Its a big void in my heart that can never be filled, she said, Kirsta, even though she wasnt in my care, I loved her. Editors note: This story discusses suicide. West Ridge Academy received nearly $850,000 from Bermuda officials. Missed dearly: Kirsta with Johnita Simons (Photograph supplied) (Photograph supplied). Using true client centered methods, interventions and treatments are tailored to focus on patterns of thinking that are maladaptive and the beliefs that undermine such thinking. She said the girls death did not prompt changes in their treatment methods, but they did make changes to how they respond during crisis events. Our team of professionals provide a wide variety of treatment methods aimed to help you feel better and get your life back on track. 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. Located in West Jordan, Utah and founded in 1964, West Ridge Academy is a private nonprofit, which make up about 26 percent of all treatment facilities in Utah. Employee Handbook. One key benefit is that it is a fraction of the cost of other programs as Renaissance Ranch Outpatient's primary goal is to aid in liberating the captive from the chains of addiction not monetary gain. 3rd Grade Teacher. Why not transfer Kirsta to a different place, attorney Matthew Feller questioned, if they were not equipped to help her? We provide a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, exercise therapy, acupuncture and music therapy- to name a few. and Utah regulators didnt discipline West Ridge Academy. She died by suicide at West Ridge Academy on Nov. 14. Our treatment process is two fold: (1) helping our clients make true internal change through exploring and healing emotional scars, while (2) helping our clients extinguish and replace overt behaviors through external modification, resulting in the overall corrective emotional experience. All rights reserved. where she died by suicide nearly two years ago. The path to hope and healing at West Ridge Academy is possible, and proven by many families across the world. We provide EMDR, CBT, DBT and other treatment modalities. [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. (He) said he was in significant pain and could not move his wrist," according to the court documents. And, we think, preventable.. She had suicidal ideations. Death of Bermudian Teenager at US Treatment Centre Sparks Anger & Investigations in Utah News | February 6, 2020 Local officials remain tight lipped on the death of a Bermudian teenager at West Ridge Academy in Utah, but the story first reported by Bermuda Real on Fresh TV was picked up by the Salt Lake Tribune. This archived news story is available Johnita Simons, the teenagers mother, told The Salt Lake Tribune she hoped her lawsuit would help protect other families from similar tragedies. [12] The current executive director is Kenneth R. Allen, who is also director of Proficio Management, a management company owned by the academy. West Ridge Academy received nearly $850,000 from Bermuda officials. Programs - West Ridge Academy [19] The license of West Ridge Academy is reviewed annually and the organization receives periodic visits from a licensing specialist to monitor and provide technical assistance and to insure compliance with Core and Categorical Rules of Treatment. Our horses are rescued, we use EAP to heal the animals as much as the students. She had depression. where she died by suicide nearly two years ago. Earlier this year, Gov. I love her. Our focus on family, community, and dual diagnosis sets us apart as Utah's premiere inpatient rehab center. Follow Us. We serve adults 18+ with mental health and/or substance use. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. At EVNSQ, we take a person where hes at, regardless of what brought him to us or where he wants to go from here. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Family launch legal action over teenager's death in US treatment centre Farnsworth has said previously that her facility has spent a significant amount of time reviewing policies after Kirstas death, and trained and debriefed their staff. I just dont understand why she was sent there. It found that the treatment center did violate one rule that a staff member who was watching the girl should not have been outside the bathroom when she attempted to end her life. 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. Kirsta, we know, was dealing with mental illness. West Ridge Academy. In 2020, West Ridge Academy was under investigation after a teen girl from Bermuda died by suicide there. 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 The path to hope and healing at West Ridge Academy is possible, and proven by many families across the world. During day treatment, clients may participate in mental health therapy, recreational therapy, and substance abuse therapy. Recreational Therapy is an important part of treatment. That is where hope begins. This alliance helps the client gain the necessary skills in life to lead a joyful, value-based, offense-free lifestyle. Are you living a life you dont recognize? About West Ridge - West Ridge Academy 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. We are committed to providing access to services with extended hours, including Saturdays, and teletherapy. [9], West Ridge also provides a day program called Sunshine Solutions for underprivileged local kids, age five and up which provides "summer activities, positive mentors and emotional growth to help them learn how to make good decisions". [32][9] The report was also critical of school's proposed financial structure. We specialize in the treatment of trauma, military and first responders. The parents lawyers have tried to get records that might explain why Kirsta was there at all, but the lawsuit says the facility hasnt handed them over. We stand with Ukraine! Treating the whole person and not just the disorder, Highland Ridge's programs are set in a nurturing environment with staff that treat patients like family. Our goal is to partner with clients to help them achieve their highest potential. Why was she so far from home? her mother asked. It offers outpatient programs, medication management, day treatment, and residential treatment to teens who are struggling with mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders. To know there was no one held responsible is a slap in the face. Learn how and when to remove this template message, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Search for Public Schools - West Ridge Academy (A1904497)", Woodbury Reports, Inc.: October 2006: #146, "My Parents Had Me Abducted and Sent to a Mormon Treatment Center", "Elsey v. West Ridge Academy case #2:2008cv00390", "Doe et al v. Children and Youth Services et al case #2:2010cv00313", "More speak out over West Ridge Academy lawsuit, claims of abuse", "Utah board approves charter school tied to treatment center accused of abusing children", "The Report of the Accreditation Visiting Team: West Ridge Academy", "Allegations of abuse at prospective charter school splits Utah's top school boards", "UT Admin Code R501-15. The 17-year-old girl had been sent to the facility by Bermudas child welfare system. 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. Take the first step and call our admissions or fill out the Contact a Specialist form. From here on out, you never have to go back. He joined the KSL.com team in 2021, after many years of reporting at the Deseret News and KSL NewsRadio before that. The program addresses postpartum depression, anxiety, scary thoughts you might be afraid to share, intrusive thoughts, feeling irritable, worthless, coping, and thoughts of harming yourself or feeling like family is better off without you. Support this work by making a donation today. West Ridge Academy received nearly $850,000 of that money, according to data from Bermuda officials. All rights reserved. Why was she so far from home? her mother asked. 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. To date, the 68 people who left reviews on its Facebook page, which it has the ability to manage, gave an average of 3.9 out of five stars. The report said she was given ten minutes of privacy to shower and had then asked a staff member for more time to go to the bathroom, where she then attempted to end her life. Program related to preteens/teen in addiction. Families feel it too. 3.3 (5 Reviews) Call (801) 282-1000. Your youth doesnt need to struggle another minute. Thaddeus Wendt, the girls parents civil attorney, said the family have tried to get records that would explain why she was sent to the facility, but none have been provided. Take the first step and call our admissions or fill out the Contact a Specialist form. This lawsuit comes as a new state law requires centers to develop suicide prevention policies. Police closed the case without taking action, and Utah regulators didnt discipline West Ridge Academy. The centers residential program was created to model a healthy home environment. Our clinical staff consists of specialists in a wide variety of areas allowing us to match services to client needs. During that time, Kirsta is the only teen to have died in a Utah center though other deaths were reported in similar facilities across the country, including in Michigan, where 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks died while staff restrained him. Therapeutic Schools", "Utah Department of Human Services licensure records for West Ridge Academy", "Boys Ranch to dedicate spiritual center Thursday", "West Ridge Academy challenges accusations of abuse at state school board meeting", "A Utah facility for 'troubled teens' won't be disciplined after a girl from Bermuda died", "Employee at Utah school for troubled teens charged with child abuse", "Missionaries bring love into lives at West Ridge Academy", "Alex Boye performs at West Ridge Academy gala", Site critical of the facility, run by former students, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=West_Ridge_Academy&oldid=1140167492, Educational institutions established in 1964, Therapeutic boarding schools in the United States, Buildings and structures in West Jordan, Utah, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages, Articles lacking reliable references from May 2011, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2014, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 19:59. West Ridge Academy sits on 50 acres of pristine property at the base of the Oquirrh Mountains in West Jordan, Utah. No one talked the way she did. [33], In 2021, an employee was charged with child abuse after breaking a child's wrist who was allegedly verbally acting out in class and being defiant. "We take allegations of any type of abuse quite seriously and we'll wait for the results of the case before we take any further action," he said in a prepared statement. West Ridge Academys website indicates the treatment team includes mental health professionals, therapists, psychiatrists, and medication managers. West Ridges school and counseling programs inspired me to realize that, Copyright 2021 West Ridge Academy. MAT is a holistic approach that can help you find long-term recovery. A Utah youth residential treatment center will not be disciplined by state regulators after a teen girl from Bermuda died by suicide there last November. 5 subscribers in the WestRidgeAlumni community. Residential Program Day Treatment Program Group Therapy West Ridge Academy 5500 West Bagley Park Road West Jordan, UT 84081 801-282-1000 Search About Us Programs Admissions Copyright 2023 royalgazette.com. By giving our students the opportunity, they can immerse themselves in treatment and develop new coping strategies while changing behavior patterns. Feinga, a staff member of the school who was also in the classroom, removed the teen from the room by placing him in a wrist restraint also known as a "gooseneck hold" or an "escort hold," according to charging documents. Utah meteorologist makes a special forecast, Tammy Daybell may have been restrained when she died, Utah medical examiner says, Gwyneth Paltrow won't recoup attorney fees in ski crash suit, 7 bodies found during search for missing Oklahoma teens, Dust storm in Illinois leaves at least 6 dead after dozens of vehicles crash on highway, Crime victims sue Utah, saying violent inmates were released but not supervised, Bill would allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol in Wisconsin. We encourage the client to make empathetic decisions regarding all those he/she associates with, especially family and friends, so that relationships will cause no harm to self or others. I love her. Thats my child. It is a co-ed facility that helps students through clinical services. She died in a Utah treatment center. Her parents are suing, claiming What we expect to find in the records is that this was a foreseeable event, said Thaddeus Wendt, the parents civil attorney. West Ridge Academy is located in Utah. Why not transfer Kirsta to a different place, attorney Matthew Feller questioned, if they were not equipped to help her? Upon arriving at West Ridge, your family will be assigned a full-time therapist that will work with your son or daughter for the duration of their stay and after. 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.. Our comprehensive approach lengthens the runway of support that our clients receive. They also say the facility didnt have proper procedures to identify when a higher level of care was needed. Kirsta Simons was sent away to a place where no one looked like her. (courtesy photo) Kirsta Simons, a 17-year-old Bermudian girl, was sent by child welfare workers to a Utah youth residential treatment center. [1] https://www.facebook.com/pg/westridgeacademy/reviews/?ref=page_internal, Program related to preteens/teen in addiction. Tyler Haunga Feinga, 21, of West. 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. At Alliance Clinical Services, we approach individuals with issues in an open-minded way. 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. Email. Dialectical behavioral therapy. Johnita Simons said she didnt know Kirsta had been sent to Utah and had no say in the decision. MAT combines the use of counseling and medication to address the psychological and physical aspects of addiction. They also say the facility didnt have proper procedures to identify when a higher level of care was needed. The death of 17-year-old Taylor Goodridge at Diamond Ranch Academy is the latest test for Utah's will to regulate the "troubled teen industry" 14. All Rights Reserved, Proud Member of Utah Non-Profits Association. 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. Add to Compare. Treatment programs we offer include trauma and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) group therapy, and medication management for adolescents and adults. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. It didnt seem to matter what the teen treatment center did wrong. It's confidential with no obligation. [35] Prior to 2005, while operating under the name, Utah Boys Ranch, the logo of the facility included the phrase, "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow", taken from an LDS hymn. She was given an extra two minutes. Call or Email West Ridge Academy for a free consultation now - (801) 669-9115 x1124. No further action required, the report states. Those were known issues. [citation needed] Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. 5500 Bagley Park Rd, West Jordan, UT 84081. westridgeacademy.com TYPE: Therapeutic Schools. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. Editors note This story is part of Sent Away, an investigative reporting partnership between The Salt Lake Tribune and KUER, with support from APM Reports. Pat Reavy is a longtime police and courts reporter. Andy Larsen: Heres where National Weather Service forecasts flooding, in the short term and the long term, Murray police officers were justified in their use of force against a 52-year-old man who died after arrest, Salt Lake County D.A. We understand overcoming addiction is not easy. Because we see addiction as a multi-faceted disease that impacts different aspects of an indvidual's well-being, we provide a variety of behavioral therapies, family therapy, physician-directed care, and Medication-Assisted treatment when clinically indicated. Take the first step. [9], West Ridge also provides a day program called Sunshine Solutions for underprivileged local kids, age five and up which provides "summer activities, positive mentors and emotional growth to help them learn how to make good decisions". Job Postings for the 2023-24 School Year. On Nov. 14, 2019, she tried to end her life. Facebook-f Twitter Soundcloud Youtube. Residents take part in academic recovery, build life skills, attend wellness activities, create art, and learn music. Its a big void in my heart that can never be filled, she said, Kirsta, even though she wasnt in my care, I loved her. Kirsta Simons, 17, had been sent to West Ridge. The philosophy of New Beginnings is a multifaceted and collaborative approach based on Cognitive Behavior Therapy. We focus on helping postpartum and pregnant mothers feel better mentally through different levels of therapy catered to mom's needs. This evidence-based approach is used by our therapists and trained staff to help our residents in four main areas mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Boys and girls live in separately on 76 acres. 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. Kirsta was rushed to a hospital and died the next day. West Ridge Academy in West Jordan, Utah: Reviews, Ratings, Pricing Our goal is to help you discover it. 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 kids there have complex issues and are sent there for help. Staff will be in the bathroom during these times and you will maintain frequent verbal check-ins with staff.. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. West Ridge Academys executive director did not respond to a request for comment. Our team can address situations in the moment and provide constant support, facilitating growth and change in a positive way. Residents receive a hot meal at breakfast, lunch, and dinner two snacks per day are also provided. The legal action, filed in Salt Lake City last month, alleged that the facility owed a heightened duty of care to ensure that children in its care are kept safe. We offer Residential (RTC), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help treat a wide range of mental health struggles. However, we welcome all men who are looking to heal from emotional struggles in a safe men's-only environment. Our program is different than a traditional 12-step treatment program. [citation needed] Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. While at West Ridge, Kirsta shared a room with three girls in one of the nearly dozen multicolored brick cottages scattered throughout the 50-acre West Jordan campus. Applied Scholastics Academy of Salt Lake City. 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. Kirsta was rushed to a hospital and died the next day. 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. Her daughter didnt know anyone in Utah and had never left Bermuda before. We accept them for who they are and the issues that they have in life. Man denies importing $219,000 worth of cannabis, Truck driver fined for refusing breath test, Drink drivers licences suspended for 18 months, Ships divert to Bermuda with medical emergencies, Tears and applause as Alaska Hall is renamed for longtime MP, Burt: fintech executives are not coming to Bermuda to see inside of Westgate, Protesters present 4,000 name petition against hotel SDO, Black golfers discuss the challenges of a pro golf career, Charity very open to name change, says president, OBA repeats call for Rabains resignation, Dunkley: Emergency room waiting times are unacceptable, Emergency patients forced to wait more than 27 hours for bed, Green energy giveaway set to save millions in power costs. Questions/Comments. Thats when she hanged herself. 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 further stated that removing a child from their home and placing them in DCFS care, like Kirsta was, is only done as a last resort., Donate to the newsroom now. 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. News; Scores & Schedule; Stats; Roster; Scores & Schedules Contact Us - West Ridge Academy West Ridge Academys executive director did not respond to a request for comment. or superseded by additional information. Jessica can be reached at jmiller@sltrib.com. Spacious facilities on 50-acres include living quarters, two schools, the cafeteria, religious buildings, a gymnasium, a medical office, and outdoor sport areas. 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. Providing optimal patient care and productive therapy for addiction, West Ridge Academy has cultivated a thorough business model which has successfully transformed many hopeless addicts to happy, functioning, and productive citizens. Students also enjoy a variety of off-campus experiences. About Us ; Programs ; Admissions ; Testimonials ; Resources ; Donate ; Contact ; Proud Member of Utah Non-Profits Association ; Prescription medication can keep you comfortable during treatment by reducing opioid cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal. Her daughter, Kirsta, was supposed to get help at West Ridge Academy. Unreliable citations may be challenged or deleted. 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. The academy states that it provides "quality clinical services, education, and experiences which promote spiritual awareness, personal accountability and change of heart. [3] It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation under the name Children and Youth Services, Inc. We offer free 30 minute consultations to help point you in the right direction. He told investigators that "the wrist bent is used for when residents are harming staff, harming peers, run risk or causing damage to the West Ridge property. 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. We provide the highest quality and compassionate care that you can trust to each person we serve using research based proven therapies.
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