Benchmark Young Adult School EXPOSED

Because of the sheer volume Benchmark's lies / misrepresentations, it has become necessary to divide this section into multiple categories. For legal purposes, the word "misrepresentation" has been used more often than not.

The basic goal / theme surrounding theses misrepresentations is to create / widen a rift in the relationship between students and parents. Since parent - student communication is monitored and censored in both directions, it is easy for the staff, over the course of a year or more, to inprint the impression they want into both students and parents.

Misrepresentations to Parents

about Redlands Adult School

Parents are often told "As to school, [son's / daughter's name] could be finished very quickly if he so chose."

This is a lie. Even on "sink or swim" or "time out", students may only attend RAS (Redlands Adult School) when Flo is there (approx 4 hours / day). Students may also depend on Benchmark's transportation to Redlands Adult School, depending on their motel's location. If you're a parent wondering "What motel?" just wait a little bit.

regarding time needed in Program

Rule #1: Your kid will always need more time in program.

As long as you can pay, your kid will have a problem. It's a bit like a government contractor or a car mechanic. I wouldn't put too much faith into the programs allegations of misconduct towards your kid. It's not like he/she gets a chance for defense. Students know that if they protest, especially to thier parents, they will get severely reprimanded and accused of being "manipulative". If you have a son / daughter who has not been accused of this when criticizing program, please e-mail me and i will mention it here (unless you were told to call by Benchmark).

During my year long stay at Benchmark, i do not know of even one student who graduated within the a 12 month period.

Here is a concise explanation I posted on a discussion forum a little while ago:

"WTF! Do kids have a choice most of the time? What do you mean kids? Sure some of em screw up from time to time but that's a normal part of growing up (not that program would tell you that). When they're sent to program they are portrayed as little monsters to their parents until they believe it. If kids want to get their "level" they better be damn sure to further this illusion in supervised phone calls. "Oh Dad, Mom, I was headed for jail. I'm so glad these people are here to help me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity" Eventually, some kids even start to believe it themselves (especially after intense BM). Even then, most of them realize (usually after a year or so), that they will never be allowed to graduate as long as their parents keep forking over the dough. Once you get a level, you will inevitably lose it for something as inane as "negitive attitude towards program" or "breaking bans". They will find a reason, and as soon as the kids realize how they are being played they really become a handful for the program and parents don't understand why they would be upset: EG: "Why is he acting out all of a sudden, he was doing so well". Where I was they isolated them at this point to avoid the "negativity" spreading. The parents are never told the real (if any) reasons for "consequences." The programs make up fairy tales to make you look like satan incarnate. After all the things they tell your parents. Who would want you back.

And that's the point. That's how they make their money. Whether they keep you at their program or pack you off to one of their back rubbing buddies it's all the same result in the end: Instutuionalized until the age of 18 / however long they can profit from you, then dropped on the streets as failures. But who knows. Maybe the streets will set the little fuckers straight!?!?

Kids are the pawns of the staff in these programs whether they realize it or not. Sure you might be able to hold them accountable for actions before program, but once in program i hold them blameless. How could they be so stupid?!?! Hah! They have little choice. They are fucked if they follow the program and fucked if they rebel. It's not called the "fuck-its" in program for nothing"

Note that the above pertains to the troubled teen industry in general, and is not necessarily specific to Benchmark.

Misrepresentations to Students

"You signed away your rights when you came into program" - Beth Hart, former resident councelor et. al.

This is not legally possable, though students generally believe it since few have law degrees. This statement is used to keep students from calling the police or otherwise protesting abusive treatment.

"This isn't a school, it's a program" - Mike Martin, resident councelor et. al.

Well according to the state, it's a school. If Benchmark is a program, as claimed innumerable times by multiple staff members on an almost daily basis to the students, they would be in operation illegally. See the licensing page for more information.

"Your parents don't give a shit about you, otherwise they wouldn't have sent you here" - Mike Martin

Your parents give a shit about you, and if they knew what went on, would have yanked you out.

Misrepresentations to Prospective Students / Parents

coming soon

Misrepresentations to the State

Benchmark is a school, not a program

See this faq question.

Most of the faq is dedicated to information about this anyway.

Personal Misrepresentations

My personal experiences with lies to my parents that are documented in writing can probably be summarized best here for the time being.