Parents say KIDS needs changes

Parents who favor a controversial drug rehabilitation center, as well as some who oppose it, say the program needs to improve.  KIDS of El Paso County Inc. had its license revoked last week.  Attorneys of the 2-year-old program plan to appeal the revocation by June 17 said ***, an Austin attorney for KIDS.  The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse based in Austin cited in a nearly 20-page report that KIDS had violated the commission's licensure standards, including those related to client rights and client treatment.  KIDS of El Paso treats young adults who have drug, eating and behavioral problems.  Staff members and some clients of the program reportedly physically and emotionally abused clients.  Investigators who have visited the center at 6500K Boeing Drive said KIDS staff struck clients, used abusive language and punished patients by depriving them of sleep. ***, the father of a 25-year-old graduate of the program, hailed KIDS, and said he was satisfied with the program.  He added, “What we need to do is keep the program, but I realize there are some things that need improvement.”  For example, *** said KIDS could work on getting the youngsters through the program quicker, "in less than six months to a year.” ***, his son was in the program 14 months, the older *** said.  The older *** added, "For me my son and my family, the program was excellent.  I appreciate the commission's interest in looking into the program."  Two other women, mothers of youngsters enrolled in the program, commented on the condition that their names not be published.  One woman said, "That program needs to change its ways or shut down.”  She said that if the program directors found out she was making negative comments about the program, "they'll make things very difficult for me."  The second woman said she granted to see the latest report of the commission to find out "what is really going on in there." *** said he has spoken to other parents who have children in the program, and he has gotten mixed responses.  "Some parents think the program should be improved.   Others, strongly suggest that they keep the program exactly the way it is." *** said.