Vermont Commissioner: Dr. Susan Wehry, Prescribes Abuse

I received a phone call from my son on October 3rd at 5 p.m.  He said “Mom they just came in and told me to put some clothes in a bag because I’m being taken somewhere,  and they won’t tell me where”.  This Agency did take my son away.  Under orders of the Commissioner of the Department of Aging and Independent Living, Dr Susan Wehry, my son was taken to a house and forced to sleep on springs covered by a thin layer of fabric.

The next day when I went to the house where my son was supposed to be with a memory foam mattress, I was told he wasn’t there and he wouldn’t be returning.  I had no idea where my son was or where he was being taken.  I packed Bills things up and left.  I received a call from Bill saying he was being taken to Dirby Vermont, but nobody would tell him the address or who he would be staying with.

I drove to meet the worker we’ll call Wheels, because that’s how he described himself to the Hardwick Police Department the night before, saying, “I know nothing, I’m just wheels”.  I met Wheels on the side of the road, as you can see in the video, he wouldn’t tell me where he was taking Bill.  The worker was so “bothered” by Bill’s family wanting to know where Bill was being taken that he drove off leaving Bill on the side of the road.

Bill was left on the side of the road so we decided to go to the St Johnsbury Police Department and let them know that Bill was with me, not because we fled but because his worker had “eloped” (as they like to put it).  After talking with the St Johnsbury Police, realizing Bill had not eaten all day, we went to a restaurant and I bought him dinner.  Three hours after leaving him on the side of the road a Human Services Worker called to tell me if they didn’t get Bill back they’d call the police.

That evening Bill Bennett was taken to an address in Dirby Vermont.  I was eventually told the name of the person he was going to stay with, Barbara McGee.  But once again I wouldn’t be allowed to inspect the placement.  (These Videos Tell You Why)

 The following day I received a call from Bill, he was distraught.  He said the bedroom and the bathroom were disgusting.  The bedroom floor was littered with cigarette butts, leaves and dirt.  The bathroom was covered with someone’s hair, urine, dirt and feces as you can see in the videos.  The woman who owns this house is the mother- in -law of Bill’s Case Manager, don’t tell me she doesn’t know what she’s done.

When I was allowed to pick Bill up for 24 hours on Saturday, he hadn’t showered in five days.  Not because he’s a slob, but because he wasn’t given any towels or soap.  Even if he had been he said there was no way he was going into that bathroom without shoes on.  Bill has thoroughly documented the disgusting conditions which Dr. Susan Wehry, the Commissioner of The Department of Aging and Disability has personally forced him into.   Bill was forced to clean this disgusting filth.

My son has been taken to several locations in one week, he’s not told where he’s going or who he’ll be with.  He’s stuffed into a car and taken.  “Stuffing” is a term used by the clients of Northeast Kingdom Human Services.  “They moved me around like a ketchup bottle” as Bruce Wilson would say.

Human Services Of Vermont does what our Government rails against other Governments for doing to their citizens.  As my sons Legal Guardian I hold The Governor of this state responsible.

Dr. Susan Wehry, a medical doctor has taken an oath to do no harm.  Yet she is forcing my son to sleep on springs and live in filth.  She has treated him worse than a dog.  Bill Bennett, my son hasn’t  had his inhaler in a week.   He has repeatedly told the Commissioner’s minions he needs it but still he is without it.   And I, Bill’s Mother and Legal, Court Appointed Guardian “hah” am being prevented by the Commissioner from fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother, a guardian and a a decent human being.  Commissioner Dr. Susan Wehry, should remember her oath as an M.D.

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

I will not be ashamed to say “I know not”, nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given to me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

Dr. Susan Wehry has violated every one of these promises.  My son’s physician and psychologist abide by this oath.  Everything this Commissioner does is observed by her peers.  This is not an ethical woman.

The Governor of the State of Vermont, Peter Shumlin and the Secretary of Human Services, Douglas Racine have facilitated this abuse through their refusal to address what has been reported to them and highly reported on and documented over several administrations.  Governor Shumlin, you should be ashamed and disgraced to have this going on in your State.

Governor, you are spending the tax dollars of hard-working Vermonters to fund and cover up Abuse of Disabled People.  If you can stomach the truth, watch the videos.  My son voted for you! It’s time for you to do what he put you in office to do.  Investigate and end the Abuses of the Safe Choices Program of North East Kingdom Human Services! Before It’s to late.

Supervisor at NKHS comes forward with the truth, Will Secretary Douglas Racine Intervene

Rick Devost may not see himself as a “whistle blower” but when someone witnesses injustice and they have a lot to lose by speaking out, I consider them a whistle blower.  Will Secretary of Human Services Douglas Racine respond?

On Tuesday the 5th of July 2011, Rick Devost a supervisor of case managers at Northeast Kingdom Human Services, Safe Choices Program put me on speaker phone with William (Bill)  Bennett in his office for a conversation which could cost him his job but allow him to live with himself.  He said he  had some things he wanted to say to me and that he wanted Bill to hear as well.

I braced myself not knowing what to  expect.

He told me that he respects me and what I’m doing for my son, that I have always treated him with respect, courtesy and professionalism and that he would tell that to anyone because it’s the truth.

Rick had been on vacation the previous week and was reviewing the emails exchanged  between Kathy Aiken (his supervisor) and myself. Rick made the following comments about Kathy Aiken’s responses to my questions,  “I don’t understand her tone in the emails or her lack of cooperation, she could have easily answered your questions and I don’t understand why she didn’t”.  Before going on vacation Rick said he arranged for the services and supports Bill is supposed to be provided but Kathy being in charge of scheduling while he was awa,y undid the arrangements.  He said  “Her anger is getting in the way” .

He brought up the previous team meeting and Kathy’s hostile confrontational attitude.  He said he had spoken with Dixie McFarland, Kathy’s supervisor and that he would be bringing the latest actions up again in a meeting with the three of them.  When I asked him why if everyone is aware that Kathy is obstructing  Bill’s treatment why she’s the only one corresponding with me.  He sated “because she as Program Director is ultimately responsible”.  I interpret this to mean that their letting her hang herself.  And I can tell you, she has tied her own noose and tightens it with every venomous word out of her mouth.  Having dished out,  for over a decade, verbal and emotional abuse to disabled men )paid for by the State of Vermont) she is now acting out of desperation.  Kathy Aiken along with Saul Schoenberg, (owner of the “Safe Choices” program) and contributors to the “Best Practices Manual” for Supervision and Treatment of Sex Offenders with Developmental Disabilities are clearly culpable if the accusations I’ve made, can be proven, and they can.

With Bill sitting right there in his office Rick said “I see a great deal of positive growth in Bill and credit 100% of that growth to you”, meaning me, Bill’s mother and fierce advocate.  He thanked me for bringing this all forward because he entered this profession to help people and that a change needs to happen. He assured me that behind the scenes it’s happening, even if I don’t yet see it.

He also said “I don’t feel Bill is a danger” and that he hopes soon Bill will be able to move on into a much more independent life, and that Bill should be getting the supports he needs to acquire independent living skills.  Rick Devost showed compassion and concern for Bill and referred to him as a victim.

I asked him if he would put this in writing because it means nothing if it isn’t said to the people who are making the decision.  He assured me that he is a man of his word and he will stand behind his statements and bring this to his superiors.  He said he would either be taken seriously, transferred off Bill’s case or fired altogether but he was prepared for any consequence, saying “I need to be able to sleep at night”.

I phoned Rick the next day to reaffirm his statement and check in to see if he would retract it.  I asked him if the attorney from NKHS was aware of the content of our conversation, he said he hadn’t spoken to the attorney.  I stated to him that I am interpreting his comments to mean that Kathy Aiken is obstructing Bill’s treatment and he affirmed that was an accurate interpretation.  I asked if he would be willing to speak to a reporter and he said he needed to address the issue directly with his and Kathy’s superiors.  I told him that I will be bringing his comments to the public and he said and I quote “you need to do what is best for your son, I am a man of my word and stand behind my statements to you”.

Bill and I have been so confounded by NKHS’s actions over the last four months we haven’t even been able to determine who the case manager is so I asked Rick who Bill’s case manager is, he replied that technically it’s Tammy Crowe, I replied “but she hasn’t participated in any of the meetings, the Individual Support agreement or anything”.  Rick Devost said that Kathy Aiken is acting as case manager (ultimately accountable).  I responded, “if she’s the case manager and as you said acting as an obstructionist how are we to accomplish any of the things Bill needs”?  He said he didn’t know, that all he could do is bring it to his superiors and hope they handle it appropriately.

I said to Rick, what I’m hearing you say is that I’m on my own and his reply was “you’ve been on your own the whole time”.  To that I thanked him for trying and that I would wait to hear, or see what the result would be.

My prediction is that the attorney from NKHS will shut him down.  Another one bites the dust.  

Bill and I will persevere, I’m the driving force out here, but Bill is in the line of fire.  He maintains his sanity, compassion and dignity against evil corrupt minions interested in profit and power.

Tracy Gilman, proud mother

Too Temporary Relief From Abuse

William Bennett was granted a temporary Relief From Abuse Order on May 26, 2011, the relief was all too temporary.  After Charlie Phillips,  a resident of the Lowell House, a group home operated by Northeast Kingdom Human Services and licensed by the State of Vermont, threatened to Kill him.

A hearing was set for 6/15/11 at which time a final order would be granted or the case would be dismissed.  Relief from Abuse Orders are between two parties, the defendant and plaintiff.  Without party status Northeast Kingdom Human Services and The Department of Aging and Independent Living each filed a Motion to Dismiss.

So in a court room in Orleans County two days prior to the hearing set for the final order, a judge granted the parties an audience. Charlie Phillips, the defendant was not present, nor was there an attorney for Charlie  present.

The judge at first seemed inclined to grant “party status” to the State and NKHS and continue with the scheduled hearing on the 15th.  The Attorney from DAIL rose to offer what seemed to be a warning that if the judge continued on with the hearing she would be compelled to inform the Attorney General of the judges attempt to manage a group home from the bench.  The Judge asked the Attorney for DAIL to repeat her statement, she went on to repeat with a bit gentler approach that this would involve a “separation of Powers” issue which the Attorney General would be interested in.  Her threat seemed to work and the Judge dismissed the whole case, leaving William Bennett without protection.  Our courts might as well add more furlough days, justice seems to be absent while it’s in session.

Both the defendant and the plaintiff are court ordered into the “Care and Custody” of the Commissioner of DAIL.  If the Judge granted the order the Commissioner would be compelled to comply and find alternative living arrangements for Phillips.  The Commissioner has the ability to thwart or compel an investigation into the abuse.   To this date nearly three weeks after the incident, nobody from Adult Protective Services has contacted William Bennett to investigate.  It was only due to the Temporary Order that Phillips was removed from the House.  Nobody denied that the threats were made, nobody denies that Phillips is a schizophrenic who has violent outbursts. In a voice mail message a supervisor from NKHS admits that the threat was made.  It seems the State and the Agency intend to bring Phillips back into the Lowell House and continue to subject Bill Bennett to more verbal abuse and violence.

The Attorney for NKHS states that the Agency was unaware until the RFA was applied for that there was an issue with Phillips.  This was a flat-out lie, it was common knowledge that I, William’s Legal Guardian and Mother applied for a Temporary Change of Placement as well as a Relief From Abuse for a Vulnerable Adult on two occasions in the past two months, citing this as grounds.  The Atotorney from NKHS made other statements to the Judge that were lies and I can prove it.  It seems that if you’re sitting in fromt of the rail, next to an Attorney from the Commissioner of DAIL you can say anything in court and win whether it’s the truth or a lie.

Abuses have been repeatedly reported to the Commissioner as well as to NKHS.  Employees of NKHS have been the abusers in many of the reports to Adult Protective Services.

There seems to be only one course of action left to take.

If anything happens to my son, Governor Shumlin who has been well informed, Secretary of Human Services Douglas Racine, who has been well informed, Commissioner Susan Wehry, who has been well informed, and all of the Supervisors of Safe Choices of Northeast Kingdom Human Services who are not only well informed but directly facilitate abuse, will be accountable.

I think it’s safe to assume the Attorney General who has been “well informed” of Medicaid Fraud will not be doing anything about that.

What has happened to our country?

Commisioner of DAIL Continues to Retaliate Against William Bennett & Family

William (Bill) Bennett is in a battle for his freedom and physical safety.  After 5 years of civil commitment and court ordered participation in a program called “Safe Choices’ which has come under heavy fire for abusive practices, the Commissioner of DAIL has repeatedly acted to limit William Bennett’s access to the people supporting him in his “fight for freedom”.

In a meeting today with DAIL representatives,  Bill and his family had hoped to resume their well established routine of over night visits 2-3 days a week.  Apparently the Commissioner of DAIL had other intentions.

After years of this routine without incident the Commissioner of DAIL filed a motion with the Courts to have Tracy Gilman, Bill’s mother, removed as Bill’s Legal Guardian.  The Commissioner gave no specific reason other than stating that Ms. Gilman, a strong advocate for her son, was “difficult to work with”.  In the 6 months prior to this action the Commissioners representatives had no contact Gilman and only one meeting with Bill.  The Commissioner herself has never met Bill Bennett.

After abandoning the motion at the last moment, the Commissioner then made a decision to revoke unsupervised visits between Bill and his mother.  The reason given was that Ms. Gilman stated on this blog “My son is not a sex offender”.  In a meeting May 5th the Commissioner using visitation as leverage, tried to force Gilman to sign a statement agreeing to her son’s guilt as sex offender.  Not signing meant that the family would be forced to have 3 hour visits in public places at designated times often supervised by several staffers who would refuse to give their names to Bill or Tracy, his Legal Guardian.  Both Gilman and Bennett felt they were being stalked.

The Commissioner’s actions could be seen as a risk to public safety given the principles of the DAIL’s  Best Practices Manual (2005) which emphasizes:

(1) long separation from parents are associated with recidivism

(2) Offenders who have positive social relationships are less likely to re offend

(3) the importance of family in everyone’s’ life and

(4) the harmful impact of isolation from family and the importance of family resources to the healing process

Though William was charged with Lewd and Lascivious conduct in 2006, he never stood trial due to his disability.  Ms Gilman believes the charge would never have arisen if a “Home Care Provider” had not brought Bill and a nineteen year old girl to a hotel and left them there alone.  Many bad things have happened to William Bennett while in the custody of the Commissioner and Vermont Human Services.  Yet each time the Legal Guardian tries to bring misconduct to the attention of DAIL, the Commissioner takes some action against the guardian and Bennett.

Ms. Gilman has never been required to sign such a statement in the past and feels this is retaliation for hiring outside legal counsel for Bill.  The Commissioners first act of ‘aggression” toward Bill and his mother occurred just after they hired an attorney to contest the Act 248 Placement.

The Agency which the Commissioner oversees to provide services refused to provide services to Bill immediately after he hired an attorney.   Bill and his mother were alarmed by changes in the attitudes of service providers and felt the situation was dangerous. Guardianship Statutes allow a Guardian to make an “Emergency Change of Placement”.  So,  Bill’s mother removed him and filed a motion with the court.  Before an audience with a Judge could be had, the Commissioner had Bennett brought back to the Agency.   That evening, after requesting to use the phone to call his attorney Bill was assaulted by his Home Care Provider and was not allowed the phone call.

Today, 6/7/11 the Commissioner presented Gilman with a new statement to sign, which doesn’t require her to retract her original statement “My son is not a sex offender.”  It is in fact the Commissioners original statement, revised by Gilman and offered to the Commissioner.  So the Commissioner is agreeing to Gilman’s stated position, not the other way around.  Yet even if signed, the Commissioner will continue to limit visitation to 3 hr visits twice a week.  It is hard to see any motive other than retaliation in the Commissioners actions.

Ordinarily The Human Services Board after a request for a “Fair Hearing” would review such decisions made by the Commissioner.  In this case The Board’s position is that it doesn’t have the authority due to the Act 248 Court Order giving the Commissioner full responsibility for William’s “Care and Custody”.  So another avenue which  is available to other people to seek consideration of unfair treatment is closed to William Bennett.

The actions of the Department of Human Services have cost the State of Vermont and The Family of William Bennett great sums of money.  Each action taken by the state resulting in court proceedings is charged to tax payers by States Attorneys.  The Bennett family has incurred over $20,000 in legal fees, Gilman’s ability to work while trying to protect her son has been greatly diminished adding to their financial burden.  The extent of emotional suffering  William Bennett is being subjected to by staff of Northeast Kingdom Human Services and DAIL will only really be known once he is out of this environment.

Secretary of Human Services Douglas Racine in response to my letter informing him of the abusive practices of the “Safe Choices” program, the retaliation by the Commissioner and the fraudulent practices of the Sterling Area Agency, has informed me that he supports the Commissioners actions.  This Disability Rights Investigation http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/56888199?access_key=key-217dz8rwqnusyxy19w2minto the assault by the Home Care Provider whom the Commissioner so vehemently supported has clearly exposed the abusive and highly unprofessional practices of her agents.

According to Vermont Statutes on Reporting Abuse (second paragraph) http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullsection.cfm?Title=33&Chapter=069&Section=06904 the Commissioner had a duty to refer the Report of Abuse to Secretary Racine due to her conflict of interest.  The Commissioner was clearly implicated by her actions to return Bennett to the home where he was assaulted, ignoring the Guardian’s concerns for Bill’s safety.  The action taken by the Commissioner to remove the guardian also created another conflict of interest and should have prompted her to refer the report to Racine.

Is Secretary Racine still so certain he is on the side of right.   Will Governor Shumlin remain silent?  I won’t!

Assault By Home Care Provider Vermont Human Services Takes No Action

On June 1st William Bennett and me met with Disability Rights Vermont to review their investigation into the abuse Bill had reported on February 23rd.  I felt that DRVT did a thorough investigation into the abuse and pointed out some additional problems in the Sterling Area Agencies procedures, trainings and contracts.

In sharp contrast to this investigation, is the Adult Protective Services investigation.  APS is a one page three paragraph letter with two check boxes indicating that

1.  The available evidence indicated that abuse, neglect or exploitation did not occur.

2.  The allegation does not meet the statutory definition of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

33 V.S.A. § 6902. Definitions

(1) “Abuse” means:

(A) Any treatment of a vulnerable adult which places life, health or welfare in jeopardy or which is likely to result in impairment of health;

(B) Any conduct committed with an intent or reckless disregard that such conduct is likely to cause unnecessary harm, unnecessary pain or unnecessary suffering to a vulnerable adult;

(C) Unnecessary or unlawful confinement or unnecessary or unlawful restraint of a vulnerable adult;

So, the Home Care Provider follows Bill into his bedroom,  lifts and throws Bill, who is 4ft.11in tall. and 120 lbs, onto his bed, pinning him down while on top of him.  This doesn’t fit the Vermont Statutes of Abuse?  I see no reason for APS’s backlog at all with this interpretation of the definition of abuse.

The last paragraph of the APS letter indicates that I can ask the Commissioner to review this decision.  The Commissioner of the Department of Aging and Independent Living has recently motioned the court to remove me as my son’s legal guardian and make her his legal guardian. Commissioner Dr Susan Wehry has admittedly terminated unsupervised visits with my son because of a statement I made on my blog. Furthermore since the abuse occurred simultaneously with the Commissioner trying to remove me as guardian I’m quiet certain her stamp of approval is already on it.

After speaking with DRVT about some incidences that recently occurred at the group home where Bill lives, they urged me to report it to, APS so I did.  I called APS and spoke to an intake specialist who was very rude, she raised her voice to me and impatiently said “it’s been a really long day”.  This was not said in an apologetic tone.  I ended up having to call back several times because her attitude made it so difficult to focus on what I was trying to report.  Her attitude would have devastated me if I was disabled and had been abused.

More funding won’t eliminate an attitude of hostility.  Without significant measures to ensure that changes are real we’ll just have more letters going out denying abuse occurred.

View this document on Scribd

Dear Douglas Racine, Another Former Employee Comes Forward

Submitted on 2011/05/16 at 1:27 pm

Tracy, I applaud your uphill battle against the “Evil Empire”, being NKHS and Safe Choices!!! Not too many people dare to go up against this corrupt, demeaning, and self-serving so-called “non-profit” organization! There is so much corruption, neopatism and favoritism that goes on there, in particular the DS Department in St J. I know how you are feeling, Tracy – I too have attempted to expose this using the proper channels, and it was so convienently swept under the rug. I remember BIll’s situation so vividly – when you first attempted to have him removed from Safe Choices – I think it was in ’04 – he came onto my caseload, and was placed at Kate’s. That was the start of the nightmare for Bill! He was totally set up, left alone on numerous occasions, and left unsupervised at the Comfort Inn (more like dropped off by Kate!!) also left unsupervised at her home. (as I recall, the alleged “victim” was there without any knowledge of NKHS). I also remember when you were practically forced to put Bill back into the Safe Choices – you did not want that, but a certain so-called Assistant Director of DS practically threatened you. I have nothing but respect and admiration for what you are trying to accomplish – your dedication, devotion, and love for Bill goes far beyond what I have ever experienced in dealing with many families of Special Needs children. Safe Choices shold no longer exist, and those running it should be admonished, and in some incidences, lose their license to practice. Tracy, I will support your effort in any way I possibly can. Please e-mail me if there is anything you need that will assist you in shutting these demons down!

A PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION will be held in Newport VT May 25 at 5:00 -8 P.M.  We will be in the State owned parking lot on Field Ave. Turn between the Goodrich Memorial Library and the Police Station on Main St..  DR. SUSAN WEHRY, THE COMMISSIONER of The Department of Aging and Independent Living ( has the ability to end this abuse) will be speaking to home care providers.  According to their Brochure it will be “an evening of pampering“, with Reiki, Massage and Dinner.  That would all be fine if disabled men weren’t languishing away year after year hidden in the woods eating bologna sandwiches and whatever else the food bank donates.  It would be okay If disabled men weren’t cut off from their families and all forms of social contact, left with no hope of the close connections Dr. Wehry will be enjoying.  It would be okay if disabled men weren’t forced to go to a group once a week where they are called liars, yelled at and demeaned by a  so called “Therapist”.  And it would all be okay if Vermont Tax payers weren’t paying over $20,000,000 a year to fund such programs.  It’s time to take back our Human Services.

A petition will be available to sign, volunteers are needed to gather more signatures and all are welcome.  Even if you can only stop and sign a petition, you’ve done your part.  Signs will be available.  We’ll be there until 8 p..m.  We Mean Business!

Comment From Former Employees of Northeast Kingdom Human Services

I will be dedicating the next several posts to “Comments From Former Employees”.  This link posted by a supportive blogger has great information.  http://vermont4evolution.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/vermont-abusing-the-developmentally-disabled/

Be sure to click on the New York Times Article.  A very similar situation where the Governor finally acted.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/nyregion/13homes.html

PLANNING A PROTEST IN NEWPORT AT THE GATEWAY CENTER MAY25th.  THE COMMISSIONER WILL BE SPEAKING TO HOME CARE PROVIDERS.  5 P.M.  MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR, LEAVE A COMMENT SO I KNOW WHO’S WILLING TO TAKE A AFTERNOON AND DO SOME CHANTING.  THIS IS A WORTHY CAUSE, I’VE BEEN DYING TO HOLD UP A SIGN FOR YEARS.  IF THIS IS THE ONLY ISSUE YOU EVER PROTEST FOR, IT’S A GREAT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET’S TAKE BACK OR “HUMAN SERVICES”.

A Very Touching Letter:

Dear Senator Kitchel,

I am writing to you about my outrage at the misuse of funding at Northeast Kingdom Human Services…in particular the program “Safe Choices”.  All that program is to NKHS is a cash cow and a legal way to abuse people who have had their rights stripped from them… and they are mentally impaired so they have no way to fight back.  They are so programmed by the staff at Lowell house and Roy Mountain House that many of them feel that this is all they deserve in life.  These people (clients) are bringing in a lot of tax dollars to line the pockets of the directors, assistant directors, therapists and supervisors (who already make MORE than a living wage) at NKHS and (OF COURSE) NKHS wants to keep them there.  The more the clients are abused, the more afraid to speak out against the program they become and the more secure NKHS staff is about their income in these troubled times.

Imagine being born with a disability.  It makes life a struggle from day one!  Friends, family and freedom is something that we all take for granted but when one’s life is shrouded in a disability most people never look past that diagnosis to the person living inside.  Many parents throw their hands in the air and let “the system” take over…or other parents have their children ripped away because someone in “the system” saw another big Medicaid waiver waiting to happen.  Medicaid waivers ARE, after all, what keeps people in  jobs.

My grandson is three years old and he has autism.  He has the face of a cherub and a head surrounded by blonde curls. He also has a lot of socially inappropriate behaviors and we are faced with the daily task of teaching him what is right and what needs to change.  Because he is cute a lot of actions are excused by the public and even by family.  “That’s Rowan!” has been even my explaination for taking apart my flashlight or spitting on the floor and stomping in it, or taking his diaper off or unplugging the TV while we are watching it when his brother and sister are expected not to do these things.  As he matures his behaviors will become less and less those of a cute little boy and harder and harder to control.  His mother will need a lot of help from Human Services agencies.   WHAT IF…when he arrives at puberty and he is faced with an entirely new (and natural) change in his body…we don’t get the time to teach him what is and is not OK?  What if something comes to the attention of an agency my daughter went to for help and HE becomes a cash cow?

What about your own family?  I know that I never anticipated having a disabled grandchild…it never crossed my mind.  I have hopes and dreams for my family and I am sure you do for yours.  Please consider that could be me” and take a good hard look at the agency serving your area.  I have guardianship of a woman who was a client of NKHS and she was beaten down, threatened and abused by that agency and she didn’t know how to fight back.  She asked me to be her guardian and fight for her.  NKHS accused me of “sneaking that one in under the door”.  They broke the law more than once in the way she was treated and then were shocked when I transferred her services to Sterling Area Services.  I knew her rights and mine as a guardian but had I not, she would still be one of their puppets.  I was lucky…she was lucky.  Most people with a family member or ward don’t even know their rights and NKHS does NOTHING to educate them on this matter.

I have read the blog by Tracy Gilman, safechoicesabuse.org and I am appalled by the stories of abuse there.  They are all true and documented by the very agency she is fighting.  I have worked for NKHS and I have seen firsthand the way they treat the clients who bring in the big waivers.  They deliberately keep them in a crisis state to generate more money for themselves.  This is not JUST the Safe Choices clients.  I encourage you…no I am asking you… to take a look at NKHS and the ways they use the monies given to them for providing “services”.  Look at their “CADRE” billing.  Is it possible that every weekend a client is in crisis and the same people are paid (over and over) an additional $18.00 to $22.00 per hour to watch them?  Why do these clients rarely have a crisis during the week when staff are doing other things and don’t have time built into their days to supplement their salaries?

Look at the life of the safe choices clients and imagine trying to live it?  Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week they are antagonized and made to feel like the dirt of the universe.  I would go crazy if I had a loved one in that program.  It is “arms length” supervision.  Some of these people have not been touched in years.  What must that be like?  Babies DIE if they aren’t held.  The staff is creating a death of the soul in these already vulnerable people who would be at enough of a disadvantage if this had never happened in their lives.  Prisons don’t even treat people like that.   Please help them…and save the state a LOT of tax dollars.  Shutting down Safe Choices and installing the VERY small handful of people who really DO need such a program in a place where they will be treated humanely would be a good start.

Sincerely,

Jeannie Ayer

Voter and taxpayer.

A Rogue Agency, allegations of rape, abuse and Neglect in Vermont Human Services Agency

I wake up each morning knowing that my son, a young man with a disability is surrounded by Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NEKHS) Employees who despise him, it seems a part of their job description.  Bill was placed on Act 248 in 2006 because he was accused of Lewd and Lascivious conduct and due to disability determined to be “incompetent” and unable to stand trial.

In 1987 Vermont passed a law to deal with people slipping through cracks in the laws and Act 248 was the solution.  The act places the “incompetent person” into the “Care and Custody” of the Commissioner of The Department of Aging and Disability (DAIL) who then places the “Ward” into a designated Agency for services, which now makes the ward a “client”.  The Agency is now able to access upward of $100,000, yearly for each “client” and according to a 2010 report by DAIL to Representatives Lippert and Marcotte Vermont has 200 “risk to public safety” clients.

The designated agency in my son’s case is NEKHS.  For five years I have voiced my concerns about the “therapeutic model” which consists of 24/7 supervision and a weekly group facilitated by Saul Schoenberg, where high level sex offenders without disabilities are thrown together with low level offenders with disabilities and a third  type of “client” who has no charges and no convictions, just a disability.  The danger to the Psyche of these second two types seems obvious.   My son would tell me over and over that he didn’t want to hear all this really bad stuff, that it wasn’t good for him.  The therapist “Saul Schoenberg” according to his own treatment  notes questioned my sons ability to process information in this environment. Yet he continued to treat  him in this forum for five years.  Not to mention other things noted in his therapy notes that should have been addressed and weren’t.  He probably knows what I’m referring to.

In an attempt to bring public awareness to this ongoing saga where men’s lives are at stake I created the blog “safe choices abuse reports” and started to conduct interviews with some of the men who have escaped the “Safe Choices” Program.  I’ve heard nightmarish stories, stories far worse than those already reported in the “Safe Choices” series printed in the Barton Chronicle, Orleans and Caledonian Record.  Men raping men in bathrooms while the group is paraded by and told to “look straight ahead”, program directors having sex on their desks while clients pass by, clients being locked into rooms with no bathrooms and forced to defecate on the floor.  When I asked one young man how he came into the program and he said, “I was homeless once and I was walking down the street when  “Saul pulled up and asked me if I wanted a ride”.  Years later he has many stories to tell.  I have not posted many of these videos and will try to avoid doing so to protect the victims from more abuse, but the victims want justice and I intend to use a wider media outlet before much more goes onto my blog, which is mostly read by state workers and attorney’s to see if I slip up and to determine how much evidence there really is.  I’m just scratching the surface of my son’s incomplete file and I can prove a lot.  I can only imagine what I could do with the files of those other clients.  Not to mention the former employees who would love to come forward and testify if they thought it would make any difference.  NEKHS and DAIL just keep building a case against themselves. While I keep talking to people and getting more names.  I am a very outgoing person, a respected professional and through my work I meet intelligent people from all over the world.  The powers that be sitting in Waterbury might think we are all just a bunch of “Bumkins” up here in the Kingdom who never get out of the state but they have sorely misjudged.  I have no doubt that good will prevail over evil, I’m just not sure how much public humiliation the  State of Vermont has to experience before it decides to investigate this rogue agency.

I have not uploaded many of the interviews.  I have truly hoped that Governor Shumlin or Secretary of Human Services Douglas Racine would respond to the packets of information I mailed to them weeks ago.  It wouldn’t take a huge effort to prove serious misconduct as well as Medicaid fraud.   Bill’s attorney and I have filed so many motions with the courts trying to get my son out of this hideous house of horrors;  relief from abuse for a vulnerable adult, emergency change of placement, writ of habeas corpus .  An Emergency Relief from Abuse” order was filed against DAIL and NEKHS on Tuesday morning in Orleans county, the affidavit cite more than ten counts of ongoing abuse and neglect as defined by Vermont Law as well as DAIL’s own definitions  including failure to provide food, withholding medical treatment (inhaler), verbal abuse (sexually degrading comments by HEKHS employees), harrasment, interference with legal counsel, unnecessary confinement, subjecting to second hand cigarette smoke and marijuana,  it is now Thursday and I’ve heard nothing.  I can only hope that it is being seriously considered.

On Mother’s Day I was allowed to visit Bill in the parking lot of NEKHS where of course video taping is forbidden.  Bill’s Grandfather,  Terry Gilman, his brother Nate Bennett, sister Amber Bennett, and Bill’s Father Patrick Bennett were supervised by four NEKHS Employees.

When I asked at a “Team Meeting” which included NEKHS and DAIL why my son was being subjected to two Staffers following him at all times, I was told that it was so they could witness for each other.  When I asked why my son is not being allowed to have a low fat diet as recommended by his doctor, I was told by Kath Aiken (who’s face contorted like a hideous sneering animal) that “it’s  a recommendation, not a doctor’s order, so we don’t have to”. Clearly if there is any way possible, legally or illegally, to deny my son the most basic human kindness NEKHS will.  When asked what was being done about Terri Moore the employee who made a disgusting sexual comment to my son which I consider sexual abuse, I received a non answer from Dixie McFarland.  Before the meeting ended I could see my daughter Ambers’ discomfort at sitting next to the Venomous Kathy Aiken, “Program Manager” who is at the center of many of the videos I have yet to put up on the blog.  Afterward Amber, who was sitting between Aiken and her brother said the only reason she didn’t move to the other side of the room was that Bill would have been left with nobody between him and the clearly hostile Aiken. And why can’t my son go buy some saline solution for his inflamed sinuses, oh yeah, I remember, because we can’t make them.

On 8/5/ I posted a video of case worker, Tammy Crowe trying to get me to sign releases of information without my son’s attorney looking them over.  Remember now, there are several court proceedings pending and we are in a adversarial relationship with this Agency and DAIL.  Well on Monday 5/9 in a more aggresive attempt to get the my son’s records, Jerry Laike, a “Public Safety Specialist” (PSS) big man with  a history in corrections showed up at Bill’s (independent) psychologists office, along with Kathy Aiken and Rick Devost demanding to have access to Bill’s records.  Bill’s psychologist, not a big man, but a good man, stood with Laike towering over  him trying to intimidate him.  Bill’s therapist calmly informed Mr Laike that he would need a specific court order to release Bill’s records without his consent.  The three stooges sat in the waiting room through out Bill’s whole session talking in voices loud enough that they could be heard through the doors and over the noise maker.  Upon leaving Mr Laike pounced on the therapist once again.  These people have been emboldened through successful dominance of the  court system and legislation.  While tax payers are being crushed under the weight of more taxes to pay thugs like these to harass disabled men, our legislators are seemingly unaware or unconcerned.

The Commissioner of DAIL personally is holding my right to see my son over my head in an attempt to get me to sign a document that states “my son is a sex offender”.  I was presented with the document by Heather Allin another PSS on Tuesday at the so-called Team Meeting.  Bill’s brother, sister and father sat and witnessed the corrupt and devious “Human Services of Vermont”.  I did not sign the statement so my son remains separated from his family.

There is a serious movement in this country to broaden government ability to civilly commit people under the guise of “Risk to Public Safety”, a term which makes the public feel safe.  It’s like “Threat to National Security” makes you feel secure, right?  Let us not forget history.  We are clearly a country in decline, when government has such broad powers to deny individual citizens the rights granted by our constitution we are no longer a free country.  Please read a famous statement attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.  First the Came for the communists………………trade unionists…………..Jews.  And we all know they came for the “Retards”

HIGH TIMES AT NORTHEAST KINGDOM HUMAN SERVICES

I will not say too much about this incident, just that my son Bill is dependent on certain employees of the Agency of Northeast Kingdom Human Services, which professes to be serving people with disabilities yet repeatedly put them at risk.

I believe one of the worst assaults you can make on someone’s identity is to take away their name.  Another of the worst things you can do (and it doesn’t take a doctorate to figure this one out) is to Label someone.  “Safe Choices”,  Northeast kingdom human Services and Department of Aging and Disability should know this.