Seen 'n Heard, 2/1997 - Short news clips about Special Schools & Programs

NORTHSTAR EXPEDITIONS STAFF SENTENCED NOVEMBER 1
According to Cathy Sutton, of the Michelle Sutton Memorial Fund, the Northstar Expeditions staff in Utah charged with responsibility for the death of Aaron Bacon, about a year ago, were sentenced November 1, 1996. Aaron Bacon’s death generated considerable national publicity at the time. Owners Lance Jagger and William Henry, along with three other staff members had pleaded Guilty to Negligent Homicide, a Class A Misdemeanor. All five defendants were given a one year suspended sentence, fines, 36 months probation, and significant community service hours. On November 6, 1996, a jury found another staff member, Craig Fisher, Guilty for Neglect and Abuse of a Disabled Child, a Third Degree Felony. Sentencing was set for December 19.

NEW JOURNAL DEBUTS
Bridge to Understanding, a monthly journal published by Thomas J. Croke, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, mailed it’s first issue last month. The first issue was sponsored by Youth Care, Inc. of Draper, Utah, a small and highly secure psychiatric Residential Treatment Center. It’s goal is to provide information regarding resources for children and young adults with behavioral, emotional and psychiatric problems. They can be contacted at 412-532-0490.

DISTURBANCE AT NORTHWEST ACADEMY
A press release by Northwest Academy, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, a part of the CEDU Family of Services, 800-974-1999, was as follows. “At approximately 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 1996 a disturbance, initiated by primarily 3 students, broke out at Northwest Academy. The purpose of the disturbance, apparently, was the disruption of normal operation. Subsequently, other students joined the disturbance, resulting in some minor property damage. In consideration for the continued safety of our students and staff, the local authorities were called in is to assist the staff in restoring the school operations. Three students and two staff were sent for medical evaluations of minor injuries, all were released.” The incident is currently being investigated by authorities and by the school.

MISSION MOUNTAIN SCHOOL LOOKING FOR TEACHER WANTED:
Math and Computer Teacher, grades 9-12 at nationally recognized, private, therapeutic girls boarding school. Preference given is to applicant with proven outdoor skills, and experience in wilderness programs. Salary, benefits, DOE. Please send resume’ with cover letter and 3 references is to : John Mercer, School Head, Mission Mountain School, P.O. Box 980, Condon, MT 59826. NO phone calls, please.

3 SPRINGS ENDS TENNESSEE CONTRACTS
As of July 1, 1996, Three Springs of Duck River (Tennessee), 615-729-5040, no longer provides contract services for children in State of Tennessee custody. This has been the result of a several year plan to reduce the number of State of Tennessee contracted beds. This was accomplished earlier than expected due to their successful effort to gain accreditation through the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). JCAHO accreditation enabled the program to access referrals and payment from sources previously not available. They report the current payer mix at the Duck River program involves approximately 65% private out of pocket pay, 30% managed care pay, and 5% publicly funded through adoption assistance or education funds.

SUWS CREATES YOUNGER ADOLESCENT PROGRAM
Sue Crowell, Administrative Director of the SUWS Adolescent and Youth Leadership Programs, operating out of southern Idaho, 208-886-2565, announced the creation of the Youth Leadership Program “structured to address the special needs of the younger adolescent (11 to 13) who is beginning to demonstrate negative behaviors or is developing unhealthy patterns.” This new 21-day program “is tailored to match the emotional and physical maturity of the younger child.” They also have established a web page with a URL address of http://www.suws.com. Admissions information can be obtained at 888-879-7897.