DEDICATION:

This blog is dedicated to "The Children Left Behind." We will not rest until the safety of our children and those that are entrusted with their mental health care are held accountable for abusing the children's God given rights, those rights upheld by our constitution, and those that have been complicit in obfuscating the truth!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Pattern of civil rights abuses alleged in Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Maricopa County

Pattern of civil rights abuses alleged in Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Maricopa County

The Justice Department charges that Latinos were illegally arrested and abused in jail repeatedly in the Arizona county and that hundreds of sexual assaults weren't investigated.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Youth sports executive accused of sexual abuse by former players - CNN.com


Youth sports executive accused of sexual abuse by former players - CNN.com

                  Robert Dodd former President and CEO of Amateur Athletic Union

What is important to note in this case is that the complaints were initially anonymous allegations; kudos to the Memphis Tennessee Police Department for investigating further, whatever the outcome. Please send your protocol to Georgia.








Friday, December 9, 2011

GEORGIA - DHS AND DFCS LEADERSHIP - MR. RON SCROGGY - INTERIM DIRECTOR OF DFCS

Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Clyde Reese chose insider Mr. Ron Scroggy Deputy Director of DFCS, as interim/acting Director of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) after removing Rachelle Carnesale;  Mr. Scroggy was already the Deputy Director of DFCS.

Mr. Scroggy has a long history working in or with Residential Treatment Facilities (RTF) for children.   According to Mr. Scroggy's resume,  he was the President and CEO of Inner Harbour until August/September of 2009, which merged with the Tennessee based Youth Villages in the Fall of 2009. http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronscroggy

*http://www.youthvillages.org/what-we-do/residential-programs/inner-harbour-%20campus.aspx

During Mr. Scroggy's tenure, in 2007-2008 Inner Harbour received just over $223,000.
and in 2008-2009 received just over $717,000. from the Georgia Department of Education under "Residential Treatment Facility State Grants."

After leaving Inner Harbour, in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the facility received slightly over $477,000. from the state RTF grant, and for 2010-2011 it received approximately $464,000. dollars. See: RTF grantees: http://www.gadoe.org/pea_policy.aspx?

Unlike the Ridge Creek School facility (RCS), which was fraudulently listed under ARRA as an RTF to receive stimulus grants (actually used according to the DJJ to pay per diem to RCS), Inner Harbour was actually a licensed RTF receiving state grants and ARRA stimulus funds under Award Number S397A090011.  After Inner Harbour's merging with Youth Villages, it appears they lucked out and doubled down with the stimulus funds, nominal as the funds were.  According to "Recovery. Gov"  the awards summary indicates both facilities, although merged as one, received stimulus funds separately, but under the same vendor ID number 301354921.  Creative.  Whether Inner Harbour /Youth Villages ever received the stimulus funds, or as with Ridge Creek's case (DJJ reported they only used one quarters allocated funds to pay for per diem) remain to be determined.
LINKS:
http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/Pages/RecipientProjectSummary508.aspx?AwardIDSUR=27331&vendorstart=2#vendorawards

http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/Pages/RecipientProjectSummary508.aspx?AwardIDSUR=27331&vendorstart=4#vendorawards

http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/Pages/RecipientProjectSummary508.aspx?AwardIDSUR=27331&vendorstart=1#vendorawards

Amongst industry insiders and marketing, Inner Harbour was given accolades for their achievement with children, but then so was Ridge Creek School, formerly Hidden Lake Academy.  Whom does one trust? The track record at Inner Harbour is debatable and it appears Youth Villages should have stayed in Tennessee, as their merged reports are not stellar either.  Early on and before his departure, Mr. Scroggy stated of the merger:

“This joining of these two great organizations will allow us to do more for children and families,” said Ron Scroggy, Inner Harbour CEO. “This partnership is a great opportunity. First and foremost, we know that this will positively affect the children and families we serve across the southeast. It’s also a win-win for our dedicated staff, as well as our public and private funders.” * See above link.

Since the merger,  the ORCC reports on Inner Harbour and Youth Villages are only available to the public from late 2009 forward, after Mr. Scroggy left the building.   However, many of the ORCC reports for this facility cited repeat violations back to when Mr. Scroggy was the CEO and President of Inner Harbour.  During this time period, it would appear Mr. Scroggy as President and CEO would bear some responsiblity for the violations as they happened on his watch.  However, the DHS and ORCC staff behaviors over the years in dealing with the Ridge Creek facility vioaltions, clearly indicate mandated reporting is not important either for themselves or facility staff.

Growth.  Aspen Education did the same and it didn't work out too well.

Youth Villages and Inner Harbour

ORCC reports are listed under Youth Villages, Inc. - Inner Harbour.  The corporation has several CCI's ( Child Caring Institution licenses), an OTC ( Outdoor Therapeutic Camp [Wilderness] license), and a PRTF ( Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility license) per the ORCC.  The listed entities under the corporate veil are: Youth Villages, Inc. - Inner Harbour Campus - Ranch (CCI), Youth Villages - Inner Harbour Campus (OTC), Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus (PRTF), Youth Villages, Inc.-Angela's House (CCI), and Youth Villages, Inc. - The Douglas Center (CCI).

ORCC REPORT - LINKS:
Youth Villages, Inc. - Inner Harbour "Ranch" -  CCI

http://167.193.144.170:7001/ORSINV/facilitysummaryadd.jsp?varFACID=CCI001123

Youth Villages, Inc. Inner Harbour Campus - OTC
http://167.193.144.170:7001/ORSINV/facilitysummaryadd.jsp?varFACID=OCCP001024

Youth Villages Inc. "The Douglas Center"  - CCI

http://167.193.144.170:7001/ORSINV/facsum.jsp?varFACID=CCI001447

Youth Villages, Inc. "Angela's House" -  CCI

http://167.193.144.170:7001/ORSINV/facilitysummaryadd.jsp?varFACID=CCI001124

Youth Villages, Inc. - Inner Harbour Campus - PRTF
No ORCC reports are available.

Leadership and the new Director of DFCS

Fiscally looking at Inner Harbour, Mr. Scroggy appears to have done well in leadership.

However, it's been said, " the future is our past," and the best prediction of leadership would appear to reflect in our past. Mr. Scroggy is an industry insider within the "Teen Help Industry;" which unfortunately is known for its lack of ethics, although it is financially quite beneficial for all concerned, including the states in which these facilities reside.

After leaving Inner Harbour, Mr. Scroggy went into private consulting, then on to the Department of Family and Children's Services.

Herein lies the problem.  Georgia has a less than stellar reputation with children's services.  From Federal lawsuits, to recommended reforms, DFCS, its DHS, DJJ, and the ORCC have been known to be nepotistic, beyond opaque, and from what we have seen in advocacy, an apparent air of either being inept, corrupt, or both.  An industry insider is the last misadventure in mistakes they need.  This is nothing against Mr. Scroggy, although from reading the ORCC reports on Inner Harbour, Georgia needs a visionary without the same old baggage and mindset. We wish him well and hope the words stationed before "Director" such as "acting" or "interim" do not become "permanent."

It is our hope Georgia will consider leadership qualities in their appointment for the Director of DFCS that are found outside Atlanta's invisible beltway, though not quite as far as Chicago, where they found former DHS Commissioner B.J. Walker;  we all know how well that went.

Mergers are about the bottom line, never about the welfare of the children.   Finding a new director is one "merger" that deserves careful thought, although finding an individual whose character is above reproach will be tough today. Perhaps somone should consider vetting the prospective appointee to be sure no one can construe that there is a conflict of interest.   The mission of  DHS and its DFCS is to protect the children.  It would be a plus to be sure the appointee is on the same side of that 'aisle' and will seek much needed reforms.
Mr. Smith offered this regarding leadership qualities:
http://www.nsba.org/sbot/toolkit/LeadQual.htmly

And that's my take.

"For the Children Left Behind"











GEORGIA - GOV. DEAL APPOINTS UNLICENSED PI TO STATE BOARD



IS THERE CASE PRECEDENT CHALLENGING THE ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE BY AN UNICENSED PRIVATE DETECTIVE?

The ramifications could be huge, as the appointee has been assigned  murder cases by  judges.  Does no one vet appointments?  Governor Deal has since placed his appoinment, J. Newton Bates, to the regualtory Board of Private Detectvies. Mr. Bates has been in business for 24 years in Norcross, Georgia.  Mr. Bates states he has been to busy to get a license.  What happens to the murder cases he was assigned to?  Could be an enormous 'OOPS'.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Jerry Sandusky has been arrested again - New Grand Jury Presentment



This morning Jerry Sandusky was arrested after new allegations of sexual child abuse from two victims arose.  The new charges include involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children, and corruption of minors.

Update: 4:11 pm 12-07-2011
Judge Scott has set bond at 250,000. dollars.  If Mr. Sandusky bonds out, he must wear an ankle monitor.

For new Grand Jury presentment: * Warning:  Graphic content

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/NEWS/111207_Sandusky-Presentment.pdf

Breaking news - Rod Blagojevich - sentenced to 14 years


Prayers for his family. Some murderers get less. They gave Rod Blagojevich 4 years less than Zahra Baker's stepmother, Elisa Baker, for Zahra's brutal murder and dismemberment. This is insane.

DA WILLIAM FITZPATRICK WILL NOT PROSECUTE BERNIE FINE



DA Fitzpatrick states the statute of limitations has expired.
In addition, Mr. Fitzpatrick has turned over exculpatory evidence to Federal investigators regarding Tomaselli's allegations against Mr.Fine that would support Mr. Fine's defense.
He also offers his take on manadated reporters.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

BREAKING NEWS - GEORGIA DFCS DIRECTOR RACHELLE CARNESALE GIVEN THE BOOT

What?  No RIF? A rift?  Wouldn't it be a treat to hear you under oath ...

Welfare Watch - December 05, 2011 - DFCS Director Relieved of Duties
Rachelle Carnesale, State Director of DFCS, was informed today by Commissioner Reese that she was relieved of her duties as Director. She has been with the Department since the beginning of this year.
She states in her letter to her staff, "When I was asked to take this position by the Governor, I was given the directive to improve morale and practice. To the best of my abilities, I have tried to focus our work on safety for children and to humanize this agency. It is my great hope that the progress we have made over the last nine months will continue."
She makes one cautionary note in her salutation, "Be careful out there, . . ." Everyone who does child welfare work knows how difficult the work is and can appreciate this advice.
___________________________________An email newsletter of the
Georgia Association of Homes
and Services for Children
as a public service.

Normer Adams, Editor

Welfare Watch - December 6, 2011 - DHS Commissioner Names Acting DFCS Leadership

Department of Human Services Commissioner Names Acting Division of Family & Children Services Leadership

ATLANTA – Today, Commissioner Clyde L. Reese, III, announced that Ron
Scroggy will serve as the Department’s Acting Director for the
Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) and Katherine Herren
will serve as the Acting Deputy Director for DFCS. Scroggy and Herren
will serve in this capacity until the Commissioner’s Office completes
a search for a new DFCS Director.

“During this period of transition, it was important to appoint
individuals that were experienced with Georgia’s social services
field,” said Reese. “These two individuals will ensure that the safety
of Georgia’s children remains our number one priority.”

Scroggy has over 30 years of experience leading and managing teams and
operations of residential treatment facilities. He joined DFCS as the
Chief of Staff in October 2010 and was promoted to the position of
DFCS Deputy Director July 2011. Scroggy dedicated 20 years of his
career to Inner Harbour Hospitals where he most recently held the
positions of Chief Executive Officer and President. He earned his
Bachelor’s of Social Work from Georgia State University and his
Master’s of Social Work from the University of Georgia.

Herren has served DFCS for over 31 years. She began her social
services career as a Case Worker in Newton Co. Following her service
in the field, Herren held a variety of roles at the State Office,
including Special Assistant to the State Social Services Director and
most recently Director of Centralized Social Services. In these roles
she focused on the safety and wellbeing of Georgia’s children. She
earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology from Mercer University.
___________________________________An email newsletter of the
Georgia Association of Homes
and Services for Children
as a public service.

Normer Adams, Editor


Sunday, November 27, 2011

Syracuse U. Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim now whistles a different tune

Unfortunately, it is a tune we are all too familiar with ...

On Nov.17, 2011 when the accusation of child molestation became public against Bernie Fine (Assistant basketball coach), coach Jim Boeheim defended his longtime friend by attacking Bobby Davis' reasons for going public with his accusations against Bernie Fine.

"The Penn State thing came out, and the kid behind this is trying to get money," Boeheim said. "He's tried before. And now he's trying again. If he gets this, he's going to sue the university and Bernie. What do you think is going to happen at Penn State? You know how much money is going to be involved in civil suits? I'd say about $50 million. That's what this is about. Money."

Tonight it appears Jim Boeheim changed his tune; Syracuse U. most likely demanded and supplied the new lyrics. After all, it is personally and fiscally the responsible choice. Audio. Containment is passe'. He now supports the university's decision to fire his longtime assistant and expressed regret for his initial statements that were "insensitive."

"The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling," Boeheim said in a statement released by the school. "I am personally very shocked because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged. I believe the university took the appropriate step tonight. What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found. I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse."

"Hard Times Generation" A 60 Minutes report - Families living in cars

Dear Nancy Pelosi et al:
These people are not afforded the opportunity for insider trading. How about cutting them a check with the killing you made on your stock!

BERNIE FINE IS TOAST - TAPE RECORDED MESSAGE RELEASED - UPDATE: BERNIE FINE FIRED

UPDATE : Sunday 8:07 P.M. EST: CNN is reporting Bernie Fine has been fired.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/27/justice/syracuse-coach-allegations/index.html
"At the direction of Chancellor Cantor, Bernie Fine's employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately," Kevin Quinn said in a statement, referring to Syracuse Chancellor Nancy Cantor.

Bernie Fine/Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
A must see video that contains a 2002 audio tape conversation between Mr. Davis (accused Bernie Fine of child molestation) and Laurie Fine (wife of Bernie Fine).  Mr. Davis states this audio was given to a detective in the police department and nothing was done.

The audio was released by ESPN "Outside the Lines" and speaks volumes; disturbing and disgusting volumes of those that deem themselves above the law, and enabled by those in authority to remain above the law.
Link to video:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7286364

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Convicted RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan seeks prison release - CNN.com

 Convicted RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan seeks prison release - CNN.com

New trial? 13 shots out of an 8-shot gun ... more magic bullets? The coroner testified RFK was shot at point-blank range from behind. Witnesses testified Sirhan Sirhan stood in front of RFK when he fired his gun.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Authorities search home of SU assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine | syracuse.com



Authorities involved in a sexual-abuse investigation of Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine carried out a search at his home Friday but declined to comment on what they were looking for.

Read more at: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/authorities_search_home_of_su.html

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

GEORGIA - DEPARTMENT OF CUMMUNITY HEALTH "Hospital mistakes kept secret"  | ajc.com

Hospital mistakes kept secret ajc.com
by Alan Judd

No surprise here either. Containment.

Mr. Judd, we have your Pulitzer waiting for you...

New allegations of abuse leveled involving Jerry Sandusky's Grandchild

More sorrow for all concerned. 

It is now being reported that Jerry Sandusky's daugher-in-law has filed a complaint with Centre County Children and Youth Services alleging Jerry Sandusky abused his grandchild.

Sandusky attorney Joe Amendola states that the "allegations are ridiculous and unfounded."
Mr. Amendola has also made light of the situation, stating that this arose from a "family dispute."  "Jerry has absolutley denied any inappropriate contact with his grandkids."

Whether or not the daughter-in-law in question is the mother of Matt Sandusky's children, who recently went to court to obtain an order where Jerry Sandusky is now allowed unsupervised or overnight visits with his grandchildren, has not been confirmed.









Tuesday, November 22, 2011

More Students Charged in Long Island SAT Cheating Case - NYTimes.com

Report: 2 new cases of child abuse alleged against Sandusky





All Penn State home county Judges have removed themselves from potentially presiding over sexual abuse cases against Mr. Sandusky.

"Godfather"Joe Paterno Fought Penn State Official Over Punishment of Football Players - WSJ.com

Joe Paterno Fought Penn State Official Over Punishment of Football Players - WSJ.com


Forget "JoePa," "Godfather" appears more approriate.  Here, Paterno demanded carte-blanche and Penn State gave it to him.  Did his spineless yes men kiss his ring, too?

Although,to think that Penn State is alone in this would be naive.  The double standard exists in all institutions, although with the media today and more scrutiny, it is becoming more difficult to hide.  Power and money.

Let us put it this way, DUI charges et al, have a way of disappearing along with the Police Officer that did not make it to court to attest to the charges;  no cameras, no tape, it's in the bag. The "good ole boy" system is not just reserved for the South.

In this article, Mr. Spanier, then President of Penn State, offered scripted non-sense regarding the determination that Penn State football players are off-limits regarding the school's code of conduct, resulting suspensions, and sanctions. His response was sickening; that of another weak, kowtowing shell of a man with plenty of comrads.

"The committee's rationale, which I fully support, is based on the assumption that involvement in student activities is for the most part a healthy influence on   student behavior," Mr. Spanier wrote. "Removing such involvement as a way of getting a student's attention to correct misbehavior may or may not be productive."
To read the entire article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204443404577052073672561402.html

Monday, November 21, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Jon Stewart's Take on Jerry Sandusky's Phone Interview

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Jerry Sandusky Phone Interview
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogThe Daily Show on Facebook

TEXAS JUDGE WILLIAM ADAMS BEATS DAUGHTER WHICH SHE CAPTURED ON VIDEO IN 2004

Hillary Adams taped her father Judge William Adams beating her; she kept the tape for 7 years, and released it.  He is still a sitting Judge.  It is reported that Judge Adams presides over child abuse cases.  Statute of limitations is up for Hillary, but the scars shall remain for life.


WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised under 18. Graphic child abuse/violence/ language.

Parent speaks out about Educational Consultant Patricia Murphy and the Ridge Creek School Facility

This is not the first time, doubtful it will it be the last within the "Teen Help Industry." Educational consultant Patricia (Patti) Murphy has plenty of company where referring to the Ridge Creek School facility (formerly Hidden Lake Academy) was concerned.

What we have encountered is that most of the families have walked away for various reasons.  Litigation is expensive and the commitment is taxing, especially when one is up against not only a now defunct facility (personal bankruptcy this round), but the Georgia state agencies that allowed the perpetuated fraud to continue, while enjoying protection under sovereign immunity(although it is not totally impenetrable, near though). 

Federal laws regarding out-of-state admissions and in-state admissions were also violated.  Educational Consultants such as Patricia (Patti) Murphy were sent documents over the years showing violations (those that were reported and those that Ridge Creek were caught not reporting) generated by Georgia's Office of Residential Child Care(ORCC); yet, Ms. Murphy and her colleagues continued to refer to the former Hidden Lake Academy and/or the Ridge Creek facility.  Educational consultants apparently did not feel the need to do any research, completely vet this facility and it affiliates through the ORCC reports, the Class Action Lawsuit of 2006 (this lawsuit was not just contractual), and the previous bankruptcy. If the Educational Consultants bothered to ascertain the facts and protect the children,  many families and their children would have been spared much heartache.  They chose nepotism, blind trust of the perpetrators, and their purse-strings over what reason and logic dictate.

There was no follow through by Educational Consultants, the ORCC, the Compact Commission, and AdvancEd (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) regarding placement of Special Needs children at a facility that had no Special Needs program.  Federal and State ICPC violations were rampant.

This will continue to happen inside and outside our country until educational consultants are held accountable and held to a higher ethical standard than the current state of their affairs; unfortunately, more than not, they appear as nepotistic as Georgia's agencies.

The Therapeutic Boarding School industry is a multi-billion dollar farce that took off because someone or group saw the need and its mega financial benefits.  IECA and NATSAP cohorts are now well aware of the gravy train presented to them by Special Needs children and those with drug problems.  As one stated, "Aspergers is quite lucrative."   Beware, targets (Special Needs children)  have gone in the direction of "Autism Spectrum Disorders" and "pill poppers;" after all, it is "quite lucrative."  Marketing to Special Needs families is now in full swing.

School districts need to address and create Special Needs programs that are structured within their own communities, so our children are not farmed out into a "Teen Help Industry" that is not equipped, trained with certified teachers, or licensed care-givers for Special Needs Children.

Parents report there are Special Needs programs that are not fraudulent and have had success, but there are few and far between.  Seek out these families.  Do not go on the recommendation from the facility, educational consultant, or marketing brochures that offer a call list with former "happy campers."  Stay away from "Advisory Boards," like Penn State, most individuals are connected or benefit in some fashion.

Please be your child's advocate.  Do your research.  Advocate for school districts to be proactive in building a Special Needs program within your own district.  If an Educational Consultant smiles brightly, then states that a facility in Costa Rica would be beneficial for your child - or suggests a Wilderness Camp - run.

And that's my take.

*If you would like the DOJ contact please write/email  jillestake@live.com, but at least file your complaint with your Congressional District, Ombudsman, and/or your state's Office of the Child Advocate.  You may also contact Director Tonya Boga - Office of the Child Advocate, Atlanta Georgia.


Concerned Citizen
*
This woman is a fraud. She charged me $4,000 to place my child in a school that she knew was under investigation for mismanagement, including unlicensed educational and therapeutic care - there were rapes and attempted suicides, while my son was there -- the children were not safe and she refused to acknowledge this fact, let alone talk to me at all. As soon as she took my money, she completely ceased all communication with me by phone and email. I would not be surprised if this woman received kickbacks from the school to place children there. Do not associate with this woman - she is a fraud. I am not the only person she fleeced - see http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/2011/07/educational-consultants-that-refer-to.html

http://chevychase.patch.com/listings/patricia-murphy-educational-consultants 

Authorities: Tons of drugs went through cross-border tunnel - CNN.com

Authorities: Tons of drugs went through cross-border tunnel - CNN.com
Investigators from the multiagency San Diego Tunnel Task Force check out the tunnel's entrance Wednesday. The tunnel went down 20 feet and is equipped with electricity and ventilation.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Open the Records at Penn State - NYTimes.com

Open the Records at Penn State - NYTimes.com

Judge Robert Scott Replaces Judge Leslie Dutchcot - Sandusky Case

Judge Robert Scott assigned to Jerry Sandusky case - CBS 21 News - Breaking news
No surprises here...

"AS THE PENN STATE 'FAMILY' TURNS" OR UNRAVELS


Joe and Mary Amendola at The Second Mile Charity
Photo via Busted Coverage


After presiding Judge Dutchcot's 'family ties' to The Second Mile charity were revealed, now according to the Daily Mail, court documents reveal that Joe Amendola, the lawyer for accused Penn State pedophile Jerry Sandusky, impregnated a teenage girl in 1996.  16 is the legal age in Pennsylvania, although it is reported that Amendola represented his young paramour in her imancipation, covering all  bases. He was 49.  She would marry Joe Amendola in 2003, giving birth to another child.  The two are separated now.  The photo shows Joe and Mary Amendola (who is now 32) at a Second Mile charity event.  The Second Mile  is the charitable  foundation for at-risk youth that Sandusky started. 

Gary Schultz, former senior vice president for business and finance at Penn State is seen in the upper left.  Schultz has been charged with perjury for lying to the grand jury during the Sandusky investigation.


It appears Amendola's wife is not in agreement with leaving her children with Mr. Sandusky.








Tuesday, November 15, 2011

In July, Paterno Transferred Ownership of Home to His Wife for $1 - NYTimes.com

In July, Paterno Transferred Ownership of Home to His Wife for $1 - NYTimes.com


                                         Patrick Smith/Getty images
Yesterday, after posting the article, " The Janitors of the Ridge Creek School and Georgia's DHS mirror The Janitors of Penn State," today this was released. Honestly, this is just too close to home.

Joe, you have charged a dollar more in some respects than the going rate in Atlanta!

"Estate Planning?" Expecting a lawsuit in July? "Say it isn't so Joe."

We know this is a long shot, but, seriously Joe, do you have family in Georgia?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Former Penn St. coach: Sandusky scandal 'made some sense to me' - College football- NBC Sports

Former Penn St. coach: Sandusky scandal 'made some sense to me' - College football- NBC Sports

'Enraged' ex-grad assistant, child-abuse victim critical of coach's style, Paterno power

The Janitors of the Ridge Creek School and Georgia’s DHS mirror the Janitors of Penn State’s Scandal –

 - They clean up the mess, contain it, but manage to leave some legacy.
Let’s look at mandated reporters as “keepers” of a promise to ensure the safety of children.  The keepers at schools, facilities, and the state agencies are the Presidents, Head Masters, Commissioners, Directors, and Supervisors whose work force and mission is supposedly to protect our children under their watch. 

Bob Schieffer appropriately wrote about the Penn State scandal : [excerpt]
“As the Catholic Church learned, when protecting the institution is put ahead of protecting those it is intended to serve, it is eventually the institution that is put at risk.
That is unfortunate, but let us remember those the institution forgot, the victims - children who may have been scarred for life.
They deserve to know those who wronged them and those who knew about it are being brought to justice.”
 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3460_162-57323795/bob-schieffer-on-the-fall-of-icons/
The lack of knowledge base of child abuse and neglect reporting protocol when it comes to errant, arrogant individuals in a keeper capacity is systemic.  There is no excuse that a Law Enforcement Officer does not know that there is a 24-hour call-in service for Child Protective Services and that protocol must be followed.  Worse, is knowing, and shrugging their duty off.  The corruption that underlies what truly goes on is endemic.

As being reported, Georgia like Pennsylvania, does not have a good track record with enforcement of mandatory reporting laws and prosecuting those who break those laws; these individuals are seldom written up and even rarer is their prosecution accompanied by a minute fine.  One of the key problems rests within the state agency in regard to the manor with which their supervisory staff handle surveys/reports/complaints of child abuse, negligence, rights violations, and fraud that perpetuate the others.   History shows both the agency receiving the reports or complaints, or the facilities themselves, often appear to utilize containment and/or cleansing of reports.  The buck stops at the agency supervisors who subjectively review the reports and apparently have been afforded carte blanche in editing the reports for final submission; unless, their Director or Commissioner has issued a "hands-off."  
See Welts, not welfare: Boss's protective maneuvers send a message that undermines DFCS mission — children's safety.”  Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Maureen Downey January 29, 2008. AJC.com
There appears to be no oversight of these supervisors.  Rampant nepotism and fear of job loss exist in not just the facilities themselves, but with the agencies’ underlings as well.  Those whose mission and creed is to protect children, find they must "toe the line" or you are out.
The Keepers (state agencies) are set up to be protected and impenetrable, seeking additional cover under antiquated state immunity laws, enabling the Penn States and Ridge Creeks of the world to operate under the radar of any scrutiny; everyone flourishes under the façade.  Now, Penn State as a public, state funded institution might try to interject sovereign immunity to bar themselves from lawsuits surely and rightfully to come, but there is argument that it is not a state agency, only funded, therefore sovereign immunity cannot be applied. Ridge Creek accepted state funds, out of state funds, and medicaid funds for services that were not, or could not be rendered to Special Needs Children; obviously, it does not grant Ridge Creek sovereign immunity.  The Keepers did not stop them either.
In reading the 23-page Grand Jury Indictment of Jerry Sandusky, former coach at Penn State, much stands out that parallels what went wrong at the Ridge Creek facility, although the allegations differ, the lack of mandated reporting in both cases had horrific consequences, which could have stopped more children and their families from being hurt in both cases.
At Penn State, mandated reporters did not report sexual misconduct and the rapes of many children; they kept quiet for fear of their job loss, nepotism, promises, or for protecting the institution.
At the now closed Ridge Creek School facility, formerly Hidden Lake Academy, attempted suicides went unreported, just business as usual.  This facility had plenty of company in the Therapeutic Teen Help Industry, which is a breeding ground for disaster in itself.  
With regard to the Ridge Creek facility and its former Hidden Lake Academy, there were several mandated reporters at the facility that did not report anything for fear of losing their jobs, for empty promises, for nepotistic reasons, or a sick logic that it was all for the greater good of themselves.  Several ‘players’ that knew better were the Janitors, who ethically should have been the Keepers;  former Directors, Headmasters, and Counselors, actually promoted the horrific environment and contained the egregious behaviors of the facility. Two players come to mind, Chris Grimwood, a major promoter of the inherent fraud perpetrated to families, along with Jeff Holloway, both of whom are now at Brandon Hall … From Hidden Lake Academy it was Headmaster Charles Cates, now retired, who was in charge of containment. What is frightening, is the lies these people could spew, without blinking an eye.  There were more Janitors at the Ridge Creek and Hidden Lake facility, too numerous to mention over the last 11 years and they just moved on in their 100 billion dollar industry to another facility, unscathed, while the families picked up the pieces they all left behind, including their children.  Educational Consultants rave about how wonderful these people are; blinded by their livelihood much?
Mandated reporters?  Again, Judges in Georgia seldom fine them, if the cowards are even brought to court – after all, it is only a child’s life, who apparently has no rights.  College Park, PA?    Mr. Sandusky received only a bond of 100,000 dollars for 40 counts, including rapes of children, 8 to date, sexually abused. It is now being reported that Judge Dutchcot, who is presiding over the case is listed as a volunteer at The Second Mile.  Shouldn't the Judge have disclosed this to the attorneys?  Recuse herself?  How many children was Mr. Sandusky rewarded with, through foster care, and adoption;  now another charity, the Fresh Air Fund, states that the Sandusky's were a host familiy for inner city children? What does that say?  What is a child’s life worth?  Our system is screwed up.
On a grander scale, Penn State in College Park, Pa was just another Hidden Lake Academy/Ridge Creek School in Dahlonega, Georgia along with a myriad of others – self- preservation, containment, money, and live the lie.  The problem here - if you “live the lie” long enough, it becomes livable and the norm.
The entire town of Dahlonega in Lumpkin County was sewn up. After all, there were connections in downtown Atlanta, according to the former Sheriff – big whoop.  Like Penn State in College Park, at one time Hidden Lake Academy and Ridge Creek thrived, bringing in money for the town businesses in Dahlonega. Until the town businesses servicing the facility realized the owner did not like to pay his bills, including taxes; even in the early years there were tax liens and material man’s liens.  There were warnings given to parents, “if you file a lawsuit, do not do it in Lumpkin County – he owns it.”  Or, the GAO’s warning that “this goes all the way up to judges, stay out of the State, go Federal.”  Ridiculous.  Impossible?  And just how is that accomplished if the reporting agencies are the ONLY entities in the state that can ask for intervention by the Federal government (DOJ, AG), the Inspector General, the State Attorney General (who protects the agencies), or the GBI?  What is even more ludicrous is having to ask the State of Georgia if they will allow a lawsuit against themselves?  Get real.
An earthquake, with lingering aftershocks, has jolted College Park.  It is in the news across the globe; good and bad, the affected families and their children have media support that will not allow the State of Pennsylvania or Penn State to continue a cover-up.  Those exposed to the previous Ridge Creek School and its affiliates, along with the state agencies should only be so lucky with Georgia.
Even if complaints/reports are processed by a DFCS or ORCC investigator/surveyor, their survey report goes to their supervisor, where it is reviewed, re-written, or ignored. Off-the-record, with fear of reprisal, we have received notice that investigator reports were reviewed by the supervisors and never utilized.  Why send out your agents to investigate, if you won’t back them up? Several final reports from complaints do not even reference the original complaint.   So, the DFCS, CPS, ORCC, DHS responding agent/surveyors are mandated reporters, but the “meat” of their report can be silenced at the supervisory level; supervisors are mandated reporters, too.  So, how does that work? The best of it all, “they are lying to you.”  (“They,” refers to the DHS, ORCC, DFCS, DJJ supervisors and directors.)  Georgia agents/surveyors are just pawns, used to the advantage of the hierarchy, discarded if they make waves; less is more, unless there is an agreed upon target.  Janitorial work can be tedious.
No one in either case, surely endemic across the country and world, can speak the truth unless it is acceptable to the “machine,” the institution that pays their salaries.  It has always been structured that way, corporate or otherwise.
Another mandated reporter, Penn State’s Mr. Mike McQueary as a Graduate Assistant witnessed a 10-year-old boy being sodomized by Jerry Sandusky in the showers.  He went home and called his father?  What human being would not intervene, plummet the SOB, if not near kill him, comfort the child as best one can, and call the police?   Perhaps a pre-requisite for human beings interacting with children should be that they watch several films of animals in nature protecting their cubs.  Jerry Sandusky was fortunate he lived in a community where they do not deliver their own brand of justice, because he would have been an immediate candidate for a penile implant; forget castration - that would have been a gift.
If Mr. McQueary had reported the incident to the police, would it have even gotten past the police?  At the time, doubtful, a call here or there, connections, favors.   A town owned, is a town owned; the machine is above reproach whether in College Park, PA., Dahlonega, Georgia, or anywhere else.
Parents of children that attended Hidden Lake Academy and the Ridge Creek facility state they not only contacted the Office of Regulatory Services ( ORS), now the Office of Residential Child Care( ORCC) in the Department of Human Services (DHS) but, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, ADTF, the FBI, and filed  complaints asking for investigations.  They never heard back aside from a perfunctory email or letter if they were fortunate.  No accountability – lives ruined.  Like Penn State, tragedies could have been stopped years back.
The bottom line is that mandated reporters have an ethical, humane, and fiduciary responsibility to report child abuse, child negligence, and violations of children’s rights.  They are the keepers of the glen.  We should all know that.  Thwarting any hope of reform is the allowed rampant nepotism in the agencies and intstitutions that incidents are reported to, the back-room favors, and the muscle placed on anyone attempting to right the wrongs that the hierarchy wants to disappear. 
The Pennsylvania Governor has announced he wants the laws changed, but that will not cut it, unless there is absolute, outside oversight of the agencies, institutions, and their brethren as we have learned from Georgia.  Georgia’s agency hierarchy circumvented the truth,  took care of their co-conspirators in a politically motivated machine, while weeding out dedicated people that seek truth, transparency, and the safety of the children.  Families that seek justice and accountability are doomed from the start. 

It has taken how many years to bring Jerry Sandusky to court?  How long was Hidden Lake Academy, the Ridge Creek School et affiliates allowed to perpetrate so many frauds and cover-up incidents regarding minor children where mandated reporting of those incidents were required?   How long was Ridge Creek and its affiliates allowed to go unlicensed, with the state knowing full well it was not purely an academic school? To date, no one has been held accountable as a mandated reporter in either of Georgia’s state agencies or the Ridge Creek affiliated facilities.  Why not?  Apologies?  Don’t hold your breath. 

Over the span of 11 or so years, with complaints and lawsuits, the ORS/ORCC rewarded the Ridge Creek /Hidden Lake Academy facilities with numerous licenses for various entities on the same compound.  The ORCC still does not acknowledge the existence, if only on paper ,of another facility on the same compound with state contracts that did not exist.   The state afforded stimulus funds to the facility as a Residential Treatment Facility (RTF), when it was not licensed as such;  more ingenious is the fact that the State allowed children who needed an RTF to be admitted.  Fact, the facilities like Ridge Creek across the country cannot continue to operate without the help of the state of domicile, which turns more than a blind eye and deaf ears to the cries of the families. Two programs, Aspen Education and WWASPS exhibit spot-on examples of influence, child abuse, child neglect, and child deaths. 
At least the Penn State Board of Trustees “fired” the lot, even if their backs were against the wall.  Unfortunately, for them, containment was no longer an option, so they cut the cord.  A "RIF"(Reduction in Force) just wouldn't fly.
In Georgia, just as the Catholic Church accommodated their pedophile priests, DHS rewarded their brethren who continuously obfuscated the truth to famiies with moving them to other departments in the DHS; or, they conveniently announce a (RIF) due to budget cuts.  Four months later, they replace the RIF’s with another covert operative, whom did not appear to have a clue either.  

It appears Ridge Creek School’s former Directors, along with Penn State’s hierarchy have much more in common with Georgia’s Department of Human Services (DHS). Apparently, the only resume requirements for a Director or Supervisor within the DHS and its other agencies is that lying must be second nature, and having “no clue” is a plus.
In Ridge Creek and Hidden Lake Academy’s case, the owner portrayed himself to be the victim.  Let there be no mistake, the only victims were the children, their parents, and a handful of naïve employees; victims of a near-perfect, perpetuated fraud … And, of course, those donors to the infamous slush fund, er, “Chapel Fund.”
In Penn State’s case/scandal, the victims were the children.  Mr. Paterno was not the victim here folks.  To quote a friend, “if one thinks there is just one mouse in the house, think again." He was part of the problem. They all were part of what they determined was an invincible machine, an institution that was operating as if they were above the law.  Heck, they probably were the law.  They did not even care enough to identify the young boy allegedly raped by Mr. Sandusky in Penn State’s showers. 
These mandated reporters appear to have chosen self-absorbed glory over their own humanity.
The grand jury met for over 18 months. Mr. Paterno (whom testified early this year), Penn State et al knew this was coming, yet Penn State reels in shock, along with Mr. Paterno and his compatriots?  They had over 18 months to prepare, to come forward.  Penn state declined comment in March of 2011.
Did their arrogance so blind them to think this would disappear? 
March 2011
Harrisburg (Pa.) Patriot-News reports that grand jury is investigating Sandusky on allegations of indecent assault against a teenage boy. The Patriot-News reports that five people with knowledge of the case said the grand jury has been meeting for 18 months and has called witnesses, including Paterno and Curley. Penn State declines comment.”
Shed no tears for Mr. Paterno.  He was blessed.  It was not his son in that shower.

  And that’s my take.
“For the Children Left Behind”

*For those readers that are not familiar with the former Ridge Creek School 
  facility and the former Hidden Lake Academy, there is much information in
  previous articles and posts, not only on this blog, but others as well the FOX I-
  team news report out of Atlanta.

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