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Runnymede?


ArmchairTurnip

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I read the website for Runnymede.  The school says they accept students with learning disabilities and Individualized Education Plans.  To a parent this might sound wonderful.  That is where it ends.  I read the description of the academics.  Runnymede uses a tutorial approach (their words) and students are expected to work at a faster rate than regular school.  There does not appear to be a certified special education teacher to provide the specialized instruction mandated under an IEP.   Working faster with minimal instruction will not work for a student with learning differences.  I suppose the quality of education could not be worse than the SDRT.

Runnymede accepts residents with a variety DSM-V - diagnoses- substance abuse, bipolar, depression, ADHD, ASD in addition to the garden variety lazy and unmotivated kid.  Yet,  there is not a single mental health professional on site,  I don't count the ER doc, pastor, eye doc or PA as mental health specialists.  And yes, if a resident is on psychiatric medications they will be weaned off- probably under the supervision of the PA and ER doc.  (I feel slightly better knowing there is some real medical knowledge available).

Part of me would love to talk to a Runnymede staff and ask very pointed questions regarding how the hell they think they are qualified to work with ASD and unmedicated depression and bipolar.  

  

 

 

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@nelliebelle1197, In the name of FJ, I simply must!  I won't be able to send this till later in the week.  My caseload for the next couple of days is packed.  I'm working with a lot of children and teens with ASD and other serious issues whose parents were smart enough to get them real therapy versus a pray it /work it away farm.  

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This school gave me the creeps. Was there some real concept that I missed? I find it sad that they believe that prayer and work can substitute meds. What happens if someone gets suicidal or harmed because of that?

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On ‎1‎/‎25‎/‎2016 at 8:21 AM, ArmchairTurnip said:

It's worse than you think; now that my cousin has filled out the paperwork, they've discovered that there is to be no parental contact beyond letters for the first 90 days.  And yes, the letters are screened for content that would be "discouraging" to the child.  Also, they have to sign a contract promising not to tell their kid how long he'll have to be there.

Oh man, that sounds just like the place my sister was at. Is there some sort of manual out there for these places? The 90-days-letters-only thing seems pretty standard.

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Does anyone else cringe at the name "Runnymede"...it's the "runny" part that gets me.  I realize it's some sort of historical name (isn't it?) but the word runny...no.

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6 hours ago, klynn said:

Does anyone else cringe at the name "Runnymede"...it's the "runny" part that gets me.  I realize it's some sort of historical name (isn't it?) but the word runny...no.

Runnymede is (allegedly) where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. The name was originally Ronimede in Middle English which translates to "meadow on the council island," from Old English runieg "council island," from run in sense of "council" and mede "meadow"

https://www.runnymede.gov.uk/magnacarta

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runnymede

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Since we're on the topic of these Christian residential "treatment" facilities...does anyone have an opinion on this place?  It seems like a nice place, but we all know how deceiving looks can be.  I have an acquaintance who's son is currently there.  According to her, he's enjoying it for the most part, and seems to be doing well/better.  She is a single mother who was absolutely at the end of her rope with her 14 year old son.  He was skipping school, partying, basically being a rebellious little jerk to her.  And the temper tantrums she's described...she actually has called the police more than once. 

http://www.salem4youth.com/

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I have not read this whole thread so I apologize if I am just repeating people.  I can't comment on that specific facility.  There are some great residential programs out there and it really is the best option for some kids.  That said, some of these programs are truly horrific.  Truly.  Since there is little federal regulation (far less than needed IMHO), the standards for these programs is left to the states.  While problems can arise anywhere regardless of the law, the vast majority of programs are located in a few "problem" states with very lax regulations.  I was just trying to do a search and can not find a list or resource that discusses the issue.  From my recollection, I don't believe Illinois is one of the problem states, but I can't guarantee that.  I would say that if your friend is actually able to have contact with her son and he seems to be able to communicate without seeming to be under undue restriction or coercion, that right there is a good sign (it shouldn't be, that should be a mandatory requirement of ALL programs, but I am talking reality here).  If you can't find info on that particular program, I would suggest doing a search for any types of problems with these programs in the state of Illinois - if there aren't really many to speak of that may put your mind at ease a bit.  It is remarkably hard to get information or records or statistics on what happens in these places.  Scary stuff.

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5 minutes ago, Whoosh said:

I have not read this whole thread so I apologize if I am just repeating people.  I can't comment on that specific facility.  There are some great residential programs out there and it really is the best option for some kids.  That said, some of these programs are truly horrific.  Truly.  Since there is little federal regulation (far less than needed IMHO), the standards for these programs is left to the states.  While problems can arise anywhere regardless of the law, the vast majority of programs are located in a few "problem" states with very lax regulations.  I was just trying to do a search and can not find a list or resource that discusses the issue.  From my recollection, I don't believe Illinois is one of the problem states, but I can't guarantee that.  I would say that if your friend is actually able to have contact with her son and he seems to be able to communicate without seeming to be under undue restriction or coercion, that right there is a good sign (it shouldn't be, that should be a mandatory requirement of ALL programs, but I am talking reality here).  If you can't find info on that particular program, I would suggest doing a search for any types of problems with these programs in the state of Illinois - if there aren't really many to speak of that may put your mind at ease a bit.  It is remarkably hard to get information or records or statistics on what happens in these places.  Scary stuff.

She was able to speak with him on the phone after 2 weeks, and I believe they do have visiting days, and trips home, as the program progresses.  They're very much present on Facebook, which I see as a good sign.  They also take the kids on outings, such as to rodeos and auctions.  It seems like a legit, good place to me.  I was just curious if anyone had had experience with them.  I mean, I'd go just to play with horses every day lol!

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Update:  CousinTurnip has been led to see reason (by his grandmother, not necessarily by me) and is now leaning in the direction of getting KidTurnip in to see an accredited behavioral psychologist.  Residential programs are off the table for the time being.

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3 minutes ago, ArmchairTurnip said:

Update:  CousinTurnip has been led to see reason (by his grandmother, not necessarily by me) and is now leaning in the direction of getting KidTurnip in to see an accredited behavioral psychologist.  Residential programs are off the table for the time being.

Can we get an AMEN!?!

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2 minutes ago, ArmchairTurnip said:

Update:  CousinTurnip has been led to see reason (by his grandmother, not necessarily by me) and is now leaning in the direction of getting KidTurnip in to see an accredited behavioral psychologist.  Residential programs are off the table for the time being.

Yes! :happy-cheerleadersmileyguy:

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12 hours ago, Bethella said:

Runnymede is (allegedly) where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. The name was originally Ronimede in Middle English which translates to "meadow on the council island," from Old English runieg "council island," from run in sense of "council" and mede "meadow"

https://www.runnymede.gov.uk/magnacarta

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runnymede

     I have visited Runnymede! Its just a field with a plaque. I did have an awesome ploughman's lunch near there though.

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5 hours ago, klynn said:

Since we're on the topic of these Christian residential "treatment" facilities...does anyone have an opinion on this place?  It seems like a nice place, but we all know how deceiving looks can be.  I have an acquaintance who's son is currently there.  According to her, he's enjoying it for the most part, and seems to be doing well/better.  She is a single mother who was absolutely at the end of her rope with her 14 year old son.  He was skipping school, partying, basically being a rebellious little jerk to her.  And the temper tantrums she's described...she actually has called the police more than once. 

http://www.salem4youth.com/

I don't know anything about this place, but know that these places can be a great thing and helpful. I hope it turns out well for them.

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I think it's telling on the Runnymede site where they say, "Our young boys boarding school operates on a level system which emphasizes three important aspects--spiritual, physical, and academics." Academics are dead last, and probably aren't even a priority. How this place can be considered a "school" is beyond me.   

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9 hours ago, klynn said:

She was able to speak with him on the phone after 2 weeks, and I believe they do have visiting days, and trips home, as the program progresses.  They're very much present on Facebook, which I see as a good sign.  They also take the kids on outings, such as to rodeos and auctions.  It seems like a legit, good place to me.  I was just curious if anyone had had experience with them.  I mean, I'd go just to play with horses every day lol!

I'm glad to hear that because their FAQ page says no contact for the first six weeks. :omg:

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17 hours ago, dianapavelovna said:

I'm glad to hear that because their FAQ page says no contact for the first six weeks. :omg:

I didn't notice that!  Maybe their policies have changed.  I can't imagine not having contact with my mom, or my kid, for 6 entire weeks. 

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17 hours ago, dianapavelovna said:

I'm glad to hear that because their FAQ page says no contact for the first six weeks. :omg:

I don't understand how they're allowed to do that, especially being so blatant about it. I assume either because of the state they're in or because they're licensed as a school rather than a mental health facility?

We'd get our license yanked for that.

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On 1/25/2016 at 2:14 PM, clueliss said:

This thread brought back memories of a friend who scraped money together to send her son here:  http://teenchallengeranch.com/  Located in Arkansas.  Son was in trouble, doing drugs I think.  (This happened after I moved almost 6 years ago - friend is Evangelical).  She complained that the school district and police wouldn't help.  That's about all I know.  

Anyway I'm tossing this here so that ya'll can have at it with this program.  The whole thing seemed rather creepy to me even then (and more so now).  

Teen challenge is pretty big, they have facilities EVERYWHERE. I know someone who went to teen challenge in Florida.

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On 1/27/2016 at 2:41 PM, Rubaiyat said:

Can we get an AMEN!?!

I was thinking actually HALLELUJAH.

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On January 27, 2016 at 9:30 AM, klynn said:

Since we're on the topic of these Christian residential "treatment" facilities...does anyone have an opinion on this place?  It seems like a nice place, but we all know how deceiving looks can be.  I have an acquaintance who's son is currently there.  According to her, he's enjoying it for the most part, and seems to be doing well/better.  She is a single mother who was absolutely at the end of her rope with her 14 year old son.  He was skipping school, partying, basically being a rebellious little jerk to her.  And the temper tantrums she's described...she actually has called the police more than once. 

http://www.salem4youth.com/

They have one thing going for them, they have a nurse on staff and a doctor on call. They have special needs teachers on staff but don't accept IEPs. I still have my doubts but based on a quick skim of the website, they are better then Runnymede. 

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