As per the above story -
Matt Swenson, of Middletown, New York, has a child at the JRC. His 19-year-old daughter, Rachel Swenson, who turns 20 next month, has been at the facility since 2005.
After moving his daughter from center to center, he credits JRC with being the only facility to help his severely autistic child. Rachel is no longer injuring herself, throwing herself out of moving cars, (including once on the New Jersey Turnpike) throwing herself to the ground causing bruises, or trying to fracture her own eye socket, Swenson said.
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Rachel by Mr. Swensons own report is doing so much better. So , why is Rachel still at the center ? Why is Rachel still in such a restrictive setting ? what about the LRE provision of The IDEA.
Rachel is no longer injuring herself, throwing herself out of moving cars, throwing herself to the ground causing bruises, or trying to fracture her own eye socket. So , why is Rachel still at the center ?
Some ?'s for Mr. Swenson.
Rachel has been at the facility since 2005 its now 2011.
After that many years how often does she have to get the skin shock ?
Why cant Rachel come home Mr. Swenson ? That ged device that the children use is portable. Why dont you shock Rachel ? Why does the GED treatment have to be performed only at JRC by JRC ? Would you Skin Shock Rachel at home if they let you ?

Your question is reasonable and probably should be asked and answered.
1) Have you ever visited the school or spoken with any of the parents of the children attending JRC?

Mr.Vincent F., in response to your first question....I have spoken to parents of children that were at JRC. I spoke to mollins about the lawsuit. I also have spoken to alot of NYSED staff and most members of the New York State Board Of Regents. I have spoken to a person who was part of a team that took a large population of students back from JRC /BRI when it was in Rhode Island.The students were on the ferry on the way back to New York and started doing the behaviors that the GED had been used to modify,eliminate or control .That is substantial proof that in many cases the GED does not have a long lasting impact or long term positive outcome. The population that was removed from JRC were set up in group homes all over new York, and most of them have had positive reaction to other methods. I have also spoken to Mr. Flammia JRC 's attorney and other JRC staff.I have foiled documentation about JRC from the NYSED and other states..I have information on JRC that most of the general public does not have or may never see. I will respond to all of your questions 1 at a time. (space considerations)

2) Do you have a clinical background and/or have you ever been responsible for treating a child with a life threatening behavioral condition?

Mr.Vincent F., in response to your two part second question..
I am an advocate and activist. You want to know a little about what I do and what I know.
Please lets not make this about me. I see know need to post my resume. That being said, I will offer the following. First , I like to project the persona of an average Joe. I may be smarter than a fifth grader but then again maybe not. I do not have a clinical Background. I have worked on alot of special education cases and have worked with many Families. I have worked on many cases where children have cut hurt or injured themselves or others. I work cases in were children are placed thru CPS, court order, etc. I have first hand knowledge of working with a child / children with a life threatening behavioral conditions . I as a result of that experience I became an advocate. I was in a car when an autistic child opened up the car door and tried to jump out on the long Island expressway.(heavy traffic over 60 MPH.)

Please note: I cant or wont post some things about personal family issues.

Mr. Deabold, Thank you for your response but I don't think you really answered the questions. You seem to have spoken to a number of those that have an agenda against JRC, such as Attorney Mollins who would have gained financially from the law suit that you spoke of. Do you know that his frivolous lawsuit was dismissed? Have you spoken with any of the parents of the hundreds of children that have been successful at JRC, those that were not removed prematurely? It is clear that you have not and haven't made any attempt to visit the school and speak with the clinical and educational staff to experience the exceptional level of care and treatment that they receive. You mentioned that after individuals were removed from JRC, some difficult behaviors once again emerged. Of course that should be expected if students were removed prematurely. You also mentioned that most of them had positive reactions to other methods. What about those that did not respond well? I suspect they were relegated to a psych facility, which is what generally occurs when a child does not receive effective treatment. Do you think harmful ineffective medication is the answer? Don't you think the parents should have the right to make that decision? Also I'm wondering why you did not address my third question. Are you aware of the fact that aversive interventions cannot be used with any child from the state of New York and why would you fail to acknowledge such an important fact when debating this issue?

3) Are you aware of the fact that aversive interventions cannot be used with any child from the state of New York and why would you fail to acknowledge such an important fact when debating this issue?

Mr. F. Are you aware of the following,
The use of aversive interventions on a child in New York State is not an
Infraction: a crime for which the punishment is a fine. Example: a traffic ticket.

The use of aversive interventions on a child in New York State is not an
Misdemeanor: a crime for which the maximum punishment is one year in jail. Example: shoplifting.

The use of aversive interventions on a child in New York State is not an
Felony: a crime for which the maximum sentence is incarceration in a state or federal prison. Examples: rape and bank robbery, respectively.

Mr. F. Are you aware of how Schools and State Ed function ? Do you know anything about the level of and the lack of accountability on the part of schools and NYSED ?

A ) Aversive interventions are being used on children all over New York state.

B ) Aversive interventions are being used with and with out parental consent. (in schools)

C) Parents can use aversive interventions on their own child at home.

D ) Parents have spanked, kicked, punched, used stun guns and pepper spray on their own children with out being charged.

E ) The use of an unauthorized or non parent approved aversive intervention in the educational setting is not a fine bearing violation or a criminal offence.

F ) The improper, unapproved, unauthorized use or implementation of an aversive intervention in a school setting is a violation of the regulations of the commissioner of education. (Violations of the regulations of the commissioner of education will get a district a warning and a corrective action letter.)

G ) If we gave out correction action letters for bank robbery, it’s a fair bet that your bank would be empty as I type this post.

H ) Teachers and school staff have hurt children with out consequence .

Rotenberg lawyer Michael Flammia accused Mollins of making "false statements" about the school. "We're pleased that he's now made the statements in the court of law where he will have to prove them with evidence he does not have," Flammia said.

Why did the Rotenberg Center and Flammia back down ?
I was told by Mr. Mollins that The rotenberg Center wrote a check .
So, why did the center write a check ?????

Please be advised Mr. F is not posting facts.I suspect he is posting information that he gets from People who work at the Judge Rotenberg Center.Mr.F is a backer of the school that shocks children. We dont even know his full name. He could be JRC' s PR person or spin doctor.Mr. F are you the parent of a child at JRC ?

PS. Lawsuit info below....

Lawsuit against Judge Rotenberg Center settles
September 15, 2010 by Leslie E. Packer PhD
Filed under Advocacy, News
Leave a Comment
Bob Salsberg of Associated Press reports that a lawsuit filed by the parent of a Long Island teen who attended the Judge Rotenberg Center has been settled for $65,000. The lawsuit involved the use of shocks, a method that has been controversial for years:

… The lawsuit was filed in 2006 on behalf of Antwone Nicholson, then 17, of Freeport, N.Y., who attended the school for about four years. Nicholson’s mother, Evelyn, said Wednesday she agreed to the settlement because it was “time to move on,” and she felt her legal battle had already helped change when and how the shocks are given.

In a statement, the school termed the settlement “minimal” and said that its insurance company requested the case be settled for far less than the legal fees necessary to obtain a final dismissal. The suit initially sought millions of dollars in damages, the statement said, though Kenneth Mollins, the Nicholsons’ lawyer, said he could not recall any specific dollar amount being sought.

Vincent F, is this you ? If so, I have some questions for you.

As per the Boston Globe story Remedy or Abuse sept 13. 2007

Marguerite Famolare's 19-year-old son, Michael Costello, has lived at the Rotenberg Center for six years. As a child, Michael was diagnosed with autism, mental retardation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Famolare, who lives in Boston, said her son spent years bouncing back and forth from private institutions and psychiatric hospitals, and was lethargic from prescription drugs.

"He was given no opportunities and just slept all of the time. He was sedated and treated like an animal, and that wasn't the life I wanted for him," said Famolare. "Now he goes to Red Sox games, and he has friends that he relates to. He's learned to communicate with people and how to express himself, because of what they've done for him."

Famolare said she has tested the electronic shock administered on her son, and likens it to a bee sting. She said her son shows some discomfort when shocked, but no signs of trauma.

So if the Famolares child had such Great progress why wasn't he ever taken home ? Why did he need to stay at Rotenberg ? The mothers report was prior to Sept 13 of 2007. The child was already in the shock school for six years . The Rotenberg student was 19 in 2007 its now 2011. This full grown man is about 23 years old now.Where is he ? Was he ever able to move out of the center ? Does he still need to be at the center ? If so why ? I would love some answers.
PS . Marguerite what was the GED set on when you were skin shocked ? (It is adjustable ! )
I suspect they gave you a light skin shock.(I think you got duped)

Oh,buy the way I asked to feel the little bee sting and test the out put.
I am an electrician,I asked to feel the GED - 1. Buy Israels own report the device is set on 60 volts at .41 amps at 80 pulses per second for a two second duration. I told them that I was going to meter it. The center told me no and I was sent a threatening letter from the centers lawyer.It was the centers refusal that brought on my full effort and campaign. Schools that are afraid of me are probably hurting children. I have fought to keep schools open.

Please note: I have spoken to other people who felt the skin shock and you know what you all have in common, you all don't know what it was set on when you got the shock.

Before, during and after our ICAA Radio program's segments regarding the Judge Rotenberg Center, and after our public statement was made, I personally received threats, and viscous attacks from people who claimed they were parents supportive of JRC and JRC's various controversial practices.
Many other advocates were scared to have their names or their voices on the air of the segments.
I was not scared and I refuse to be. I want people to consider this: What would we think if there were hundreds of parents of black children, supportive of slave labor and slave trading because experts said it was the "only" hope for these children? Some parents may believe these treatments work, that they are acceptable, or place their hopes, belief and trust in an "expert" who wants to sell them the "cure" or "treatment" in some of these practices and programs. Does this make the treatments legal, right, morally, ethically or humanely acceptable for a country who claims not to even approve of torture for enemy combatants and terrorists?
In our country where a person would be jailed for using a GED device (like a dog shock collar) on an animal, how is it ever acceptable to do this to people based on their disability?
It simply is not right, I do not see how it is legal at all, and regardless of how many desperate or misinformed parents suggest they are fine with the abuse of their children, it just does not make it so.

Mr. Banks Wrote :
"Mr. Deabold , When asked about your background and experience with individuals such as those served by JRC, you stated: "Please note: I cant or wont post some things about personal family issues." Fair enough, and I would agree appropriate for this type of forum. However, in subsequent posts, you relate numerous statements you claim to "know" about current and/or former JRC students, some of which would be considered very personal by their families. It is clear that some, if not all of this information was obtained from anti-JRC "activists," or the media. Why do you feel it is OK to disclose such personal information, true or not, about JRC clients/students in a forum such as this, but not about your own "personal family issues?""
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Please be Advised : I posted information about JRC / clients that have been in the Media- I posted information from the media , not the anti- JRC media. I also made some comments about the cases that parents decided to bring to the media. If a parent that I am working with gives the ok for me to talk about the case, I talk about the case. I am a whistle blower / watchdog and people give me information knowing I wont out them.

“Miss, you have to get me out of here. I fear for my safety.’’

At the Judge Rotenberg Center special needs school in Canton, Massachusetts, controversial disciplinary practices—such as giving children electric skin shocks—have been in practice for decades.
The kids attending school at the center are labeled emotionally disturbed. Some are autistic or have intellectual disabilities.
On June 25, 2010, kids and staff at one of the Judge Rotenberg Center’s group homes got into a brawl that landed three kids in the hospital with broken bones.
Reported by The Boston Globe, local Police Lieutenant Patty Sherril says, “In my 17 years here, I’ve never seen anything like this.” She added that one of the male teenagers whispered to her, “Miss, you have to get me out of here. I fear for my safety.’’

Close The Rotenberg Center, I fear for the childrens safety !!!!
Click the link to read the story
http://www.takepart.com/news/2010/06/29/electric-shock-used-at-school-for-emotionally-disturbed-and-disabled-kids

The Rotenberg Center of Torture should be closed !
Torture is the deliberate and systematic dismantling of a person’s identity and humanity. Torture’s purpose is to destroy a sense of community, eliminate leaders and create a climate of fear.
Beatings and psychological torture are the most common forms seen at the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT). CVT clinicians have seen more sophisticated forms of torture over the years, especially psychological torture, that do not leave physical scars. This makes it more difficult for survivors to seek redress or make asylum claims.
Physical Assaults, including beatings, prolonged enforced standing, hanging, suffocation, burnings, electric shock, sexual assault and rape, and exposure to extreme heat or cold;

Link to CVT
http://www.cvt.org/page/36
Measures of Adaptation

CVT uses data to define what “adaptation” means for resettled torture survivors and to develop tools to measure adaptation. These will be used in future research and, more importantly, in clinical practice to track clients’ improvement.

"shocked back to reality"
Mr. Deabold keep up the good work. I can see from reading the threads of this website that you have done your homework. I want to thank you for standing up for the children. I have read alot about the center. I find it very odd that this place has been around for about 40 years . I can see that a few parents posted in favor of the center. I know of one of the parents that packed their kid up and sent him to Rotenberg .This guy and his wife could have kept the child at home and sent the child to the same school that my son goes to. My child has greater needs and requires more attention at school and at home than their child. They packed the child off anyway. The parents are happier not having to deal with the child. The parents seem more concerned about their golf game. Oh, I know that is hard. I also know its no joy ride , I think any parent that sends their child off to that place needs to be shocked back to reality.

So where are all the Judge Rotenberg Center “ Supporters “ ? You say there are hundreds of you. I think its time to point out that less Than ½ a dozen people / families have posted or spoken in support of the center,
We herd from :
1. Eudessa l., Eudessa seems to be a nice women.
The aparent victim of the failure of the New York City school system.
2. Matt Swenson who’s child has been at the center since 2005. Can you say Transition ?
if Rotenberg closes he might have to take his child home.
3. Christine S. - Posted two sentences in support for the Centers lawyer.
Matt Swensons Wife ?
4. Marguerite Famolare -
The parent of a full grown man that has been at the center for years.
Out of sight out of mind ? If Rotenberg closes she might have to take her child home.
5. Vincent F. Marguerite Famolare's husband ?
6. Michael Banks- Who wont answer if he’s on the Judge Rotenberg payroll.
What’s this guys connection to the center ? Is he a junior shocker ?

So lets do the Math
2 Famolare’s = 1 family
2 Swensons = 1 family
1. Rotenberg lawyer = 0 , Can you Say vested interest ?
1. Michael Banks = 1 with suspicion !

Total to date : 5 people possibly from 3 family’s

Note * If Vincent and Christine are from different families. (very unlikely) The total amount of families that have come to the Canton patch to support the center is still less than ½ dozen and that is far less than hundreds of supporters.

Rotenbertg parents are like cult members.
Parents send Children to The Judge Rotenberg Center to get away from them. The parents are real losers. I dont know how they sleep at night. The Rotenberg parents are like some crazy cult members. In my opinion Dr. Matthew Isreal is about as crazy as Jim Jones. If Israel said to them, drink this cool aid its good for you., Those silly fools would be gulping it down. , and giving it to their children .

Of course its widely known that for a child to continue at JRC a waiver has to be optained on a yearly basis. Part of this process involves the school district sending out informational "packets" to state institutions they feel best suits the needs of the students. Guess how many since the school district started sending out the packets have stated that they would accept Rachel - Zero. No residental facility in New York State that has been approached by her school district is willing to accept her. That is why before JRC Rachel was placed in south New Jersey. While there the end result was their insistance on medicating(and continually upping the dosage) her which would work until her body became used to the medication with the behaviours returning with a vegence. Calls from staff pleading with me to remove her from Jersey and weekly emergency room visits topped off with the phrase "to rule out brain damage" prompted the move.

Since Rachel's been at JRC, no ER visits for behaviours in over 5 years vs previous placement averaging 1 to 2 a month. Don't listen to George Carlin much do you? "Home" is a concept that involves Love & Family... Rachel has both, the house we live in is in NY. Rachel's program is continously monitored by the school district and NYSED because of the "contoversy" probably more than if she was placed else where. I'll wait until the judge that was appointed by the court comes up with a report before I jump to conclusions which was part of MI's plea arraingement. What I and David orginally tried for was a home based program to be setup by a group that does this sort of thing but that was rejected hands down. Our next step was impartial hearing headed by a former school district superintendent(can you say "conflict of interest") which we lost(barely). Next step was to call NYSED honco on the hour(really) and after 3 to 4 days I got her to Jersey. So being involved in Rachel's schooling maybe you can tell me what institution in NY that I would trust would take her? I've investigated most and know what? All these schools have issues, none of them are perfect. So George maybe you can advocate for Rachel and get that "Home " based program going that David and I tried years ago too and the School District stonewalled it. Rachel is a beautiful child loved dearly by her family and the love is returned. Rachel to me is Rachel not a child with disabilities

Of course I've always mentioned at IEP/Review meetings that the GED should be reviewed as a part of her program to be "faded". I've insisted that JRC work with Rachel so that part of her program she can graduate from but not yet. Thats enough........... Thanks, Matt

Matthew Swenson , The only option offered might be the wrong option. (Did you have a choice ?)
I would help you fight for a private placement closer to home. (for free)
I would help fight for the creation of a place that does not use heavy drugs to neutralize children into a pile of drooling flesh. Maybe its time for another impartial hearing seeking that home based program you posted about. Maybe you should seek a private placement option. A placement that meets your Childs needs closer to home. School districts pay for parental private placements all the time.( I have helped parents get them to pay ) Look, I think I know some things about the center and the staff that you probably don’t. You know things that I don’t know . I also cant say that I know enough about your child at this point to say what here needs are. I do have knowledge of the abuse that goes on in that place. What I can tell you is that I worry about that place and the children that are placed at the center. JRC is not being closed right now, but I can see it being closed in the future. You have the stay put / pendency right of the IDEA and the State or school district would have offer a reasonable option or placement before they move your child. That being said, I know that you have been through alot and I may be able to help you.
PS. Food for thought ,The only option offered might be the wrong option.
My Email = advocate411@optonline.net

Close The Judge Rotenberg Center ,enough is enough already !
The Judge Rotenberg Center is still open despite student injuries and even deaths at the facility, why has the center continued to get state approval to operate as a special-needs school serving students from NY. Students with serious emotional and behavioral problems, including autism and intellectual disabilities. This is the fault of The New York State Board of Regents and NYSED. I am disgusted that this still goes on.

How could you still keep yor child at that place ? it looks like abuse goes on there all the time.The Advocate wrote about abuse that took place in March. The parents must be wearing blinders or seeing only what they want to see.I say close it down, stop the madness !
“The Commonwealth, the system itself, failed my son,” Famolare said.

Hello !, get the children out of that place! For gods sake ! This is enough to make a person vomit ! ! Take the children away from the parents. The parents have given the children over to a school that Hitler would have sanctioned.

I must ask, how many people in Canton have worked in the Rotenberg Center ? Why aren’t they posting how good the place is ? I think that the silence speaks volumes !The Rotenberg Center is a scare on the history of Canton. Repent Canton, post the truth !

Hello, People of Canton. So whats working at the Rotenberg Center like ?
Cantons reply = cricket,cricket,cricket ............
WOW ! !

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families should close it down and lock it's doors. I would boycott any radio station that runs ads for that place.The abuse has been shown.That Dr.Isreal who ran the Rotenberg Center should have gone to jail.

I wonder how often the parents from new york and other states go to see the children ?
I bet they dont go much.I think for the most part,they threw their children away and moved on with life.I feel sad for the children who were placed at Rotenberg !

Its time to close down that hell hole forever.That place has not been doing the right thing for children.Oh,sure you well get a couple of whacko parents that will agree with what they do.Parents that are happy that their children are not at home,Parents that dont want their children to be home or just crazy parents.I think Jane O'neil asked a good question.How many parents put a child in that hell hole signed consent to have them shocked and for the most part just walked away ???? It's just sick.

Will anyone comment on what its like to work at ROTENberg ?
Hello ! ! !

I have read all the posts on this website and it is clear to me that the people of Canton are playing ostrich. I can only think of two reasons for a lack of reply from the Canton population that work at the Rotenberg center. They must be ashamed of working at the center or they want to protect their jobs. I just want to say that no answer does not put Canton in a good light.

A Rotenberg Employee ? Said,It is not more then sticking your tounge to a battery but applied to the skin.This was posted in the Patriot Ledger. The story was about the UN calling Rotenbergs treatment of people Torture.See The Employee's comment below....

cmsalmons83 posted

I would like to state that I worked at JRC and would not call the GED treatments torture. They do seem that way at first but having experiencing a 'treatment' myself volunteringly I have to say its nothing. It is not more then sticking your tounge to a battery but applied to the skin. I know that there were major issues in the past with a 'prank' but many rules have changed since. The students who do recieve the treatments are agressive and harm themself or others. I can say that there were a few times I was greatfull that some students had the GED in there program. Much inmprovment in there behavior was seen.
I do not object to the GED treatments. This is my oppinion and does not in any way relate to the Judge Rotenberg Center.
---------------
What size is the battery ???? This ''Employee'' is playing it down the pain level ! A week shock would not have an effect on the childs behavior ! ! Why the creation of the GED-4 . (Stronger shock,Bigger Battery, more power ! )
How come they would not let me feel the shock and test the output ?

Read more: http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x2071996889/UN-official-calls-Rotenberg-Center-shock-treatment-torture#ixzz1S0UONCKv

Rotenber supporters = ZEALOT'S = a member of a fanatical sect.
Rotenberg Parents = Brain washed cult members. It’s Very sad

Any news on the 51A Complaint that was filed against JRC , is the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families looking into the center ??

Paul Touchette, who also studied with B.F. Skinner, has known Israel since the 1960s when they were both in Cambridge. Like Israel, Touchette went on to treat children with autism who exhibit extreme self-abuse, but he isn't a fan of Israel's approach either. "Punishment doesn't get at the cause," says Touchette, who is on the faculty of the University of California-Irvine School of Medicine. "It just scares the hell out of patients."

Over the decades, Touchette has followed Israel's career and bumped into him at professional conferences. "He's a very smart man, but he's an embarrassment to his profession," Touchette says. "I've never been able to figure out if Matt is a little off-kilter and actually believes all this stuff, or whether he's just a clever businessman."

Thankful for people like Mr.Touchette who will speak out. I am not sure if Mr. Israel believes this pain and abuse is actually helping or if this is more sinister and it is all about profits. Most advocates want the abuses stopped, and have for a long time. I have often said that it is quite likely the late Skinner would have found something a bit more safe, positive and healthy to treat people.

Paul E. Touchette
Professor, Pediatrics
School of Medicine
Principal Psychologist, Child Neurology, UCI Medical Center

Ed.D., Harvard University, 1967, Psychology Research

M.Ed., Harvard University, 1963
Phone: 949-856-2733
Email: petouche@uci.edu
University of California, Irvine
18 Mendel Court
Mail Code: 4482
Irvine, CA 92617
Click link below :
http://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile.cfm?faculty_id=2975

I have a method that is completely opposite of this schools' philosophy. Please contact me to discuss it. jjddjj

jjddjj can be contacted at jjjarudy@hotmail.com

jjddjj,
please post you name and contact information

What do you think of this view ? A Judge Rotenberg Center Teacher speakes out !
That place is no place for children !
George Deabold
advocate411@optonline.net
Click on the link below ...
http://canton.patch.com/articles/letter-to-the-editor-a-former-judge-rotenberg-center-worker-speaks-out

John Demaris jjjarudy@hotmail.com

http://www.judgerc.org/HallginPaperv2.pdf