Ridge Creek School
Dahlonega, GA

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Why are there Negative Websites
about Schools and Programs?

Of the many difficult hurdles presented to those of us who work with families in crisis, perhaps the most daunting and hurtful are attacks from the very people that, in their time of need, sought our guidance and assistance. Often, the schools and programs that provide the strongest and highest-rated, proven support and solutions for these struggling families become the targets of the misplaced anger and unbridled aggression of those they were attempting to help. In most cases, these attacks come from families that fail to see the program to its fruition or refuse to follow the guidelines provided by the professionals in this field.

Unfortunately, the anger and frustration generated by their failure can lead some students and parents to manufacture half-truths and, in many cases, slanderous lies, for which the internet has become the platform. No school or therapeutic program in this country has escaped these vicious and, for the most part, anonymous attacks. Further, as long as the erroneous statement contains a heading like, "I was told by…" or, "A former staff member said…", there is no legal recourse available to the school or program under attack.

We at Ridge Creek urge the parents of prospective students to fully investigate any eventual placement by calling the school and/or program under consideration to request a list of families that have completed the curriculum and to contact these families for a clear and unbiased picture of the program and its effectiveness. If there are items of concern encountered on an internet site, address these with the school and its alumni. The future of a struggling child is too valuable to be trusted to a simple internet search that yields the negative attacks of those who refused the heed advice and follow suggested treatment and recovery paths.

Ridge Creek Admissions Team

Well done Scott.

This is a difficult hurdle and one that I find undermines new parents willingness/ability to connect with their chosen program-which perpetuates the issue The fear that the process may not work is enflamed because of these statements.

References are a significant step in easing the confusion of fact vs. misleading information. As with any business, the most accurate sign of a successful business (outcome) is from its consumers. They will be honest about what our best is. And they'll probably do a better job with it…

Thanks,

Sean Haggerty
Cedar Ridge Academy
435-353-4498 ext. 117
sean@cedaridge.net
www.cedaridge.net