Welcome to the world of Bluefire Wilderness, a therapeutic wilderness program mired in controversy and allegations. Read on for details on the suit, how it affected families and former students and what Bluefire Wilderness did about it. Explore the effects of legal proceedings in the troubled teen industry.
The Lawsuit
The Bluefire Wilderness revolves around accusations of abuse, negligence and misbehavior within a program. The former participant and family suing Bluefire Wilderness claim they were seriously injured during their session. Some details of the case are still unclear but this lawsuit is about examining therapeutic programs especially those targeting vulnerable people.
Key Allegations
The suit against such therapeutic programs makes several important claims. Several major key allegations are discussed below.
Abuse: Staff members abused many participants mentally and physically, they say. Those allegations include staff members using inappropriate disciplinary measures and excessive force. It also claims staff members failed to provide proper care to their patients – inadequate supervision and inadequate attention during emergencies.
Negligence: An additional allegation filed by the participant involves negligent behavior of staff towards their patients. It also cites instances where staff failed to provide proper care, supervision and security causing harm and trauma.
Misrepresentation: The suit alleges Bluefire Wilderness provided inaccurate information and misrepresented its services resulting in severe outcomes for families seeking help for their troubled adolescents.
Breach of Duty of Care: It also claims Bluefire Wilderness failed to exercise its duty of care – management – which is to ensure the safety, well-being and appropriate treatment of participants.
Lack of Professionalism: Many staff members are not qualified to work with the program participants. So they even have no particular course to support their post.
Investigation and Response
Bluefire Wilderness said it took precautions and investigated the allegation. They also commit to excluding shortcomings and improving safety protocol and treatment methods.
They fired those staff members reported as acting inappropriately with patients and not performing their duties well. Many question the performance of therapeutic wilderness industries and demand more rules and proper service. Critics say unclear standards and oversight could leave vulnerable people in unsafe places.
Bluefire Wilderness will cooperate fully with legal processes and ensure participant safety and well-being. But allegations do not necessarily make someone guilty and lawsuits must be legally processed to see if they are merited.
Impact on the Program
This suit against Bluefire wilderness definitely casts some doubt on the therapeutic Wilderness program and raises questions about accountability, transparency and regulation. Those families considering putting their troubled teens into such programs should do some homework first.
In the BlueFire wilderness lawsuit, participants in Wilderness therapy have been held to high standards and accountability.
Conclusion
So this lawsuit against Bluefire Wilderness shows us just how important quality care and safety are for therapeutic programs for troubled youth. All should opt for high standard of care and safety.
