RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL AND ITS DELUSIONAL "LITTLE TOY SOLDIERS" ARTICLE

Jilliestake just spoke with a GAO representative that was at the  Ridge Creek facility Wednesday. Along with everyone else, they too, appear shocked by this "final curtain" article  entitled "Little Toy Soldiers" published by Ridge Creek School bidding adieu.

Apparently, the GAO and DFCS did not trip over, nor observe any "Little Toy Soldiers" and there certainly were no "toy bears."  "Consoling each other?" If there were any tears, it was to leave their friends behind, and tears of pure joy to leave the facility.

No offense to Mr. Buccellato, but this is one occasion, metaphorical or fabricated,  where your Director of Counseling's version of "The Long Goodbye"  is beyond tasteless.  How could you allow this out there?  Back for a "curtain call" as it is so sick.

·       

And that's my take.

Mr. Lon Woodbury obviously felt it important enough and necessary to publish this on his website: "Struggling Teens"

http://ridgecreekschool.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 21, 2011

"Little Toy Soldiers"

Ridge Creek School is closed and I will never look at little toy soldiers without thinking about the school, the students, familes, and colleagues I worked with while I was there.

Monday after lunch I broke the news to the students that Ridge Creek School would be closing it's doors by the end of the week. There were tears and protests that it was not true. Students and staff spent time at Lakefront consoling one another, then the students were dismissed to their dorms to pack and prepare for departures, whenever that would come.

Later that day I saw some of the boys walking around and putting something on my car. I asked what they were doing and they said they were putting out toy soldiers. When I asked why, they said to protect the school. The little toy soldiers are everywhere...in the Admin Building, the dorms, Academics, the Lodge, the Gym, on retaining walls. When they ran out of toy soldiers they placed toy animals to watch over us.

It was clear the little toy soldiers were a metaphor for their feelings that day and the days that followed as the toy soldiers are still here, after everyone is gone, protecting Ridge Creek School. These young men were feeling that they and their school had been attacked and needed protection.

Over the next few days I heard students say that Ridge Creek was a family, they liked it here, it just started to get good for them and that they did not want to leave. One student told me he knew he was Oppositional Defiant Disorderd because he did not want to come when he was sent here, and now that he was being forced to leave, he did not want to go. Another student asked her father to let her spend the night one more time before leaving school.

Parents were, for the most part, incredibly understanding with the news and the scramble for getting their children home or to the next program. I hear over and over how grateful they were that their child had the time here that they had, some claiming we had saved their child's life.

The campus is now empty except for the staff that live here. No more do I hear the shouts and laughter of the students as they return to their dorms in the evening. The peace of the mountains surrounds the campus, unfortunately it will no longer bring peace and healing to the hearts and minds of troubled teenages.

              by Anne Edens " My observations on the closing of the school."
          Posted by Ridge Creek Therapeutic Boarding School at 5:50 PM

GEORGIA SECRETARY OF STATE - FILING A COMPLAINT AGAINST RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL LICENSES LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

The revocation of ones license is not to be taken lightly and the process is long.  This is one area, where citizens have a right to a voice their concerns and  legitimate complaints.  The 'State' agencies in Georgia may have immunity, but they cannot take our voice, our hearts, and our tenacity in seeing that justice prevails.  If one wishes changes, one has to fight for them.

The children are safe, Ridge Creek School is closed, but there is nothing to prevent the owner from opening up another school if there is no accountability.  This has happened countless times with other facilities across the globe.  We all know too well as was  the case with Miller Newton - no jail -egregious abuse of children,  and nothing - he walks free.

We have experienced PhD's with no PhD's,  an M.D. with no M.D's, teachers with no certification and cross utilized,  MSW's with no licensed MSW, Counselors with no license, no nurse, and no mandatory reporting.The Georgia agencies had it within their scope to ask for help, to ask for an investigation from the Georgia Attorney General's Office, the US Attorney General, but their "hands were tied."

Confusion: There are two GAO's -

To clarify,  GAO (Government Accountability Office)  in Washington. D.C. is mandated by Congress and could only make recommendations. The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) is a private non-profit corporation. Its mission is to work with and for oppressed and vulnerable individuals in Georgia who are labeled as disabled or mentally ill to secure their protection and advocacy. GAO's work is mandated by Congress, and GAO has been designated by Georgia as the agency to implement Protection and Advocacy within the state.

The Georgia Advocacy Office can make recommendations to ensure the rights and safety of the children;  there are limitations as with the GAO in Washington, D.C.

Regarding Ridge Creek School facility, the facility went under.  Staff report DFCS and the GAO did site visits on Tuesday and Wednesday to be sure the children were cared for.

Again, the children are safe - that was and always should remain the high priority.

But, how did we get here?

The State structure is near impenetrable for a citizen.  It is containment beyond containment.  Parents and guardians continue to report they have filed complaints with the state agencies and the LCSO  receiving no reply and no remedy. We need your help. Although we appreciate the "cheerleaders," it will not make change happen.

Mandatory reporting by licensed professionals, at the very least, is ethically and morally right by all staff.

This came into Jilliestake, please take a few minutes, be proactive, file your complaint with Georgia's Secretary of State, Brian Kemp:

"Revocation of licensure is a long and drawnout process. It starts with the filing of a complaint with the Secretary of State at this web address: https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/SubmitComplaint.aspx
I just filed complaints against Buccellato and Edens and two former HLA/RCS "professionals". It took only a few minutes. I have been told by someone who sits on a similar board that the more complaints that are filed, the more attention that is drawn to that individual by the board. Please don't assume someone else will do this. Everyone who experienced or witnessed this abuse of power needs to take a few minutes and file a formal complaint. If we deluge the board with complaints, something will happen. Otherwise, it won't. Don't stop now. We aren't finished yet.

RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL - FINAL BOW IS LESS THAN GRACEFUL.- MORE PROPAGANDA - NO APOLOGY

Mr. Buccellato just does not know how to bow out gracefully or obviously contain the delusional writing skills of the staff.  Now he cares about the children. To use the children like this on the final curtain call, is disgusting and seriously,  apparently someone has major issues.  Ridge Creek School did not have food service since last Friday.  Buccellato and Edens wanted to contain this until the next Friday.   Yet, there was an apparent abundant supply of  "Little Toy Soldiers;" "Toy Animals" indeed.  One would imagine the Director of DFCS will mention tripping over "Little Toy Soldiers" last Tuesday.  This should be an interesting report. Of all the unusual events Wednesday, the Georgia Advocacy Office must have welcomed the sight of  " Little Toy Soldiers" and "Toy Animals."... Perhaps, it was an "oversight." Stay tuned.

http://ridgecreekschool.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Little Toy Soldiers

Ridge Creek School is closed and I will never look at little toy soldiers without thinking about the school, the students, familes, and colleagues I worked with while I was there.

Monday after lunch I broke the news to the students that Ridge Creek School would be closing it's doors by the end of the week.  There were tears and protests that it was not true.  Students and staff spent time at Lakefront consoling one another, then the students were dismissed to their dorms to pack and prepare for departures, whenever that would come. 

Later that day I saw some of the boys walking around and putting something on my car.  I asked what they were doing and they said they were putting out toy soldiers.  When I asked why, they said to protect the school.  The little toy soldiers are everywhere...in the Admin Building, the dorms, Academics, the Lodge, the Gym, on retaining walls.  When they ran out of toy soldiers they placed toy animals to watch over us.

It was clear the little toy soldiers were a metaphor for their feelings that day and the days that followed as the toy soldiers are still here, after everyone is gone, protecting Ridge Creek School.  These young men were feeling that they and their school had been attacked and needed protection. 

Over the next few days I heard students say that Ridge Creek was a family, they liked it here, it just started to get good for them and that they did not want to leave.  One student told me he knew he was Oppositional Defiant Disorderd because he did not want to come when he was sent here, and now that he was being forced to leave, he did not want to go.  Another student asked her father to let her spend the night one more time before leaving school.

Parents were, for the most part, incredibly understanding with the news and the scramble for getting their children home or to the next program.  I hear over and over how grateful they were that their child had the time here that they had, some claiming we had saved their child's life. 

The campus is now empty except for the staff that live here.  No more do I hear the shouts and laughter of the students as they return to their dorms in the evening.  The peace of the mountains surrounds the campus, unfortunately it will no longer bring peace and healing to the hearts and minds of troubled teenages.

Posted by Ridge Creek Therapeutic Boarding School at 5:50 PM

Staff Comment Posted today on Fornits by RCSworkhorse:

by RCSworkhorse » Today, 11:07

"Wow this makes me mad! Anyone who has worked at RCS recently knows very well that Len hid in his office and almost never interacted with Students....I would dare say he hasn't actually heard children's laughter on that campus in some time.

This man's unwillingness to admit that his lack of leadership and ethics had anything to do with the failure of the school paired with the ease with which he passes the buck off to "disturbed individuals" infuriates me. For god sake Len...while you are drying your crocodile tears hard working people who actually worked with these kids and tried to keep them safe.....despite your lack of support....are now having to look for jobs and pick up the peices of their lives, families are incurring the costs of unplanned flights home and wondering if they will ever see a penny of the money they thought they were investing in the well-being of their children!? I am disgusted!"

           Updated: "Anne Edens: " My observations on the closing of the school."  07-23-2011 Jilliestake

RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL UPDATE FOR PARENTS

There will be updates posted as soon as received.  For now, those parents that are seeking records or have been seeking academic records, in many cases for months, please contact Ridge Creek School attorney Thornton Morris. Otherwise you may wish to seek counsel, unfortunately. The Georgia GAO can be contacted if you wish to share your story at 800-537-2329.

For those parents seeking counseling records, IEP, ISP, 504's, via ICPC or in-state, many of the children have never had records generated on them, and it has been confirmed that many of the records that are available have been manufactured. 

Both Federal and State laws have been violated for years. You may send requests to Jilliestake@live.com and those will be forwarded to authorities.  We will answer all email.

We know this has been difficult.  Many of the children have suffered needlessly.  We will seek restitution from the State of Georgia for all families and their children over an 11 year period that have been hurt due to their irresponsible, negligent, at times, inept reporting, cover-up, and violation of their own regulatory codes. 

This is one deposition to look forward to.  No thanks to " Judge Chicken," we just may finally get our day in court.

No child will have a foot slammed into their back, their face pushed in goose feces, because they cannot do massive amounts of relentless push-ups due to a shoulder dislocation since birth.  This fight is dedicated to all the children that have been hurt, to my daughter, and for ... 

"The Children Left Behind"

For Jilliestake,

I am Jill Ryan.

BREAKING NEWS - RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL- ALL CHILDREN ARE HOME

With relief, according to staff, the GOA visit Wednesday and after Tuesdays visit by  DFCS and CPS's to the Ridge Creek School campus, all children have left the campus.

Now the unraveling begins, all parties from the state to the mandatory reporters to the staff, and former staff will be held accountable, including the accrediting commission Advanc-Ed.  All professional licenses of current and former staff are being reviewed;   outside investigations for negligence and ethical violations pertaining to their professional and/or fiduciary responsiblities will commenced.

As of 2:30 yesterday afternoon, Ridge Creek School officially closed.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Georgia Advocacy Office(the GAO) for their commitment to the safety of  "The Children Left Behind." 

And that's my take.

Note:  Please see correction in below comments. 07-22-2011.  Thank you.  Jilliestake staff.

ADVANC-ED GEORGIA (SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS) GAVE ACCOLADES TO RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL GEORGIA

Monday, February 14, 2011

First Therapeutic School to Receive Accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Ridge Creek School is proud that we were the first therapeutic school in the country to apply for and receive accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). We feel that this definitely paved the way for greater op­ opportunities for all struggling students to receive placement consideration and acceptance at colleges and traditional boarding schools.

SACS is now known as AdvancED and our 5 year reaccreditation team has just left campus. We are very pleased that not only are they recommending us for continued accreditation but that they commended us for the remarkable commitment of all staff to the success of Ridge Creek School students. They were especially impressed by our professional atmosphere where students feel concern, care and respect from adults. All students who were interviewed said that they would rather be somewhere else especially during the first 6-8 weeks but when asked if in 3-5 years they would look back on this as a positive experience, all students interviewed resoundingly said "YES".

RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL SELLING ASSETS THAT HAVE LIENS? ... DO NOT RUN SO FAST ...

Sources say that Leonard Buccellato is selling everything off today with the help of Mike Smith.  But, do not run so fast to purchase items.  There are IRS liens on his personal property, on the facility property, SSI liens, County liens, State liens, and liens from lawsuits against Buccellato and property.  A TRO will probably be granted, if not today, then hopefully by tomorrow.  This is illegal people.  The IRS has been notified.  If you actually think in helping him sell off items, he will make good on your salaries, you are all nuts.
One would surmise from Mr. Buccellato's history, that the only reason he would wish to contain the closing of the facility until Friday, is to give them all time to sell off everything before the state closes them down.  It is not, nor ever, has it been about the children. 

To believe that parents would actually take referral advice from people complicit in this cover-up, from those that have stolen monies from the families through fraud, one would need to be out of their mind.  Another family was just recently scammed out of almost $25,000.00 for fees and deposits, with full knowledge of the financial crisis that would lead to the closing.

No one disclosed anything to the parents.  The ORCC never bothered to check the financial viability of this facility, but in all fairness even if the ORCC had, it is apparent that there are several "books," according to several former staff.  Heck, the educational consultants get their $4,000.00 hit on the front end and those more unscrupulous get it on the back end, so what do they care.

Simply stated: It is not Mr. Buccelllato's property to sell. 

In addition, if the shredding parties have not commenced, do not fret or bother.  Many employees have copied documents upon departure as far back as 2005.  A fire is not a good idea right now.  The artwork is probably on its way to Tahiti.

This was received by Jilliestake today:

From: Len Buccellato <                     >
Date: Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Subject:
To: RCSstaff

We are attempting to sell items on campus to make sure that payroll is met  If you know anyone interested in purchasing anything on campus, please have them call Mike Smith.

Friday is not about the children.  More children are scheduled to go home Wednesday.  There are several lawsuits that have been filed previously to the announcement of closing citing negligence and fraud.  There will be much more.

And that's my take.

RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL CLOSING EMAIL TO STAFF FROM LEONARD BUCCELLATO

From: Len Buccellato;lbuccellato@ridgecreek.org
Date: Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Subject:
To: RCSstaff
It is with very great sadness that I announce that Ridge Creek School must close. The faculty and staff of RCS created the best therapeutic boarding school in the nation. Unfortunately 5 years ago the petition for a class action and the nonstop slanderous postings on blog sites since then has financially bankrupted the school and me personally.  In the past 17 years hundreds of children and their families  have had their lives changed and are now walking in positive directions.  It is truly sad that a small number of disturbed individuals can create such havoc and cause us to close. 

I ask each of you to continue to act in the most professional manner for the sake of the children.  We are very  much trying to get funds to cover last Friday’s payroll.  Thank you for all the hard work that you have dedicated to the children. No paycheck would ever be large enough to cover the investment that you made in their lives.  May God look over all of you and help your transition go as smoothly as possible.

Len

Following in your footsteps is Casey Anthony, although your fabrications are an outrage to all decent psychologists. What is truly disgusting is that you bankrupted your own facility.  This has nothing to do with the Class Action lawsuit of 2006. The IRS liens go back as far as 2003, along with Material Man's liens, state and county liens, and lawsuit liens. You bilked your own school, parents, and more importantly your unethical behavior hurt the children and you have the audacity to blame others. 

You , Sir, took an oath as a psychologist, you Sir, are a mandatory reporter.
We will see you in court, Sir, along with all those complicit in your containment, and those that had an ethical and fiduciary responsibility to come forward for the children.

Mandatory reporting, Sir.

UNREPORTED INCIDENT:

Lumpkin County Sheriff - End of May -  Youth  ----- --------- beat Student ------ ---------. The perpetrator had been at Ridge Creek School approximately 2 ½ weeks.  The perpetrator was not an appropriate intake for the facility and should never have been admitted - $20,000.00 deposit was taken by the facility and upon dismissal it has not been refunded.

Incident:  ----- --------- at lights out went into the room of ------- and climbed into the bed where ------- ------ was laying;  ----- --------- sat on --------  chest and beat him in the face.

------- ------ has shattered cheek bones - air pocket behind right eye - concussion - possible slight brain damage from last report of father ---- -----.

No DHS, ORCC, DFCS, or CPS report as of this writing.

Does this ring a bell Mr. Buccellato?  Ms. Edens?  It is the law to report attempted suicides and incidents like the one above.  This is what happens when your facility admits youths with conduct disorder, those that are violent, have felonious battery, sexual battery, and the list is extensive.  The ORCC did not see a problem with the commingling of Special Needs children with the aforementioned youth.  The DHS, the ORCC and DFCS are culpable, the ORCC enabled you, and turned a blinds eye to the safety of the children.

For the record Mr. Buccellato and Ms. Edens, you "fired" an innocent person in May; 'formally' it was a deemed a layoff.  I have never met ,nor have I ever exchanged emails, or had telephone conversations with K.E.  K.E. was not a "mole."  K.E .contact the Georgia Department of Labor. Then call the GAO and speak to them about manufacturing records.

In addition, it is too late to try to "pin" the financials on any more innocent people.  The IRS has had documents for years.  It is over Mr. Buccellato.

Oh, and that expensive art work of yours, Mr. Buccellato, the ones with the children’s blood on them, enjoy them while you can.

And that's my take.

BREAKING NEWS - RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL IS CLOSING!!

According to the the document before us, Ridge Creek School at 830 Hidden Lake Road in Dahlonega Georgia is closing.  Plans are to close Friday July 22, 2011 if the GAO, ORCC,  DFCS, CPS, GBI, FBI or the Sheriff's department do not shut them down Monday.  Ridge Creek School has not notified authoritative regulatory agencies like CPS, DFCS, and the ORCC that they intend to close. Nor has it informed the appropriate agencies that the food service ended Friday and  the service has removed all food.  Food is being brought in from the town.

Staff has not been paid.  According to a sources, there is no re-financing as per Mr. Buccellato's letter dated Thursday the 14th of July.  As you can deduce from the email (see below) Director of Counseling Anne Edens PhD, does not hold to Georgia's state law of mandatory reporting, or ,apparently her psychology oath.  A few parents have been informed, one child has been picked up at the time of this writing, due to a chain of parent calls.  Parents are reporting they cannot reach the school, nor can they reach the school through email.

There are 'allegations' of egregious violations, broken laws, and cover-ups by those complicit and complacent. Law enforcement will receive all documents regarding all parties that were complicit in this 10 year debacle, not excluding allegations of negligence against the ORCC, DFCS, and the DJJ. 

Commissioner Clyde Reese has never responded,  and the Governor's Chief of Staff does not return phone calls.  

Educational Consultants will be held accountable.  Names will be released to authorities of Educational consultants that placed inappropriate children without required documentation per ICPC, IEP's and 504's. and no follow-up. Failing to disclose to parents of Special Needs children that this facility admitted violent, adjudicated, probationary youths with felonious charges and conduct disorder is unethical, especially since the children were commingled. 

It appears all parents who have paid pre-paid tuition or deposits have lost it all - again.  DFCS and CPS need to pick up any children currently at the school as soon as possible, unless of course, "their hands are tied."

To the fourteen children whose names we have identified(there will be more), but will not publish, who have attempted to take their lives by hanging or cutting this past year and a half, to those children whose attempted suicides were not reported because staff state they did not know they were to report attempted suicides, and to those children that attempted to end their lives more than once, this 'time' is dedicated to you.  May God bless and keep you safe.

To the District Attorney, we request a full investigation into Sydney Vaughn and Lucrezia Albegiani, what they did was not justifiable, but understandable.  We want them sent home or somewhere to get help.  These young women should not have been sent to a facility that is not a licensed RTF or PRTF and whomever brokered the deal should be held accountable.

Anne Edens,  this morning instead of trying to figure out how to ward off DFCS and CPS,  may we suggest that you telephone the psychology board, along with Mr. Buccellato, and inform them you will no longer be practicing as a licensed psychologist before they strip both of your licenses.

"For the Children Left Behind"
    I am,  Jill Ryan
   And that's my take.

From: Anne Edens aedens@ridgecreek.org
Date: Sun, Jul 17, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Subject: Just an update To: Management &lt; > So far, things have been quiet. The student body saw ----- off. Her father was supportive and understanding, doing what he needed to do. I have spoken with Chris about the school closing, and while disappointed, not surprised. He has received one email from ------ dad (last night) demanding he call. I told Chris to go ahead and call, letting the father know what our plan at this point is in when and how we will be dismissing the students on Friday and that Scott is working on a referral list for the parents.

I have not gotten any calls or emails other than from Judith Wishin. She has been told and is supportive of our plan. I do not know if Cheryl has gotten any emails a she does not have email at home and I have not called her due to her having family visiting this weekend. She has been informed of the school closing, however. Jamie is still locked out of her email and this may be creating some panic for parents. I have talked with Jamie about closing and she is going to do whatever is needed to help her caseload through the process. We need to get her email unlocked asap if anyone has the sys admin info and can do that.

The kids are being fed and having a fun weekend and seem to be somewhat clueless, although they are asking questions about the lunch ladies and such. I think we will be fielding more questions as the week unfolds.

We need to be prepared if DHR or DFACS or any other agency comes on Monday…I would not be surprised if ----- and/or Jill Ryan have agitated them. Worse case scenario is if they come and force us to close (send kids home) before Friday.

What time is management meeting Monday morning (if we are meeting)?

Anne W. Edens, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Director of Counseling
Ridge Creek School
830 Hidden Lake Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533

706-864-4730 ex 2210

CASEY ANTHONY ATTORNEY BLUNDERS ATTEMPT TO GIVE VOICE TO CAYLEE MARIE

Attorney Jose Baez made a thoughtless blunder when he gave voice to Caylee Marie Anthony during his interview with Barbara Walters. Mr. Baez stated, “Caylee would never have wanted her mother to suffer this way.” Caylee Marie, a toddler at the time of her death, would not wish her Mummie to “suffer,” for Caylee Marie would not, could not, or should not have known what “suffer” even means - nor should any child.

Joy Behar interviewed  Anthony Attorney Dorothy Cay Simms asking,"would you let Casey babysit your kids?" - her answer sums in all up in a clearly uncomfortable moment.

To all, won’t you please take a moment to sign Caylee’s Law in Memory of Caylee Marie Anthony August 5, 2005 – July 16, 2008 for all the children at http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law.

To Cindy, George, and Lee Anthony – again, our sincere sorrow. Even more so, for if George Anthony did not remove Caylee Marie from that pool, he also knows his daughter, although acquitted of murder, was not innocent.  



    "Caylee Marie"

 

   Almost three

    Not sad

     I am free!

      I have wings

       God gave me!

       Not shy

        I can fly!

         I can dance

          Not just prance!

          I can spring 

          Can I sing!

          I can float

          Like a boat!

          If I wish

          I'm a fish!

          I can twirl

          I am -

          God’s little girl!

                                j.w

                  May God forever hold you in the palm if His hand little Caylee Marie.

And that's my take.