It has not been easy lately on the kids, the parents, the detractors, or anyone at all connected with KIDS of El Paso. To say the least, the last several months have been difficult. As a parent of a kid in the program said, "It's hard enough to deal with my kid's problems, much less the controversy over the program." KIDS is a program that treats young people and young adults who have drug and alcohol problems or who suffer from eating or behavioral disorders. Some former clients of the program and some of their parents claim the program treated them badly. Their complaints include prolonged periods of physical restraint, mental and physical abuse, being held in the program against their will and being denied medical attention. The program's founder admitted in a court hearing last week that some abuses had occurred. He also said those problems have been corrected. The state agency that oversees KIDS - the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse - has revoked KIDS' license. KIDS has appealed the revocation to the Texas agency. A hearing date on the appeal has not been scheduled. Last week's court hearing in Austin resulted from a move by the Texas Attorney General's office to close down KIDS. A state district court judge denied the state's request, saying he was not convinced the center posed immediate harm or irreparable danger to anyone. For now, KIDS remains open until the appeals process involving KIDS and the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse is resolved. Meantime, people's lives are being, affected. If there are problems in the program, clean 'em up, every company and every person makes mistakes everyday. Admitting them is tough, but only when mistakes are recognized and aired can they be corrected. Maybe KIDS has made some mistakes. Maybe KIDS is helping some troubled teens and young adults and their families. It seems it's time for KIDS and the state to get to the bottom of this for the benefit of the kids and their families. If the abuse is rampant, fine, close the doors. If there are problems that need correcting, correct them. If the program is clean yet strict, perhaps that's OK. Let's get it behind us and move forward, so one way or the other, in this program or in another, these kids and their families get what they need the most - sound professional help.
