From Strugglingteens.com Breaking News Catherine Freer Albany, OR Catherine Freer Responds To House HearingsMedia Contact: Paul Smith 800-390-3983 paul@cfreer.com Julia Andrick 208-265-8355 julia@cfreer.com October 11, 2007 We support Rep. Miller and the Education Committee in doing what is possible to eliminate abusive and neglectful programs. At the same time, we believe it is important to preserve viable options for children and families in need of responsible and ethical therapeutic schools and programs. Our program has consistently supported regulations and standards for the treatment industry and we currently hold the highest level of state licensing and national accreditation that is available to us today. Our hope is to have well-crafted and conceived regulations established that ensure that families and their children are protected, while preserving their freedom of choice regarding treatment options. We want to share with you some information regarding the fatality at our program that the GAO investigated and which wasn't brought forth in either the GAO report or in the parent's testimony:
This fatality was thoroughly investigated and there was no finding of fault. We would like to say that the loss of a loved one can be devastating. The loss of a young life is a particularly difficult tragedy for everyone that it touches. In a time of great grief and loss it is often soothing to have a concrete answer that explains why a tragedy or accident happens. Unfortunately, this clarity does not always exist. About Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs Since 1988, Catherine Freer's therapeutic wilderness program has provided thousands of troubled adolescents with the tools necessary to address behavioral and emotional issues and to make a new start. The program serves more than 300 adolescents annually. Licensed by the state of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program, the company also operates under Oregon's innovate Outdoor Youth Program guidelines. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) accredits the company. Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs is a founding member of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council and the National Association for Therapeutic Schools and Programs. For more information, please visit the web site at www.cfreer.com or call (800) 390-3983. © Copyright 2012 by Woodbury Reports, Inc. |