News - SIA Organization

'United With One Voice' is the theme of the first convention sponsored by the Survivors of Institutional Abuse (SIA Organization). It will take place in Long Beach, CA on the weekend of February 24-26, 2012. This convention has been a long time coming and needs the help and support of all those who have either been victimized in teen lockdown facilities or have known anyone who has experienced this trauma. It is important that victims, by coming out and meeting others who have experienced the same abuse, become survivors. There will be speakers, including Alexis Parks (author, American Gulag), Nick Gaglia (director, Over the GW, Aaron Bacon), Mark Levine (host, The Inside Scoop), a panel discussion and a memorial ceremony dedicated to those who have died in these places will be held on board the historic Queen Mary. It is time to make a bold and public statement. Stop Institutional Abuse! please donate here
For information regarding the convention: sia-convention.org

[Submitted by dwalker]

Survivors of Institutional Abuse responded to Anderson Cooper 360 report 'Ungodly Discipline' which aired on 9/01/2011 by posting highlights from a panel discussion on abuse at teen behavioral modification centers which was held the night before the report was telecast.

The panel discussion was held at CFI-West. Steve Allen Theater, Los Angeles, CA. 08/31/2011 and included Jodi Hobs, President of SIA Organization, Christie Niznik, Vice President of SIA Organization, Jeneen Miller, a survivor of Victory Christian Academy which was closed by the state of California in 1992 because of abuse charges. It was held at the Center for Inquiry West, Los Angeles California, the night before Anderson Cooper 360 released a report on 'Ungodly Discipline', which profiled abusive practices at the Indiana home, Hephzibah House.

"Many of the points addressed by Anderson Cooper were covered in the discussion with three survivors. We have released excerpts of the discussion to show this is not just an isolated incident." said Dwayne Walker, director of media and research for SIA Organization.

"We need to address the problem of suicide in teen behavioral modification centers." said Walker, "Since a lot of these places are denying the teens medical care, often the only way out of the facilities is to attempt suicide."

"I witnessed two suicide (attempts) while at Victory Christian Academy." Jodi Hobbs told the group, describing a young girl who threw a fire extinguisher into a window and then began cutting herself.

The problem of regulating these places was also discussed. The panel related disappointment that HR911, a bill that would have required facilities to have a licensed staff member report abuse was passed in the House but died in the Senate last year. Walker said, "Some of our wonderful public officials have been alleged to have received kickbacks from these centers."

"They're making a lot of money off us." Christie Niznik, who was sent to VCA after her parents received a recommendation from Calvary Chapel, a mega church in Southern California.

"This could be happening and you would never know about it unless someone speaks up." said James Underdown, executive director of the Center for Inquiry - West, where the discussion took place.

SIA Organization is sponsoring a convention to be held in February 24-26 in 2012 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. The purpose is to bring survivors from different facilities in one place for healing, empowerment and to tell their stories to the world.

CFI-West Panel Discussion:

Anderson Cooper 360: