ACTIVE SEARCH SD - Serenity Dennard, 9, Children’s Home Society, Pennington County, 3 Feb 2019 #2

[LindaRN]

I am only familiar with this case from the press. I am concerned to read that Serenity was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), but her behaviors, as described by family are not anything like the recognized definition of that condition.

Actual RAD is a rare condition characterized by a child being very withdrawn. There are no aggressive or violent features, no self-harming, no running away. But these are common signs of an unrecognized diagnosis called "Attachment Disorder," (AD) which, typical of a quack diagnosis, has a long, catch-all list of signs so that any child will be diagnosed with AD. AD is usually conflated with RAD: perhaps to appear legitimate, for insurance purposes, and for "special needs" adoption funds.

"RAD vs AD"
Reactive Attachment Disorder vs. Attachment Disorder

AD is the invention of a highly abusive psychotherapy – "Attachment (Holding) Therapy" – a practice that is inflicted mainly on adopted and foster children. It's parenting is brutal, as well: based on isolation, deprivation, humiliation, manipulation with food, excessive chores/exercises, etc.

"Attachment Therapy and its Parenting"
What is Attachment Therapy?
AT — Videos

Attachment Therapy/Parenting is linked to many high profile criminal child abuse and death cases.
Victims of Attachment Therapy

In addition, while there is no accepted treatment for RAD (i.e. none that has empirical support), attachment problems are usually treated by teaching parents attentive and responsive parenting, not by sending a child away from the parents who want to create loving relationship with the child.

– Advocates for Children in Therapy

 

[ilovechili]

With temps in the low 60s and partly sunny the next couple days, the Sheriff's Dept has decided to move up the next search from this coming Saturday to Wednesday, with more searches over the weekend:

Serenity Dennard search resumes Wednesday

The official search for a missing 9-year-old girl resumes Wednesday, according to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

The search for Serenity Dennard, who went missing from the Black Hills Children’s home Feb. 3, was suspended because of harsh weather conditions. “As we stated previously, to maximize the effectiveness of the resources used, we needed improved weather conditions, particularly for the K-9s and helicopters,” a sheriff’s office release stated.

Last week the sheriff’s office stated the search would resume Saturday, March 30; but that was moved up to Wednesday. The sheriff’s office will continue the search on Saturday and Sunday if necessary. If the weekend weather deteriorates, the search will be rescheduled for the next weekend, April 6-7.​

Awesome! Happy to hear they have moved it up.

 

[Trocroc9]

I am only familiar with this case from the press. I am concerned to read that Serenity was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), but her behaviors, as described by family are not anything like the recognized definition of that condition.

Actual RAD is a rare condition characterized by a child being very withdrawn. There are no aggressive or violent features, no self-harming, no running away. But these are common signs of an unrecognized diagnosis called "Attachment Disorder," (AD) which, typical of a quack diagnosis, has a long, catch-all list of signs so that any child will be diagnosed with AD. AD is usually conflated with RAD: perhaps to appear legitimate, for insurance purposes, and for "special needs" adoption funds.

"RAD vs AD"
Reactive Attachment Disorder vs. Attachment Disorder

AD is the invention of a highly abusive psychotherapy – "Attachment (Holding) Therapy" – a practice that is inflicted mainly on adopted and foster children. It's parenting is brutal, as well: based on isolation, deprivation, humiliation, manipulation with food, excessive chores/exercises, etc.

"Attachment Therapy and its Parenting"
What is Attachment Therapy?
AT — Videos

Attachment Therapy/Parenting is linked to many high profile criminal child abuse and death cases.
Victims of Attachment Therapy

In addition, while there is no accepted treatment for RAD (i.e. none that has empirical support), attachment problems are usually treated by teaching parents attentive and responsive parenting, not by sending a child away from the parents who want to create loving relationship with the child.

– Advocates for Children in Therapy

I find this really interesting that you have quoted RAD. I have never heard of this diagnosis as a special educator for over 18 years and I have heard of a LOT of different diagnoses in children. I actually had to look it up. Typically our students are lumped into emotional disability or other health impairment etc. Maybe this is something by state. Very interesting post. I will look more closely into this thank you.

 

[ilovechili]

To all the moms and dads out there that adopt children with special needs (whether known or unbeknownst upon adoption) KUDOS. Also the same to all the parents that have to deal with social/emotional behaviors with their children. I have very typical children and they can be difficult to deal with!!

On another note I also work with middle/ high school students with these very same behaviors that include elopement. I only have a 6 hour a day workday as mandated by NY state because of the intensity of the behaviors and it really is very exhausting even with those few hours. So it is difficult to imagine a full day with children that push limits all day everyday.

One thing I have to say about when students elope is that it is probably the scariest situation staff has to face. It’s the unknown. I bet that staff was panicking. I think decisions were hard in the panic of it all.

With that said I have experience in this situation and have lived it many times I’m just not really getting how she got out of sight. At my school we just don’t really allow that to happen but then again it was the weekend so that leads me to believe staffing was not sufficient jmo.

ETA: It was a 9 year old. To me this is a very young child. Not very fast - determined maybe but still should have been cut off on the run.

Well said. I cannot imagine who difficult your job must be and appreciate hearing from all of those on here that work with children with issues. I also see you have many of the same questions quite a few of us (at least I) do.

In the beginning, it was actually stated that the staff to student ratio in the gym was higher than what is required...

I do not know what the answer is but I think the fact it is a discussion is a good thing... imo anyhow.

 

[ilovechili]

Thanks, chili. I think her young age may have deterred other angencies, like the DJJ, who deal with teenagers. There needs to more help for the younger ones who demonstrate similar oppositional characteristics.

I do hold out hope this little one will come marching out of the woods. If so, she would be the toughest kid ever. So we wait and see how the search progresses. Fingers crossed.

I sure do not know what the answer is but this is heartbreaking and maybe if nothing else, will bring some attention to the issues these children have, more research and a better understanding... I know I have learned much I did not know prior to this case. I hold out hope too for Serenity although I will admit it is slim hope. I just cannot see it as likely unless someone has her or picked her up. I think many of us continue to pray by some chance she is alive...

 

[ilovechili]

I think - just my opinion - that most of the conflicting "facts" are due more to MSM reporting. I think LE has a better handle on what the facts actually are.

I do not disagree. The last several cases I have followed, it seems to be quite common, the conflicting MSM reports. I will say it has been extreme here though and a statement or two from the home was not clear either. Unfortunately, much of it is still unclear.

I do agree LE has a far better idea than we probably do.

 

[ilovechili]

Thank you for clearing that up but who is the couple and why does that make my hair stand up on end. Maybe I watch too many ID channel shows but I guess my question is why was the couple allowed to go looking for her without staff ? Ugh I find this case very frustrating and feel something is out of sorts but thank you so much for clearing some facts as you know them. Very much appreciated.

To my knowledge, no one knows who the people in the car were. When they were first mentioned (and they were not in the first days as I recall), there was an assumption it was someone dropping off a child. Then it was stated in such a way one had to wonder if it was a parent dropping a child or maybe someone dropping off an employee, etc. It was far from clear and to my knowledge still is unclear.

This is entirely speculation on my part but I even wondered if it was staff called who drove up to help look, or a higher up/administration. An earlier map some time back showed there actually are staff quarters on the property.

They appear to be from what we can tell possibly the only people who saw her, they looked for her apparently alone by vehicle but that is all we know...

Someone may be able to correct that if I am wrong or more has come out that I missed, but that is how I recall it all.

jmo and to the best of my recollection.

 

[Trocroc9]

Well said. I cannot imagine who difficult your job must be and appreciate hearing from all of those on here that work with children with issues. I also see you have many of the same questions quite a few of us (at least I) do.

In the beginning, it was actually stated that the staff to student ratio in the gym was higher than what is required...

I do not know what the answer is but I think the fact it is a discussion is a good thing... imo anyhow.

Thanks Chili!
In response to student teacher ratio no matter the number staff is always outnumbered by students in most facilities. Teachers and assistants are usually left in a ratio of 6:1:1 with that of the highest need students at least in NYS. But their are usually counselors, behavior interveners and administrators to make up the differences in staff to student ratios. I just don’t think they had the numbers on the weekend they usually do during the school week. I agree they had higher than state required staff to student ratio but staff is always outnumbered when the smallest student to teacher minimal requirement still outnumbers staff especially in a case like this. In moo staff were simply outnumbered and did not have the ability with 2 runners at the same time going different ways while 2 stayed put. Just an impossible task for those two staff members. I’m sure they were very busy with keeping the children they had in their control. Maybe this led to some delay in getting help.

 

[SkipperKey3]

To my knowledge, no one knows who the people in the car were. When they were first mentioned (and they were not in the first days as I recall), there was an assumption it was someone dropping off a child. Then it was stated in such a way one had to wonder if it was a parent dropping a child or maybe someone dropping off an employee, etc. It was far from clear and to my knowledge still is unclear.

This is entirely speculation on my part but I even wondered if it was staff called who drove up to help look, or a higher up/administration. An earlier map some time back showed there actually are staff quarters on the property.

They appear to be from what we can tell possibly the only people who saw her, they looked for her apparently alone by vehicle but that is all we know...

Someone may be able to correct that if I am wrong or more has come out that I missed, but that is how I recall it all.

jmo and to the best of my recollection.

I think that is basically correct, although I think later reports have "confirmed" (if MSM can be called that) that it was a couple dropping off a child. It has never been said who they were, or that they have said anything since then. I don't know what prompted them to drive up and down the road looking for Serenity, unless the Home told them that if they see her again, call them right away and let them know where, because she needs located and brought back right away. The urgency might have been enough for them to do a drive-by search. Again, that is mostly my speculation.

I have no idea if the couple has been talked to at all since then. All we know is that they were the last to have seen Serenity.

 

[ilovechili]

Thanks Chili!
In response to student teacher ratio no matter the number staff is always outnumbered by students in most facilities. Teachers and assistants are usually left in a ratio of 6:1:1 with that of the highest need students at least in NYS. But their are usually counselors, behavior interveners and administrators to make up the differences in staff to student ratios. I just don’t think they had the numbers on the weekend they usually do during the school week. I agree they had higher than state required staff to student ratio but staff is always outnumbered when the smallest student to teacher minimal requirement still outnumbers staff especially in a case like this. In moo staff were simply outnumbered and did not have the ability with 2 runners at the same time going different ways while 2 stayed put. Just an impossible task for those two staff members. I’m sure they were very busy with keeping the children they had in their control. Maybe this led to some delay in getting help.

That makes sense. It was quickly stated that the ratio was higher than required but as you say, the number of others around, etc. on a weekend may have differed. And I guess, is the ratio ever enough in a situation such as what occurred? It did not turn out to be in this case, at least when one considers she did get away and disappear, on the face of it anyhow.

 

[LindaRN]

I find this really interesting that you have quoted RAD. I have never heard of this diagnosis as a special educator for over 18 years and I have heard of a LOT of different diagnoses in children. I actually had to look it up. Typically our students are lumped into emotional disability or other health impairment etc. Maybe this is something by state. Very interesting post. I will look more closely into this thank you.

It wouldn't be unusual to not hear about RAD. The real thing is a rare condition. (Some experts thinks it's only a disorder found in some other countries.) But Attachment Therapists claim that AD (i.e. the phony "RAD") is common. I have questions about of the residential treatment center that Serenity had been sent to. Their website says little about their approach to therapy.

 

[Trocroc9]

It wouldn't be unusual to not hear about RAD. The real thing is a rare condition. (Some experts thinks it's only a disorder found in some other countries.) But Attachment Therapists claim that AD (i.e. the phony "RAD") is common. I have questions about of the residential treatment center that Serenity had been sent to. Their website says little about their approach to therapy.

Hmmm I wonder if they are similar to residential settings around here. That is not saying much regarding effective approaches to therapy imo. More of a holding place while things are being figured out. Let me know if you find more about their therapeutic approaches.

 

[PommyMommy]

To my knowledge, no one knows who the people in the car were. When they were first mentioned (and they were not in the first days as I recall), there was an assumption it was someone dropping off a child. Then it was stated in such a way one had to wonder if it was a parent dropping a child or maybe someone dropping off an employee, etc. It was far from clear and to my knowledge still is unclear.

This is entirely speculation on my part but I even wondered if it was staff called who drove up to help look, or a higher up/administration. An earlier map some time back showed there actually are staff quarters on the property.

They appear to be from what we can tell possibly the only people who saw her, they looked for her apparently alone by vehicle but that is all we know...

Someone may be able to correct that if I am wrong or more has come out that I missed, but that is how I recall it all.

jmo and to the best of my recollection.

There were three people in the vehicle. A woman, a relative (who was being dropped off), and another passenger.

ACTIVE SEARCH - SD - Serenity Dennard, 9, Children’s Home Society, Pennington County, 3 Feb 2019 #2

 

[MsGazette]

It wouldn't be unusual to not hear about RAD. The real thing is a rare condition. (Some experts thinks it's only a disorder found in some other countries.) But Attachment Therapists claim that AD (i.e. the phony "RAD") is common. I have questions about of the residential treatment center that Serenity had been sent to. Their website says little about their approach to therapy.

Okay. So, it’s interesting that this topic has come up. There was a case on here about 6 months ago, maybe? It has been deleted on here because the mother was on here with us for help and her adopted daughter was found. She also “escaped” from a facility and was diagnosed (I believe) with RAD. When it came up on this thread, I immediately thought of her. For this young lady, it was harder for her when people were kind. It actually made her uncomfortable and want to run. That is one thing the mother said that I won’t ever forget.

 

[MsGazette]

'She's Serenity:' Missing girl's parents share daughter's story

 

[MsGazette]

Parents: Missing South Dakota girl had history of escapes

 

[ilovematt]

I am only familiar with this case from the press. I am concerned to read that Serenity was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), but her behaviors, as described by family are not anything like the recognized definition of that condition.

Actual RAD is a rare condition characterized by a child being very withdrawn. There are no aggressive or violent features, no self-harming, no running away. But these are common signs of an unrecognized diagnosis called "Attachment Disorder," (AD) which, typical of a quack diagnosis, has a long, catch-all list of signs so that any child will be diagnosed with AD. AD is usually conflated with RAD: perhaps to appear legitimate, for insurance purposes, and for "special needs" adoption funds.

"RAD vs AD"
Reactive Attachment Disorder vs. Attachment Disorder

AD is the invention of a highly abusive psychotherapy – "Attachment (Holding) Therapy" – a practice that is inflicted mainly on adopted and foster children. It's parenting is brutal, as well: based on isolation, deprivation, humiliation, manipulation with food, excessive chores/exercises, etc.

"Attachment Therapy and its Parenting"
What is Attachment Therapy?
AT — Videos

Attachment Therapy/Parenting is linked to many high profile criminal child abuse and death cases.
Victims of Attachment Therapy

In addition, while there is no accepted treatment for RAD (i.e. none that has empirical support), attachment problems are usually treated by teaching parents attentive and responsive parenting, not by sending a child away from the parents who want to create loving relationship with the child.

– Advocates for Children in Therapy

I grew up in a “therapeutic” group home. This is exactly how we operated. We lost “privileges” if we did the most basic things then you got demerits so you’d have to do the others chores. Sometimes I sat for 6 hours in the hot Texas sun “watching for the wind”. You just had to come in a apologize and tell our prick foster dad he’s was right and I was stubborn. And I like the sun. I too was once diagnosed with attachment disorder, bipolar 1 and authoritative defiance disorder.
I’m 36 and a business owner and happy in a loving marriage but those foster homes damaged me. You guys can’t even imagine. I’m lucky to have made it out.

 

[LindaRN]

Okay. So, it’s interesting that this topic has come up. There was a case on here about 6 months ago, maybe? It has been deleted on here because the mother was on here with us for help and her adopted daughter was found. She also “escaped” from a facility and was diagnosed (I believe) with RAD. When it came up on this thread, I immediately thought of her. For this young lady, it was harder for her when people were kind. It actually made her uncomfortable and want to run. That is one thing the mother said that I won’t ever forget.

What this mother said about kind treatment being "harder" for children with RAD is actually something that I would expect to hear from someone involved in "Attachment Therapy/Parenting." This unvalidated belief is used to justify harsh treatment of adopted children. If children in that situation run away, I would expect that it's more an attempt to flee from the abuse.

 

[misgrn]

I can't specifically answer to BHCH therapy approaches since I never worked for them but I do know they have at least on psychologist and a psychiatrist as part of the clinical team. They have clinical therapists that see the kids regularly. There are a variety of therapeutic groups as well. Staff go through training, seminars, etc and get certified before leading certain groups. Some are just mpre basic like conflict resolution or life skills things, but the also used to have anger mgmt, groups for children of alcoholics and addicts, critical thinking, etc. They likely have different groups based on ages too. From people that used to work there, I have been told they do a lot of therapeutic groups and activities with the children.

I have never heard of them being described as just a holding place. It might be possible they do take some kids because they have no other place to go but those kids would still have to meet admission requirements to be placed there.

My center, even as a group home, used a variety of therapies and approaches. Once we transitioned to a psychiatric residential treatment center, we added even more. As a whole Children's Home Society of SD (they are not affiliated with CHS organizations in other states as far as I know) a great reputation and they have been around a long time. Parents and former residents actually acknowledge the help SFCH and BHCH offered them. Not saying that doesn't mean something bad happened or that they aren't lacking because I don't know that one way or the other.

I don't know about BHCH but once we transitioned from a group home to a PRTF, we no longer qualified to take "holdover" clients. Examplrz are kids that were temporarily in between foster homes, waiting to move to there adoptive home, or kids traveling distances from one placement to another. So since they are also licensed as a PRTF, they may not qualify either.

 

[LindaRN]

I grew up in a “therapeutic” group home. This is exactly how we operated. We lost “privileges” if we did the most basic things then you got demerits so you’d have to do the others chores. Sometimes I sat for 6 hours in the hot Texas sun “watching for the wind”. You just had to come in a apologize and tell our prick foster dad he’s was right and I was stubborn. And I like the sun. I too was once diagnosed with attachment disorder, bipolar 1 and authoritative defiance disorder.
I’m 36 and a business owner and happy in a loving marriage but those foster homes damaged me. You guys can’t even imagine. I’m lucky to have made it out.

I am glad to hear you have found some measure of happiness.

You're right. It is impossible for people to imagine what kids go through who have gotten ensnared in Attachment Therapy/Parenting and diagnosed with AD. It is incredibly abusive, and you are lucky to be alive. At a minimum, it robs people of their childhoods. I belong to a group that's been trying for 20 years to stop this practice, but it's more like a cult. Some experts call it a "therapy cult."

Our website: ACT: Opposing Abusive and Unscientific Treatment

There is also a Facebook site "Attachment Therapy is Wrong" for survivors, their friends and activists who are trying to stop it. It has over 200 members. I'm sure you would be very welcome to join.