More run-aways from Christian boarding school in Missouri

Statement by David G. Clohessy of St. Louis

Volunteer director of Missouri SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)

314-566-9790,

davidgclohessy@gmail.com

Last month, at least five distraught boys ran away from a strict Christian boarding school in a remote corner of Missouri, a state that's become a magnet for the shockingly unsupervised but apparently profitable 'troubled teen' industry. A four month investigation by the Kansas City Star - in which 80 former students at these 'reform schools' were interviewed - revealed shockingly widespread reports of sexual physical and emotional abuse at these facilities.

‘Just terrified.’ Another MO boarding school under fire after boys run, allege abuse (msn.com)

We beg anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered abuse and cover up of any kind at these 'reform schools' to contact local law enforcement and get help from independent sources. And we call on local law enforcement to quickly launch and vigorously pursue investigations to current or former staffers who committed or concealed offenses against children. We urge them to begin now, and not wait for more startling disclosures or accusations from more wounded youngsters against more questionable facilities.

The abuse of a child is horrific under any circumstances. But it's even more egregious when done under a religious banner and the guise of 'discipline' and to kids who are far away from their families at institutions in remote areas that see little or no government oversight.

Last fall, a woman filed a civil suit against a similar facility - Agape Boarding School in Stockton - charging that her son's suicide stemmed from the abuse he suffered at that facility. It has since been shuttered.