It breaks their will. Which is the point. It forces the kids to conform to an extreme standard so that when they are put back into normal society they will conform to it. That being said, it obviously won't work for everyone. Just going from what I've seen in this video.
@Varlwyll ....It may appear that way but the reality of it is that the kids are not prepared for normal society and when placed back into the world, they don't have the skills to function. There is much about this program that is not included in this video.
I was there from 98-99, over 15 months. I ran away by throwing myself out of a car after going to an "oldcomers" house one night. KHK hurt many people and operated by fear, coercion and desperation. Parents thought they saw change but their kids became shells of themselves. What some wanted I guess. The bottom line is that, in balance, the harm from KHK outweighs any good by far. I say this after being sober over ten years of my own accord in AA.
Wow all this talk makes me sick, you people have no idea what your talking about... if you were to blame anybody you need to blame your parents!! Before being accepted into pathway straight ect.. You go through an admissions process drug test, questionnaire and so on. Reminding you this program isn't cheap, it is honestly for people with real drug problems.. Apparently somewhere along the line your family seen you as an addict. Think about what your saying!
@Dkivett89 There were elements of these programs that were derived from good sources and are appropriate and necessary for true drug addiction treatment. Unfortunately this treatment model was coupled with damaging torment and degradation which only fosters higher recidivism rates. Treating adolescents with a harsh drug addiction treatment program, when no drug addiction problem is present, would be similar to treating someone with radiation and chemo-therapy who does not have cancer.
@Dkivett89 I went into Straight in 88 at 13. I tested neg for drugs but admitted as a "dry druggie" I was deprived food or drink or sleep until I told them what they wanted to hear on my admissions, but I was no addict. My dad was told that I would die of an overdose or end up in jail if I didn't stay there. Please dont tell survivors of these programs that they dont know what they are talking about when it comes to the program they were in. PTSD is very real to me and other Straightlings
I was in Pathway in Indiana and I disagree with what people say I feel like you are just holding onto your anger that you had then! I am not and do not and never did feel brainwashed. I am now in my early 20's I am married have a wonderful child. I feel like Pathway helped me with my relationship with my parents. I dont think Im an addict and I didnt think I was when I was in there nor did I ever feel forced to say I was. Yeah I had to go to AA and NA meetings but they have more to offer if....
@hannahsuzy I have heard that not everyone in these programs were brainwashed. If Pathway has helped you, I think you are one of the lucky ones. I was brainwashed, as were many, but we all hold our own opinions on this complicated subject. I graduated the program many years ago but I have never been a drug addict/alcoholic. I especially didn't have a drug problem prior to entering the KHK program. I should have never been kept and treated for a condition I didn't have.
For any doubters about the similarities between Kids Helping Kids...I can tell you personally they were one and the same program. Exact "treatment modality" exact format, etc.....Why, Cincyscreenwriter how do ye have such knowledge, one may ask. Well I stood in both buildings and witnessed exactly the same stuff at both KHK and STRAIGHT INC.
Looks identical to Straight, where my mentally ill mother put me for 6 mos. (until they wanted her to "behave," too!) After leaving, I got a job & apartment, finished high school (repeating jr. year b/c no school in these crazy places) and graduated from Harvard. My issues with such places are still many & confusing. The end (sobriety) doesn't justify the means (lockup/mind control). Also, they'll admit ANYONE and disruptively brainwash them into believing they're a lifelong addict. Traumatizing
Every once in a while I go through the process of watching these videos, desperately trying to make sense of what happened to me when I was fifteen. I'm so glad to see KHK is no longer operating in Milford. It took many years before I realized I am not, and never was, an addict. I was forced to lie in moral inventories (remember that term?) and never did make it to phase 2. After two months we concocted a story to get us kicked out; mid-90s, many of you know people get out without running...
yes, I was 14 and definitely was not an addict. I was in the Hebron building but my sister was in there when they transitioned to the milford building. She was 15 and wasn't an addict either.
From what I have heard KHK's first name was STRAIGHT Midwest but was changed a year later. KHK is a weird program but still very similar to a STRAIGHT program from what I have seen.
Close to 16 years later, I still have nightmares and panic attacks. The post-traumatic stress has been insane.
Places like KHK, KIDS, and Straight and all the derivatives have had a long time to hide these abuses to the outside - they used to instruct us to act differently when people from the outside came in. We would "motivate" differently, Kids likely to be "rebellious" or cause issues were removed for a while. - They were good at bullshitting everyone.
I survived KHK ! Im one of the few who escaped, never to return. Im lucky. Very lucky. Scott Stacey and Penny Walker are criminals and should go to prison and sleep in their own piss and shit.
HOLY CRAP! That is EXACTLLY like straight?!? I am shocked this crap is going on. I spent a year at straight in Virginia like 20 years ago with about 200 other kids and still struggle with my "ordeal" there. I have kids no and can't believe what I just saw. I thought they were all shut down!
These torture centers have friends in very high places. Mel Sembler, a former Bush appointee and fundraiser for Romney started this shit. They all deserve the death penalty!
Watch "SAFE = Straight Inc." videos and look at the similarities. These programs vigorously deny being "Straight" but countless people who were in Straight have admitted that it looks like nothing has changed after viewing these videos. What is shocking isn't what you see in these videos but what they don't allow you to see. they are a Cult and they hide their true intentions.
in the long run, the overwhelming majority of kids that come fromw that program suffer because of it. Success rates for drug rograms are horrible, including this one. Once you are out of "the program" you will see
From this footage less than 2 and a half years ago, I can say that it seems very little, if anything has changed at this horrible program since the mid 80's. What the cameras don't show is the systematic breakdown of the kid's identities and minds through a gradual, intentional thought coercion process. Also not shown is restraint techniques and time in seclusion. These tactics along with many others were hidden back in 86-88 from the outside world. KHK/PFC is a cult, they brainwash and deceive!
I think this video is exemplary of the cult-like, unprofessional, disturbing, mind-controlling, coercive behavior of so-called "troubled teen" programs. Teens are no more "trouble" today than they were centuries ago. Imagine a world of thoughtless automatons who obey every order, never question authority, and are willing to kill for their "savior" the program. These programs are disgusting and need to be shutdown. Is this country still free?
It breaks their will. Which is the point. It forces the kids to conform to an extreme standard so that when they are put back into normal society they will conform to it. That being said, it obviously won't work for everyone. Just going from what I've seen in this video.
Varlwyll 3 months ago
@Varlwyll ....It may appear that way but the reality of it is that the kids are not prepared for normal society and when placed back into the world, they don't have the skills to function. There is much about this program that is not included in this video.
wdtony 3 months ago
@Varlwyll Wow...lol. You think that's what "being in society" is all about??? Extreme conformity. Lol, this place looks worse than catholic school.
westchesterny 2 weeks ago
I was there from 98-99, over 15 months. I ran away by throwing myself out of a car after going to an "oldcomers" house one night. KHK hurt many people and operated by fear, coercion and desperation. Parents thought they saw change but their kids became shells of themselves. What some wanted I guess. The bottom line is that, in balance, the harm from KHK outweighs any good by far. I say this after being sober over ten years of my own accord in AA.
whit1981 4 months ago
Comment removed
dnicely42 1 year ago
Wow all this talk makes me sick, you people have no idea what your talking about... if you were to blame anybody you need to blame your parents!! Before being accepted into pathway straight ect.. You go through an admissions process drug test, questionnaire and so on. Reminding you this program isn't cheap, it is honestly for people with real drug problems.. Apparently somewhere along the line your family seen you as an addict. Think about what your saying!
Dkivett89 1 year ago
@Dkivett89 There were elements of these programs that were derived from good sources and are appropriate and necessary for true drug addiction treatment. Unfortunately this treatment model was coupled with damaging torment and degradation which only fosters higher recidivism rates. Treating adolescents with a harsh drug addiction treatment program, when no drug addiction problem is present, would be similar to treating someone with radiation and chemo-therapy who does not have cancer.
wdtony 1 year ago
@Dkivett89 I went into Straight in 88 at 13. I tested neg for drugs but admitted as a "dry druggie" I was deprived food or drink or sleep until I told them what they wanted to hear on my admissions, but I was no addict. My dad was told that I would die of an overdose or end up in jail if I didn't stay there. Please dont tell survivors of these programs that they dont know what they are talking about when it comes to the program they were in. PTSD is very real to me and other Straightlings
rossharmony 9 months ago
I was in Pathway in Indiana and I disagree with what people say I feel like you are just holding onto your anger that you had then! I am not and do not and never did feel brainwashed. I am now in my early 20's I am married have a wonderful child. I feel like Pathway helped me with my relationship with my parents. I dont think Im an addict and I didnt think I was when I was in there nor did I ever feel forced to say I was. Yeah I had to go to AA and NA meetings but they have more to offer if....
hannahsuzy 1 year ago
@hannahsuzy I have heard that not everyone in these programs were brainwashed. If Pathway has helped you, I think you are one of the lucky ones. I was brainwashed, as were many, but we all hold our own opinions on this complicated subject. I graduated the program many years ago but I have never been a drug addict/alcoholic. I especially didn't have a drug problem prior to entering the KHK program. I should have never been kept and treated for a condition I didn't have.
wdtony 1 year ago
For any doubters about the similarities between Kids Helping Kids...I can tell you personally they were one and the same program. Exact "treatment modality" exact format, etc.....Why, Cincyscreenwriter how do ye have such knowledge, one may ask. Well I stood in both buildings and witnessed exactly the same stuff at both KHK and STRAIGHT INC.
That is how!
Cincyscreenwriter 1 year ago
I remember when scott stacy started me over and i told him to fuck off. Id love to see the fat sack of shit now.
kevingizzle 1 year ago
Looks identical to Straight, where my mentally ill mother put me for 6 mos. (until they wanted her to "behave," too!) After leaving, I got a job & apartment, finished high school (repeating jr. year b/c no school in these crazy places) and graduated from Harvard. My issues with such places are still many & confusing. The end (sobriety) doesn't justify the means (lockup/mind control). Also, they'll admit ANYONE and disruptively brainwash them into believing they're a lifelong addict. Traumatizing
jessicaferraro1 2 years ago
Every once in a while I go through the process of watching these videos, desperately trying to make sense of what happened to me when I was fifteen. I'm so glad to see KHK is no longer operating in Milford. It took many years before I realized I am not, and never was, an addict. I was forced to lie in moral inventories (remember that term?) and never did make it to phase 2. After two months we concocted a story to get us kicked out; mid-90s, many of you know people get out without running...
Metheny101 2 years ago
yes, I was 14 and definitely was not an addict. I was in the Hebron building but my sister was in there when they transitioned to the milford building. She was 15 and wasn't an addict either.
wdtony 2 years ago
It's so much like STRAIGHT, right down to the LOVE YOU! chant. STRAIGHT is alive and well in the 21st century. That is just wrong.
dilaudid4 2 years ago
From what I have heard KHK's first name was STRAIGHT Midwest but was changed a year later. KHK is a weird program but still very similar to a STRAIGHT program from what I have seen.
wdtony 2 years ago
Close to 16 years later, I still have nightmares and panic attacks. The post-traumatic stress has been insane.
Places like KHK, KIDS, and Straight and all the derivatives have had a long time to hide these abuses to the outside - they used to instruct us to act differently when people from the outside came in. We would "motivate" differently, Kids likely to be "rebellious" or cause issues were removed for a while. - They were good at bullshitting everyone.
slynch2112 2 years ago
They are unregulated by federal or even state law. I hope it ends soon.
mazman3434 2 years ago
"I thought everyone was crazy."
Yeah, your right.
yaintime5001 3 years ago
I survived KHK ! Im one of the few who escaped, never to return. Im lucky. Very lucky. Scott Stacey and Penny Walker are criminals and should go to prison and sleep in their own piss and shit.
jlarkinwhite 3 years ago 11
HOLY CRAP! That is EXACTLLY like straight?!? I am shocked this crap is going on. I spent a year at straight in Virginia like 20 years ago with about 200 other kids and still struggle with my "ordeal" there. I have kids no and can't believe what I just saw. I thought they were all shut down!
sasukessistter 3 years ago 13
These torture centers have friends in very high places. Mel Sembler, a former Bush appointee and fundraiser for Romney started this shit. They all deserve the death penalty!
beatnikjd 3 years ago 16
absolutely.
also....... a drug program that prescribes prescription meds that are addictive such as adderall. come on people, wake up!
bcrocker33 2 years ago
Watch "SAFE = Straight Inc." videos and look at the similarities. These programs vigorously deny being "Straight" but countless people who were in Straight have admitted that it looks like nothing has changed after viewing these videos. What is shocking isn't what you see in these videos but what they don't allow you to see. they are a Cult and they hide their true intentions.
wdtony 3 years ago
in the long run, the overwhelming majority of kids that come fromw that program suffer because of it. Success rates for drug rograms are horrible, including this one. Once you are out of "the program" you will see
kellycarter48 3 years ago 14
I spent 2 yrs at kids please parents take your kids out now!
kellycarter48 3 years ago 13
From this footage less than 2 and a half years ago, I can say that it seems very little, if anything has changed at this horrible program since the mid 80's. What the cameras don't show is the systematic breakdown of the kid's identities and minds through a gradual, intentional thought coercion process. Also not shown is restraint techniques and time in seclusion. These tactics along with many others were hidden back in 86-88 from the outside world. KHK/PFC is a cult, they brainwash and deceive!
wdtony 3 years ago
Penny Walker's a lying bitch who should be prosecuted and sued for fraud.
HEALwantsTEENliberty 3 years ago 17
I think this video is exemplary of the cult-like, unprofessional, disturbing, mind-controlling, coercive behavior of so-called "troubled teen" programs. Teens are no more "trouble" today than they were centuries ago. Imagine a world of thoughtless automatons who obey every order, never question authority, and are willing to kill for their "savior" the program. These programs are disgusting and need to be shutdown. Is this country still free?
HEALwantsTEENliberty 3 years ago 7