2022-23 Staff Calendar. West Ridge Academy received nearly $850,000 of that money, according to data from Bermuda officials. Police reports have suggested that Kirsta was on suicide watch in the days before her death and had been sleeping in a common area at the facility so staff could monitor her. During day treatment, clients may participate in mental health therapy, recreational therapy, and substance abuse therapy. I am deeply appalled by how this matter is being handled.. The parents of a Bermudian teenager who took her own life at a US treatment centre have launched a lawsuit against the facility over her death. Police reports show that Kirsta struggled while at West Ridge Academy and was on suicide watch in the days before her death. What we expect to find in the records is that this was a foreseeable event, said Thaddeus Wendt, the parents civil attorney. Wings Recovery for Men is a men's only primary mental health treatment program. Please help this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. The state has more than 100 such centers and attracts students from all over the United States, and beyond. Located in Midvale, Utah, Highland Ridge Hospital is a behavioral health and substance abuse treatment center that is dedicated to providing superior service to adolescents, adults, and senior adults. Our spacious mountain-style residences in Park City and Heber City offer individuals a refuge where they can process their experiences and start over in sobriety while receiving comprehensive, compassionate care. With services available for adolescents and teens (ages 12-17), adults, and the senior population, Highland Ridge strives for excellence in short-term care with the goal of providing patients the tools they need to be successful in the recovery process. Utahs troubled-teen industry has been under intense scrutiny from lawmakers, activists and news outlets for the past few years over accusations of abuse and neglect at some facilities. West Ridge Academy Executive Director Bob Stubbs said Feinga has since been fired. The litigation, filed last month in a Salt Lake City courtroom, alleges West Ridge Academy owed a heightened duty of care to ensure kids are kept safe, but failed to protect Kirsta from herself. It didnt seem to matter what the teen treatment center did wrong. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. West Ridge is a residential treatment facility for at-risk youth. Take the first step. Our team of doctors and nurses will also help assess for an medication needed and closely monitor your response to them. With a focus on treating the whole person, the caring, compassionate, and experienced team of clinicians at Highland Ridge stands by our goal of providing successful and nurturing treatment for individuals are struggling with chemical dependency issues and mental health concerns. If the issues that this facility, or any facility, is addressing are too complex for that facility, the most important thing is to get the children to a place [where] they can be taken care of, he said. Our comprehensive approach lengthens the runway of support that our clients receive. We help you resolve the effects of any physical or emotional trauma you may have experienced in your life through our qualified EMDR therapists. (courtesy photo) Kirsta Simons, a 17-year-old Bermudian girl, was sent by child welfare workers to a Utah youth residential treatment center. Guitars, ukuleles, and drums are available giving our residents newfound outlets to develop exciting interests. Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Kirstas mother said she hasnt received any communication or condolences from West Ridge after her daughters death, calling that lack of communication a disgrace., Where is the accountability? she said. We are LGBTQ affirmative. No one talked the way she did. Therapy sessions can help you identify the behavioral, emotional, and social effects of addiction and provide an opportunity for our experienced counselors to teach you strategies to cope with urges to use in the future. Programming that has helped thousands of people achieve sobriety at a rate two times higher than the national average, Highland Ridge continues to hold the reputation as a respected and distinguished treatment center. Allegations of abuse from former students were one of the main reasons Utah's Board of Education initially denied the application for West Ridge Academy to become a charter school called Eagle Summit Academy. We help with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, borderline personality traits, reactive attachment disorder, oppositional defiance, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, high functioning autism, gender dysphoria, or rebellion. News; Scores & Schedule; Stats; Roster; Scores & Schedules where she died by suicide nearly two years ago. Our hospital specializes in kindhearted and nurturing treatment of individuals who are struggling with depression and any other disorders that may be present. [citation needed] It fields boys' high school teams[25] in basketball,[26] baseball[27] and soccer. Kirsta had been on suicide watch in the days before her death, according to a police report, but she was allowed to have 10 minutes of privacy to shower. With a Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, Highland Ridge Hospital is renowned as one of Utah's leading providers of behavioral healthcare and substance abuse treatment. Why was she so far from home? her mother asked. Her death may have been self-inflicted, however, she was supposed to be monitored to prevent this outcome.. If accommodation is required post-treatment, our male or female-only recovery homes provide the ideal transition. Her daughter didnt know anyone in Utah and had never left Bermuda before. Thats when she hanged herself. Police closed the case without any charges. I just dont understand why she was sent there. Earlier this year the Utah Senate voted unanimously in favour of a bill to increase oversight of the states troubled-teen industry and place limits on the use of restraints, drugs and isolation rooms. After including caveats to keep public and private funding separate in the school's budgets and to ensure the safety of the new charter school's students, the Board of Education approved the application. Our students attend an accredited school, participate in various 1A sports, and engage in recreational therapy. Treatment Center Details. Staffers moved her to the common area, a police report states, so they could keep an eye on her after she had attempted to harm herself. Through the use of safe and reliable evidenced-based treatment interventions, we are proud to be one of the most distinguished and respected treatment centers in the state of Utah. . She died by suicide at West Ridge Academy on Nov. 14. Utah will pay you to do it, Gwyneth Paltrow wont recoup attorney fees in Utah ski crash lawsuit, How a Utah TV reporter ended up in Israel to learn about helping the Great Salt Lake, The stigma around opioid abuse is more than individual. Now her parents are suing West Ridge, alleging the treatment center should have done more to prevent their childs death. Our program and therapists treat maternal all perinatal mood and anxiety disorders related to childbirth. and Utah regulators didnt discipline West Ridge Academy. [14] Stan and Mary Ellen Smoot, and Richard and Linda J. Eyre serve on an advisory board. By giving our students the opportunity, they can immerse themselves in treatment and develop new coping strategies while changing behavior patterns. 801-282-1000. We want all mothers to know that what your feeling is common but not normal and it can be treatable. [18] West Ridge is licensed by the Utah Department of Human Services. Bennion had twice during this initial period requested funding from LDS Church to support the Ranch, but in both instances the LDS Church refused. Investigative documents say the handbook has been updated, and the state licensing worker expressed no other concerns in documents released to The Salt Lake Tribune. Why not transfer Kirsta to a different place, attorney Matthew Feller questioned, if they were not equipped to help her? She was given an extra two minutes. Outpatient gives you the opportunity to "put your mental armour back on everyday" and provide you with all the support you need in your recovery. The centers residential program was created to model a healthy home environment. [3] It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. Rediscover the person you were before trauma and addiction at Acqua Recovery. If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24-hour support at 1-800-273-8255. They also say the facility didnt have proper procedures to identify when a higher level of care was needed. All Rights Reserved, Proud Member of Utah Non-Profits Association. Call or Email West Ridge Academy for a free consultation now - (801) 669-9115 x1124. They provide lasting solutions through comprehensive mental health services for youth and their families. According to West Ridge Academys website, it accepts the majority of out-of-network insurance plans, but it doesnt accept Medicaid. coed Grades: Ages 9-17 Students: 150 Faculty: N/A. The outpatient program is designed to help clients between eight and 18. They further stated that removing children from their home and placing them in Division of Child and Family Services care, like Kirsta was, is only done as a last resort.. [12] The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management, a management company owned by the academy. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is used to provide the students a therapeutic companion and serve as a unique tool for emotional growth and learning. EVNSQ was our first choice for some very specific reasons. The boy "was crying really hard" at the time and told Feinga "he probably broke it.". [20], The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by William L. Hutchinson, Lowell L. Bennion and a group of primarily Salt Lake County educators in 1964. Therapeutic goals address personal issues and mental health issues, and will aid in helping the client gain and maintain healing interpersonal connections. How Utah became the nation's top place to send troubled teens, Thinking about getting rid of your lawn? [34], The academy is nondenominational and open to all regardless of religious affiliation,[3][10] but has had a number of connections with the LDS Church throughout the academy's history. I just dont understand why she was sent there. Soon after the second request, David O. McKay, then president of the LDS Church, donated $10,000 to support the Utah Boys Ranch. Ultimately, her taking her own life at West Ridge Academy was foreseeable. [15][16][17] Since their founding, over 25,000 teens have attended the institution. But she was rushed to hospital on November 14 that year and died the following day. In-home assessments are $300, in-office assessments are $200, and outpatient sessions are $85. State regulators found that the male staff member who was watching her was conducting verbal check-ins that day, but was outside the bathroom which violated the facilitys policies. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. [22] Later, leadership changed hands and Utah State Senator Chris Buttars became the executive director and remained so for more than fifteen years before retiring amid controversy. It allows for the alcoholic/addict to deal and cope with life's challenges in the real world as they have clinical arms wrapped around them, are held to a healthy balance of accountability and take advantage of the support offered by others who are successfully recovering. Most of the feedback was positive, and individuals praised the center, treatment effectiveness, and its staff. The Charter School Board approved the application and transition in January 2016, but the state's Board of Education reversed the decision the following month, denying the application without prejudice, amid allegations of abuse and financial insolvency. In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name to West Ridge Academy. Our team of professionals provide a wide variety of treatment methods aimed to help you feel better and get your life back on track. Employees told police later that only a few minutes had passed, but police werent able to verify the timeline. WEST JORDAN An employee at a school for troubled teens has been charged with child abuse and accused of breaking the wrist of a boy who was acting out. Theres not a day that goes by that my heart doesnt ache. Keep up with the latest by browsing live, upcoming and past games. We offer Residential (RTC), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help treat a wide range of mental health struggles. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. Janet Farnsworth, the executive director of West Ridge Academy, said she couldnt speak specifically about Kirstas death, but said the facility sends heartfelt concern to her grieving family. We are client focused and solution based. ABOUT WEST RIDGE ACADEMY. All rights reserved. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart. We serve adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. At our core, West Ridge Academy is an all-encompassing program designed to heal families. All rights reserved. To date, the loved one surveyed by Best-rehabs.com gave four out of five stars for the staffs experience. West Ridge Academy is located in Utah. For more than 12 years, Turning Point Centers has been treating individuals with alcohol, drug and mental health issues. The reason that parents and guardians place their children in these kinds of facilities is based on a promise that these kids will be no worse off when they leave, Feller said. Her daughter, Kirsta, was supposed to get help at West Ridge Academy. The recording equipment for the security cameras had been unplugged since September, staff told police. (He) said he was in significant pain and could not move his wrist," according to the court documents. The last time it publicly took action against a youth facility was a year ago, when it threatened to yank the license for Red Rock Canyon School in the aftermath of a riot, child abuse allegations and sex abuse charges. And even now, two years later, Im still feeling that loss.. They further stated that removing children from their home and placing them in Division of Child and Family Services care, like Kirsta was, is only done as a last resort.. Thats my child. The recording equipment for the security cameras had been unplugged since September, staff told police. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. The facilitys handbook for suicide watch states: You will always be within arms length of staff, except while toileting or showering. On Nov. 14, 2019, she tried to end her life. [citation needed] Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart. We utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques such as CBT, Experiential, EMDR, TF-CBT, and specific group subjects such as relationship management and coping skills. Recreational Therapy is an important part of treatment. [10][11], The board of directors is composed of prominent Utah residents including Shawn Bradley,[12] BYU religion instructor Sally Wyne, and LaVar Christensen. Located Read More Contact Who is West Ridge Academy Headquarters 5500 W Bagley Park Rd, West Jordan, Utah, 84081, United States Phone Number (801) 282-1000 Website Editors note This story discusses suicide. Residents participate in a variety of recreational activities along with service projects to help the community. Thats when she hanged herself. Johnita Simons said she hopes her lawsuit brings some accountability and spurs change so that nothing similar happens in the future. Support this work by making a donation today. The report identified several lawsuits against West Ridge Academy, several of which were settled out of court, but could not find any corroborating evidence to support the allegations of abuse. Everyone is on an EVEN playing field, no better, and certainly, no worse. Counsel for Kirstas family however argue that the facility was negligent, arguing that the teen was not properly supervised and the centre did not have proper procedures to gauge when a higher level of care was needed. Away from friends, family, her culture. We provide lasting solutions through comprehensive mental health services for youth and their families. Two days later, other staff members took the boy to a local hospital where X-rays of his left wrist revealed a distal fracture, according to the warrant. 5 subscribers in the WestRidgeAlumni community. No one talked the way she did. [6][7] On January 2, 2009, a past student of the academy, published an article alleging abuses and controversial practices at the ranch. That is where hope begins. Add to Compare. Bermuda, a British island territory deep in the North Atlantic Ocean, has spent more than $8 million in a five-year period sending Kirsta and 39 other children in its foster care system to Utah troubled-teen facilities. Police closed the case without taking action, and Utah regulators didnt discipline West Ridge Academy. Thats my child. Care, concern, compassion, and competence are four words that guide staff in achieving that goal through the utilization of safe, proven, reliable, and evidenced-based treatment protocols. If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24-hour support at 1-800-273-8255. In their 73-page lawsuit, they say West Ridge didnt communicate a treatment plan with Kirstas parents and did not sufficiently supervise Kirsta.
