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Sunday, April 02, 2006
KHK Protestors Face The Elements in Columbus
Posted by Media Release
On Friday March 31, 2006, protesters from Ohio and other states gathered in Columbus, Ohio to express their opposition to Kids Helping Kids (KHK), a drug treatment program located in Milford Ohio. The purpose of this event was to inform the public and Ohio government officials that ODADAS routinely fails to adequately investigate KHK client complaints, to persuade Ohio officials to aggressively investigate KHK, to educate the public about KHK’s systematic use of unethical, questionable, abusive, and harmful drug treatment methods, and to demand that KHK be held accountable for such intolerable so-called treatment methods.
Before the noon protest started, WBNS-Channel 10 reporter Eve Mueller interviewed the three Straight Survivors at the station. All three protesters explained to Ms. Mueller how the Straight, Inc. treatment model, currently used by KHK, could emotionally, physically, and psychologically injure children. Afterward, the protesters headed downtown to the State House grounds where they assembled at the McKinley Memorial in Capitol Square. Despite rainy conditions and continuous 35 mph wind gusts, determined protesters continued with the event.
WBNS-Channel 10 and WCMH-Channel 4 news crews both arrived around 12:15 or so and started filming the protest activities and conducting additional on-location interviews. Channel 10 reporter Eve Mueller and a cameraman also accompanied one protester to the Office of the First Lady Hope Taft, to film that protester as he personally hand delivered a letter which outlined how the treatment used by KHK abuses kids and to call for an end to the abuse.
As all the protesters held signs such as “KHK Scares Kids Silent” and “ODADAS Ignores Abuse,” passers-by frequently stopped to ask questions. One protester used a bullhorn to repeat the sign’s messages. The same energetic protestor with the bullhorn also generated a great deal of interest by expressing other uncompromising messages such as “Defend your children, investigate Kids Helping Kids” and “Kids Helping Kids uses coercive thought-reform techniques to brainwash the youth.” Citizens who showed interest in the protester’s messages often shared similar stories and experiences. Others, who had never even heard about KHK, either expressed concern or outrage toward KHK practices or encouraged the group to continue their efforts. At one point, an Ohio state trooper stopped by to confirm that the group had indeed obtained a permit and to let the protesters know that he thought they were promoting a “good cause.” He wished them luck then left. Another interested citizen even volunteered to hold a sign for about a half hour. Only 1 pedestrian (wearing a pro-Bush shirt) thought that “maybe they need that (KHK tactics) to get in line.” The KHK supporter left agreeing to disagree but remained friendly in spite of his opposition to our message.
By the end of the day, the group had distributed an entire box of literature. So, after 5 hours of braving the rain and unrelenting tropical storm force winds, the protesters packed up and headed off to eat and watch the 6 o’clock news featuring their story. The protest was a resounding success.
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03 Apr 2006 at 07:27 pm | #
Hey, what happened to the channel 10 video? The link doesnt work anymore. It worked before. Anyone know?
03 Apr 2006 at 11:12 pm | #
Works for me!
04 Apr 2006 at 06:38 pm | #
Message to KHK Survivors,
If any of you want to, but have not and/or still hesitate to speak out against KHK for any reason, I encourage you to do so. As you know, 3 Straight Survivors protested against KHK last Friday in Columbus. Personally I do this for many reasons, but most importantly, to try to help stop what KHK is subjecting children to daily and with the hope that maybe, doing so might help make it easier for KHK survivors to speak out.
Despite the success of the first two protests, the world/media wants and needs to hear from KHK survivors. One KHK Source recently confirmed (& disagreed with) some of the allegations. I consider that a great start. But more KHK voices are needed.
Speaking out against this program isn’t easy I know. But for me, speaking out, although very scary, is rewarding in certain ways. Finally, I am allowed to talk out in group without being confronted/punished. I can tell anyone I want how much I disagree with the program, without being started over to day 1. Standing on the sidewalk holding a sign has an unexpected therapudic value for those reasons.
I hope to see more KHK survivor’s speaking out soon.
05 Apr 2006 at 02:22 am | #
Maybe after this week, there will be more… who knows? It’s odd that no KHK folks are posting here anymore, former staff, clients, etc…
RW
PS, I found this link at some blog site very remotely associated with this site. hmm, I guess there is some support growing. Keep up the hope!
05 Apr 2006 at 04:35 pm | #
I have always found the lack of vocal opposition from former clients of KHK puzzling. Out of all the former inmates I spoke with after the program, not one had a positive word for KHK. There have to be hundreds of people who found the experience desperately unpleasant. Perhaps KHK’s softened-up methods of thought reform, which were less physically abusive than Straight, have left its survivor population grappling with the definition of abuse. I know it took time for me to declare with certainty that what I witnessed and endured was destructive. This is because the KHK method reinforces the notion that the individual is responsible for his or her predicament, and is therefore deserving of harsh, controversial treatment.
Two decades after KHK, I am only just beginning to tap the reservoir of outrage over my experiences there. With each installment of knowledge, my conviction that KHK is blemish on the drug treatment industry is strengthened. I cannot be an anomaly.
08 Apr 2006 at 12:23 am | #
Thank you KHK Survivor. I doubt very seriously if KHK is much less harsh than STRAIGHT, INC. The treatment method thrives on humiliation, coercion, thought reform, false information, QUACK therapy, secrecy, etc… Take the host home model for example. Most kids in high school, and even the ones that are truant… you will most likely find that most, if not all of them, would scoff at the notion that it is OK to be watched while using the bathroom. There are other harsh qualities that are low-level and long term. While not so ruthlessly violent, they seep into the depths of the psyches of the kids and last a lifetime. How else can a recipient of this treatment 20 years later be diagnosed with PTSD caused by simply “realizing” what happened to them. That’s harsh. Then there’s the reports that the police take down when kids in that warehouse try to leave or kill themselves. In STRAIGHT, INC. it was uncommon to have police reports taken. One could assume that there are many instances at KHK that do not get reported though. Soon, there will be accountablility. At some point, the abuse has to end. Os there any reader out there who would be able to donate an ad for a couple of weeks in the local newspaper? It usually runs around $75 or so per week. With an ad, more survivors might decide to come out of the woodwork and become proactive.
RW
15 Apr 2006 at 05:07 pm | #
Testing
21 Apr 2006 at 11:21 pm | #
They don’t watch people in the bathroom and they don’t watch people in the shower. The stuff you went through sounds awful but you are talking about things that are not relevant to the way they do things today. You all need to get your facts straight before you write.
22 Apr 2006 at 12:56 am | #
Well, how else can an oldcomer be “aware” of the newcomer at all times? Is it possible that former clients of KHK are lying about being watched in the bathrooms? I doubt it. Did KHK just change that policy recently? How do you know so much about this? Why do they sleep in their underwear in the room with the alarm and locked windows at night? What’s up with the constant arm on shoulder when walking around? Why is there a locked chain link cage outside the building? Is it a used for lions or other dangerous animals? What is the purpose of forcing kids to write MI’s? What is the reasoning behind forcing the kids to “motivate”? That is ABNORMAL behavior and completely unneccesary. Why do the parents NOT know where their kids are staying at night for weeks or months? Why did TriState Drug Rehabilitation all of a sudden just dissolve and Pathway take over the name? If these claims are false, then why has nobody stepped up and said what REALLY happens? Lay it out so people will know what to believe.
RW
25 Apr 2006 at 04:10 pm | #
My belief is that no matter how it’s laid out to you, you will still believe whatever you have believed up to this point. If someone is supportive of the program, you state that they are brainwashed. If they are not in support of the program, then of course you believe all that they say. Seems to me that we can’t have an open honest discussion.. which is obvious by your defensive reply.. I was just correcting misinformation about one topic and you brought up 30 more.. I know that you believe that what you are doing is right; I have no beef with that. My frustration is that you base your information on things that either happened somewhere else, didn’t happen at all, or no longer happen. If KHK is trying to make changes that you all say that you want, you should support that instead of taking for granted that everything is the same as your experience.
25 Apr 2006 at 08:27 pm | #
I escaped from Kids Helping Kids (KHK) on February 24, 1996 - after 60 days within those walls. I am proud to say I never “worked” the program.
I feel compelled to defend myself and the other kids who are, or were, confined there. Someone looking in from the outside, that does not have my first-hand knowledge and perspective will most certainly ask – “what kind of kids are these?” You may hear a “graduate” or parent of one of these children proclaim that KHK saved their lives. They are convinced that the road they were on was leading to prison or death. They will undoubtedly be able to give you countless examples of how substance abuse was destroying their lives and how they had nowhere else to turn.
I believe that this sort of account is not so much the reason parents send their kids to KHK, as it is the result. The parents are “counseled” regularly by the KHK shrinks – who prey upon the parents’ worst fears - in order to gain support for their unusual tactics. This is also why, if you really investigate who is being sent there, you will find that many KHK parents end up sending not just one, but two or three of their children to this “treatment” facility. The criterion for admission is not very strict – if your child has ever disobeyed you, or tasted alcohol – the KHK administrators will spin the situation into a life-and-death struggle.
When fear is not the driving factor, control is.
Power-hungry parents, who cannot bring themselves to relinquish all the control they once had over their children (before adolescence), are enticed by the prospect of having their non-combative, innocent boys and girls returned to them. The parents will enter the KHK building for the Friday meetings to hear the 14-17 year old children singing “I’m a little teapot short and stout, here is my handle, here is my spout!” (Along with other child-like songs, accompanied by hand-and-arm motions like you would see in a pre-school play) The parents are then given the opportunity to speak over the microphone in front of everyone in attendance. They will recount some horrible thing their child did to hurt them, and the child is only allowed to respond, “I love you Mom. I love you Dad.”
The scary reality is that average children, who do not have true substance-abuse or behavioral problems, are being systematically brain-washed and psychologically abused (and, at times, physically abused) at the hands of Kids Helping Kids in Milford, Ohio.
26 Apr 2006 at 01:05 am | #
Ugh, You must have me mistaken for someone else. I only brought up 11 ?‘s, not 30. Also, I never said that people that support this program are brainwashed. I have made the claim that KHK uses thought reform tactics on kids. That can be proven in a court of law. I would agree that someone would have to be inside that building 100% of the time to know EXACTLY what is happening. I base my questions, writings, opinions, allegations, thoughts on this subject on a compilation of reports that I have personally received by former RECENT clients of KHK and wisdom I’ve gained over the years since being subjected to the SAME ‘program’. Add that to the FACT that if you lay out the STRAIGHT, INC. manuals, rules, policies, etc… next to the ones from KHK, they are virtually identical, save a couple minor differences like beltlooping and what-not. The fax machine from STRAIGHT, INC. Detroit was used to send the Health Dept up there some info from Pathway Family Center. I’d say there’s a good chance PFC and STRAIGHT, INC. are related to each other by more than just DNA samples on the chairs. What I’d like to know is answers to those questions I asked. If you can’t answer them, then so be it. Sooner or later, someone will step up to the plate. If you are/were a KHK staffer/graduate there, then it is entirely possible that you don’t see this type of treatment as abuse. STOP THE MOTIVATING, and constant contact with the arm on shoulders, MI’s, host homes, no contact with outside world, make it a real outpatient program, etc etc… Let me know when that has happened.
Thank you,
RW
26 Apr 2006 at 11:40 am | #
797.. even though I don’t agree with everything that you said, I believe you make some valid points and the way that you write them is not offensive/doesn’t turn off anyone who’s listening. I can respect that type of communication.
Royal Water.. will do
26 Apr 2006 at 11:42 am | #
oh.. and Royal Water? Since it’s a matter of such importance to you, you asked 12 questions.
26 Apr 2006 at 11:43 am | #
**not including the one about the lions.. which I assume was you just being facetious
26 Apr 2006 at 01:55 pm | #
Most of the kids who are admitted into KHK are tricked into going there. Their parents will tell them that they are going to see a counselor, or going to buy basketball shoes. They will pull into a seemingly normal driveway up to a brick building. Once they walk into the building, the child will be surrounded by 4 or 5 young staff members and restrained if needed. They will then be taken into an admitting room.
Once inside the admitting room, the child is informed that they are the newest detainee in the Kids Helping Kids “rehabilitation” facility. The soonest they could possibly get out is nine months away, but the average stay is 12 months or more. They learn that all the staff members are previous “graduates” of the program. They are then given the basic rules:
•You are not permitted to do anything without permission. (This includes reaching for your toothbrush, unbuckling your seatbelt, eating, etc.)
•You are to sit upright on the benches provided and stare straight at the wall.
•You will always be within arms reach of someone responsible for you. (This includes when you are using the bathroom or taking a shower)
•Every time you stand or walk somewhere, you will be “leashed” by another person (another child that is in the program – at a higher phase). This person will place their middle finger through the back belt loop of your pants, twist their hand up, and hold onto the back of your pants.
•You will not be permitted to correspond with anyone outside of the program – including your parents. (This includes writing letters, making phone calls, or even speaking with a personal counselor you might have had on the outside.)
•You will not be allowed to read any books, magazines, or other printed material (other than the Bible)
•You are not allowed to listen to the radio or any music.
•You are not allowed to watch television.
•You are not allowed to wear shoes indoors.
•You are not permitted to look at anyone in the eyes (including a staff member) without permission from a staff member.
•Any friend or sibling with whom you have had even one sip of alcohol or cigarette with in the past will be referred to as “my druggie-friend” or “my druggie-brother”. (The penalty for not using the prefix ‘druggie’ is harsh)
As part of the admission process, the child is then commanded to lower their pants and underwear, and to bend over. This process seems not intended so much as a cavity-search (I myself was not probed), but more as an initiation to the humiliation they will undergo.
The child also learns at this time that they will spend every night during their stay at KHK at the home of another person in the program. I will call this person the ‘child-robot’.
The home will be equipped with locks on the doors and windows. The room in which you actually sleep will be completely bare, except for mattresses, pillows, a light, and an alarm clock. The host child will position his mattress in front of the bedroom door – so that the door cannot be opened without his/her mattress being moved. In addition, the bedroom door is equipped with an alarm that is set by the parents after the children have entered the room for the night. If the door is opened, then the alarm will sound.
Actually getting to the host-parents’ home is another process entirely. There is always at least one child-robot responsible for each “newcomer” (1st phase). When the day at the facility has come to an end (around 5:30 pm) the host parent will arrive in their vehicle. The “newcomer” is leashed by another child-robot before the doors are opened to the outside. The staff members and parents will stand watch outside the vehicles as the “newcomer” is led toward the car. The cars are equipped with child-lock doors. Before the leash is removed from the newcomer, he must buckle his seatbelt and “lock legs and arms” with the child-robot. Locking legs means that the child-robot places his entire leg over the newcomer’s thigh, and then positions his foot outside the ankle of the newcomer. Locking arms means that the child-robot places their arm around the newcomer’s arm (like in square-dancing). Once everything is in place the trip to the host home begins.
Upon arriving at the host home, nothing at all is done until the car has entered the garage, and the garage door has closed. Before the arm-lock, leg-lock, or seatbelt is removed from the newcomer, the leash is re-established. The newcomer is then led out of the car, where he removes his/her shoes. Upon entering the house, you are now locked inside. However, even when you are inside the house, the newcomer is always leashed before standing to walk somewhere.
The children in the program have 5 ranks (which they call “phases”) – similar to what you might see in the military. If a child consistently does as they are asked, and the staff/administration believe they see what they call “progress”, the child has a chance of advancing to the next phase. A higher phase brings about substantial advances in privileges (and responsibilities). It takes about 2-3 months to advance through each phase. Here is a brief explanation of each phase…
PHASE I: You are never allowed to go to your own home. You are not permitted to speak with your parents. You are always leashed when you stand or walk somewhere.
PHASE II: Now you are no longer required to be leashed. (Instead, you start leashing other Phase I kids) You are allowed to have “sit-down” meetings with your parents. (These occur after the Friday meetings.) The meetings are still not entirely private, since a staff member is present. This is a vulnerable phase. Most of the kids who make it to Phase II the first time are just pretending (to themselves and others) that they are “working” the program.
PHASE III: You are actually now permitted to start returning to school (approximately half-time). However, there are strict rules about conduct. You are not allowed to look at students of the opposite sex (unless it is directly related to official group-work in the classroom)
PHASE IV: You are now permitted to listen to some types of music and watch some television. Absolutely everything must be approved.
PHASE V: This is the final phase of the program. You begin writing a contract with your parents as to how you will conduct yourself once you have graduated from KHK.
GRADUATE: There is still a four-month long process after graduation in which KHK continues to monitor you and whether or not you are upholding the contract.
********************************
I think my experience was a little unique – I had a pretty strong will. But despite this, it took every bit of my strength to fight off the crap they pushed on me. They constantly put you on some sort of guilt trip, making you feel like you were an awful person. You hear this every single day. Then the kids start believing it all.
Every morning they are required to write journals, recounting some wrongdoing they committed in the past. Then there is a whole process of how they share this with the other kids in the group. KHK calls this “feedback”. If they are successful at making the story sound like they were terrible people, then they are encouraged and accepted by the other children and staff members. However, if they in anyway minimize the severity of their own fault, or don’t seem to be terrified at their own behavior, they are reprimanded and outcast by the other children.
If you don’t “work” the program, they (the staff and other kids) ignore you. The other kids are not allowed to speak with you, even in counseling sessions. They call this “putting you in a box”.
I intentionally acted out (i.e. broke the rules) so that they would put me in a holding cell. They have about 5 of these cells in the building. There is nothing in them – just bare floors with cement block walls (maybe 10 ft X 10 ft). At times they would play loud and very annoying music outside the cells to mess with me. Also, there was the stench of urine in these cells – from when other kids were not permitted to use the bathroom. Nevertheless, I preferred the isolation – it gave me a chance to get away from the constant brainwashing and to have thoughts of my own.
They really are effective at breaking down children. It all gets blown out of proportion, and it never stops.
27 Apr 2006 at 02:05 am | #
797, thank you for that informative post. I have heard from a couple recent former clients that beltlooping has been stopped and now the policy is for the oldcomer to place his hand on the shoulder of the newcomer. This is still problematic and reeks of constant restraint, humiliation, invasion of privacy and emotional abuse.
Ugh, what is the scoop? Now that we have settled the ?‘s number, how about some answers? I keep asking ?‘s and would really like to know. As far as the cage comment goes, the last time I saw a cage like that was when I was at the zoo in DC. If KHK is really an “outpatient” program, why do they have the cage? By its own admission, KHK therapy extends into the households used by program parents. This suggests that the program would not be “outpatient”. Regardless of the ODADAS classification, I believe this is a valid argument to make considering the clients’ lack of contact with the outside world.
How did Penny Walker start her career at KHK? Was she recruited from another program? I called and left a message on her voice mail, but she has not yet returned the call and it has been about 5 months.
I find it disturbing that PFC took over the name and ownership of KHK, but ODADAS has apparently taken Penny’s word that the program’s board is “essentially the same” as TSDRCP. This is FAR from the truth. How can a treatment program in another state just waltz right in and acquire the certification of a “completely different” program? This just doesn’t make sense to me. Where’s the accountability?
I’d love to hear some educated answers to these and those previous ?‘s.
Thank you,
RW
27 Apr 2006 at 11:28 am | #
RW.. KHK is not an outpatient program.. I’ve never heard it referred to as such.. not sure where that’s coming from. I don’t know how Penny got her start. Newcomers have to be in arm’s distance from oldcomers but are not required to be touched. I don’t know the answer to the board question. Ugh
27 Apr 2006 at 12:23 pm | #
The program is licensed by ODADAS as an “outpatient” drug treatment program. Here is a quote from a letter ISAC Corporation received last year after requesting that this classification be changed to either residential or inpatient.
“As you know, Kids Helping Kids in Milford, Ohio is currently certified by the Department as an outpatient treatment program. Kids Helping Kids has been recently recertified by the Department in 2005. At the time of the recertification a site inspection was conducted by the Department to ensure that the program is in compliance with outpatient certification standards. Kids Helping Kids is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.”
then further down in the letter…
“You have also requested that the Department reclassify Kids Helping Kids as a residential treatment program rather than an outpatient program. Currently, Kids Helping Kids is only performing outpatient program services and is in compliance with Ohio Administrative Code 3793:2-2-04 outpatient treatment program certification standards. Kids Helping Kids does not provide residential treatment services as defined in Ohio law. As such, the Department cannot reclassify a program for services that they are not providing.”
So, as you can see, ODADAS believes that KHK is an outpatient program.
No touching? Please explain…
I can see it in this recent video:
http://www.wcpo.com/wcpo/localshows/iteam/92a2f60.html
RW
28 Apr 2006 at 02:36 pm | #
They are not required to touch each other.. only to be in arms distance. Maybe Ohio law says that inpatient requires a stay in the building? That may be the case.. I dunno.
28 Apr 2006 at 04:37 pm | #
Ok, to be “an arm’s distance at all times” is still abusing them psychologically. That doesn’t explain why the oldcomer had a hold of the newcomer inside the host home there on the TV story.
Why are parents not told where their kids are staying? What makes the staff there at KHK such experts on drug treatment? It is common knowledge that thought reform and coercive treatment exacerbate psychological problems and in many cases may even lead to heavier drug use and or suicide. If all you hear about is the success stories, then sure, people will only hear how successful it is. I liken it to bragging about a clean car after it’s been through a car wash. If you lock a kid in a warehouse all day and don’t feed him drugs then sure enough, he won’t do them. At what point is it HIS choice to not do them? Why is he made to experience a “catharsis of negative feelings”? (that was excerpted from the KHK ‘Service Plan’).
Also, how do you explain why the average annual gross revenue at KHK is over $1Million and the only “treatment” kids get is being locked inside a warehouse or host home all day with a staff that only one person gets paid more than $50,000/year.
Another topic… The excuse that was given to the Ohio Psychology Review Board was that Dr. Corcoran did not have direct contact with clients, therefore he need not be licensed in Ohio to “consult” with KHK. I find it odd how KHK removed his name from the website after the complaint.
How did Penny Walker get started at KHK? I tried to ask her but she hasn’t returned my call.
It would be nice to have answers to all these ?‘s, but, please don’t feel obligated beyond reasonable expectations.
Thank you,
RW
28 Apr 2006 at 05:03 pm | #
RW.. I am not much help to you for most of your questions, but I can answer one of them. The therapists at KHK are all licensed as drug counselors w/the state of Ohio. The people who do the assessments are licensed at the highest level of drug counselor, an LICDC. That means that they are independently licensed. The other counselors have different licenses but all as drug counselors in the state of Ohio. I know that people don’t think that this is enough but I’m not sure why, as it’s a rigorous process that requires (at the III level and the LICDC) a Master’s Degree, years of experience, specific schooling, very specific continuing education. It’s a long process. I hope that this helps you.. I don’t know anything about your other questions. Ugh
28 Apr 2006 at 07:49 pm | #
Thank you for the answers you have given. I have a habit of elaborating on answers to questions on this subject of counselors, and KHK in general. I hope you don’t mind. I had hoped to hear from some other folks by now, but, I look forward to that when/if it happens.
You say that this certification of counselors is a rigorous process. The KHK spokesperson told the news people that the KHK accreditation process was rigorous. I am curious now if you are a parent of a current or former client. Typically parents in the program know only part of what goes on there, considering the secrecy and illigitimate confidentiality rule they enforce. Having said that, I would like to take this time to go over the staff certificates issued by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. Keep in mind that the staff at KHK is subject to change at a moment’s notice, so these folks may or may not work there at this time.
On June 17, 2005, a complaint was filed with the OCDPB by ISAC Corporation against each of the following staff members:
Penny Walker LICDC
Sean Smith LICDC
Michele Dool CCDC1
Jayme Smith LICDC
Tracy Wheatley CDCA
Carrie Behrend CCDC1
Michele Walton-Hoehn LICDC
note, Penny Walker may have a III at the end of her credential, however, it is not 100% clear in the paperwork obtained by ISAC that she is indeed a LICDCIII. I doubt very seriously if ALL the LICDC’s have master’s degrees since they were in KHK. I have found that staff who are REAL professional tend to shy away from systematically abusive treatment programs.
The complaint started off by stating that these individuals were knowingly and willingly participating in the treatment of adolescents using an allegedly abusive treatment modality most commonly associated with that of STRAIGHT, INC. Consequently, ethics issues had presented themselves due to the INHERENT abusive nature of that modality. According to the policies of the OCDPB, some of the treatment that clients receive at KHK would be considered highly unethical. However, it was determined by the OCDPB that there lacked sufficient specific evidence to justify a revocation of either of the above mentioned KHK staff member counseling certifications.
In other words, the only way they could investigate or pursue any allegations against the staff members, OCDPB would need a client of KHK to file the complaint naming specific individuals, dates, times, etc… UGH, I can say with certainty that this will most likely never happen given the atmosphere there at KHK. Some of these kids don’t know that they are going into this program until their parents drop them off. Considering how isolated they are from the outside world, how would they ever be able to file such a complaint?
I say that until the kids are allowed access to the outside world on a daily basis, that NO agency should ignore a 3rd party who has presented a perponderance of evidence to support the allegations such as happened last year. If the tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound?
RW
28 Apr 2006 at 10:36 pm | #
RW..
I appreciate that even though we’re on opposite sides of the issue it seems that we’re now able to talk openly. I haven’t found that the case with most people on these sites.
In regards to Penny, she can’t have an LICDC III because there is no such thing. There are 4 licenses given by ODADAS that I’m aware of. There are: LICDC (the highest credential), then LCDC III, LCDC II, and CDCA. These have recently changed from CCDC I, CCDC II, CCDC III, and CCDC III-e. I am sure that all of the LICDC’s and LCDC III’s have a Master’s Degree because it’s a requirement of the state to have these licensures that people possess their Master’s Degrees. I made reference to it being a rigorous process because that’s the best word I could think of to describe it; not because of the KHK accreditation process.
What would be your recommendation for a 13 year old child who is using every drug that they can get their hands on daily (meth, heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana, alcohol, and pills), prostituting themselves to support their habit, not going to school, getting arrested multiple times, has been kicked out of every outpatient treatment facility in their area (4 of them), has had intensive counseling both inpatient and outpatient, and still does not see a problem with/is unable to change their current lifestyle? Just curious as to what your advice would be. I cannot agree with “just take them to a counselor”.. I know that you don’t like the references made to Institutionalization/Death/etc. but what else was in her future? Please enlighten me. Ugh
28 Apr 2006 at 10:38 pm | #
Let me clarify.. when I said I cannot agree with “Just take them to a counselor”, I mean that since that road has already been traveled with her so many times and it hasn’t worked, that advice would not be helpful.
30 Apr 2006 at 12:25 pm | #
Ugh, my advice is this…
KHK uses the STRAIGHT, INC. treatment modality. You have been forewarned that this modality has been considered as a cult, the subject of scores of lawsuits in each state in which it operated under that name, causes confirmed cases of PTSD, systematically abuses children both psychologically and physically, exacerbates drug use in the long run, destroys family relationships, makes LOTS of money for little overhead, preys on the fears of parents and may lead children to have suicidal thoughts, some of whom will act on and die.
My question to you is… How could a parent let this 13 year old girl get involved in so much drug use? Meaning… where were they when she was doing this? In my state, parents are responsible for their children until they turn 18. This sounds like the parent(s) may not have been paying attention.
In this litigous world in which we live, one must be careful when giving “advice”. All I can do here is put out the facts and my opinions of them based on personal experience with this modality. I yearn for accountability and it would be nice if they would apologize or go to jail for their crimes, but, considering that it has been over 20 years since my time in there, it most likely won’t happen. The perpetrators in the program are heralded as heroes in the drug war. The director of the branch I was in was awarded with accolades from all kinds of agencies, the White House, etc…
I believe that children deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This kind of treatment is FAR from that. KHK can’t cure drug use by kids or anyone else. Nobody can. Choices are made by individuals, parents are supposed to guide kids to make good ones. Ultimately, it is up to that person to decide to be using or not using. No parent should traumatize them by subjecting them to the STRAIGHT, INC. treatment modality. I would like to know why adults support this in the first place. Do adults want other adults going into the bathrooms with them at strangers’ houses? Why is this policy even allowed? It appears to be in the realm of Voyeurism. Maybe the police would like to investigate that. The state agencies don’t seem to mind and that is truly disturbing.
Why do parents think it is OK not to know where their kids are staying? That sounds rather neglectful to me. What’s worse is that these parents even PAY $$$ for it. It seems to me that most parents would not allow their kids to spend weeks/months at strangers’ houses with no direct 24/7 contact capability. Time’s short today… more later…
RW
30 Apr 2006 at 02:55 pm | #
Of course your question is “where were the parents”.. but I got no answers as to what one would do in that situation. The parents were there, every night, at home with her from the time she was a baby until the time that she began getting into drug use at school. They tried EVERYTHING including going to school with her, driving her everywhere, taking her to counseling appointments, begging.. and when her parents fell asleep at night, she ran away to drugs. So you tell me.. where were the parents? They were RIGHT there. KHK is not Straight. I can’t make you believe that just as I don’t believe that it is. Sometimes parents need help and they need intensive help. I am sorry for your experience, but again, that was 20 years ago, at a different facility, with different people. Who is to say that nothing has changed for the better? A lot of things have apparently because it’s very different now. Of course it’s easy to say “where are the parents”.. but you have no answer for a parent such as this. I wanted to save her life.. and you blame me.. her life is so, so much better, whether you think so or not. It’s been 6 years. She entered college early (at 17) after catching up and MOVING AHEAD of her regular school age WHILE IN KHK where supposedly they can’t do schoolwork on 1st or 2nd phase.. not true. Anyway.. she is happy and bright and beautiful. She loves the freedom of college but comes home to visit. She has lots of friends and is doing really well in school. She has talked openly about her experiences at KHK.. she said that she was NOT a happy camper when we took her to treatment, and how could I blame her? She also said that she struggled at first with doing sobriety work because she didn’t want to be sober. She told us that she never experienced any abuse. Her worst experience was when she and another girl yelled at eachother. That is her words, not mine. I’m sure you’ll tell me that in the near future she will be suicidal, drop out of school, go back to drugs, and need counseling for PTSD. You cannot make me ungrateful that I have my daughter back.
30 Apr 2006 at 08:28 pm | #
Thank you Ugh, for your reply. At the end of my last post I said ‘more later’. Well, here it is…
In my particular case, I had been doing lots of drugs and eventually ended up being a ‘burn out’. Towards the end of my using years I was 20 and knew that I couldn’t go on doing the drugs and living that way. My parents, of course, wanted to “help”. So, they got convinced that STRAIGHT, INC. was the ticket. It was suppose to involve the entire family and since my family was relatively small this seemed to be the right choice at the time. Once I was inside that warehouse, I was trained to never speak of what went on there, whether it happened to me or to someone else. I can understand 100% how your daughter would experience ‘no abuse’. I have KHK documents that say STRAIGHT INC on them that were provided as recently as 1993 to authorities in Miami Township, and another document listing George Ross business card as being attached to intake paperwork. PLEASE, the program is the same… like Windows on a PC. The version may be different, but it is the same “program”. We used “think think think, first things first, based on objective reality, and the serenity prayer… all present in the program there at KHK today. MI’s, yep, those too, dime therapy, phases, old/newcomer and several other EXACTLY the same methods as STRAIGHT. Even the corporate records show a correlation between the two. Now that Pathway Family Center owns that KHK name, it’s even more closely connected to STRAIGHT, INC.
You say it’s been 6 years. OK, I can ‘relate’ to that. Within 6 years of my graduation from STRAIGHT, INC, I was at the top of my game in the job I had, I had a growing family, lived in a house instead of an apartment, owned several vehicles, etc etc… I attribute NONE of this to the program. As a responsible adult I had to contribute to society, not take from it. Some folks call this maturing, others I don’t know what they call it but whatever… I eventually became self employed and enjoy a drink or two now and then. Guess what? I don’t die, go insane or to jail when I do that. My parents and I don’t talk much about the program, they think they were helping me at the time and they are getting old now so I don’t rock the boat too much with them. I know that the confidentiality rule at KHK is bogus and is one of the main reasons why kids don’t say anything during and after their treatment there. It’s the program’s way of keeping a lid on things. I’m not blaming you. I am saying that the treatment modality used by KHK is inherently abusive regardless of if people see it or not. It is impossible for it not to be. Out of 100 clients going into that place, how many graduate? When PFC did their ‘success rate’ study, it was based on 50% of the replies from 50% of the graduates. I think you should pay attention to the folks who went through that program long ago. We have the wisdom of knowing a lot more about this than anyone else. Just because the abuse “worked” on your daughter doesn’t make it right. Maybe one day she’ll remember something that brings on a wave of emotions. It took me 18 years. According to psychologists familiar with brainwashing, this is normal. Anywhere between 15 and 20 years afterwards. You’ve got another 9 or so to go in that case.
As far as schooling goes, I highly doubt if a first phaser at KHK rides the school bus to school in the AM.
RW
01 May 2006 at 03:13 am | #
Hello to all!
I am an ex staff member of KHK, and have also worked under Penny Walker.
That woman knows exactly what is going on there at that place. I have watched her
hand pick children that she knew would not say a wrong word to the news people while doing interviews. I have also watched her tell them “no motivating” in front of the cameras. Instead she told the children to raise their hands for that time only.
I also know that she has let physical abuse happen over and over again without
reporting it to the proper authorities, and yes that includes sexual abuse.
So, to all of you claiming that this place is less abusive than straight inc. I am
here to politely and calmly inform you that you are WRONG. Authentic documents
have been obtained that proves that khk stems out of the SEED and STRAIGHT INC.
They are absolutely authentic because I witnessed those documents coming from khk
myself and willing to testify to it.
Thank you for your time
I hope this answers some of the questions that some of you may have had.
sincerely,
-Concerned in Cincinnati
01 May 2006 at 11:18 am | #
We’ll just have to agree to disagree. Y’all take care and best of luck in everything that you do.. Ugh
01 May 2006 at 11:34 am | #
This is not good Ugh. Now I have to question why you think it is OK to have a kid abused by this cult. Granted, 6 years ago there was not much available online about these programs like there is today, but, still you should at least WONDER why you think it is fine to have your kid abused for profit. Take off the blinders. 6 years ago they were beltlooping. First phasers do not ride the school bus. And why are there no black or other than white clients in the program? There’s something really wrong with your version of acceptable treatment. Today, can your daughter sit next to someone who drinks? like at a restaraunt? If she doesn’t drink alcohol, will she say no if it is offered because she is afraid that something terrible will happen? What would you do if she drank a glass of champagne at a New Years Eve party? Believe it or not, these are important questions.
RW
01 May 2006 at 12:07 pm | #
That’s why I need to stop having this conversation.. because you don’t allow me to have my own beliefs.. exactly what you’re accusing KHK of. We’re not going to agree.. you see me as an abusive parent and I am not OK with that. You cannot make a blanket statement that all parents are abusive who want help for their kids. Did I say anything about riding the school bus on first phase? No I didn’t. And by the way.. my daughter, my husband, and I are all BLACK! Imagine that.. you made assumptions again that you know nothing about. I thought that you were open to hear what I had to say but now I understand that again, you’re guilty of the same accusations you make about KHK.. you believe what you want to believe and don’t let others have their own opinion if it differs from yours. It’s impossible to have a conversation when someone has that logic, so I’m done. Again, I wish you all the best, and God Bless.
01 May 2006 at 12:32 pm | #
hang on there UGH,,, when I stood there at the end of the KHK driveway in Feb 2006, there were NO black or any race clients. That is a FACT; (my question was asked in the present tense). There were all white clients in those host home vehicles. You told me I was wrong about the school/1st phase deal… what gives? I think the LAWS that cover child abuse do so in a FACTUAL manner. It’s just a matter of time before someone is able to report it. I don’t think you are an abusive parent per se, I think you have some blinders about the program on that should come off… You can have an opinion all you want, this is America. FACTS are, this program is abusing kids in a systematic manner. I respect your decision to disagree all you want, but Abuse is Abuse, plain and simple. I hope one day people will NOT think its ok to pay to have their kids systematically abused like that.
My logic stems from the FACT that I can’t stand it when people defend CHILD ABUSE.
RW
09 May 2006 at 05:20 pm | #
“I hope one day people will NOT think its ok to pay to have their kids systematically abused like that.”
I meant to end that by also saying .... “regardless if it is to get off drugs”
Why do parents think it’s ok to do that in the first place? Are they really that desperate that they go blind when searching for help?
And, also, since KHK is now owned by PFC, there is a minor detail of some paperwork that is missing… LOL… More on that later when I have the whole story.
WHere’s all the people at who had been posting here? Did they all disappear? Where’s the outrage? I thought people were flocking to this issue. Ohwell.
RW
10 Jun 2006 at 03:22 am | #
Well folks, been a while since anyone posted here. The latest news (6-09-06) is that the Ohio IG will not be pursuing a complaint against ODADAS that charges it allows KHK ie PFC to operate as a drug treatment program there in Ohio without a valid certification. The certification belonged to khk when it was owned by TSDRCP, back when it was not filing annual reports in KY, also against the law. According to the law, the certification of a program is considered VOID if the program changes ownership. Well, TSDRCP dissolved and PFC took over and now owns KHK. They even took out a $612,000 loan to boot. So anyway, the saga continues. They operate with virtual impunity. They are above the law and flaunt it. This has to end sometime. I would hate to die before this happens. I just don’t see how this BS can keep going and going like it does. Have we come to the point where we are forced to accept it as being “the way it is?” That is truly sad. At least I am glad I know better.
RW
10 Sep 2006 at 08:40 pm | #
in regards to med number 797 post- it was very unaccurate. khk has the exate rules as stright did/ even used the same verbage. the only place you were unable to wear shoesd was in side the host home/ must wear shoes and socks all times in the buliding…i wanted to know if anyone knew some ghost stories, either expierenced or heard of from other phasers about the buliding. When I was there I always felt bad energy and our lunch lady would always tell us a story about seeing a ghost wearing a white dress walking down time-out hall way….( which is now a relax hallway) where some rooms have chairs and pillows…..
thats silly isnt it?
11 Sep 2006 at 12:08 am | #
lilim00ns,
I guarantee there are negative spirits there at that building. I was near there in 2004 meeting up with a former client’s family and afterward, stopped across the street from the building for a few moments surveying the locked cage where newcomers and phasers come in. When I was on the way back, I stopped at a rest area and before noddin off I heard the sounds of what appeared to be kids playing in a playground. Very creepy if you ask me… and no, I am not crazy. It happened again once I got home 10 hours later and went to sleep again. There are evil spirits that permeate that building. Having that program remain open and illigitimately licensed is nothing short of sponsoring a psychopathic mind rape mill and torture center for teens.
How long were you there? Was it recently? I’ve been trying to find more clients who would be willing to speak out to the press and/or FBI about this place. The government supports it regardless of the complaints filed by former clients and ISAC Corporation. ( http://www.isaccorp.org ). The only other ways I can think of to stop it is through the courts or an “Act of God”.
RW
11 Sep 2006 at 03:19 pm | #
Royal Water, I was in the program in 96-97 and was there a little over one year. In regards to speaking to the fbi or press, i am ashamed to say im really not ready to. I know what went on there, i feel really bad for the abuse many kids went though. I my self as a reslut have post traumatic stress, anxiety, and nightmares, not only what i went though and what other kids went though, but how i treated others when i was an old-comer. I do know that things are changing now, no more belt looping and restraing, and that the program has been given more strick guidelines. And i hope that no more kids will be abused in the name of treatment. its horrible. and sad. thanks for writing me back-lili
11 Sep 2006 at 04:53 pm | #
Lili,
Please don’t be ashamed… as bad as it sounds, it would take someone who just got out of there to make a claim. After a few years, there’s no point since ODADAS covers for them regardless of how serious the allegations. As recently as 2004 they were still restraining kids. They STILL motivate too, which is rediculous. Beltlooping not done but ‘arming’ is and they block the doors with 2x4’s instead of deadbolting for fire code reasons. Seems to me that a 2x4 would be no less a fire hazard. Everything is pretty much the same as it always has from what I have seen and heard from being there watching newcomers being restrained in the cars when leaving after open meeting. The treatment modality has not changed at all since it started. I would love to get a copy of the current rules etc… None of the licensing agencies will provide them anymore since we complained last year. It’s really sad that kids are being tortured like this and there’s little anyone on the outside can do. It’s a rock and hard place for sure.
Thank you for posting here, it’s been a long time since anyone has…
RW
03 Apr 2009 at 12:49 am | #
Well it looks like I am a few years to late lol. Even though I can see that there has been no activity here since 2006 I’m still gonna give this a try. I am a KHK survivor who was put in the program in 1994 at age 14. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. It has taken me 15 years to truly speak about what happened to me there and the things that I witnessed. My childhood ended that March and I’ve yet been able to come to grasps with why. I did not have a drug problem, I was just a mouthy kid who had NO business being treated at such a place, and the effects of that treatment will forever haunt me. I am ready to talk about what I went through now, and would love to speak with other KHK or Straight survivors. I wish I would have known of the protests going on, I would have gladly came to show my support and share my story.
03 Apr 2009 at 10:48 am | #
I went to a residential treatment program when I was 16 for 20 months.
I didn’t have a “drug” problem, but drugs were a part of
my problem. I too struggled with these issues former KHK
patients are reporting. I know you must be familiar with
the ‘big book’, so here’s a quote “acceptace is the answer”.
Despite any complaints you have against KHK, if you begin to
accept how you got there in the first place, you will be able
to at least glean some good from the experience. These programs
aren’t perfect, they need oversight and they constantly need to
reform as we learn more and more about adolescence and addiction,
but no one got there by accident.You won’t be able to make peace
with yourself until you recognzie what role you played, “own your own”
is what my therapist used to say at ad naseum, I thought it was lame,
but it wasn’t until I truly internalized this that I moved on.