Mexico shuts (U-Turn For Christ Youth) rehab center, deports U.S. teens

[UpInArms]

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2005-12-07T005845Z_01_KNE703475_RTRUKOC_0_US-MEXICO-USA-TEENAGERS.xml&archived=False

TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - Mexico has closed a boot camp for troubled U.S. teenagers south of this city on the California border and deported 13 youngsters whom workers are suspected of abusing, health authorities said on Tuesday.

The U-Turn For Christ Youth Ranch, a group home for the treatment of adolescent alcohol and drug addiction near the Pacific-coast resort of Ensenada, was closed last Friday after inspectors said they had found a range of violations at the center.

Juan Carlos Mariscal, a spokesman for Baja California state health authorities, said youths attending the camp showed "signs of physical and mental mistreatment" as well as insect bites that had not received adequate medical attention.

<snip>

The camps are generally spartan and operate on "tough-love" principles, while parents are charged up to $5,000 per month for the residential treatment.

...more at link...

[TomInTib]

1. Maybe they can re-open in Romania. There are more of these

outfits working down there. Mostly fundie-based. Just effing criminal.

[ChrisK]

2. "U-Turn For Christ"?..didn't know Jesus was a cabbie

Mabye Mr T is really Christ?

[ShockediSay]

3. So what might this tell us about the "faith based" activites

* wants to throw money to.

[fishwax]

5. yeah, no kidding

that's food for thought :scared:

[donco6]

4. Just like camping!

"...These young men-in-training have the blessed opportunity of getting back to the basic necessities while learning to appreciate the simple luxuries we daily take for granted. The Ranch provides a rustic setting that is much like camping. They are taught the importance of loving God and not the pleasures of the World, and to make it their goal to please God through faith."

Oh, there's much, much more.

http://www.calvarychapel.com/romoland/fl_mexenseadayr.html

[fishwax]

6. I'm glad mexico stood up to them

i know nothing about that particular camp, but those types of camp have generally creeped me out ...

[ixion]

7. yeah, in general, I find xian institutions creepy

I stayed at a xian youth hostile in Amsterdam -- for one night -- because it was such a creepy place. It cost more than the other hostiles, and was sort of like a prison. The atmosphere was heavy and depressing.

Really, the xians can have their guilt-ridden set of Rites, for all I care.

[LostinVA]

8. I think it should be illegal to send US citizens out of the &US

without their agreement, if they are not with a parent or guardian. B eing a minor should NOT matter. You still have civil rights.That would help stop these boot camps. The ones in the US are bad enough, but many of the ones outside of the US are horrible -- and even US embassies can do nothing to help, as per court rulings.