Top Streaming Show Alleges Abuse at Former St. Lawrence County Boarding School
RELEASE DATE: October 8, 2024
Investigative Documentary Sheds Light on Disturbing Allegations
The United States’ most popular streaming show on Netflix, “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping,” has captivated audiences while casting a shadow on a local institution. This documentary, released on Tuesday, delves into the horrifying accounts of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse that unfolded at the now-closed Academy of Ivy Ridge in St. Lawrence County, New York.
Revealing the Dark Secrets
The Academy of Ivy Ridge, once marketed as a boarding school for troubled teenagers, is at the center of shocking revelations brought to light by filmmaker Katherine Kubler in her role as the documentary’s director. Kubler expresses her astonishment upon arriving at the academy in 2004 and realizing the existence of such institutions, exclaiming, “Our brains are forever shaped by the abuse we experienced at Ivy Ridge.”
Kubler and her dedicated team visited the abandoned Ivy Ridge campus several times between 2020 and the documentary’s production. During their visits, they discovered compelling evidence of abuse, including documents and surveillance tapes left behind. Despite their dedication to uncovering the truth, Kubler acknowledges the resistance they faced, noting, “We don’t feel welcome in that town. […] We’re its dirty little secret.”
Justice Yet to Prevail for Survivors
While the documentary paints a harrowing picture of the Academy of Ivy Ridge, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua, though unaware of the documentary’s contents, affirms his commitment to addressing any potential criminal activities that occurred at the school. Depending on the individual circumstances, misdemeanor complaints related to alleged abuse can have statutory limitations ranging from five to ten years.
District Attorney Pasqua assures potential survivors that the legal system is ready to support them, stating, “If those individuals are out there and they want to share those experiences […] to see if we could prosecute someone, we’re happy to do that.”
A Falsely Reassuring Denial
Recent attention on the documentary prompted a revisit of the Academy of Ivy Ridge’s past. In 2005, news outlet 7 News—the only one to have reported on the academy—captured footage of students reuniting with their parents amidst allegations of abuse and fraudulent issuing of high school diplomas. Back then, then-director Jason Finlinson vehemently denied the allegations, asserting, “Absolutely not true. […] These stories are made up.”
A Call for Accountability
The release of “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping” amplifies the survivors’ voices, with Kubler calling for the academy’s former staff to be held accountable. Expressing her hopes that survivors can find respite and recovery, Kubler affirms, “It’s time for the staff and the adults in this situation to do something about it.”
A Larger Issue
Kubler’s overarching goal is to shed light on the broader issue of the troubled teen industry. She draws attention to the hundreds of thousands of young individuals held in various behavioral modification programs at present, demanding action and asking society how it can turn a blind eye to the continued captivity and abuse of these vulnerable children.
Closure and Legal Consequences
Ivy Ridge, haunted by scandal, ultimately faced closure in 2009 when the Office of the New York State Attorney General imposed a hefty $250,000 fine for the academy’s unauthorized issuance of high school diplomas. The documentary’s exposure of past atrocities reopens wounds for the survivors and their loved ones.
Protecting the Vulnerable
The Academy of Ivy Ridge is an alarming reminder of the devastating experiences that some teenagers endure. By bringing these stories to light, the documentary heightens the urgency to recognize and address the abusive practices employed within the troubled teen industry. Kubler’s tenacity and dedication to exposing the truth renews hope for a safer future.
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