The Program - A Lesson In What Hides in the Shadows

The Program is a documentary series that primarily centers around "therapeutic boarding schools" and similar programs, often marketed as solutions for troubled youth. The series itself was documented by participants of the programs. This is the key to why the series is so powerful. This is not a secondhand account of events. The Program is directed by primary sources of abuse through powerful testimonies from survivors, "The Program" reveals a disturbing reality hidden in the shadows of unsuspecting communities.

The Program documents physical, emotional, and psychological abuse that was rampant within these institutions. More importantly, it never really is corrected by our leadership in Washington. What will haunt hopefully many who watch is the need for advocacy and oversight to end "The Program.: Places like the Program use techniques like isolation, restraint, and forced confessions were used to break down young people

In order to understand the significance of hiding in the shadows for programs like this, it is important to review the history in our country regarding institutionalized care. Historically, institutionalized care for children often involved large, impersonal facilities like orphanages. These settings, while providing basic needs, however, children were treated as a group, lacking individual attention and meaningful relationships. This provided a marketing opportunity for new models of care. 

Shift Towards Community-Based Care and Marketing To Parents.

Community based care preys on the vulnerability of family stress. New opportunities thanks to community care led to new predatory practices around the theme of Family Preservation. New efforts shifted towards providing support services to address the root causes of family instability 

New Models - Same Problems hidden from the general public.

Three models emerged since deinstitutionalization of programs for youth. 

• Foster Families: Foster families provide a home-like environment for children who cannot live with their biological parents
• Adoption: Permanent, legally-binding arrangements that provide children with a loving, stable family.  
• Small Group Homes: Smaller, more intimate settings offer a more personalized environment for children.
• Residential Facilities of Specialized Care: This setting is the theme of the documentary. Care was privatized under the illusion of improved outcomes for families. 

Challenges in Community-Based Care:

While community-based care offers significant advantages, it also faces challenges:

• Lack of Adequate Resources: Insufficient funding can lead to inadequate support for foster families, group homes, and other community-based programs.  
• Systemic Issues:
  • Overburdened Child Welfare Systems: Caseworkers may be overworked and under-resourced, leading to inadequate assessments and support for families.  
  • Lack of Oversight: Some community-based programs may lack adequate oversight and accountability, potentially leading to substandard care.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Not all programs adequately address the complex trauma experienced by many children in care.

Oversight: Legislators are unqualified to realize the problem. They truly want to believe the transition from institutional care to community-based models represents a significant step forward in child welfare. They do not know how to make ongoing efforts that are crucial to address the systemic challenges that continue to impact the well-being of children in care. The documentary does a great job shining light on this problem. 

Profit Motive  Many of these programs were driven by profit, prioritizing revenue over the well-being of the children. You could never get rich from Institutionalized Care. However, all across this nation we have created a system of predatory caregivers for our most vulnerable citizens and those predators profit from abuse and neglect. 

Wake Up Call: This documentary is  a wake-up call about the dangers of unregulated institutions and the urgent need for reform in how we address youth mental health. What is more concerning to me is there are many other shadow organizations for vulnerable youth. One should consider watching this documentary the plight of children in residential care with intellectual disabilities. The chances of a first hand account of their journey is just as much needed. Until then, they hide in the shadows. 

The Curious Case of Natalie Grace - Looking Into The Window of Abuse and Neglect

Watching "The Curious Case of Natalia Grace" through the lens of trauma, abuse, and neglect is a deeply unsettling experience. For some, it will be a reminder of their own experiences for trauma. For others, it will be a first encounter into the world of extreme trauma. I would encourage anyone who thinks that "trauma" is greatly exaggerated to watch this documentary. Sadly, this may seem like a rare example of abuse and neglect, however I would argue that our society shelters us from the grim realities that exist in our country. It may be hard for some to consider that the world of Natalia is one that exists in many communities in our country. Children are born into situations that may not be exactly like Natalia's, however it can be as extreme. 

Potential for Abuse: The core of the story revolves around a vulnerable child, an orphan from another country, placed in a new and potentially challenging environment. This immediately raises concerns about potential exploitation and abuse, issues that sadly are not uncommon in adoption cases. This is probably one of the best examples how unprepared parents are to adopt highly traumatized babies from overcrowded orphanages.  The adoption agencies for the most part and the starting point of the injustices as they hide the potential difficult transitions that lie ahead for adoptive parents. The Barnetts' our the first long-term placement for Natalia. They become overwhelmed and engage in psychological manipulation (not able to recognize it) that would have devastating consequences for a Natalia's mental and emotional well-being.

Neglect and Abandonment: Without giving away too much about the documentary, the story focuses on the alleged abandonment of Natalia by the Barnetts, There is not doubt that this is a clear act of neglect and potentially qualifies as child abandonment, a serious crime. This highlights the profound betrayal of trust and the devastating impact it can have on a child's sense of security and safety.  

Trauma of Displacement: Natalia's journey from Ukraine to the United States likely involved

significant trauma. The loss of family, cultural displacement, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment can have long-lasting psychological effects.  Many orphanages are often overburden and overcrowded. A lack of bonding that is critical to attachment leads to a lifetime of pain known as reactive attachment disorder.

Why this documentary important?

Raises Awareness: The series brings to light the complexities of international adoption and the potential for exploitation and abuse within the system. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough background checks, proper support systems for adoptive families, and ongoing monitoring of adopted children's well-being.   

Highlights Child Protection Issues: The case underscores the importance of child protection laws and the need for robust systems to ensure the safety and well-being of children, especially vulnerable ones.

Promotes Empathy and Understanding: By immersing viewers in this complex and disturbing story, the series encourages empathy and understanding for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect. It highlights the importance of believing children, providing them with support, and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive.   

This documentary is unique as it has a feel of trauma that is overwhelming with twists and turns that may surprise some who watch it. I would encourage anyone watching this series to take their time and learn about a world foreign to some, hidden from many, and much needed for understanding the world of trauma.