Everything is focused on how West Ridge Academy can best serve their kids. I just dont understand why she was sent there. Our team of professionals provide a wide variety of treatment methods aimed to help you feel better and get your life back on track. A Utah facility for 'troubled teens' won't be disciplined after a girl We use the full continuum of care to walk with you through every step of your personalized recovery journey. [14] Stan and Mary Ellen Smoot, and Richard and Linda J. Eyre serve on an advisory board. Take the first step. The report said she was given ten minutes of privacy to shower and had then asked a staff member for more time to go to the bathroom, where she then attempted to end her life. West Ridge Academy Boys Basketball Schedule - Utah High School Sports Individuals typically stay in day treatment between four and eight weeks. West Ridge Academy was under investigation with the states licensing agency for about four months before the Department of Human Services Office of Licensing closed its case in March. where she died by suicide nearly two years ago. Away from friends, family, her culture. Located in West Jordan, Utah and founded in 1964, West Ridge Academy is a private nonprofit, which make up about 26 percent of all treatment facilities in Utah. On Nov. 14, 2019, she tried to end her life. Kirsta Simons was sent away to a place where no one looked like her. By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's. 801-282-1000 brochure Contact A specialist She died by suicide at West Ridge Academy on Nov. 14. Away from friends, family, her culture. And, we think, preventable.. Ultimately, her taking her own life at West Ridge Academy was foreseeable. West Jordan, UT 84081. Located in West Jordan, Utah and founded in 1964, West Ridge Academy is a private nonprofit, which make up about 26 percent of all treatment facilities in Utah. The Caf chefs offer well-planned, nutritious meals, and provide dietary/allergen-sensitive options for those requiring a certain diet. Take the first step and call our admissions or fill out the Contact a Specialist form. Utah meteorologist makes a special forecast, Tammy Daybell may have been restrained when she died, Utah medical examiner says, Gwyneth Paltrow won't recoup attorney fees in ski crash suit, 7 bodies found during search for missing Oklahoma teens, Dust storm in Illinois leaves at least 6 dead after dozens of vehicles crash on highway, Crime victims sue Utah, saying violent inmates were released but not supervised, Bill would allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol in Wisconsin. Police reports have suggested that Kirsta was on suicide watch in the days before her death and had been sleeping in a common area at the facility so staff could monitor her. Regulators did find the treatment center violated one rule that a staff member who was watching the girl should not have been outside the restroom when she attempted to end her life. West Ridge Academy (known as the Utah Boys Ranch until 2005), is a youth residential treatment center based in West Jordan, Utah, USA. While at West Ridge, Kirsta shared a room with three girls in one of the nearly dozen multicolored brick cottages scattered throughout the 50-acre West Jordan campus. Investigative documents say the handbook has been updated, and the state licensing worker expressed no other concerns in documents released to The Salt Lake Tribune. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or any mental health crisis can call the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute 24-hour mental health crisis line on 239-1111. In 2020, West Ridge Academy was under investigation after a teen girl from Bermuda died by suicide there. West Ridge Academy. [13] Past board members included Utah Senator Delpha Baird, West Jordan city Judge Ronald Kunz, and police chief Ken McGuire. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [36] H. David Burton, when he was the Presiding Bishop of the LDS Church, said that the LDS Church "has been and continues to be a long-time supporter" of West Ridge Academy.[37]. To know there was no one held responsible is a slap in the face. And even now, two years later, Im still feeling that loss.. Our team can address situations in the moment and provide constant support, facilitating growth and change in a positive way. [29], West Ridge has been the subject of several lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits in 2008 and 2010. Reading or replaying the story in its We believe that inpatient rehab is at the root of real, lasting recovery. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. Dialectical behavioral therapy. 3rd Grade Teacher. The centers residential program was created to model a healthy home environment. Information in the story may be outdated If you're as disgusted by Russia's abhorrent attack as we are, please support Ukraine and its people. Theres not a day that goes by that my heart doesnt ache. [citation needed] Until 2005, the Utah Boys Ranch was male-only. Therapy sessions can help you identify the behavioral, emotional, and social effects of addiction and provide an opportunity for our experienced counselors to teach you strategies to cope with urges to use in the future. Individual and Group Therapy focuses on whole and healthy recovery around mental and emotional challenges using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In early 2005, it opened new, separate facilities for girls and changed its name to West Ridge Academy. Students also enjoy a variety of off-campus experiences. rules, Utes seeing transfer portals impact on college gymnastics. The centers state licensed mental health professionals complete all the assessments. We offer a 3-12 month program, integrating therapy and healing for clients and their families. 3.3 (5 Reviews) Call (801) 282-1000. Our focus on family, community, and dual diagnosis sets us apart as Utah's premiere inpatient rehab center. They further stated that removing children from their home and placing them in Division of Child and Family Services care, like Kirsta was, is only done as a last resort.. Through the use of safe and reliable evidenced-based treatment interventions, we are proud to be one of the most distinguished and respected treatment centers in the state of Utah. West Ridge Academys executive director did not respond to a request for comment. Kirsta had been in the foster care system, and Bermudian child welfare officials made the choice. Education is an important component of our treatment. West Ridge Academy in West Jordan (UT) Utah - Best Rehabs Even though she wasnt in my care, I loved her. Name. Its a big void in my heart that can never be filled, she said, Kirsta, even though she wasnt in my care, I loved her. rules, Utes seeing transfer portals impact on college gymnastics, after a teen girl from Bermuda died by suicide, threatened to yank the license for Red Rock Canyon School, ultimately opted to close Red Rock Canyon School. If accommodation is required post-treatment, our male or female-only recovery homes provide the ideal transition. "[4] The facility has received criticism for past abusive practices toward residents, including facing lawsuits in 2008, 2010, and 2012 by former students. Tyler Haunga Feinga, 21, of West. It seems to be a zero-sum game we live by. The mothers will learn and master skills to help them overcome their challenges, connect with their child and partner, and feel back to normal.. With a focus on treating the whole person, the caring, compassionate, and experienced team of clinicians at Highland Ridge stands by our goal of providing successful and nurturing treatment for individuals are struggling with chemical dependency issues and mental health concerns. All rights reserved. Religious, ethnic and gender preferences are accommodated upon request. It is a co-ed facility that helps students through clinical services. Andy Larsen: Heres where National Weather Service forecasts flooding, in the short term and the long term, Murray police officers were justified in their use of force against a 52-year-old man who died after arrest, Salt Lake County D.A. When a staffer told her that her shower time was up one Thursday afternoon, Kirsta reportedly asked to go to the bathroom. Wings Recovery for Men is a men's only primary mental health treatment program. In the days before her death, Kirsta hadn't been sleeping in her room. Why not transfer Kirsta to a different place, attorney Matthew Feller questioned, if they were not equipped to help her? [31] On October 21, 2010, the student sued West Ridge Academy in California District court, alleging negligence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.[8]. We are client focused and solution based. West Ridge Academy offers hope and healing to youth and their families in mental health crisis Your youth doesn't need to struggle another minute. Copyright 2021 West Ridge Academy. Editors note This story is part of Sent Away, an investigative reporting partnership between The Salt Lake Tribune and KUER, with support from APM Reports. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) West Ridge Academy in West Jordan, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. Our specialties include EMDR for trauma, Family Function Therapy, Gottman Couple Therapy, CBT, CPT and DBT. Our goal is to partner with clients to help them achieve their highest potential. They further stated that removing children from their home and placing them in Division of Child and Family Services care, like Kirsta was, is only done as a last resort.. If the issues that this facility, or any facility, is addressing are too complex for that facility, the most important thing is to get the children to a place [where] they can be taken care of, he said. See stories by Jessica Miller | Salt Lake Tribune, Calls for regulation hope to get a handle on troubled teen transporters. No one talked the way she did. The recording equipment for the security cameras had been unplugged since September, staff told police.. We help with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, borderline personality traits, reactive attachment disorder, oppositional defiance, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, high functioning autism, gender dysphoria, or rebellion. The outpatient program is designed to help clients between eight and 18. The parents lawyers have tried to get records that might explain why Kirsta was there at all, but the lawsuit says the facility hasnt handed them over. 5500 West Bagley Park Road, West Jordan, Utah, 84081. Call now and talk to one of our Admission Specialists. Feel free to call to discuss how we can help you or a loved one. Contact Us - West Ridge Academy In the days before her death, Kirsta hadnt been sleeping in her room. Strengths:Faith based Weakness:Cost, private nonprofit, which make up about 26 percent, https://www.facebook.com/pg/westridgeacademy/reviews/?ref=page_internal. SUBMIT. 9-12. With a Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, Highland Ridge Hospital is renowned as one of Utah's leading providers of behavioral healthcare and substance abuse treatment. We utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques such as CBT, Experiential, EMDR, TF-CBT, and specific group subjects such as relationship management and coping skills. The path to hope and healing at West Ridge Academy is possible, and proven by many families across the world. and Utah regulators didnt discipline West Ridge Academy. Clients participate in an accredited school, sports, and engage in recreational therapy. Staffers moved her to the common area, a police report states, so they could keep an eye on her after she had attempted to harm herself. News; Scores & Schedule; Stats; Roster; Scores & Schedules We serve adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Sequel Youth and Family Services, which owns the St. George facility, ultimately opted to close Red Rock Canyon School last summer. Police reports show that Kirsta struggled while at West Ridge Academy and was on suicide watch in the days before her death. Upon arriving at West Ridge, your family will be assigned a full-time therapist that will work with your son or daughter for the duration of their stay and after. Police reports show that Kirsta struggled while at West Ridge Academy and was on suicide watch in the days before her death. Highland Ridge Hospital is a fully accredited by the Joint Commission and is one of the most respected and distinguished treatment centers in Utah. Programming includes therapy, group therapy, and medication management. She died by suicide at West Ridge Academy on Nov. 14. [18] West Ridge is licensed by the Utah Department of Human Services. The recording equipment for the security cameras had been unplugged since September, staff told police. We serve adults 18+ with mental health and/or substance use. We provide lasting solutions through comprehensive mental health services for youth and their families. West Ridge Academy Executive Director Bob Stubbs said Feinga has since been fired. Our clinical staff consists of specialists in a wide variety of areas allowing us to match services to client needs. West Ridge Academy (known as the Utah Boys Ranch until 2005), is a youth residential treatment center based in West Jordan, Utah, USA. The school has been open since 1964. [10][11], The board of directors is composed of prominent Utah residents including Shawn Bradley,[12] BYU religion instructor Sally Wyne, and LaVar Christensen. Utahs troubled-teen industry has been under intense scrutiny from lawmakers, activists and news outlets for the past few years over accusations of abuse and neglect at some facilities. Follow Us. Kirstas mother said she hasnt received any communication or condolences from West Ridge after her daughters death, calling that lack of communication a disgrace., Where is the accountability? she said. [5][6][7][8] In 2016, the application to transition West Ridge Academy into a charter school, named Eagle Summit Academy, was approved by the Utah Board of Education after including caveats to keep public and private funding separate in the school's budgets and to ensure the safety of the new charter school's students. The academy was established in 1964 with the assistance of a $10,000 donation from David O. McKay, then president of the LDS Church. or superseded by additional information. Theres not a day that goes by that my heart doesnt ache. Death of Bermudian Teenager at US Treatment Centre Sparks Anger & Investigations in Utah News | February 6, 2020 Local officials remain tight lipped on the death of a Bermudian teenager at West Ridge Academy in Utah, but the story first reported by Bermuda Real on Fresh TV was picked up by the Salt Lake Tribune. Editors note: This story discusses suicide. [24], In late 2015, an application was submitted Utah's Charter School Board. Donate to the newsroom now. If the issues that this facility, or any facility, is addressing are too complex for that facility, the most important thing is to get the children to a place [where] they can be taken care of, he said. The parents of a Bermudian teenager who took her own life at a US treatment centre have launched a lawsuit against the facility over her death. The reason that parents and guardians place their children in these kinds of facilities is based on a promise that these kids will be no worse off when they leave, Feller said. [6][7] On January 2, 2009, a past student of the academy, published an article alleging abuses and controversial practices at the ranch. The schools policies state the staffer should have been in the bathroom and maintain[ed] frequent verbal check-ins with Kirsta. She had depression. Farnsworth has said previously that her facility has spent a significant amount of time reviewing policies after Kirstas death, and trained and debriefed their staff. I just dont understand why she was sent there. where she died by suicide nearly two years ago. West Ridge Academy. I am deeply appalled by how this matter is being handled.. Bennion had twice during this initial period requested funding from LDS Church to support the Ranch, but in both instances the LDS Church refused. It seeks to provide clinical services, education, and other programs for teens, both girls and boys, that are identified as at-risk. Employee at Utah school for troubled teens charged with child abuse - KSL MAT is a holistic approach that can help you find long-term recovery. Tyler Haunga Feinga, 21, of West Jordan, was charged May 4 in 3rd District Court with child abuse, a class A misdemeanor. to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge staff declined the invitation. coed Grades: Ages 9-17 Students: 150 Faculty: N/A. [28] In 2006 West Ridge Academy started a girls' athletics program[citation needed] and has a girls' basketball team. Take the first step. The legislation also requires facilities to develop suicide prevention policies, which include a plan for how they will respond when a child is self-harming or is suicidal. We are LGBTQ affirmative. State regulators found that the male staff member who was watching her was conducting verbal check-ins that day, but was outside the bathroom which violated the facilitys policies. And even now, two years later, Im still feeling that loss.. In-home assessments are $300, in-office assessments are $200, and outpatient sessions are $85. We take most insurance, Medicaid, and discounts for upfront payment. Schooling and counseling are some of the benefits that teens receive while enrolled at West Ridge Academy. It's confidential with no obligation. Our spacious mountain-style residences in Park City and Heber City offer individuals a refuge where they can process their experiences and start over in sobriety while receiving comprehensive, compassionate care.