Malala Yousafzai - Delivers a Special Speech at the United Nations on her 16th birthday! [Entire Video]

Malala Yousafzai, is a Pakistani teenager who was shot by cowardly, pathetic, inhumane Taliban fighters. Nearly killed for advocating education and the right of girls to attend school, Malala Yousafzai emerges victorious in mind, body, and spirit as she addresses the U.N. Youth Assembly in New York.

 

BREAKING NEWS - IS ASPEN EDUCATION OWNED BY CRC HEALTH FINALLY BEGINNING TO IMPLODE?

According to sources, it appears CRC's Aspen Education has plans to close a few of their more notorious programs for teens within the next few weeks.

In addition, it is reported that many staff members were clueless.  Hopefully, families have been informed and this will not be an instant replay of the former Hidden Lake Academy/Ridge Creek School facility closing in Georgia - only on a grander scale.

It would be helpful to inform the U.S. State Department to remove these facilities from their recommendation list for families. Apparently, CRC/Aspen Education has more clout than advocates and children with Washington

Facility programs that sources state have been flagged for closing:

• Academy at Swift River - Massachusetts
• Talisman - North Carolina
• Stone Mountain - North Carolina
• SUWS of Idaho
• Adirondeck Leadership - Upstate N.Y.

Although we applaud CRC Health/Aspen Education on their purported decision, if true, sadly, Cooper Canyon and Island View do not appear on the list - along with the rest of the lot.  One can dream.

UPDATE : CONFIRMATION OF CLOSINGS
http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/AspenEducationGroupBN_130710.shtml

 

Pennsylvania - Prominent Special Needs Educational Consultant Pleads Nolo Contendere to Simple Assault on a Child in Plea Agreement

Thomas J. Croke


Early Saturday morning, Jilliestake received a disturbing email regarding a prominent U.S. Special Needs educational consultant, Thomas J. Croke, owner of Thomas J. Croke Associates, Inc. DBA as Family Light in Greensburg, Pennsylvania; which in turn alerted Jilliestake staff to a comment posted on Jilliestake. 




Jilliestake removed the comment post, until further investigation would confirm or disprove the allegations leveled upon Mr.Croke in the comment post. In addition, it was understood and apparent that the post’s author might have had personal motivation for revealing the aspects of a recent criminal case brought by the State of Pennsylvania against Mr. Croke.

After careful consideration, independent consultation, reading of court documents (charges, plea, and adjudication), including discussions with officials knowledgeable of all information related to the case, confirmation was provided.  

Due to the nature and ramifications (known and unknown) of this criminal case, Jilliestake, a children’s rights advocacy driven blog, made the decision to publish the following as children’s rights and safety must come first - forever ensuring child advocates give voice to those children who cannot speak.                            

Posted by Anonymous to Jillie's Take! at June 29, 2013 at 1:13 AM :

"In June of 2012, the grandson of Thomas Crokes wife, alleged that he had been sexually abused by Mr Croke, the president of Family Light of Greensburg, PA. After subsequent investigation by the Pennsylvannia State Police, Mr Croke was charged. In April of this year Mr Croke plead guilty to assault against a minor with menacing intent. He was formally sentenced this month, June of 2013. He was required to undergo psychiatric evaluation and is on two years of supervised probation. He is not allowed during that time to be alone with a minor.
You should take these facts into consideration with respect to any endorsements of Mr Croke that appear on your website."

No one should argue that due diligence and restraint is called for upon receiving this kind of information.  According to officials, this incident took place when the child (complainant) was 8 years old. The complainant is now in his 20’s.

Court documents attest to the following:  

Note: [M1] [M2] [M3] refers to the “Grading” of the indecent assault.

Mr. Croke was originally charged with two counts on April 23, 2013:

Count 1 - Ind. assault on a person less than 13 years of age - 18 § 3126 §§ A7
Count 2 - Corruption of Minors - 18 § 6301 §§ A1
 
On May 10, 2013 – Added by Information Count 3
 
Count 1 - Ind. assault on a person less than 13 years of age - 18 § 3126 §§ A7 - M1
Count 2 - Corruption of Minors - 18 § 6301 §§ A1 - M1
Count 3 - Simple Assault - 18 § 2701 §§ A3 - M2

On June 17, 2013 – Common Pleas Court of Westmoreland County PA

Counts 1 and 2 dismissed.

Mr. Croke plead Nolo Contendere to Count 3 (18 § 2701 §§ A3) which has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea. [Plea agreement to Count 3 “Simple Assault” Grade M2 – “(A3) attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.”]  [1]

The Court of Common Pleas Westmoreland County PA sentenced Mr. Croke.

Order - Sentence/Penalty Imposed

“Ct. 3 Supervision for a period of 2 yrs with County; Mental health eval; Actor to have no direct/indirect contact with victim or unsupervised contact with minors; Pleading Nolo Contrendere; Cts. 1 & 2 Dismissed; Defendant permitted to travel for business with prior permission from PO.” [2] 

Officials state that since there was no physical evidence, a lengthy time frame had lapsed, no prior offenses documented (the prosecution did not have knowledge of other cases as no other child, parent, or guardian came forward over the years), the plea agreement was accepted by the Court.

Mr. Croke’s sentence satisfied the victim in this case. In addition, because the case was pleaded out to Count 3 above, Megan’s Law does not apply.[3]  Mr. Croke was able to avoid having to register as a child sex offender.

Officials appear surprised that Mr. Croke earns his livelihood as an educational consultant predominantly for Special Needs children and their families.  Often situations arise that require travel to various facilities/programs to address the needs and meet with children already attending programs. Unless Mr. Croke advises the various facilities and programs he calls upon of the restrictions the court has imposed on him regarding his probation, the facilities will not be aware of the fact that by order of the court, he cannot be alone with any child under the age of 18. Non-compliance of court-ordered restrictions could endanger children enrolled at the facility/program, and expose said facility to legal damages. One would assume Mr. Croke has restructured his consulting firm, as with Skype, and hired additional educational consultants for travel issues that may arise.

Many states require a program/facility to check arrest record histories of their staff. However, educational consultant’s arrest records are not a pre-requisite – placement of a child in a residential treatment program/facility and the generation of funds created by that placement is the primary incentive.

Jilliestake does not offer moral judgment on Mr.Croke, but does takes issue with the transparency obviously lacking on the Family Light website. It is understandable why Mr. Croke is less than forthcoming, but his rhetoric is cagey at best and dishonest at worst. Readers are encouraged to look at the Family Light website, read the reasoning offered by Mr. Croke for staff not wanting to be alone with minors, and reach their own conclusion. There is no reason given for policy changes at Family Light other than “in the current climate we are increasingly uncomfortable…”

Thomas J. Croke and Associates, Inc. DBA Family Light was a member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and utilizes facilities affiliated with trade organization NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs), which self-proclaims no oversight over their members (Miller Bill Congressional Hearings 2007 Director Jan Moss testimony). http://troubledteenindustry.com/video/natsap-jan-moss-2007-congressional-hearing .

On July 1, 2013, Jilliestake contacted Mr. Croke through a representative. Mr. Croke declined to comment or speak with Jilliestake regarding this expose’.

 

Please find pertinent information, references, footnotes, and links below.

Excerpts quoted from the Family Light website indicate policy changes.

http://www.familylight.com/link2/2.1/2.1.4/2.1.4.2/index.htm 

"While we greatly regret this, in the current climate we are increasingly uncomfortable with our consultant being an adult alone with a minor child riding in a car and otherwise being where a parent or other adult caregiver cannot observe. The vulnerability to false accusations has become an increasing concern. Therefore we need to modify this procedure when the client is a minor child. We are leaving a grace period for families already in dialog with us to proceed as we have promised, but as of June 1, 2013, we are requiring that at all times that our consultant is with your son or daughter under age 18, parent or other customary caregiver be in a location where interaction can be observed.”

"Please note: As of February 13, 2013, we are adding flexibility to our home visit procedure. In some cases, we might conduct similar meetings by Skype but not travel to your home. This adjustment is experimental and is subject to change. Not all of the information below reflects that change. What follows describes the in-person home visits accurately. Skype and phone "home visits" will follow these procedures as closely as the situation permits. We do not believe this will be as effective as actual in-person work but will consider this alternative in selective situations. "

"Due to our policy change requiring a parent or other customary caregiver to be where their son or daughter is visible at all times, this must be modified for those under 18, but for now we continue this for clients age 18 and up. This provides a relaxed setting to discuss the young person’s basic concerns and to see how the young person views his/her role in the solution.This is a flexible routine that can be adapted as needed."

"For those under 18, we ask parents to help us come as close to the traditional "lunch out" as we can while staying with the new policy (on and after June 1, 2013). We have several alternative approaches:

PA –  TITLE 18 - Crimes and Offenses

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/18.HTM 

COUNT 1 – Ind. Assault of a person under 13 years of age Grade M1 18 § 3126 §§A7

http://www.justdetention.org/pdf/legalresources/Pennsylvania%2018-3126.pdf

COUNT 2 – Corruption of Minors Grade M1 18 § 6301 §§A1

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/2010/0/0069..PDF

[1] COUNT 3 - Simple Assault with menace Grade M2 18 § 2701 §§A3

    http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.027..HTM

[2] PA Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Docket – Criminal - Public Record

    Docket Number: CP-65-CR-0001641-2013
    http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/CP.aspx

[3] Megan’s Law - http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/

Note: Grammatical errors left intact for authenticity.

More reading: "Educational Consultants for Dummies"

:http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/2012/01/educational-consultants-for-dummies.html

 

Copyright © 2013 Jilliestake -  All rights reserved.

 

---

 

 

LIFETIME TV'S "TEEN TROUBLE" IS CANCELLED - APPARENTLY, JOSH SHIPP THE HOST, TAKES CREDIT

Josh Shipp

Lifetime TV of A&E networks affirmed the network cancelled "Teen Trouble" hosted by motivational speaker Josh Shipp.

As of this date, there was no announcement or press release by A&E's Lifetime TV network indicating the show was cancelled. A&E confirmed this.
The unscripted series was originally approved for only eight episodes.
http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/teen-trouble/episodes/season-1

"Teen Trouble" - After months of scrutiny, petitioning the network, articles upon negative articles, voices raised in horror by survivors of the TTI industry and children's rights advocates, this indeed was received as good news. There will be no more episodes of "Teen Trouble."

So how did survivors and child advocates find out "Teen Trouble" was cancelled?

Well, Mr. Shipp. it appears, would like survivors and advocates to believe it was his choice -  his "own personal decision to not do another season of  Teen Trouble."  How heroic of Mr. Shipp - how valiant. He "kept his word?"  Which "word" was that?

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/teentrouble.joshshipp/?fref=ts


"I have chosen to NOT film any more episodes of Teen Trouble."  Who has chosen?  He could film them, for sure, but the network would not be paying for them.

Mr. Shipp, the above statement, if made, is offensive to survivors and advocates.  One does not know if you are suggesting that the cognitive capabilities of advocates and survivors is marginal at best.

THE SCENARIO INFERRED BY MR. SHIPP'S STATEMENT

Okay, so you are not a noted star, but for an individual to cease production of further episodes, by his choice alone on a series, if true, is great "spin" for any network. This is news worthy! This selfless effort is certainly worth a logline from the network lauding you or the network for ones humanity above the almighty dollar. It's Disney! A rarity, but actors have walked away from other series.  Where is it? Where is the network news release? Oh, it's in an undisclosed private "email." However, the gist of it may be shared. Perhaps, the email was misinterpreted? Another "spin" coming?

NETWORK REASONING - THE BOTTOM LINE DICTATES

According to network executives, they pull the plug on a series, when the series does not perform well in the ratings(performance-very poor ratings), negative reviews (Mr. Shipp's self-proclaimed Harvard endorsement did not help, nor the marketing of himself as a "Teen Behavioral Expert et al"), or because of radical or controversial content (sending children to abusive facilities without educating oneself is right up there).

According to A&E's Lifetime, "Teen Trouble" did not perform up to their expectations, therefore the show was cancelled. Whether it is because of the aforementioned network reasoning or Mr. Shipp's take is any one's guess.  However, logic dictates that the reasoning for the cancellation of "Teen Trouble" leans more toward performance and controversy - although to networks, controversy is sometimes thought of as a positive as related to hype.  

"Teen Trouble" did not make it because of the ratings? "Reality bites."

If one believes it was Mr.Shipp's decision to end "Teen Trouble," then one must conclude A&E's Lifetime network would have continued the series with menial ratings, thus sending children to abusive facilities, if Mr. Shipp stayed.  After all the controversy, this wouldn't shed a halo of light on the network - a Disney network. A&E would not be pleased, especially for making the network officials look like imbeciles as the ratings numbers were not there to sustain "Teen Trouble," nor was the advertising. Again, the network only agreed to eight episodes. The episodes were over and apparently, so was the series.

What we take issue with, is using pure of heart individuals, survivors of the TTI industry and children's rights advocates for one's own gain. What worth is that "gain," if it is the result of "a dog and pony show?" 

We deal in the heartbreak of certain realities every day and, yes, it bites. It is not mired in any personal visions of grandeur or "spin." Our visions of grandeur are that of keeping all children safe.

Mr. Shipp, respect is earned and your ten minutes of advocacy is up.

And... that's our take.

Ratings:

http://thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2013/01/28/fridays-cable-ratings-gold-rush-continues-reign-for-discovery-351511/cable_20130125/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teen_Trouble









 

WHO IS REALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE US STATE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDING THE JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN ? BIPOLAR NATION RADIO SUNDAY LIVE WITH SUSAN SCHOFIELD

Sunday, May 5th's Cinco de Mayo Program Exposes: Special Needs Kids' being denied their Constitional Rights!

by Bipolar Nation Radio (Notes) on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 1:25pm

ARCHIVED RADIO SHOW:  LISTEN: http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Bipolar.shtml?date=May+5,+2013&file=050513

Susan Schofield's Bipolar Nation Radio is OUTING our Politicans on Planet Capitol Hill again. You got it, left and right, the Federal Government is APPROVING of Special Needs' Kids Constitutional Rights being violated, but it's only because it's profitable for them and their families to live the grandiose lifestyles they've grown accustomed to. We've got Executive Director of "The Hitting Stops Here" along with our Activist Blogger, Jillie Ryan, to share the names of who's who, Democrat & Republican who are allowing this to continue... plus the latest on The Judge Rotenberg Center "grandfathering in" autistic students to be electrocuted.  It's all for money and it supports Canton, Massachusetts community by employing 800-900 people. That's why it's okie dokie to torture kids with autism... from yours truly, Planet Capitol Hill. The home of the free and the brave because Mainstream Media cannot talk about this type of corruption going on inside the Mental Health Care System in America today... because they're invested too!  We're LIVE this Sunday morning on LATalkradio.com.

Join us and tune in: 2PM EST  11 AM PST  http://www.latalkradio.com/Bipolar.php


 

US STATE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER AND OTHER ABUSIVE FACILITIES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS TEENS

-- apparently our U.S. Department of State had no problem with advocating and advertising for abusive therapeutic boarding schools, "teen boarding schools," wilderness programs, and boot camps on their own website.

Is the State Department not aware they are still advocating the placement of Foreign Service youth in facilities where abuse and death of children have occurred?

What bright one thought this up to begin with... this is egregious.

"Boarding schools available to Foreign Service youth..."

http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21940.htm

To name a few: "FEATURED TOP BOARDING SCHOOLS" ACCORDING THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT:

Cooper Canyon
Academy at Swift River
Talisman
.................

MORE EGREGIOUS UNDER:

"NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTERS"

 U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS:

JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER - A PROVEN ELECTRIC SHOCK TORTURE CENTER
AND ...
GREEN CHIMNEYS


Please share.  A dedicated fellow advocate sent this to jilliestake.

Perhaps our new Sec. of  State Kerry needs a wake-up call. Time for Spring cleaning?


                                                                   

 

Anonymous said...

At least since 2007. WWASP was previously included.
I notice mostly Aspen/CRC programs now. Click all the links relating to teens.
More info here- including corp sponsors of the Overseas Schools Advisory Council:
http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=18633&p=247649&hilit=aspen#p247649

Operation of love: community rallies around little Ellie - Orange County Review: Lifestyles

Operation of love: community rallies around little Ellie - Orange County Review: Lifestyles

In February, Ellie Blaine underwent two surgeries at UVa before being diagnosed with Pineoblastoma, a rare, malignant brain tumor. Here, Ellie, left, is read a book by parents Richard and Carly Blaine and big brother, Noah Blaine, after one of the surgeries.

To help and read more, please go to link provided below.
http://www.dailyprogress.com/orangenews/lifestyles/operation-of-love-community-rallies-around-little-ellie/article_0d79398e-9c9a-11e2-86f7-0019bb30f31a.html?fb_action_ids=4676141422787&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%224676141422787%22%3A151586848343625}&action_type_map={%224676141422787%22%3A%22og.recommends%22}&action_ref_map=[]

Thank you.

SURVIVING STRAIGHT, INC. - THE DOCUMENTARY

SURVIVING STRAIGHT INC.  THE DOCUMENTARY

"Coming in 2013! Straight Incorporated was a “family treatment center” that was dedicated to preventing teenagers from using drugs and alcohol. The “treatment” modality used at Straight was an American version of the infamous re-education centers of the USSR and China. Instead of political dissidents being reformed in the communist mold, Straight took troubled teens and re-programmed them as “Straightlings.” New clients were forcibly indoctrinated with the “Tools of Personal Change” while simultaneously deprived of the most basic human rights." Read more at:

         http://www.survivingstraightincthemovie.com/

         Please share.  This was shared with jilliestake by a survivor of
         Straight. 

       

 

JOSH SHIPP OF "TEEN TROUBLE" ON HIS "RELATIONSHIP" WITH HARVARD

"JOSH SHIPP RELATIONSHIP WITH HARVARD UNIVERSITY" BY JOSH  SHIPP
To access article : Click link to enter the Shipp spin zone.
 http://teentroublejoshshipp.com/josh-shipp-harvard-university/

Josh Shipp

Our take:

This was expertly crafted marketing, spin, as was Mr. Shipp's statement on February 4th 2013, which is an unprofessional, whining affront, and a lame attempt to garnish sympathy. The title above has nothing to do with the clip. There is no apology to the public, only a statement that "Harvard University, as a standard practice, does not endorse individual providers or organizations," which we are all too familiar with. Respect is earned through ones actions and conduct. The proof is in the pudding so to speak. What was offered up here was "mousse." We all make mistakes; this was no mistake. It was damage control. Like the "industry" we are fighting, to ensure children's rights, where facilities fraudulently market their wares and containment is their motto - you, Sir, are no different. A Carnival Barker garnishes more respect, for he/she does not allude to being anything other than a Carnival Barker.

BTW - How can an individual ask youth  to accept personal responsibility, when one conducts oneself without it.


jilliestake

JOSH SHIPP - MOVE OVER - WOULDN'T WE ALL ENJOY BASKING IN A HARVARD ENDORSEMENT!!

Jillie Ryan "For the Children Left Behind" and those to come...

      Sometimes -  one has to make light of darkness, to survive in the light.

       SUPPORT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS