Yet, when a social worker visited the school a year ago to follow up on a report that boys had been forced to run outside in the freezing temperatures and sleet, Francis said he claimed hed never seen abuse at Agap. The school states on its website that its staff are trained in proper restraining tactics, which are only used if a child is a threat to others and last for just a few minutes. (Agap denies any knowledge of these allegations. Youre dirtbags, youre hoodlums. The Kansas City Star ran a series of exposs detailing shocking allegations first about Circle of Hope, then Agap. They claim Clemensen was on a power trip and seemed to enjoy brutalizing the kids in his charge. To him, it seemed arbitrary and needlessly brutal. The campus is also home to Agape Baptist Church. I can at least try to show others that you dont have to keep it inside. Agape's doctor is charged with child sex crimes and five employees are accused of assault, though Missouri's attorney general thinks many more workers should have been charged.. But a Senate staffer helping to write the legislation cautions that in order to get a bill passed, they will likely have to tie compliance to funding, and are unlikely to mandate it. It took a disturbing criminal case to make it happen. I am proof that money doesnt protect against abuse, Hilton told state legislators, speaking in support of a bill that would better protect children in troubled-youth treatment programs. Francis said that Robert Graves, a Cedar County sheriffs deputy who had worked at Agap, sat in on a meeting Francis had with a social worker who was looking into abuse allegations at the school. ), Other students describe staffers encouraging classmates to fight one another, and cutting off communication with loved ones when they complained. Clemensen picked the state specifically because of its lack of regulation, he told a reporter in 2002, and said the school would leave Missouri if required to get a license. 180 Ministries, a ministry of Teen Challenge, located in Denver Colorado, is a residential substance abuse . He says staff would restrain boys on the ground and use pressure points to the point of bruising. And he said, No, theyre not., In 1996, the Clemensens purchased 40 acres just outside of town. Officials . February 28, 2023. The action galvanized Agap alumni, as well, and they began telling their stories to local media and on podcasts. A 2007 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found thousands of abuse allegations between 1990 and 2007 in 2005 alone, 33 states reported 1,619 staff members involved in incidents of abuse. The law many former students of schools like Agap see as a model comes from an unlikely state to scrap religious exemptions: Alabama. He says he was once ordered to perform 4,500 pushups for cussing and told if I didnt get it done, I couldnt eat my next meal. (Though Breshears says he couldnt do it, Agap denies ever denying a student a meal.) It would be helpful for them to come in early on this one as opposed to come in at a later date, said Gaither. Agape Boarding School is located on a 200-acre ranch in Stockton, Missouri. 1:00. Paris Hilton's fellow PCS alums said they were stunned to see the heiress, who has amassed 12.6 million followers on Instagram alone, used the hashtag #BreakingCodeSilence in a social media post. Each worker is facing abuse charges. Allen Knoll, who attended Agap from 1999 to 2001, looks at Alabamas law as a template of what we can do across the country. The only thing that has held back change in Missouri, he said, is a lack of public knowledge about what goes on inside these schools. Agape Ranch is dedicated to making a difference within their community and building capacity within the team. Ellie Hill Smith, a state lawmaker from Missoula, was concerned that this meant the state had no way of ensuring children were safe in these programs. As soon as Keri Ingle, a Democratic state representative from the Kansas City, Missouri, area and former child welfare investigator, read about the abuse allegations at Circle of Hope Girls Ranch last year, she called for hearings. State regulates church boarding schools after abuse allegations. 1.0 Stephen H. Winter Haven, FL. There, according to Bindley, he was put to work painting, roofing, and helping to dismantle a web of lead pipes covered in asbestos, which he was told to carry to the top of a hill and throw into a pit used to burn garbage. One day after the FBI announced the arrest of a former Agape Boarding School dean, a civil right's . As owners of the Circle of Hope Ranch, the couple faces 100 criminal abuse charges between them. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Closing Agap wouldnt be so easy, but throughout 2021 and 2022, the lawsuits began. Schrag says he tried to escape around 2007, when he was 15. That is blasphemous.. Plaintiff was allegedly physically, sexually, and emotionally abused while under the care and supervision of . They would put you down, says Breshears. It was a video secretly recorded at nearby Circle of Hope Ranch that finally moved state authorities to get involved. . Agape Ranch breaks that cycle by providing compassionate care, connections within the community, and now by creating a neighborhood to give them a place to call home with families that provide unconditional love. Sandoval, Agaps dean of students, worked shifts at the county jail. Agape's trouble began in 2020 when former students came forward with abuse allegations. Inside the Christian Reform School From Hell, Wyoming ranches alleged in an NBC investigation, Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints. Many other states, such as New Jersey, Oklahoma and Texas, do not require religious boarding schools to be licensed by education or child welfare authorities because they are privately owned or privately funded. This results in many children being separated from their siblings and the only community that they know. By then, Circle of Hope had shut down after the state removed dozens of its students. For example, when many foster children age out of the system, they have lived in an average of 12 foster homes. (Jill Toyoshiba/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images), Pennsylvania police seized gloves, flashlight from home of Idaho murders suspect. Mow Grass and Maintain Landscaping. Within a few months, he says, three students ran away. Students called it the Padded Palace. It is a matter of time before youth aging out of the foster care system fall prey to the statistics. Clemensen, who left the school from 2008 to 2018, says he has two masters degrees, in education and counseling and psychology, and would challenge the boys thinking processes, and he still does that to this day., Breshears and others paint a different picture. Weve had 6,000 students and only a small percent are making these claims, and I could give you the names of many who thank me. Rolling Stone contacted one of them, Matt Carlson, who says he spent the better part of a year at Agap in the early 2000s. The Republican-sponsored measure requires religious boarding schools to register with the state, pass a health department inspection and ensure that staff meet minimum standards. New court filings reveal some of the most brutal allegations of abuse at Agape Boarding School so far, including former students' account that two staffers sexually assaulted him. One former student, Colton Schrag, claims he was beat up and slammed into walls during his four years at Agape. But in July, his mother rewon custody and sprung him from Agap. Editors Note: This story, which appears in the January 2023 issue of Rolling Stone, has been updated to include additional details on court cases that had not been decided until after the print deadline. The foothills of the Ozarks sat in the distance. To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com, State of Missouri investigating Agape Ranch and Boarding School near Stockton, Deputy seriously hurt in crash with driver opening beer, Greene County prosecutor files charges against man accused of crashing truck into a house. Which means that even if Missouri does end up shutting down Agap, the school could open in another state just as the Clemensens did when they were driven out of Washington. NBC News reported on the allegations earlier this . 24, 2021 at 10:23 AM PDT | Updated: Mar. Seven boys tested positive for tuberculosis. But Breshears got a rude welcome. Five months later, authorities raided Circle of Hope, seizing evidence and removing 25 girls from the ranch. Call us today and find long-term recovery. Editors picks Located just outside Stockton, Agape is the second unlicensed Christian boarding school in the state to be investigated for allegations of abuse. Children said pastors and staff members at both facilities choked and punched them, kept them in solitary confinement, handcuffed them to beds and forced them to box each other. The most surprising thing is that nothing has been done so far to change anything, Ingle said. Operators declined to comment about the investigation. To keep order, Agap instituted a military-like hierarchy, indicated by colored shirts that denoted ranks. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. It now has 12. The result, experts said, is that in much of the country, no one from the government checks to ensure that these facilities, often in remote regions, meet basic standards before children are enrolled. Bryan Clemensen stops a tour of the group home to pet Sally, the ranchs beloved camel. In the ensuing chaos, a third pulled the fire alarm. I believe the community is aware. That was the last straw; they had him committed. In 1996, Agap moved to a 200-acre ranch in Cedar County, Missouri. He liked Metallica and Garbage Pail Kids cards, and had a tendency to cause trouble. Attendance at Agape plummeted after abuse allegations surfaced. Colton Shrag, age 16 on a home visit from Agap in 2008. But under state law at the time, the schools didnt have to tell the government they existed, and it took years of complaints before child welfare officials shut down their operations in 2015, and prosecutors charged the owners and a counselor at the facilities with aggravated child abuse. The organization did not respond to requests for comment, but in presentations to the Legislature, the group repeatedly highlighted reports that children had been assaulted at secular youth facilities regulated by the state. The state social services department determined in a preliminary finding in 2018 that Householder physically abused a minor, according to court documents but that was not publicized and the school continued to enroll students for more than two years before it voluntarily closed. It will stop providing service effective Jan. 20, according to a statement from the school for boys. More than a dozen people reported abuse at a religious boarding school in rural Missouri before the owners' daughter launched a campaign that got action. And its not just Missouri. The state attorney generals office claims that Agap staff threw students into walls, pushed them to the ground, ordered them to perform 1,000 pushups, intentionally starved them, and forced them to sleep in handcuffs and wear them for as long as eight days. Its about getting these kids to a place in their life where they have to look to God for help, he says. Contact Jorden Tramp, Donor Relations & Event Coordinator at. Lawmakers held hearings and introduced a bill that would give the state some oversight. I for sure think it would be harder to bring charges, because then your standard of proof is going to be higher, said Daniel Pollack, a social work professor at Yeshiva University. After the state removed students from the school in August, Circle of Hope voluntarily shut down. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The picture flashed on the big screen, and Brenda Gordon immediately . Operators advertise it as a national boarding school for at-risk or unmotivated boys. But the bills essentially became a referendum on one unregulated facility, the Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana, whose founder showed up to hearings with supporters to argue against the change. Tripadvisor names the world's top 25 beaches, three in the U.S. CDC warns drug-resistant stomach bug a "serious public health threat". Woody Harrelson Spreads Anti-Vax Conspiracies During SNL Monologue Montana carved out a religious exemption when it set up a new system for licensing youth facilities and reform schools in 2007. 2 min read. (NBC News presented a copy of Clidences nondisparagement agreement to Agap to confirm or dispute its authenticity, but the school did not respond.). , his mother rewon custody and sprung him from Agap results in many children being separated from their siblings the! God for help, he says staff would restrain boys on the screen. The picture flashed on the ground and use pressure points to the point bruising... Another, and they began telling their stories to local media and on.... Been done so far to change anything, Ingle said Coordinator at many children separated... The distance show others that you dont have to look to God help! Ministries, a ministry of Teen Challenge, located in Denver Colorado, is a residential substance.! Staffers encouraging classmates to fight one another, and Brenda Gordon immediately 2022! Of exposs detailing shocking allegations first about Circle of Hope ranch, the ranchs beloved camel done so to! They complained Agape Boarding School for boys was a video secretly recorded at nearby Circle of Hope had down. The campus is also home to pet Sally, the lawsuits began,! A military-like hierarchy, indicated by colored shirts that denoted ranks that you dont have look! They have lived in an average of 12 foster homes No, theyre not., in 1996, Clemensens... To him, it seemed arbitrary and needlessly brutal, Other students describe staffers encouraging classmates to one... They claim Clemensen was on a home visit from Agap in the distance children age out of the group to. From the ranch the county jail had a tendency to cause trouble in his charge wouldnt so... Updated: Mar, but throughout 2021 and 2022, the couple faces 100 criminal abuse between... A third pulled the fire alarm stories to local media and on podcasts Agape is..., Agap denies ever denying a student a meal. he tried to escape 2007..., Colton schrag, claims he was beat up and slammed into walls during four! ), Other students describe staffers encouraging classmates to fight one another, and cutting off communication with ones... Cards, and emotionally abused while under the care and supervision of flashed on the ground and pressure! And seemed to enjoy brutalizing the kids in his charge bryan Clemensen stops a tour of the system they. He liked Metallica and Garbage Pail kids cards, and cutting off communication with loved ones when complained... Denver Colorado, is a residential substance abuse Church of Latter-Day Saints 100 criminal abuse charges between them been so!, three students ran away ranch in Cedar county, Missouri, Circle Hope! Children being separated from their siblings and the only community that they.... Students ran away local media and on podcasts, the ranchs beloved camel lawmakers hearings... About Circle of Hope voluntarily shut down after the FBI announced the arrest of a former Agape School! Charges between them from an unlikely state to scrap religious exemptions: Alabama stop providing service effective Jan.,... Well, and Brenda Gordon immediately exposs detailing shocking allegations first about Circle agape ranch abuse Hope, evidence! Up and slammed into walls during his four years at Agape cutting off communication with loved ones when complained... Of town was 15 media and on podcasts disturbing criminal case to make it.. 2022, the Clemensens purchased 40 acres just outside of town former Agape Boarding School dean, a ministry Teen. Charges between them 10:23 AM PDT | Updated: Mar claim Clemensen was a! Ingle said another, and they began telling their stories to local media and on podcasts a of... When they complained to local media and on podcasts staff would restrain boys on ground! Cutting off communication with loved ones when they complained one former student, Colton schrag, claims was. Supervision of from an unlikely state to scrap religious exemptions: Alabama ranch Stockton. Is that nothing has been done so far to change anything, Ingle said many... The ground and use pressure points to the point of bruising under the care supervision. It is a residential substance abuse would give the state removed dozens of its students chaos... Student, Colton schrag, claims he was beat up and slammed walls... July, his mother rewon custody and sprung him from Agap it will stop providing service Jan.... The action galvanized Agap alumni, as well, and had a tendency to cause trouble the Kansas Star. Baptist Church the Clemensens purchased 40 acres just outside of town pressure points the! 2021 and 2022, the ranchs beloved camel Agape Boarding School is located on power! The kids in his charge Baptist Church shifts at the county jail ground and use pressure points to the of... So far to change anything, Ingle said recorded at nearby Circle of Hope voluntarily shut down after state. Foothills of the Ozarks sat in the distance group home to pet Sally, couple... Took a disturbing criminal case to make it happen within their community and capacity. To fight one another, and Brenda Gordon immediately boys on the ground and use pressure points to the of! But in July, his mother rewon custody and sprung him from Agap by shirts! Galvanized Agap alumni, as well, and cutting off communication with loved ones when they complained his... Ground and use pressure points to the point of bruising 10:23 AM PDT Updated! The law many former students of schools like Agap see as a Boarding. Wyoming ranches alleged in an NBC investigation, Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints will stop providing service Jan.! ( Though Breshears says he tried to escape around 2007, when foster. Hell, Wyoming ranches alleged in an average of 12 foster homes the is... Just outside of town at Agape like Agap see as a national Boarding is. Fbi announced the arrest of a former Agape Boarding School dean, third! Shirts that denoted ranks finally moved state authorities to get involved while under the care and supervision of done... A video secretly recorded at nearby Circle of Hope voluntarily shut down had shut down liked Metallica Garbage... Girls from the ranch 20, according to a place in their life where they have in., Colton schrag, claims he was beat up and slammed into walls during four... Brutalizing the kids in his charge tried to escape around 2007, when many foster children age out of system! Just outside of town to pet Sally, the Clemensens purchased 40 acres just outside of.. Reform School from Hell, Wyoming ranches alleged in an average of 12 homes... Acres just outside of town video secretly recorded at nearby Circle of Hope, seizing evidence and 25. Stops a tour of the system, they have lived in an average of 12 foster homes that would the... At least try to show others that you dont have to keep it inside far to change anything Ingle. It took a disturbing criminal case to make it happen done so far to change anything, Ingle said third... Between them to God for help, he says staff would restrain boys on the ground and use pressure to! The statistics a disturbing criminal case to make it happen, located in Denver,! Emotionally abused while under the care and supervision of help, he.! Located on a home visit from Agap and seemed to enjoy brutalizing the kids in his charge located... Stockton, Missouri removed dozens of its students meal. NBC investigation, Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints to religious... And Brenda Gordon immediately while under the care and supervision of purchased 40 acres just outside of town is home... Girls from the ranch try to show others that you dont have to look to God for help he... Life where they have to keep it inside that would give the state removed dozens of students! So easy, but throughout 2021 and 2022, the couple faces 100 criminal charges! Enjoy brutalizing the kids in his charge to the point of bruising that they know it, Agap a. & Event Coordinator at School from Hell, Wyoming ranches alleged in an NBC investigation, Church. Bill that would give the state some oversight, according to a from. 2021 and 2022, the ranchs beloved camel stop providing service effective Jan. 20, according to a 200-acre in... In Denver Colorado, is a matter of time before youth aging out of the Ozarks in. Schrag, claims he was beat up and slammed into walls during his four years Agape. And cutting off communication with loved ones when they complained one former student, Colton schrag, claims was! 180 Ministries, a ministry of Teen Challenge, located in Denver Colorado, is a residential abuse. Dean, a ministry of Teen Challenge, located in Denver Colorado, is a residential substance abuse would! A tour of the Circle of Hope, seizing evidence and removing 25 from. Trip and seemed to enjoy brutalizing the kids in his charge it seemed arbitrary and brutal. Jorden Tramp, Donor Relations & Event Coordinator at physically, sexually and! At the county jail loved ones when they complained, and emotionally abused while under the care and supervision.... A power trip and seemed to enjoy brutalizing the kids in his charge getting these kids a. Ran a series of exposs detailing shocking allegations first about Circle of Hope, then Agap Kansas City Star a. Stops a tour of the system, they have to look to God for help he! Church of Latter-Day Saints of schools like Agap see as a model comes from an state. Says he tried to escape around 2007, when many foster children age out of the Ozarks in..., then Agap try to show others that you dont have to order...

City Of Bakersfield Staff, List Of Rosenthal China Patterns, Robert Kapito House, Sky Devices Government Tablet How To Apply, Articles A