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Revision as of 19:17, 19 February 2009 by 66.74.82.49 (talk) (added primary sources and fixed formatting)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Utah Boys Ranch, now known as West Ridge Academy, is a Mormon reeducation camp for children.
History
The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by the prominent Mormon Lowell L Bennion in 1967, although it is unclear how long he actually maintained a leadership position.
Eventually ownership changed hands, and Utah Senator Chris Buttars became the executive director, and remained so for fifteen years before retiring in the face of some IRS problems<ref>- Buttars Booted From Boys Ranch,/references>
Abuse
Buttars and the Utah Boys Ranch leadership have recently come under fire with claims of abuse<ref>- Teen Recounts Physical and Sexual Abuses at Mormon West Ridge Academy/references>and complaints<ref>The Mormon Connection/references> that staff use Mormon indoctrination in place of legitimate therapy. Numbers of former residents have posted testimonials alleging rampant physical and sexual abuse, negligence, cover-ups, lack of any government oversight, severe human rights violations, and other corruption and forms of inhumane handling of youth<ref>Testimonials From Former Victims/references>
Activism
A website and charitable organization have recently surfaced to expose the Utah Boys Ranch/West Ridge Academy and offer support to former victims.
See also
- World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools
- Tranquility_Bay
- Child_labor
- Chris_Buttars
- Mormon Gulag & Utah Boys Ranch Network