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I am a grandmother that has a granddaughter locked up (in my opinion) in a World Wide Association of Specialty Programs (WWASP). I have been fighting for custody and her discharge for nearly six months. I would like to share my story with you. Please take a moment to read my experiences, and I pray that no one ever has to feel this pain.

My granddaughter, Ann (name changed since she is a minor), was living with me, when her mother had her picked up (3:00 AM) from my home. She was a typical teenager, with some problems. Ann did not have any problems with the law or drugs. She was a good girl making some not so good choices. She suffers from depression that was caused by earlier life experiences. I had made the mistake of changing her medication for depression and she had some severe reactions from the change that could have been addressed at home, if they would have given me the opportunity.

I was told that she was being sent to a "wonderful" private school and was told to stay in my room while they were taking her. I was crying so much about her being removed this way, and the inner pain of helplessness was overwhelming. I did not have legal custody and was told the police would be called in if I tried to intercept. As I investigated, I realized that was not true. I have a friend that owns a private school is Houston, Texas and I asked her about the "private school" Ann was being sent to. She quickly told me to investigate, as it was not a private school, however quite the contrary. It is a correctional facility lockdown that apparently misrepresents the facility as being a private school for troubled teens. As of now, Ann is still in there.

Ann had been living with me for the majority of her teenage years, and some before. Her mother was remarried and the adoptive father was, in my opinion, quite abusive. Her mother (my daughter) in my opinion is a very selfish and self-centered woman, who has not protected her daughter from the abuse. As a mother myself, I am appalled that my own daughter has put a man in front of her own blood. Ann suffered depression as a result, and acted out. This is not only my opinion I also have a judge ruling on the abuse that confirms my complaints.

At the present time, Ann is still a victim at Cross Creek Manor. I am allowed no communication at all with her. I have hired attorneys and had a court hearing on January 25th, 2002 requesting her release and temporary custody. The judge ruled that the parents did abuse Ann, however would not rule against Cross Creek Manor at the time. He also ruled that they have to get counseling before she can ever be placed there again. My question is; How does the same parents that abused a child have the right to lock them up? I am for the family being united, however, when does the court system realize that these children have rights also? In Ann's case, they have never been united, how can that change (while the child is in lock-up) and why should the child be locked up when the family is obviously having severe issues? Why should my grandchild pay the price with her time in this "children's prison" for all the dysfunction that she didn't ask for? I know this sounds very typical of many of today's families, however it is about time we start working together and bringing families back together, not abandoning them.

There are facilities out there that help children at risk. Fortunately, PURE has investigated and found many. What about all the children that the parents were so desperate and didn't take the time to investigate? I have written Senators, Congressman, news channels, the President, etc. Ann had to sign a paper when she was admitted stating she will not say anything against the facility. This was proved factual in the courtroom. These children fear for their consequences if they go "against" their leaders. It is very parallel to cult like procedures and this is an absolute destruction of families.

I went to Cross Creek Manor with an attorney that was representing her, only to be asked to leave immediately and told that children have no rights. Prisoners have rights to an attorney, even those on death row. Why not children? It took years to get woman rights, civil rights, etc. What do we need to do to get children's rights? We have MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers). I think we need CAAP (Children Against Abusive Parents). I know that in America everyone is supposed to have rights, yet somehow, children's rights seem to be gone.

If your child is in need of residential placement, please investigate where you are sending them. There are people like PURE who will guide you. Be cautious of those glossy brochures and tearful videos that misrepresent what they are really offering. WWASP is an example of that doing exactly that, preying upon desperate parents and then convincing them, through mind control seminars, that they are their saviors.

I am going back to court at the end of April for Ann and her release from this children's prison. I hope and pray that our cry's for help will be heard. The depth of the abuse and parent testimonials combined with students that were abused at the hands of WWASP is overwhelming. I really hope someone will hear these silent cries.

We must help our children. Like our elderly, they have no one else. I have so many letters from parents, grandparents and children that were in WWASP facilities. At this time in America, we still have freedom of speech. I am requesting help from anyone that will exercise that right. I want my granddaughter back home and happy again. I believe that children deserve the right to normal teenage years, however, when a parent ships a child out for their convenience, using their behavior as an excuse, this is deplorable. I am not saying that all children don't need programs or schools, however I am saying that all avenues should be addressed and investigated prior any type of residential placement. I do believe in therapeutic schooling and/or programs, however they have to be safe and qualified. This is why I stand behind PURE with their mission to locate these qualified programs. WWASP is NOT one of them. The controversy behind the sting of WWASP is enough to tell parents to stay clear. It is sad to say, that many desperate parents don't take the time to research thoroughly. The marketing team at WWASP is second to none, it is a shame they don't take that time or money for the children. I have noticed that there are plenty of allegations against WWASP, and I have also noticed there are many followers. These followers are exactly that, followers, not leaders that our children need. Their (the followers) leaders are the ones cashing the checks.

If anyone would like to write me via e-mail, my e-mail is blancheamber@aol.com.

Regards,

Blanche Hardy, Texas

We commend the people that take the time to let others know what is happening behind the scenes, especially when children are involved. Our prayers are with Ann and Blanche at this time.

May 20, 2002

I want to thank everyone for his or her prayers. I have received numerous letters of encouragement from people. I want everyone to understand that there is power in prayer. My granddaughter is out of Cross Creek Manor and doing well. I have not been able to bring her home yet. The judge recognizes the damage done to her and is trying to stabilize her first.

Cross Creek Manor had her on so much medication that the judge feels that she has to be taken down slowly from it with daily supervision from a doctor. My granddaughter understands this, even though she wants to come home bad. He has temporarily placed her in a shelter until he can make arrangements for her in a treatment center. That will be done next week. I am allowed equal rights as her mother that is a blessing and beneficial to Ann.

I have spent almost every day at the shelter with her. Ann has shared some of her story, however is still very intimidated with them. I called them a "hell hole" and she panicked that they may hear and she would suffer consequences. I explained that they couldn't hear and she would never have to go back. Ann is terrified of that. She says that this shelter is like a "luxury hotel" compared to Cross Creek Manor.

The judge only listened to the witnesses from Utah that flew in to testify for Ann. This included a child Psychologist and her Guardian appointed to her. Fortunately, the judge was only interested in the Professionals opinions and would not hear feedback from Ann's parents or myself. He was very compassionate to Ann and told her that he felt she would be back with her grandmother soon. He feels that he needs to stabilize her and I support what is in the best interest of my granddaughter.

There has been a lot of damage done to her personally. Ann is on enough medication for three people. I want everyone to realize that these facilities (in our experience and opinion) not only create emotional, physical and mental damage, they sedate these children into zombies. I believe it is less expensive doing this, rather than hiring licensed therapists. Many can see that their tuition seems much less than other programs, but be assured; you will pay for it later.

I have tried for seven months to get her release. For anyone who has family members in there, I beg of you, do not give up. In my opinion and the opinion of many professionals, these children are in danger. When she is able, she wants to share her story. She has requested that they lower the medication. She said that she is unable to think and concentrate like she should. Under the doctor's supervision, this will be addressed and handled appropriately. Finally we can breathe with "real" help and "real" professionals.

Ann attempted suicide in there and was not even taken to the hospital. She was locked up in a cell on a concrete floor for hours until she threw up all of it. I do not condone suicide however this was a cry for help and she didn't get it. I am confident when Ann is able, she will be revealing more of the extreme neglect and abuse Cross Creek Manor caused. For those that haven't read Christine Moisan story (January PURE Newsletter) regarding her stay at Cross Creek Manor, there are many similarities. This tells me that they are continued to allow this abuse at the child's expense. Christine's new e-mail is tmoisan@optonline.net if anyone has any questions for her regarding Cross Creek Manor. She lived it and is now able to share her horrific experiences a year later.

WWASP/Teen Help/Teen-In-Crisis/World Wide Association Specialty Programs/ Tranquility Bay, Casa By the Sea, Cross Creek, Spring Creek Lodge Carolina Springs Academy, Ivy Ridge (that is not licensed), Academy at Dundee (their new High Impact that was shut down in Mexico) and any other alias they continue with are all part massive "misrepresentation." My fight to get Ann removed was prolonged since they cover themselves in so many different ways. Money is what they have, and money can be the root of evil. In my opinion, they are evil! Unfortunately it is their wealth and expertise with the legal system that keeps them going. Don't be fooled by their promises and fancy brochures.

Thank you, all of you, for your support and prayers. We must continue praying for all of these children. It was a very hard road to get her out, however I am living proof that it can be done. Never give up, children are worth the fight and the rewards are worth it. I pray Ann recovers from this ordeal in her life with success. I believe I was put in this position to help others from being fooled by this mask of an organization. I will continue to stand for Children's Rights and hold WWASP Accountable (a word they preach, but don't use) for their abuse to so many families.

Regards,

Blanche Hardy

Texas