Parent company profile
Rite of Passage, Inc.
Rite of Passage, Inc. is a parent company based in Minden, NV. Kids Over Profits has records of 29 programs it has run in 10 states and countries, 25 of them open.
History
Year by year
From the records: the years it ran each program, and lawsuits and deaths on record from those years. A program it took over appears only once the records say when it did.
2021
Acquired 2 programs: Falcon Ridge Ranch; Lava Heights Academy
About Rite of Passage, Inc.
In April 2020, Youth Opportunity Investments told Arkansas it would stop running its juvenile treatment centers after June 30, 2020; Rite of Passage took over Dermott, Mansfield and Harrisburg on July 1, 2020.source
Programs it has run
29 on record, open ones first.
- Alachua Academy
- Canyon State Academy
- Columbus Youth Academy
- Daytona Juvenile Residential Facility
- Duval Academy
- Falcon Ridge Ranch
- Fort Myers Academy
- Gulf Coast Trades Center
- Jacksonville Youth Academy
- JoAnn Bridges Academy
- Lake Granbury Youth Services
- Lava Heights Academy
- Monarch Academy for Girls
- Mt. Lassen Treatment Center
- Norris Academy
- Oak Grove Academy
- Palm Beach Youth Academy
- Pearl Haven
- Pompano Youth Treatment Center
- ROP ATCS
- Sierra Sage Treatment Center
- Timberline Academy
- Uta Halee Academy
- Walton Academy for Growth and Change
- Yosemite Treatment Center
- Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center
- ROP ATCS Sierra Ridge Treatment Center
- Silver State Academy
- The Oaks
People
The people the network map ties to the company, with their other jobs in the industry.
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James Bednark
president
Elsewhere in the industry
- Canyon State Academy President of Canyon State Academy and Rite of Passage (2025)
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Brian Heath
exec director
Elsewhere in the industry
- Canyon State Academy Former Site Admin. (2021)
2 other staff on record
- Craig Rogers
- Kaysie Dannemiller, guide
News coverage
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An Investigation into Military-Style Juvenile Boot Camps and the Death of Gina Score
Gina Score, 14, collapsed on a run at a South Dakota state boot camp and died of heatstroke while staff took her collapse for defiance. Bruce Selcraig's account of the camp and the system around it.
Gina Score, a 14-year-old placed in state custody at a military-style juvenile boot camp in South Dakota, suffered a fatal heatstroke after collapsing during a mandatory run while staff delayed seeking medical attention, mistaking her medical emergency for non-compliance. The incident prompted wider scrutiny of systemic abuses within state-run military-style juvenile programs, including physical restraints, isolation, and punitive disciplinary methods.
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Queen Creek police investigating alleged assault at Desert Lily Academy
Christopher Allen, a 48-year-old staff member at Desert Lily Academy in Queen Creek, Arizona, was arrested on September 4, 2025, and charged with two counts of sexual conduct with a minor following a reported sexual assault involving a juvenile resident. Police report responding to over 2,000 calls at this facility and its companion boys' school, Canyon State Academy, over the past three years, including reports of various incidents and mental health crises.
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‘State-sponsored Abandonment’ No More: California Stops Paying for Adoptees Sent to Out-of-State Treatment Centers
California has ceased funding residential treatment placements for adopted foster youth in other states, closing what advocates termed a dangerous loophole. The decision follows revelations that hundreds of children were sent to facilities with histories of violations, including several since-shuttered programs. At least 676 adoptees were placed in out-of-state centers since 2020, with many attending problematic facilities. Among them were Sequel Youth and Family Services programs like Iowa’s Clarinda Academy and Utah’s Red Rock Canyon School, both closed after abuse scandals. Other placements included Utah’s Havenwood Academy, disciplined for improper restraints, and Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center, sanctioned for excessive punishments. Three Points Ranch ceased operations in 2025 following violations, while White River Academy continues accepting California-funded youth under existing contracts.
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Canyon State Academy employee accused of assault, arrested at school in Queen Creek
An employee at Canyon State Academy was arrested at the school on suspicion of assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage following an incident at a local business. According to police and arrest records, the employee became involved in a dispute with a manager over an order and damaged the manager's cellphone.
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Police Records Detail Allegations of Staff Assaults at Queen Creek Residential Facility
Police records and Department of Child Safety documentation from Canyon State Academy in Arizona detail multiple incidents of staff members physically assaulting students during restraints and altercations. Several staff members faced criminal charges, including aggravated assault, while state agencies and law enforcement reviewed institutional oversight and training protocols.
- Sex offender working with troubled teens in Washington County arrested for failure to register (2023-06-23)
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Former Youth Treatment Center Counselor Sentenced on Sexual Abuse Charges
A former staff member at a youth treatment center in Toquerville, Utah, was sentenced in 5th District Court on multiple felony charges, including forcible sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor. The defendant pleaded guilty to several charges under a plea agreement that dismissed an initial first-degree felony rape charge.
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Former counselor at youth treatment center sentenced for sexual misconduct
Paul Anthony Nichols, a former counselor at Falcon Ridge Ranch-Lava Heights Academy in Toquerville, Utah, was sentenced on May 16, 2023, for seven second‑degree felony charges related to sexual abuse of two teenage girls. The victims, who were residents of the treatment center, reported inappropriate touching and sexual assault that occurred over several days. The judge imposed a concurrent prison sentence of 1 to 15 years for each count, emphasizing the need for the defendant to be supervised after release.
- Former counselor at youth treatment center in Toquerville accused of sexually abusing teenage girls (2022-12-07)
- Southern Utah school employee arrested after alleged sexual abuse of students (2022-12-02)
- Staff member at school in southern Utah arrested for alleged sexual abuse (2022-12-02)
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Canyon State Academy Addresses Safety Concerns Amid High Volume of Police Calls and Resident Death
Canyon State Academy, a private residential school for at-risk youth operated by Rite of Passage, LLC, faced scrutiny following a resident's death by a suspected drug overdose and hundreds of police service calls regarding missing persons and assaults. Former students reported punitive conditions and strict monitoring protocols, while local officials raised concerns about safety and repeated incidents of youth leaving the facility without authorization.
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Canyon State Academy addresses concerns after recent teen death, hundreds of calls for service
Canyon State Academy, a private residential school and group home in Arizona owned by Rite of Passage, faced increased scrutiny following a death by suspected drug overdose and hundreds of police calls for service. Former students reported punitive environments and facility exits without authorization, while records indicated numerous calls regarding missing persons, assaults, and other incidents.
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Parent Calls for Regulatory Changes at Queen Creek Youth Facility Following Student Death
Following a death by overdose at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek, Arizona, a foster parent raised concerns regarding environmental conditions and oversight at the facility. Records indicate the facility previously lost its operating license under a prior name following a state investigation into another fatality in 1998.
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Former student describes experiences at Queen Creek school following teen boy's death
A former student of Canyon State Academy recounted negative experiences at the school and expressed that the recent death of a teen student was not unexpected. The account was reported by WBRC following the incident at the Queen Creek facility.
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Student Fatally Overdoses at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek
A 16-year-old student at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek, Arizona, died following a medical emergency involving an overdose. Two other students were hospitalized and later medically cleared, while local law enforcement and facility officials investigated the incident.
- Student dead after possible overdose at Queen Creek treatment center for boys (12News)
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Student Death by Overdose Under Investigation at Canyon State Academy
Police responded to Canyon State Academy following reports of three students experiencing medical emergencies, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old student from a suspected overdose. Preliminary reports suggest the substances may have been provided by family members, and the incident remains under active investigation by law enforcement.
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fake shell of a company that John Ripley (Founder) used to buy out Sequel
Sequel Youth & Family Services, a former chain of residential treatment centers, has closed or sold most of its facilities following repeated allegations of staff misconduct, sexual misconduct, and safety violations. The company’s operations were scrutinized after a 2020 incident in which a 16‑year‑old boy died after being restrained by staff. In response, Sequel has transferred many centers to new ownership under Vivant Behavioral Healthcare and other entities while settling lawsuits with affected families.
- ‘Tragic and offensive:’ Man faces drug, porn charges after Summerlin teen’s death (2021-12-04)
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Charges: Staff member at Utah behavioral center showed pictures of naked husband to minors
A staff member at Falcon Ridge Ranch Academy in Utah was arrested and charged with felonies for dealing in materials harmful to minors and misdemeanors for sexual battery. Prosecutors allege she showed explicit photographs of her husband to minors under her care and touched their buttocks.
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Employee at teen behavior facility arrested for sexual battery, showing porn to minors
An employee at Falcon Ridge Academy was arrested on charges of sexual battery and distributing harmful material to minors. The allegations involve the employee showing pornographic material and physically touching four students. The case is pending.
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Falcon Ridge Ranch Academy Staff Member Arrested and Charged with Sexual Battery and Dealing Harmful Material
A staff member at Falcon Ridge Ranch Academy in Utah was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual battery and dealing harmful material to a minor. According to charging documents, the employee showed explicit photos to four minor students and subjected them to inappropriate physical contact.
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At A Tennessee Psychiatric Treatment Center, Inexperienced And Overworked Staff Left Kids Without Care | WPLN News
Kingston Academy, a residential psychiatric treatment facility in Tennessee operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services, was closed after state investigations revealed unsafe conditions and inadequate care resulting from understaffing and inexperienced personnel. Former residents and staff reported frequent violence, policy violations regarding family contact, and the misuse of physical restraints by strained employees.
- HHS PHOTOGRAPHS OF CONDITIONS IN FACILITIES HOUSING UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (2020-08-12)
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Cornelius Frederick death: Attorney releases video showing 16-year-old being restrained and given chest compressions later
In April 2020, 16-year‑old Cornelius Frederick was restrained by staff at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and later received chest compressions while unresponsive. He suffered cardiac arrest and died two days later; three staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse.
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Coronavirus cases at Palm Beach Youth Academy concern parents
Twenty-one juveniles at the Palm Beach Youth Academy tested positive for COVID‑19, prompting parents to express concern over the facility’s infection control practices. Staff reportedly did not wear masks and some appeared ill, raising questions about safety protocols. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice confirmed the cases and noted that all staff and parents were notified.
- 17-year-old Canyon State Academy student dies after being found unresponsive (2020-01-23)
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17-Year-Old Student Dies Following Medical Emergency at Canyon State Academy
A 17-year-old student at Canyon State Academy died after being found unresponsive at the facility and transported to a hospital. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet determined the cause of death, and an investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office remains ongoing.
- 17-year-old student pronounced dead after being found unresponsive at Queen Creek school (2020-01-22)
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17-year-old student pronounced dead after being found unresponsive at Queen Creek school
A 17-year-old student enrolled at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek, Arizona, was found unresponsive on campus late Tuesday night. Emergency personnel provided life‑saving measures and transported the individual to a hospital, where the person was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been released and the incident remains under investigation.
- Firm running Jacksonville juvenile facility has history of escapes
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Sequel Youth and Family Services Announces Closure of Red Rock Canyon School and Mount Pleasant Academy
Sequel Youth and Family Services announced the voluntary closure of Red Rock Canyon School in St. George, Utah, following multiple state and county investigations into allegations of physical and sexual abuse, safety violations, and a reported student riot resulting in arrests. The parent company also announced the upcoming closure of a sister institution, Mount Pleasant Academy, while maintaining the decision was unrelated.
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Sequel Youth and Family Services Closes Two Utah Treatment Facilities Amid Regulatory Scrutiny and Misconduct Investigations
Sequel Youth and Family Services announced the closure of Mount Pleasant Academy following the closure announcement of Red Rock Canyon School, both located in Utah. The facilities faced intense scrutiny, regulatory threats, and police investigations involving allegations of staff misconduct, sexual misconduct, and physical abuse.
- Six arrested after riot at Palm Beach juvenile detention center (2018-10-01)
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Funding, Oversight Next Questions for Florida’s Private Youth Prison System
Following a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that contractor Youth Services International failed to provide appropriate services and falsified contract documents, Florida state officials moved to terminate remaining contracts with the for-profit company. The transition has prompted lawmakers and advocates to examine the state's reliance on private, for-profit juvenile facilities, focusing on funding levels, contract monitoring, and oversight practices.
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Uprising at juvenile camp leads sheriff to call for changes
A riot at the Rite of Passage Silver State Academy in Yerington, Nevada, resulted in two buildings being set on fire, injuries to four staff members, and the temporary escape of ten youths. The incident prompted the local sheriff to call for increased safety measures and oversight of the facility. Investigations are underway by state and tribal authorities.
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Riot at Rite of Passage leads to fires, escapes
A riot occurred on Saturday night at the Rite of Passage Silver State Academy youth facility near Yerington, Nevada, resulting in two structure fires and the escape of ten residents. Six escapees were later apprehended, while four remained at large; no injuries were reported.
- Opinions differ on mainland placement for Hawaii's troubled teens (2015-02-14)
- Special Report: Stolen by the State? (2015-02-13)
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Oracle residents’ concerns confirmed with spike in violence since UAC arrival
The article reports an increase in violent incidents at Sycamore Canyon Academy following the placement of unaccompanied alien children. A 74‑year‑old staff member was assaulted by a juvenile inmate, leading to police intervention and the juvenile’s booking on aggravated assault charges. Local officials cited a lack of security and oversight as contributing factors to the rise in violence.
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2 runaways returned to Oracle’s Sycamore Canyon Academy
On August 23, 2014, two juveniles who had left Sycamore Canyon Academy in Oracle, Arizona, were located by a Pinal County deputy and returned to the facility. The incident was reported amid community concerns about the recent placement of unaccompanied alien children at the privately operated academy.
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11 Students Arrested Following Altercation at Canyon State Academy
Eleven students at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek were arrested on aggravated assault charges following a physical altercation involving students and staff. According to law enforcement, deputies responded to a large fight in classrooms and hallways where some individuals used improvised weapons, resulting in minor injuries and subsequent arrests or detention center placements.
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Congressional Testimony Details Abuse and Deaths at Youth Boot Camps
During congressional testimony, parents and Government Accountability Office officials detailed thousands of allegations of abuse and multiple deaths at youth residential programs and boot camps. Lawmakers and investigators highlighted systemic issues including inadequate training, medical neglect, and poor program management, prompting calls for increased federal oversight and state regulation.
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Canyon State Academy Employee Investigated for Alleged Misconduct With Student
A female employee at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek, Arizona, was placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old student. The allegations emerged during a police investigation after the student was arrested following an incident in Phoenix. State officials and local law enforcement confirmed an active investigation into the matter.
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Death of Teen at Arizona Boys Ranch and Legal Proceedings
The article reports on the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz at Arizona Boys Ranch and the subsequent legal proceedings. Charges against staff, including nurse Linda Babb, were dismissed after expert witnesses withdrew or revised their opinions. The letter from Candice Takeuchi expresses frustration over the lack of accountability for the teen's death.
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Judge dismisses child abuse charges against Boys Ranch workers
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge dismissed felony child abuse charges against two former Boys Ranch workers after prosecutors concluded they could not be linked to the injuries of a 16‑year‑old who died in 1998. The facility, a paramilitary boot camp for troubled youths, had previously faced murder charges and later closed amid investigations.
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Mother of dead boy reaches settlement with Boys Ranch
A mother received more than $1 million in civil settlements after her 16‑year‑old son died at a juvenile detention camp in Arizona. The boy, Nicholaus Contreraz, died from an undiagnosed infection after being forced to perform rigorous exercises by staff who accused him of playing sick. Criminal charges of child abuse are pending against three staff members of the camp.
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Civil Settlements Reached in Death of Resident at Arizona Boys Ranch
The mother of a 16-year-old resident who died at Boys Ranch in 1998 reached civil settlements totaling over $1 million with the State of Arizona, the facility, and Sacramento County. An autopsy and reports indicated the youth died from an undiagnosed infection after staff members allegedly forced him to perform rigorous exercise while accusing him of malingering. Criminal child abuse charges were subsequently filed against three facility staff members, and placements and funding were suspended by California authorities.
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Former Arizona Boys Ranch Staff Face Court Proceedings in Teen's Death
A Pima County Superior Court judge ordered a former nurse and two former staff members at the Arizona Boys Ranch to face criminal charges in connection with the 1998 death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz. The nurse is charged with manslaughter and reckless child abuse after failing to diagnose a severe lung infection, while two other former workers face child abuse charges. Murder charges against all five originally indicted ex-workers were dismissed by the judge, though state child protective services pursued administrative actions related to a pattern of abuse and neglect at the facility.
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Charges dropped, for now, in death of Boys Ranch teen
A Pinal County prosecutor’s office agreed to dismiss manslaughter and child‑abuse charges against five former Arizona Boys Ranch employees in connection with the death of a 16‑year‑old teen. The charges will be re‑presented in a preliminary hearing after the court identified procedural errors in the grand jury indictment. The teen died after being forced to exercise at the paramilitary boot camp, with an autopsy indicating an undiagnosed lung condition.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? Team of experts to rewrite boys ranch code of conduct
The article reports that Arizona Boys Ranch faced scrutiny after the death of a 16‑year‑old resident, Nicholaus Contreraz, who died of a lung infection at a satellite camp near Tucson. Investigations revealed staff brutality, including forced exercise as punishment, leading to criminal indictments and a federal probe. In response, the ranch has appointed a five‑member expert team to revise its code of conduct and address oversight and safety concerns.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? County unveils youth-home reforms
Following a legislative overhaul and investigative reporting into systemic flaws within California's juvenile placement system, Sacramento County officials proposed local reforms. The package includes establishing a residential assessment center, increasing local monitoring of group homes, and implementing stricter evaluation protocols for placing troubled youths.
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Arizona Boys Ranch Employees Plead Not Guilty to Manslaughter and Child Abuse Charges
Five employees of the Arizona Boys Ranch pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and child abuse charges following the death of a 16-year-old resident who died after reportedly being subjected to forced labor and punishment while experiencing a severe medical condition. Investigators found that staff members dismissed the youth's symptoms, resulting in an investigation that substantiated abuse or neglect by 17 employees and led to significant operational restructuring at the facility.
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Arizona Boys Ranch Settlement Allows Continued Operation
The Arizona Boys Ranch remained operational after the state Department of Economic Security reached a settlement requiring a zero‑tolerance abuse policy, an ombudsman, and program reforms. The settlement follows the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz, who died of cardiac arrest while being forced to exercise, and the indictment of five staff members on manslaughter and child‑abuse charges.
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Boys Ranch negotiating new license
Arizona Boys Ranch is negotiating a license renewal with the Arizona Department of Economic Security after the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz, who collapsed while being physically restrained during forced exercise. The agreement requires policy changes, staffing reforms, and oversight measures before the facility can reapply for licensure.
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5 Indicted in Death at Arizona Youth Ranch
An Arizona grand jury indicted five former employees of the Arizona Boys Ranch, including four staff members and a nurse, following the March 2 death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz at the facility. The indictments allege criminal conduct related to the youth's physical punishment and medical neglect, events that subsequently prompted increased regulatory oversight, license denials, and the closure of multiple campus sites.
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Arizona Boys Ranch Staff Indicted In Teen's Death -- Five, Including Nurse, Face Abuse Charges After 16-Year-Old Died
A grand jury indicted five former employees of Arizona Boys Ranch on charges of child abuse and manslaughter in connection with the March 2 death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz. The teen died after being forced to continue rigorous exercise despite complaints of illness, and the medical examiner reported multiple infections and injuries. The case has prompted legislative and regulatory changes affecting the facility.
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Five Former Arizona Boys Ranch Employees Indicted in Death of 16-Year-Old Resident
An Arizona grand jury indicted five former employees of the Arizona Boys Ranch, including a nurse and four work specialists, following the March 1998 death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz. The defendants face charges of child abuse and manslaughter after allegedly ignoring the teenager's medical complaints, subjecting him to physical punishment despite illness, and failing to provide appropriate medical care.
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Investigation Details Fatal Medical and Physical Abuse of Resident at Arizona Boys Ranch
Nicholaus Contreraz, a 16-year-old resident at Arizona Boys Ranch, died from an untreated medical condition compounded by severe physical abuse and systemic neglect by facility staff. State regulators subsequently refused to renew the facility's operating license, and investigations by state and county authorities examined the staff's actions leading up to the death.
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Boys Ranch exec on leave--Institution's administrators say relicensing is their goal
Following the death of a 16-year-old resident and subsequent findings of abuse and neglect by state regulators, Arizona Boys Ranch President Bob Thomas was placed on administrative leave. The state Department of Economic Security previously denied the institution's operating license renewal, prompting the facility to seek an appeal while facing multiple investigations by law enforcement and social services agencies.
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Boys Ranch removes controversial director: Its board makes last bid to keep license
In an effort to retain its operating license following state findings of egregious abuses, the Arizona Boys Ranch board of directors removed its longtime president, Bob Thomas, and placed him on internal leave. Regulators previously determined that employee behavior at the facility directly contributed to the death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz, prompting investigations, a suspension of placements by California agencies, and license revocation proceedings.
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Department of Economic Security Proposes Allegations Against Arizona Boys Ranch Employees Following Death
Following an investigation into the death of Nicholaus Contreraz at Arizona Boys Ranch, the Department of Economic Security proposed child abuse and neglect allegations against seventeen former employees. The proposed allegations include contributing to the death of a child, inflicting bodily injuries, failing to treat a life-threatening medical condition, and failure of a custodian to protect a child.
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Arizona Boys Ranch President Acknowledges Management Failures Following Resident's Death
Following the death of a 16-year-old resident at the Arizona Boys Ranch, the facility's president admitted to management and staff failures during an interview with Child Protective Services investigators. State regulators subsequently denied the facility's operating license due to documented patterns of abuse and neglect.
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State Denies License Renewal for Arizona Boys Ranch Following Investigation into Abuse Allegations and Resident Death
State officials denied a license renewal for Arizona Boys Ranch following an investigation into multiple violations of state law, including findings related to the death of a 16-year-old resident. The facility faced mounting legal scrutiny, criminal evaluations by the FBI and local authorities, and a significant drop in enrollment and funding as multiple states withdrew youth placements.
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Arizona Department of Economic Security Denies License to Boys Ranch Following Investigation into Resident's Death
Following the death of 15-year-old resident Nicholaus Contreraz at Arizona Boys Ranch, state officials announced the denial of the facility's operating license. A 4,000-page investigation by the Department of Economic Security detailed systemic abuse and medical neglect, resulting in referrals to law enforcement regarding 17 former staff members.
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Arizona moves against Boys Ranch
The Arizona Department of Economic Security cited repeated abuse and neglect at Arizona Boys Ranch, including actions by 17 employees that led to the death of a 16‑year‑old youth. Regulators denied the ranch’s license renewal and banned the implicated staff from other state programs. The ranch’s president defended the program while the state prepared to shut it down if reforms were not implemented.
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Arizona denies license to ‘boot camp’ after death Calif. teen died of ‘abuse, neglect’ at juvenile facility – Baltimore Sun
A five‑month investigation by the Arizona Department of Economic Security concluded that abuse and neglect contributed to the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz at the Arizona Boys Ranch. The state denied the facility a license to operate, citing a pattern of physical restraint, aggressive punishment, and inadequate medical care. Seventeen former staff members were placed on the Arizona Child Abuser Directory.
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State denies license renewal for Arizona Boys Ranch after youth death
State officials denied a license renewal for Arizona Boys Ranch after an investigation documented multiple violations and the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz. The Department of Economic Security cited a pattern of abuse and neglect, and the facility faces possible shutdown pending appeal.
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Arizona Boys Ranch Loses License | AP News
State investigators determined that employees at Arizona Boys Ranch abused and neglected 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz, leading to his death after forced exercise. The Arizona Department of Economic Security revoked the facility's license, noting that staff responsible were terminated or resigned.
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Arizona officials to let Boys Ranch license expire
Arizona officials announced that the Arizona Boys Ranch would not receive a new license, following a 4,000‑page investigation that uncovered allegations of staff misconduct and medical neglect. The decision came after the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz, who died of a lung infection while at the ranch. The agency will allow the license to expire, giving the ranch 30 days to address the findings before potential closure.
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California Attorney General to Assist in Investigation of Youth's Death at Arizona Facility
California Attorney General Dan Lungren announced plans to assist an understaffed Arizona prosecutor in investigating the death of a Sacramento youth at the Arizona Boys Ranch. The criminal probe involves multiple challenges, including locating witnesses who have returned to California and examining broader allegations of institutional abuse dating back to 1994.
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The Sacramento Bee: Who's Guarding the Kids? Foster-care reforms go to Wilson
California lawmakers approved comprehensive legislation reforming oversight of in-state group homes and out-of-external reform programs following investigative reports detailing widespread abuse and regulatory failures. The legislative package establishes mandatory state certification for out-of-state facilities, increased background checks, and heightened reporting standards. The reforms follow investigations prompted by the death of a 16-year-old youth at an out-of-state facility due to an undiagnosed infection following physical exertion.
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Arizona Boys Ranch death investigation and request for California AG assistance
The Pinal County Attorney requested assistance from California Attorney General Dan Lungren to investigate the March 3 death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz at the Arizona Boys Ranch camp. The investigation faces resource constraints, and officials seek additional support to interview other youths present at the facility.
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Investigative report by the California Department of Social Services into the death of Nicholaus Contreraz at Arizona Boys Ranch
An investigative report by the California Department of Social Services details the events surrounding the death of a youth at Arizona Boys Ranch. Documentation indicates that staff ignored signs of severe illness, denied restroom access, subjected him to forced physical exertion, and used physical restraints prior to his death.
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Boys at Arizona Ranch Allowed to Stay / State can't halt funding, judge rules
A San Mateo County judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring the state to continue funding for 14 boys placed at the Arizona Boys Ranch, despite a state report documenting physical and psychological abuse and the death of a resident. County officials argue the facility remains safe and meets the youths' needs, while the state Department of Social Services seeks to end its payments.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? Youth camp probe urged: House members call on GAO
Six Democratic members of Congress requested a General Accounting Office investigation into the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz at the Arizona Boys Ranch and broader oversight of out‑of‑state placement programs. The request follows multiple state and federal investigations into alleged mistreatment, physical and mental abuse, and medical neglect at the facility.
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Federal probe into death of 16‑year‑old at Arizona Boys Ranch
The article reports that the U.S. Justice Department has launched a criminal probe into the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz at the Arizona Boys Ranch. The investigation follows a state inquiry that identified medical neglect and abusive treatment as contributing factors, leading to a funding freeze for California youths in the program. The piece also describes protests by parents and ongoing licensing and oversight inquiries.
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The Sacramento Bee: Who's Guarding the Kids? Lungren is asked to look into death at boys ranch: Arizona authorities' investigation stalled
Following the death of a 16-year-old Sacramento resident at the Arizona Boys Ranch, a California congressman requested that the state attorney general intervene due to delays in the local criminal investigation. Investigations by California and Arizona agencies identified mistreatment, abuse, and medical neglect at the facility, prompting California to halt funding for youth placements.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? Lawmaker urges youth ranch alternatives: Opposes sending young offenders out of state
California lawmakers are calling for an end to sending juvenile offenders to out‑of‑state ranch programs after the death of a 16‑year‑old at Arizona Boys Ranch. The state is reviewing oversight and licensing standards for such facilities and seeking alternatives that keep youths within California. The move follows an investigative report that criticized the ranch’s use of physical force and humiliating discipline.
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Inquiry Finds Abuse At Correction Camp
An investigation by California authorities found that staff at the Arizona Boys Ranch used excessive physical restraint and failed to recognize a serious lung infection in a 16-year-old resident, leading to his death. The report cited widespread mistreatment and prompted the state to stop funding placements at the camp.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? Abuses at ranch detailed: State's report rips Arizona boys facility
A California Department of Social Services investigation found that staff at Arizona Boys Ranch engaged in physical restraint, humiliating punishments, and medical neglect, contributing to the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz. The report criticized the ranch’s hiring and training practices, leading to the closure of the facility and the withdrawal of state funding for placements. The findings also prompted broader scrutiny of California’s use of out‑of‑state juvenile programs.
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California Halts Funding for Arizona Boys Ranch Following Investigation into Youth's Death
California officials announced the cessation of state funding for placements at the Arizona Boys Ranch following an investigation into the March 2 death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz. State reports cited widespread excessive physical restraint, medical neglect, and abusive treatment by facility staff, prompting legislative proposals for increased oversight of out-of-state youth programs.
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ARIZONA BOYS RANCH INVESTIGATION COMPLETE--Department of Social Services Makes Decisions on Funding
Following an investigation into the death of Nicholaus Contreraz, the California Department of Social Services determined that medical neglect and physical abuse contributed to the fatality. The review found widespread excessive use of physical restraint and hands-on confrontations by staff, leading the state to suspend foster care funding and placements.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? New blast at camps for youths; Probe sending offenders out of state
In July 1998, U.S. Representative George Miller called for federal and state investigations into California's policy of placing troubled youth in out-of-state facilities, characterizing the practice as state-supported child abuse due to inadequate oversight and differing regulatory standards. The scrutiny followed media reports detailing safety concerns and the death of a 16-year-old youth at an Arizona facility, prompting state lawmakers to evaluate potential reforms to the youth placement system.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? Oversight of other states is urged
California lawmakers and officials expressed concern over the lack of oversight for youths placed in out‑of‑state reform programs. A Senate bill would require California to inspect and license such facilities and mandate reporting of abuse allegations. The investigation highlighted the use of physical force in some programs and the death of a California youth at Arizona Boys Ranch.
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Who's Guarding the Kids? Some counties keep young offenders close to home: The catch -- all costs are borne locally
The article reports on California counties that retain juvenile offenders in state-run or county-run facilities rather than sending them to out‑of‑state programs. It details the financial and policy decisions that enable local programs, the use of probation and day‑treatment services, and the controversies surrounding the transportation of youths to private facilities in other states. The piece highlights the death of a 16‑year‑old in an out‑of‑state program and the subsequent policy debates.
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Comparative Analysis of Juvenile Rehabilitation Programs and Methods
An investigative report examines the differing operational methods and philosophies of private youth facilities and juvenile delinquency programs housing California youth. The article highlights various approaches to rehabilitation, ranging from peer pressure and strict orientation phases to therapeutic models and independent living programs, while raising questions regarding oversight and effectiveness.
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Oversight of youth-offender camps often falls short
An investigative report by The Bee highlights systemic failures in the oversight and licensing of out-of-state youth-offender facilities utilized by California. The investigation details instances of staff misconduct, sexual abuse, physical restraint violations, and child deaths occurring in facilities with minimal cross-state regulatory monitoring.
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Last Chance Ranch: Apology, tough line in wake of death
The article reports that the Arizona Boys Ranch president apologized for the death of 16‑year‑old Nicholaus Contreraz, who died from a lung infection while forced to perform push‑ups. Investigations revealed that Contreraz had been ill for weeks and was subjected to physical force and inadequate medical care. The ranch has faced multiple allegations of staff misconduct and safety violations, prompting regulatory scrutiny and calls for licensing review.
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Investigation Exposes Lack of Oversight and Pervasive Use of Physical Restraints in California's Out-of-State Youth Placements
An investigative report reveals that California relies heavily on out-of-state private juvenile programs with minimal state oversight or regulation. The investigation highlights widespread practices of physical restraint and forced exercise, and examines systemic issues surrounding juvenile placements following the death of a sixteen-year-old at an out-of-state facility.
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Investigation Summary--Investigation Of The Death Of A Nicholaus Contreraz At Arizona Boys Ranch And The Safety Of Children Remaining In That Placement Investigation Summary-- Investigation Of The Death Of A Nicholaus Contreraz At Arizona Boys Ranch And The Safety Of Children Remaining In That Placement
The California Department of Social Services investigated the death of Nicholaus Contreraz at Arizona Boys Ranch, finding prolonged medical neglect and abusive treatment. The investigation concluded that staff and administration failed to prevent or stop the abuse, and recommended a moratorium on new placements and removal of current California children. The report also called for assessment of all out‑of‑state facilities serving California children.
- Ron Ackert's letter of June 19, 1998 to Dr. Linda Blessing, Director, Arizona Department of Economic Security, regarding the killing of teenager Nicholaus Contraraz at Arizona Boys Ranch (1998-06-19)
- Dr. Christopher B. Cutter's letter of June 17, 1998 to the Los Angeles Times regarding the death of Nicholaus Contraraz at Arizona Boys Ranch (1998-06-17)
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1998 Investigation Details Circumstances Surrounding Teen's Death at Arizona Boys Ranch
A 16-year-old youth placed at the Arizona Boys Ranch died after contracting an undiagnosed, massive infection following weeks of physical punishment and alleged medical neglect by facility staff. State and county agencies subsequently launched investigations into the program's operations, its oversight, and the practice of shipping juvenile offenders to out-of-state facilities.
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Investigation Report: Death of Nicholaus Contreraz at Arizona Boys Ranch
Sheriff's department records detail the 1998 death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz at the Arizona Boys Ranch. Staff reported that Contreraz collapsed during physical training and exhibited medical distress, and medical examiners subsequently identified severe infections and physical injuries.
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Critique of Newspaper Reporting on Arizona Boys Ranch Resident Death
An investigative report revealed that a local newspaper published false allegations accusing Arizona Boys Ranch employees of responsibility for the death of a resident who died by drowning after leaving the facility. An independent investigation later concluded that the death was accidental and that reporters had distorted facts, omitted exonerating details, and manufactured quotes.
- Four terminated, widespread corrective action follows Duval Academy escapes
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Staff member speaks out after COVID-19 outbreak at Queen Creek boarding school
A staff member reported that a COVID-19 outbreak occurred at a boarding school in Queen Creek, Arizona, and described the facility's response and conditions for the residents. The report highlights concerns about health safety measures within the residential program.
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Staff member at southern Utah youth treatment center arrested on sexual abuse charges
A 22-year-old staff member at Lava Heights Academy was arrested and charged with multiple sexual offenses after two teenage survivors reported inappropriate contact that began during a truth-or-dare game. The alleged abuse occurred in the facility's bathrooms and dormitory between mid-September and October 2024, and the suspect is being held without bail pending further legal proceedings.
1 article about celebrities and viral stories
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Frank Kush's New Role at Arizona Boys Ranch
The article reports on former Arizona State football coach Frank Kush's appointment as executive administrator at Arizona Boys Ranch, a private residential agency for at‑risk youth, and his subsequent involvement with a nearby reform school. It recounts allegations of abuse and misconduct at the ranch, including physical restraint and harsh disciplinary practices, and references lawsuits and investigations by state authorities. The piece also highlights the experiences of former athletes who were impacted by Kush's coaching and the broader context of juvenile justice oversight.
Lawsuits
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Docket - Norris Academy (case no. 3:2013cv01320)
Plaintiff Robert Reich filed a complaint against Sequel School, LLC alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The case was filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on November 26, 2013. The complaint claims that the defendant failed to comply with wage and hour requirements. No specific facilities, staff, or other organizations are named in the filing. The plaintiff seeks relief for alleged labor law violations.
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Falcon Ridge Ranch, Inc., et al. v. Sequel Youth Services of Red Rock Canyon, LLC, et al.
Outcome: In the underlying AAA arbitration (No. 01-17-0005-9666), the arbitrator issued an Interim Award on March 2, 2020, and a Final Award on May 1, 2020, denying the Sequel buyers' claims, granting the sellers' counterclaim (a contingent payment of at least $3,118,445), and awarding the sellers $1,300,000 in fees and costs. The sellers filed this amended petition on May 11, 2020, asking the court to confirm the awards; the documents do not show the court's ruling.
Frank Habibian and the companies that sold Falcon Ridge Ranch, Red Rock Canyon School, Lava Heights Academy and Mount Pleasant Academy (the CARE Schools) to Sequel Youth Services in August 2016 asked a Utah state court in Washington County to confirm an arbitration award against the Sequel buyers; the amended petition is dated May 11, 2020. In the arbitration, Sequel sought indemnity for a June 2017 settlement of about $2.58 million it paid the United States and Nevada after self-reporting that the schools had paid referral fees for students covered by Nevada Medicaid. The arbitrator dismissed that claim because Sequel settled without notifying the sellers, found the sellers had been ignorant of the law rather than fraudulent, and ruled that Sequel breached the purchase agreement in how it ran the schools after the sale. This is a business dispute between a program's sellers and buyers, not an abuse case, but it documents the referral-fee practice and the Medicaid settlement. The documents do not show whether the court confirmed the award.
Business filings
This company's registrations with the states, as their business registers list them.
Rite of Passage, Inc.
Foreign profit corporation, document 19981223956, revoked. Colorado's record of it
- Principal address
- 1561 Hwy 395, Minden, NV, 89423
Filings since it was formed
- December 17, 1998: Application for Authority
- January 7, 2003: Amendment
Trade names it registered
- Kids at Play
Rite of Passage, Inc.
Foreign profit corporation, document 20031206139, good standing (last annual report 2026). Colorado's record of it
- Principal address
- 2560 Business Pkwy Ste A, Minden, NV, 89423
- Registered agent
- Rite of Passage, Inc.
Filings since it was formed
- June 25, 2003: Application for Authority
- March 25, 2004: Amendment
Rite of Passage, Inc.
Foreign profit corporation, document F16000004065, filed September 12, 2016, active (last annual report 2026). Federal employer number 88-0235002. Florida's record of it
- Principal address
- 2560 Business Pkwy, Ste A, Minden, NV, 89423
- Officers on file
- Ski J Broman, President
- Lawrence W Howell, Secretary
- Carolyn Jenkins-bower, Treasurer
- Registered agent
- Incorp Services, Inc.
Deaths on record
Young people who died at, or after being in, one of its programs.
- Unknown
Documents
Filed under its programs
53 documents across 9 programs: inspection reports, court records, clippings and more, each on its program page.
- Falcon Ridge Ranch
- Columbus Youth Academy
- Lava Heights Academy
- Timberline Academy
- Duval Academy
- Alachua Academy
- Palm Beach Youth Academy
- Norris Academy
- Pompano Youth Treatment Center
From SCIAD NET
7 documents about Rite of Passage, Inc. that Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. SCIAD NET keeps them on Google Drive, where they open.
Websites
A company's own website is linked as an archived snapshot, so the page reads as it did when it was captured.