A former resident of Turnabout Ranch, a Utah-based wilderness program for troubled teens, shares their disturbing experience. At 13, they were sent to the ranch after appearing on the Dr. Phil show, without their knowledge or consent. The program used tactics like isolation, physical labor, and punishment to "reform" its residents. The former resident describes a culture of abuse, malnourishment, and mistreatment, where staff would restrain and punish kids for minor infractions. They also recall a traumatic incident where a staff member was killed by a resident. The former resident criticizes Dr. Phil for continuing to send kids to the program despite its troubled history, including lawsuits and allegations of abuse. They urge parents not to send their children to such programs and instead seek help from places that prioritize their well-being.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker was 13 years old when they were sent to Turnabout Ranch.
2. Turnabout Ranch is located in Escalante, Utah.
3. The speaker was sent to the ranch after appearing on the Dr. Phil show.
4. The speaker's mom and grandma knew they were sending them to the ranch, but the speaker did not.
5. The speaker was transported to the ranch by two people, a male and a female, who came in the middle of the night.
6. The speaker was not allowed to shower for the first three days at the ranch.
7. The speaker was placed in a "circle" (a teepee-like structure) for three days with no showering or sleeping.
8. The speaker was given chores to do every day, including chopping wood and taking care of animals.
9. The ranch took away privileges, including the use of phones and TVs.
10. The speaker was punished for small infractions, including being forced to go on "reflection" (walking in a circle for hours).
11. The speaker witnessed a kid being held down by staff for trying to leave the ranch.
12. The speaker reported another student acting inappropriately, but was punished for it.
13. A staff member named Jimmy was killed by a kid who tried to steal a car.
14. The kid who killed Jimmy was the son of the president of the program's brother's wife.
15. The speaker was not allowed to discuss the incident with other kids.
16. The speaker wrote letters to their mom asking to come home.
17. The speaker was traumatized by their experience at the ranch.
18. There were lawsuits against the ranch before the speaker attended.
19. The ranch has been in operation since the 1990s.
20. The speaker believes that Dr. Phil should not send kids to the ranch due to its history of abuse and neglect.