Inside the Troubled Teen Industry: A Personal Journey
Delve into a compelling narrative as 'Inside the Troubled Teen Industry: Unveiling Cons and Cults' takes readers on a poignant exploration. Director Katherine Kubler's immersive 15-month experience sheds light on the dark realities within the industry, as alumni join forces for a powerful exposé aiming to dismantle harmful practices.
A documentary titled "The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping" delves into the dark world of the troubled-teen industry over three chapters. Director Katherine Kubler, who spent 15 months at one of these facilities, joins forces with other former residents to expose the harsh realities and seek justice.
Kubler gathers individuals who were sent to The Academy at Ivy Ridge, a disciplinary institution in New York, during their teenage years. Once there, they were isolated from the outside world, subjected to strict rules, and, in some cases, reportedly experienced physical abuse, starting with a degrading strip search upon arrival.
Kubler's peers, now adults, mention a room where cameras were not allowed. In this room, staff could handle those who were misbehaving without being recorded. Meanwhile, they would show disturbing footage from other rooms with cameras. Some former classmates from Ivy Ridge, although it's hard to call it a "campus," admit to lying about their drug use to avoid punishment. They would confess to things they didn't do just to please their captors.
According to one ex-staff member who didn't stay in the job for long, the students were treated like prisoners. However, the investigation reveals that the staff were told these were troublemaking kids, which supposedly justified the harsh treatment.
According to individuals who went through the program, they faced consequences for attempting to contact their parents and family about the true situation.
The Academy at Ivy Ridge survivors in "The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping."
The Academy at Ivy Ridge survivors in "The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping."
Netflix
The troubling aspect of this story goes beyond parents sending their children away - they also forced them to stay there. The grown-up youths' testimony consistently reveals feelings of betrayal, as Kubler highlights through her strained relationship with her father years later, who is among those interviewed.
Attorney Phil Elberg describes how these facilities were marketed as "tough love," a perspective Kubler examines with outside voices. The final hour is dedicated to uncovering who was behind the Academy and similar facilities, and who profited from them.
Kubler emphasizes that she is not a journalist, but rather a seeker of answers about the past events at Ivy Ridge. She sheds light on the emotional trauma experienced by survivors. Even though the venue has closed, her mission continues by advocating for the closure of similar programs today.
In a surprising turn of events, Kubler and her peers share moments of laughter as they reflect on the past. They exchange stories and anecdotes, finding humor in the absurdity of it all. This camaraderie allows them to express themselves in a way they were unable to do back then due to the strict rule of silence.
"The Program" jumps from topic to topic in a somewhat chaotic manner. However, over the course of three hours, it presents a heartbreaking picture of parents desperately trying to help their children, only to inadvertently cause them pain and trauma.
Netflix has been focusing on producing "true crime" docuseries, which help fund unique projects like this one. While Kubler may not be a seasoned documentarian, her and the other contributors effectively convey their messages.
“The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping” premieres March 5 on Netflix.
Editor's P/S:
"The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping" exposes the horrifying practices of the troubled-teen industry, leaving
