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| DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY http://www.diamondranchacademy.com/ UTAH DHS LICENSE # 20018 "WE ARE DIFFERENT - BY DESIGN"HURRICANE, UTAH - 11-01-2013 Recently, there have been several inquiries and testaments from parents regarding placement of their children in various facilities across the U.S. Diamond Ranch Academy (DRA) is one such facility, as there have been numerous Internet postings alleging a recent death of a child at DRA. The State of Utah's DHS Licensing Division has confirmed that approximately six weeks ago, there was another child's death at Diamond Ranch Academy. This time, a young boy (name withheld out of respect for the young man and his family), perished after completing a suicide attempt. Since prior postings have alluded to or described his suicide attempt, it has been confirmed by a Utah State Official that his precious life ended in a shower, hanging from a belt attached to a shower rod. According to the State, the police and DHS investigations are near closure. DHS recommended corrective action at DRA, which has taken place. One corrective act was installing collapsible shower rods and shower heads, so that they remain innocuous. Excuse: "The staff gets complacent." Another word for negligent. A State source conveyed, "the child that completed his suicide attempt was taken off suicide watch by the tending Psychiatrist/Psychologist two days before." Negligence? Question: Why was a suicidal child at DRA to begin with? Why was he not transferred to a Mental Health facility? DHS stated that their county receives "on average, one call a year relating to a child's suicide." Since the investigation is near finalized, whether charges shall be filed remain to be determined. Another quote from a State Official, who was very professional and kind, yet seemingly naive, "DRA is one of the better ones. I believe they can make a difference with these children." Jilliestake response: DRA surely did "make a difference." "We are different - by design" - as in shower rods and shower heads? DRA appears in dire need of a fresh marketing campaign to bounce back from apparent, egregious negligence. One imagines, DRA and its adjunct mental health care providers, pray the death of this young man is kept "under wraps." But, hey, they can always count on Dr. Drew Pinsky (aka Dr. Drew) for a stellar recommendation. Quoted from the DRA website, "As seen On Dr. Phil's Life Changers" "I don't make this recommendation casually; this is from years of experience in dealing with people with behavioral problems.." It is more than evident, that the laws in Utah and across the country regarding Teen Residential Treatment Facilities, Wilderness Programs, and the like, must change to protect our young. There is no accountability. Educational Consultants that send children and youths to these facilites, still do not fathom that they are mandated reporters. This is not the first child's life that was lost or destroyed, nor will it be the last, if there is no accountability or humanity. As advocates for children, DRA is not recommended for placement. WE EXTEND OUR SINCERE SORROW TO THE FAMILY, UPON THE LOSS OF YOUR SON. Notes: In all fairness to Dr. Drew Pinsky, Josh Shipp also arranged for a teenager to attend DRA on his former show, "Teen Trouble." According to Diamond Ranch Academy's website, they are a licensed youth "residential treatment center." Owners/Founders: Rob and Sherri Dias Utah administrative code for Licensed treatment facilities. |
http://www.planning.utah.gov/Index_files/PDFs/ut3.57.pdf
UTAH DHS
http://www.dhs.utah.gov/
Hurricane, Utah Police Department
http://www.cityofhurricane.com/categories/departments/police-dept/