name=bromley /> On August 1, 2011, the girl and her father filed suit against CRC Health Group, Aspen, the school and employees.<ref name=bromley /> The plaintiffs claimed the defendants were negligent, careless and reckless in their hiring, training and supervision of the teacher, their care, supervision and treatment of the girl, and in their failure to properly investigate and report the misconduct allegations.<ref name=bromley /> The father asserted the boarding school breached its contract with him by failing to provide a safe educational environment and proper treatment, and failing to properly investigate and disclose the teacher's sexual misconduct. The plaintiffs further asserted Aspen and the other defendants were vicariously liable for the actions and negligence of their employees.<ref name=bromley /> The plaintiffs also asserted Aspen's and the school's failure to provide a proper education to the girl, a disabled person under federal law, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C.S. $ S 12181 et seq.<ref name=bromley /> The plaintiffs asserted an assault claim against the teacher as well. The father and daughter sought compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, and costs of suit.<ref name=bromley /> A settlement was reached with Aspen and the other parties, and the case was dismissed on June 25, 2012.<ref name=bromley /> In 2004, a 14-year-old boy died at Aspen's Lone State Expeditions wilderness program. During the program, Matthew Meyer and his group hiked several miles in 90-degree weather.<ref name=wilderness>{{cite news|last=Fernandes|first=Gina|title=Can Wilderness Camps Kill Your Kid?|url=http://www.momlogic.com/2009/06/can_wilderness_camps_kill_your.php|accessdate=4 February 2014|newspaper=momlogic|date=2009-06-22}}</ref> A combination of excessive heat, a constrictive uniform, and Matthew's obesity caused his body to overheat.<ref name=wilderness /> He suffered a condition called [[hyperthermia]], which is the most severe form of heatstroke and requires immediate medical attention. His mother, Crystal Manganaro, says "his body was literally burning up from the inside."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUX3QVevB54|title=Crystal Manganaro - (1 of 2) - Capitol Hill Briefing - ASTART and CAFETY|work=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=wilderness /> But instead of taking the boy's situation seriously, program staffers admitted in a deposition they thought Matthew was joking. His complaints of numbness in his legs were ignored.<ref name=wilderness /> They told him he was having an anxiety attack when he experienced shortness of breath. <ref name=wilderness /> Then they dumped water on him after he vomited and collapsed on the ground.<ref name=parent>{{cite journal|last=Manganaro|first=Crystal|title=Lack of Training, Compassion and Effort Led to My Son’s Death|journal=Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic & Appropriate Use of Residential Treatment|date=February 2009}}</ref> Matthew Meyer died an hour later at the hospital.<ref name=wilderness /> Because camp administrators would not tell the boy's mother what happened to her son, it took three and a half years of investigation and litigation to reveal the truth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astartforteens.org/assets/files/Parent-Crystal-Manganaro-Story-2009.pdf|format=PDF|title=Lack of Training, Compassion and Effort Led to My Son’s Death|publisher=Astartforteens.org|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref><ref name=parent /> In 2006, a wrongful death lawsuit was brought against Aspen Education Group over the incident.<ref name=wilderness /> Aspen later settled the case out of court.<ref name=wilderness /> In 2012, a mother sued Aspen Education Group alleging that her daughter was "tortured" at Turn About Ranch, Aspen's residential treatment center in [[Escalante, Utah]]. The complaint alleged that staff at the residential treatment center subjected the 15-year-old girl to hours of stress positions, threats of [[suffocation]], exposure to [[animal abuse]] and regular [[public humiliation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/06/27/TurnAbout.pdf|format=PDF|title=In The Supreme Court of Utah|publisher=Courthousenews.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> On December 11, 2013, the case was dismissed under the two-year statute of limitations that applies for claims involving a health care provider.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/01/02/order.pdf|format=PDF|title=In The United States Court for the District of Utah|publisher=Courthousenews.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> In April 2014, a mother claimed in court that her teenage daughter was taken from Texas by a human trafficker and locked up at a secret "private prison" in Utah, where she was made to perform "mindless tasks of blind obedience."<ref name=privateprison>{{cite web|last=Bonner|first=Jonny|title=Mom Calls Rehab Place a Private Prison|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/04/07/66859.htm|accessdate=26 April 2014}}</ref> The complaint states that "[o]nce confined, no contact with the outside world is allowed, except with the persons transferring custody to the prison. Contact with family members or friends is not allowed, and even contact with the family member or agency that transferred full and complete custody to the prison is monitored, and the inmate knows that any disparaging remark or complaint about the prison will be punished by a loss of all privileges earned, meaning having to start at the bottom all over again to rise from level to level by successfully completing mindless tasks of blind obedience."<ref name=privateprison /> In January 2014, Aspen Education Group was accused of "[[slavery]]", "[[abuse]]", and "[[false imprisonment]]" in a lawsuit by the family of a teenage girl who claims she was berated on television by Dr. Phil<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/1985|title=Dr. Phil.com - Shows - Young, Online and Out of Control|work=Drphil.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> and then sent to a [[residential treatment center]] owned by Aspen where she was falsely imprisoned, filed a civil complaint in federal court.<ref>[http://ia600306.us.archive.org/29/items/gov.uscourts.utd.91862/gov.uscourts.utd.91862.1.0.pdf] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> The girl and her mother appeared on the "[[Dr. Phil]]" show in February 2013. In the episode, the teen admitted to having sex with adult men she met online, which the family called "bizarre and dangerous conduct" in their lawsuit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.recapo.com/dr-phil/dr-phil-kids/dr-phil-teen-sierra-meets-older-men-online-says-she-witnessed-murder/|title=Dr Phil Teen Sierra Meets Older Men Online & Says She Witnessed Murder|work=Recapo}}</ref> To help the family, Dr. Phil then paid for the daughter to enroll at Aspen's [[Island View Residential Treatment Center]]. In their suit, the family calls the facility a "private prison" where their daughter was deprived her of freedom, privacy, education, and subjected to "[[involuntary servitude]], and unjust unusual punishments."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.deseretnews.com/article/865595153/Family-sues-Dr-Phil-Utah-treatment-center.html|title=Family sues Dr. Phil, Utah treatment center|author=Pat Reavy|date=29 January 2014|work=DeseretNews.com}}</ref> In one incident, the daughter apparently refused to obey staff members who told her to get off of her bed. When staff members tried to pull her off, her right arm "was badly and perhaps irreparably broken, and its main nerve severely damaged," the lawsuit states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defamer.gawker.com/lawsuit-accuses-dr-phil-of-ridiculing-exploiting-sex-1512824813|title=Lawsuit Accuses Dr. Phil of Ridiculing, Exploiting Sex-Seeking Teen|author=Lacey Donohue|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Defamer}}</ref> The family also claims the teenage girl's constitutional rights were violated and she was falsely imprisoned, as well as conspiracy and fraud. In 2013, the ''[[New York Post]]'' former students of [[Copper Canyon Academy]], which is owned by Aspen, describe confrontational and humiliating tactics, such as being forced to re-enact traumatic experiences, including rape, in front of their classmates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nypost.com/2013/01/10/abused-teens-take-aim-at-lifetime-reality-show/|title=‘Abused’ teens take aim at Lifetime reality show - New York Post|work=New York Post}}</ref> Former students of CCA surveyed at CCASurvivors.com describe experiences of torment, abuse and intentional medical neglect resulting in lifelong struggles with symptoms of [[PTSD]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.troubledprograms.com/lifetimes-teen-trouble-with-josh-shipp/|title=The “trouble” with Lifetime’s “Teen Trouble” & Josh Shipp|publisher=Troubledprograms.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> ===Corporate culture=== ===Cost=== With the cost of Aspen programs ranging from $200-$500 per day (amounting to $73,000 - $182,000 annually), and length of stays averaging from one month to two years, monetary concerns tend to arise for those funding treatment.<ref name=coercion /> ===Deceptive marketing practices=== Educational consultant Tom Croke has criticized Aspen for its marketing practices and for closing programs without sufficient regard for the harm done to students whose promised services were being disrupted.<ref>{{cite web| publisher=FamilyLight |url=http://www.familylight.com/link3/3.03/3.031/aspenmarket.html |title=Aspen Marketing | date= June 1, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=FamilyLight |url=http://www.familylight.com/link3/3.03/3.031/aspen.html |title=Aspen Education Group Wellspring Weight Loss Programming }}</ref> In a blog posting first published in May 2010, he expressed "grave reservations" about referring clients to Aspen programs in view of the company's loss of key staff and its record of abruptly closing programs. He noted, however, that in its 2011 program closures, Aspen had "been somewhat more careful about transitioning the affected residents of the facilities being closed," and that he was continuing to consider Aspen programs for some clients.<ref>Tom Croke, [http://www.familylight.com/link3/3.02/May2010.htm Enough, Already! -- Aspen Again], FamilyLight website (Thomas J. Croke & Associates), May 2010, amended December 14, 2011, and January 2, 2012</ref> Yet in April 2014, he provided an updated review on Aspen and again expressed on his website that he "cannot be confident that their facilities will not compromise the best interests of patients/ clients in order to increase earnings." <ref name="familylight.com">{{cite web|url=http://member.familylight.com/add-public-content/programs-and-more/program-reviews/major-provider-organizations/crc/crc-intro/|title=CRC Health / Aspen (Formerly Aspen Education) — Introduction|work=familylight.com}}</ref> His website cautioned "families not to enroll in their sons and daughters in the longer term former Aspen Schools and programs without adding a contractual provision that gives the family financial recourse in case of closing before the needs of their son or daughter have been met." <ref name="familylight.com"/> As for schools and programs that are no longer owned by Aspen, he included that [f]amilies should not hold the Aspen name against those schools and programs." <ref name="familylight.com"/> The Wellspring diet has been criticized by some lay observers.<ref>Jimmi Moore, [http://livinlavidalocarb.blogspot.com/2006/07/extreme-low-fat-farm-abusing-obese.html Extreme Low-Fat Farm Abusing Obese Kids] and ''Chicago Tribune'', [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0612030397dec03,1,807056.story?page=2&coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true Losing weight in a boarding-school setting]</ref> Wellspring is no longer Aspen owned. It has been sold to an organization known as "RiverMend." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://member.familylight.com/virtual-consultant/indx/enwiki/w/|title=Index Letter W|work=familylight.com}}</ref> ===Lack of oversight=== Aspen's troubled teen programs are not regulated by the federal government, and many are not subject to state licensing or monitoring as mental health or educational facilities, either.<ref name=FTC>{{cite web|title=Residential Treatment Programs for Teens|url=http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0185-residential-treatment-programs-teens|publisher=Federal Trade Commission|accessdate=4 February 2014}}</ref> Mental health and government officials have argued that the current regulation of adolescent private treatment programs like Aspen's is inadequate to ensure lawful treatment practices for youth populations under the age of 18.<ref>[http://democrats.edworkforce.house.gov/newsroom/2011/04/miller-there-is-no-room-for-to.shtml] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref><ref name=coercion>{{cite journal|last=Hardy|first=Clinton|title=Adolescent Treatment Coercion|journal=Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs|date=2011|volume=5|url=http://www.newstartresources.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Online-JTSP-Vol5-dragged.pdf|accessdate=9 February 2014}}</ref> ===Treatment research lacks good science=== Two reports are widely cited in Aspen program marketing and promotional materials: Report of Findings from a Multi-Center Study of Youth Outcomes in Private Residential Treatment (Aug 2006) and A Multi-Center, Longitudinal Study of Youth Outcomes in Private Residential Treatment Programs (April 2007; not publicly available, summary of select findings available via marketing materials).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strugglingteens.com/news/APAReport81206.pdf|format=PDF|title=Report of Findings from a Multi-Center Study of Youth Outcomes in Private Residential Treatment|publisher=Strugglingteens.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> A conflict of interest exists, because Aspen funded the studies and owns the programs in them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astartforteens.org/treatment-research-lacks-good-science?searched=aspen&advsearch=oneword&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1|title=Beware of misleading reports - ASTART for Teens|work=Astartforteens.org|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> ==In news and popular culture== Several Aspen Educational Group programs have been featured in the media: * An article in the UK ''Sunday Mirror'' described the experiences of a teenage girl from England who attended Aspen Achievement Academy.<ref>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060219/ai_n16148104] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> * The [[United Kingdom|British]] [[television series]] "I Know What You Ate Last Summer" featured six obese teenagers attending Wellspring in California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvthrong.co.uk/i-know-what-you-ate-last-summer|title=I know what you ate last summer|work=Throng|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> * The British TV documentary ''Britain's Youngest Boozers'', broadcast October 25, 2005 featured the Aspen program SUWS of the Carolinas.<ref>[http://www.suwscarolinas.com/press-release.html] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> * Aspen Achievement Academy was featured in the third episode (February 8, 2006) and SUWS in the fourth episode (October 4, 2006) of the UK reality TV show ''[[Brat Camp]]''. * SageWalk (not yet owned by Aspen when aired) was featured in the American version of ''Brat Camp''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2005/08/10/these_kids_face_harsh_reality/|title=These kids face harsh reality (The Boston Globe)|publisher=Boston.com |date=2005-08-10|accessdate=2014-02-07}}</ref> * Aspen Education programs have been featured multiple times on the ''[[Dr. Phil (TV series)|Dr. Phil]]'' show in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://drphil.com/shows/page/treatmentprograms/ |title=Dr. Phil's list of treatment programs |publisher=Drphil.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://drphil.com/search/results/aspen%20education/|title=results of search for Aspen Education on Dr. Phil's site |publisher=Drphil.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-07}}</ref> * Passages to Recovery and NorthStar Center were featured on [[A&E Television Network]]'s documentary series "[[Intervention (TV series)|Intervention]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/48410.php |title=Teen's Addiction Leads Family To Unique Wilderness Therapy Program|publisher=Medical News Today |date=2006-08-01|accessdate=2014-02-07}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== *[http://www.aspeneducation.com Aspen Education Group] official website {{Bain Capital}} [[Category:Bain Capital companies]] [[Category:Cerritos, California]] [[Category:Education companies of the United States]] [[Category:Special schools in the United States]]'