The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

It was reported back in early June 2010 that Magnolia Christian School or Academy (depending on what they call themselves that day formerly Carolina Springs Academy) was closed.  I received word from a parent that had a daughter there and was informed he had 24 hours to pick her up.  When he arrived, Elaine Davis (the same director that was there when my daughter was abused and neglected there) was on the porch with the kids waiting for the parents. Animals Abandoned According to this parent - all the other staff left. Then I received emails about the abuse of the animals there recently.  The fact the animals were left to fend for themselves and the video was horrifying to watch.  Animal activists as far as from Alaska were writing me for help on the background of this so-called teen help program.  According to one source , more than 70 carcasses have been found on the property and the Humane Society of Greenwood has removed dozens and dozens more...

With the recent closing of Magnolia Christian School , which was formerly Carolina Springs Academy , it seems that World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) is slowly decreasing in size.  Is it the economy or the fact that there are many disturbing stories out there, as well as successful lawsuits such as mine .  Currently I believe Red River Academy is their East Coast/Central States main program as Horizon Academy and Cross Creek are on the West Coast. Are you considering residential therapy ?  Are you are your wit's end with your teenager?  Researching these programs and schools can be a daunting experience.  Glowing websites and slick sales reps at many toll free numbers - how do you know who to trust? I can't answer that except to say to remember, your child is not for sale. You will know in your gut if someone is being sincere or simply doing their job. I am considered a disgruntled parent by WWASPS, and I will accept th...

Are you considering residential therapy for your teenager?  Do you have a good teen making bad choices? Are you surfing the Internet, totally confused by all those toll free numbers, marketing arms, and sales reps? Are you totally at your wit's end ??? As  responsible parent, we need to get our teen help, however we also need to stop, think, research and consider what is best for your individual teen.  Many years ago, I struggled with my own teen daughter and her unacceptable behavior and needed outside help.  My story has made headlines - and also lead to a book - Wit's End ! that has helped many parents when they are about to make a major decision. I was sucked in by a group that told me all I "needed" to hear - and delivered on just about zero of it. Learn from my mistakes - gain from my knowledge .  If you are considering any of the above referenced "teen-help" programs (in the title) or marketing arms - take your time - do your research ...

Are you a parent with an at risk teen, considering a residential treatment center? Maybe a therapeutic boarding school? Do you have a good kid that is making some not so good choices? Are you at your wit's end? Please read my earlier post on Magnolia Christian School .

Read update on December 10, 2010.  Click here. Are you at your wit's end and desperately searching the Internet for help for your out of control teen? Is your child a good teen making some very bad choices ? Failing in school? Underachieving? Defiant? Runaway ? Teen drug use ? Teen drinking? Are you considering a Residential Treatment Center ( RTC ), Therapeutic Boarding School (TBS), Emotional Growth Program, Behavioral Modification Program , Wilderness Program , etc? As a Parent Advocate , I founded my organization after struggling with my own teenage daughter. My story has been widely read and published by Health Communications, Inc - original home of Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. My daughter was harmed at Carolina Springs Academy. I won a court battle in 2004 proving my allegations against World Wide Association of Speciality Programs ( WWASPS - the umbrella that Carolina Springs Academy fell under) and what they did to my daughter and the deception I endure...