Sue Scheff (Founder of Parents'
Universal Resource Experts - P.U.R.E.) and Author of "Wit's
End!" Applauds the GAO Hearings on "Child Abuse and
Deceptive Marketing by Residential Programs for Teens."
A letter from Sue Scheff (Founder of
Parent's Universal Resource Experts - P.U.R.E) and Author of
"Wit's End!" - A Mother and Daughter's True Story
Dear Parents,
In recent news, the United States
Government Accountability Office (GAO) has conducted a
study revealing concerns about abuse and deaths in certain
programs for struggling teens as well as deceptive trade
practices of referral agencies within this industry labeled,
teen-help.
At P.U.R.E. we are deeply touched by the
publicized reports, which found thousands of cases involving
abuse and even death at facilities licensed to help troubled
teens. It is disturbing to hear about marketing arms
(referral agencies) that prey upon the desperate parent.
When I was a parent at my wit's end, I became prey for a
referral agency that made many false promises and my
daughter suffered the consequences.
This reality hit home with my daughter
and myself which inspired me to create Parents' Universal
Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.) My organization helps to
educate parents that are searching for safe alternatives for
their children as well as create awareness in an industry
that can be daunting for the desperate parent.
I offer sympathy to the families that
have been affected by any ill treatment and as always, would
like to encourage all parents considering this level of care
to take the necessary steps to ensure your child's safety
and well-being. There are many excellent programs designed
to help teens in crisis, but not all are created equal.
It is imperative that parents take an
active approach in seeking the most suitable program for
their individual needs of their child. As stated on my
website, these
questions to ask and
helpful hints in assisting you to find the best program
for your child. My book, "Wit's End!" will expand on
these questions and offer parents hope and inspiration if
they are struggling with an at risk child.
It is certainly frightening to hear about
the teen fatalities and incidents of abuse at Residential
Treatment Programs and Wilderness Programs, but I am
grateful for the media attention that this matter is
finally receiving. I am joined by other industry
professionals who are hopeful that this increased awareness
resulting from these hearings will propel a trend for
improvement within our industry. I strongly support any
legislation, both state and federal, that will enhance the
safety and treatment of at-risk teens as well as regulate
referral sources. I intend to be active in the development
of such policy and work with the GAO.
For more information on the recent GAO
report, visit
www.gao.gov.
Sincerely,
Sue Scheff
Founder of Parent's Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.)
Author of "Wit's End!"
www.helpyourteens.com
www.suescheff.com
www.witsendbook.com
