KIDS of El Paso

'I am better than God'

El Paso man takes stand in own defense at murder trial. While on the stand during his murder trial, *** testified about being in the KIDS of El Paso drug treatment program, his mental health issues and the events of Dec. 18, 2007. *** is being tried in 12th Judicial... Read more →

Rehab ‘abuse’ film based on former KIDS

The drama of *** recent suit against the directors of KIDS of North Jersey, a now-defunct drug rehab center in Secaucus, was simultaneously being played out in a premiere at an international film festival. ***, a 24-year-old native of The Bronx and former patient at KIDS, premiered his first feature... Read more →

$3M Settlement in ‘KIDS’ case

A former patient at a defunct drug treatment center in Secaucus has agreed to a $3 million settlement with the center’s former owners. *** was a patient at KIDS of North Jersey for five years undergoing treatment for drug and alcohol addictions – addictions, he said, he did not have.... Read more →

KIDS: Few made it all the way to graduation

Secaucus based KIDS of North Jersey reportedly used drug treatment methods developed at STRAIGHT, Inc., a Florida center where *** had served as national clinical director. The five-phase program aimed to put the “negative influence of peer pressure” to positive use, and help individuals overcome substance abuse via the encouragement... Read more →

Ex-patient: I was prisoner at treatment center

A former patient is suing the former directors of KIDS of North Jersey, a now-defunct drug treatment center in Secaucus, claiming that he was held there against his will for five years. It’s the latest in a long history of complaints filed against Dr. ***, the former director of KIDS... Read more →

Trouble Across the Country

*** either operated or was involved with a number of drug treatment facilities across the country during the 1980s and 1990s that closed following allegations of mistreatment or financial troubles. STRAIGHT, Inc. – a juvenile rehab center in St. Petersburg, Fla. – opened in 1976 and closed in 1993 amid... Read more →

Drug Rehab ‘Cult Leader’ Settles Medical Malpractice Case for $6.5M

Carriers agree to pay just as jury hands up verdict in Hudson County. Three carriers have agreed to pay almost $6.5 million to a woman who spent nearly 13 years — from age 13 to 26 — as a virtual prisoner of drug rehabilitation guru ***. The final piece of... Read more →

Lingering torment from rough therapy

It has been almost seven years since *** walked out of KIDS of North Jersey, a drug treatment center no longer operating. On her bad days, though, it feels as if she was there just yesterday.*** Secaucus, that barred her from going to school, reading books, getting mail, or making... Read more →

Suit Settled

Note: Growing Together was founded by former STRAIGHT training director, Dr. ***. *** malpractice suit against KIDS of North Jersey was settled in December, just 11 days before it was scheduled for trial in Superior Court in Hudson County. The $4.5 million settlement came after *** lawyer, ***, spent five... Read more →

Closure for a Quack Victim

In 1993, *** titled his doctoral dissertation in clinical neuropsychology, "Guiding Youth Through the Perilous Ordeal." To hundreds of teenagers who have been subjected to his bizarre methods at the rehabilitation treatment centers he ran in New Jersey and three other states, the title is rich irony. Their ordeal was... Read more →

Workers at drug program sentenced

3 CONVICTED OF BEATING TEENAGER SECAUCUS In a small, windowless room in a huge blue warehouse here, 17-year-old *** drug-treatment counselors crossed the line between aggressive therapy and illegal assault. During a 1992 group session, three peer counselors hoisted *** by his belt loops and dragged him into the room... Read more →

"I'm Not a Bad Girl, I Just Do Bad Things"

February 1991 When *** was a Coronado High School student, she gave wild parties that lasted until three in the morning.“Don’t give me jail, please” *** begs under her breath. El Paso's most infamous trust-fund kid, now 21 years old is seated at the back of a paneled and windowless... Read more →

Alleged gang head posts $5000 bond

Police: Ex-detective organized criminal activity A former El Paso police detective who was arrested Friday and charged with commanding a gang of young auto thieves and drug dealers is out of jail on $5,000 bond. *** was arrested at 2:20 p.m. Friday at his West Side home on charges of... Read more →

Sinister operation gone from El Paso

The departure of the psychotherapy cult known as Kids of El Paso ends one of the most bizarre chapters in the history of our community. It's still hard for me to believe that such a sinister operation was possible in our sleepy, big-little town. If we look carefully, we should... Read more →

Claims against KIDS may top $225,000

Treatment center files Chapter 7 More than 500 companies and individuals may have potential claims totaling $225,000 against bankrupt Kids of El Paso Inc., according to court records in U.S. District Court. The controversial rehabilitation center for teenagers filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the federal bankruptcy statutes Monday,... Read more →

Teen Tells of Humiliating Treatment

Anna fought back tears as she talked about being forced to wear diapers and sleep on a cold floor with just a sheet for warmth when she was 16. The 19-year-old El Pasoan, whose real name is being withheld at her request, said she also was humiliated in front of... Read more →

KIDS Inc. set to file Chapter 7

Lawyers finishing up with financial records Attorneys -still were sorting through financial records of the defunct KIDS of El Paso Inc. Friday, and expect to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition next week in federal court on behalf of the organization. "I signed all the papers for the petition today,"... Read more →

KIDS Leaves El Paso, but Controversy Remains

KIDS of El Paso County Inc. an intensely controversial drug and behavioral rehabilitation center - closed last week after nearly four years in El Paso. Critics of its tough tactics say its hallmark was physical and verbal abuse. But others, including KIDS board Chairman *** and other prominent El Pasoans,... Read more →

Tax rollback leader was head of KIDS

xx/xx/xx *** is chairman of Kids of El Paso that recently went bankrupt and owes back taxes of almost $20,000. *** is now trying to tell the community that El Paso Independent School District is burdened with Administrators who do not know how to administer a school district. He claims... Read more →

Creditors set to examine assets of KIDS program

xx/xx/xx Drug rehabilitation center has meeting today Creditors will sort through the assets of bankrupt KIDS of El Paso Inc. during a meeting at the Federal Courthouse today, KIDS' lawyer *** said. KIDS of El Paso, a controversial rehabilitation program that filed for bankruptcy Oct. 16, has listed assets of... Read more →

KIDS closes doors over money trouble

The controversial KID of El Paso County Inc. rehabilitation program ended its stormy four year existence Monday, citing financial problems in the wake of a state investigation and negative publicity. “With great regret I announce that KIDS of El Paso County has closed its doors and filing for Chapter 7... Read more →

Barbero Report

In May 1989, a 51-year-old social worker explored employment as an Assistant Director at the soon to open KIDS program in Salt Lake City. She learned about the position in the SaltLake Tribune newspaper. After a 2.5 day observational interview at the KIDS program in New Jersey, she composed what... Read more →

Drug Treatment center wins reprieve

State wants KIDS on probation KIDS of El Paso a hard-nosed treatment program for young drug abusers that was criticized sharply by some former clients, received an apparent two-year reprieve Thursday in its battle to stay open. A hearing officer of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in... Read more →

Ex-detective charged in keeping boy

A former El Paso police detective - fired last year for it off-duty involvement with juveniles without notifying the Police Department in writing - was arrested Tuesday on charges of harboring the runaway son of a college dean. ***, 37, of the 100 block of Fountain on the West Side,... Read more →

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KIDS program helped her family

As a parent of a graduate of KIDS of El Paso County, and as a teacher, I support the KIDS drug treatment program. Our daughter entered KIDS in June 1986 at the age of 21. My husband and I feared for her life. She was suicidal, out of touch with... Read more →

Decrying KIDS bashing

xx/xx/xx EDITOR, As the father of three sons who have, during the last 20 years, been victims of the illegal drug-trafficking madness that has run rampant in the United States, I am appalled at what has happened in recent months to the very effective KIDS of El Paso family therapy... Read more →

Heiress, dad in court over $1 .7 million

A legal tug of war between an 18-year-old El Paso heiress and her father over a $1.7 million trust wound up in district court on Tuesday. *** is suing his daughter, ***, who is countersuing him to gain control of a trust. *** is seeking a declaratory judgment against his... Read more →

KIDS method earns some community aid

Hooray for KIDS of El Paso. They were able to overcome the bleeding heart liberal dingbat legal schmucks who take every opportunity to exhibit efforts to fight the problem. This instance is just one of many such efforts to keep solutions from working. Frankly, the spokesperson from the attorney general's... Read more →

Drug abuse program is much too brutal

Fifteen months later, officialdom has ponderously moved to revoke the license of KIDS of El Paso. In no less than three written reports, the public has been told of physical, emotional and psychological abuse on the rampage behind the windowless war of this torture chamber posing as treatment center. Victims... Read more →

Does KIDS program help it's clients or abuse them?

KIDS deeply hurt by lawyer's allegations As the father of three sons who have, during the period of the last 20 years, been victims of the illegal drug trafficking madness, I am appalled at what has happened in recent months to the very effective KIDS of El Paso family therapy... Read more →

KIDS turned anguish into a smile

True anguish is waking up at 3 a.m. to check on your teenager and finding out that he or she has slipped out during the night. It is searching the streets in the dark, knowing that your child is out doing God knows what, and that you are powerless to... Read more →

KIDS of El Paso: Let’s make sure the kids, families are our first priority

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... Read more →

State agency wants KIDS closed

Commission hasn't changed stand The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse hasn’t changed its mind about closing KIDS of El Paso County. ***, the commission's executive director in Austin said Friday that a June 28 court ruling that canceled an injunction against KIDS has no bearing on an earlier... Read more →

Pros and cons bitterly debate merits of KIDS

KIDS of El Paso has been the focus of a yearlong battle between people who hail the program for saving lives and people who blast it for destroying lives. Those who believe that extreme hardships call for extreme remedies are opposed by those who say the rights of young people... Read more →

KIDS can stay open but problems aren't over

Program now fights to keep state license AUSTIN - An Austin judge ruled Tuesday that KIDS of El Paso County Inc. can remain open. However, the embattled drug and compulsive behavior rehabilitation program still faces a fight to keep its state license to stay in operation. Austin District Judge ***... Read more →

‘Nightmare’ over for KIDS parents

Austin - Parents of about 90 young people enrolled in KIDS of El Paso County Inc. say their nightmare is over. A state district court judge on Tuesday denied the state a request to shut down the 2-year-old drug rehabilitation center. But ***, a local attorney who launched some of... Read more →

KIDS to stay open Center still faces hearing on license

AUSTIN - KIDS of El Paso County Inc. can remain open for now a district court judge ruled today. When state District Court Judge *** denied the request by the state attorney general's office to temporarily shut down the drug rehabilitation program, the courtroom packed with parents from El Paso... Read more →

KIDS founder: Problems in El Paso have been corrected

AUSTIN - ***, founder of a rehabilitation program that KIDS of El Paso County Inc. is modeled after, defended KIDS' treatment methods in an Austin court Monday. He also testified that problems with the El Paso program have been corrected. "I believe (KIDS of El Paso County Inc.) is operating... Read more →

Editorial: Offers an alternative

KIDS is a tough drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that, most assuredly, is not for every victim. The program is harsh. But then, the problem(s) being dealt with also are harsh. Recent testimony indicates it works for some and fails others. Expert testimony at court hearings late last week and... Read more →

KIDS backers stand by program

Hearing resumes to decide center fate Civic and business leaders who oversee or contribute to KIDS of El Paso County Inc. say their support hasn't been shaken by state efforts to permanently close the controversial rehabilitation program. "It's the only drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that works," said Mayor ***,... Read more →

Action to close KIDS is first ever for state agency

AUSTIN - Three more disgruntled former clients of KIDS of El Paso testified here today. ***, ***, and ***, all 18, described incidents of abusive treatment while they were in the drug rehabilitation program. The three women were witnesses of the state. Attorneys for KIDS of El Paso are expected... Read more →

KIDS trial resumes today in Austin

The battle to allow KIDS of El Paso County Inc. to remain open or be closed resumes today in an Austin court. The El Paso drug rehabilitation program is accused by state investigators of abusing clients and holding them against their will. An Austin judge heard testimony Thursday, then recessed... Read more →

War on drugs means saving children's lives

As flower children in the '60s, we fought for freedom. As adults in the '80s, we're losing our children to drugs. Everywhere I go around El Paso and the region people are talking about the war on drugs. The issue is heavy in the presidential race. It's a big story... Read more →

Teen wants KIDS bequest out of will

An 18-year-old who ran away from KIDS of El Paso County Inc. is asking a judge to invalidate a will that would leave $200,000 to the rehabilitation enter upon her death, accord to court documents. *** also is seeking control of a million-dollar trust fund, records filed at the district... Read more →

KIDS called harsher than prisons

High state official cites ‘serious abuses’ in troubled El Paso youth program AUSTIN - The assistant attorney general of Texas said Friday that there are serious abuses at KIDS of El Paso. *** the official, said that some of the harsh techniques used by KIDS staff to treat young adults... Read more →

Physician assails KIDS techniques

Methods 'break will'; ex-clients tell of abuse AUSTIN - Harsh rehabilitation techniques such as those used by KIDS of El Paso can cause patients to shift their dependency from drugs or alcohol to the program. ***, a psychiatrist, and expert on alcohol abuse, said in court here that such techniques... Read more →

Ex-KIDS patients testify about program's harsh punishment

Supporters will talk Monday at hearing AUSTIN - Vicious peer pressure and harsh punishment were common therapy at KIDS of El Paso County Inc., two former patients told a judge who is supposed to decide Monday whether to close the embattled rehabilitation center. After eight hours of consistently critical testimony... Read more →

Other KIDS centers get scrutiny

A New Jersey rehabilitation center affiliated with the embattled KIDS of El Paso County Inc. faced a formal investigation of complaints similar to those that plaque the area center. KIDS of Bergen County Inc. was cleared last year, however and continues treating drug, alcohol and eating disorders in young people.... Read more →

Ruling reopens KIDS, but 3 teens have fled

A last-minute ruling Friday allowed KIDS of El Paso County to reopen after a one-day closing, but officials at the beleaguered rehabilitation center said three teenagers had run away. One judge in Austin earlier this week had ordered KIDS closed because of alleged physical abuse, neglect, and civil rights violations.... Read more →