Thursday, December 15, 2016

The Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center

The history of the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center in Farmingdale, NJ goes back to the early 1900's. Mr. Brisbane was a well respected newspaper editor and journalist. Born in Buffalo, New York, he spent his entire career digging up stories and telling them through various well known outlets. In 1907, he purchased the deserted land that was once the Howell Ironworks to build his new dream home.

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 He also built a tuberculosis hospital for children known as the "Howell Preventorium" In the 1920's, after construction on his home was finished, Mr. Brisbane began restoring the old ironworks which dated back to the 1800's. Upon his passing in 1936 the land was again disused, but in 1944 it was donated to the state of New Jersey and it became Allaire State Park


Though it was originally meant to house U.S. military veterans, the Brisbane mansion would instead undergo renovations to become a psychiatric hospital. In 1946, the children's unit of nearby Marlboro State Hospital moved to the facility which operated as a satellite campus. However. Just one year later, the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center became it's own separate entity. The new hospital was the first in the state specializing in the treatment of children with psychiatric issues.


The hospital origianlly operated mainly out of the mansion, but a large new school building was built in 1972. Not much else had been reported of the hospitals early history, but by the 1980's the state of adolescent psychiatric care in New Jersey was the subject of severe turmoil. In 1986, the Slocum V. Perselay litigation was filed, alleging the death of a minor at the Trenton facility stemmed from a culture of over-drugging and physical abuse rampant at developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals across the state. These patients, mostly children under the age of 18, were warehoused inside understaffed and overcrowded buildings. They were rarely allowed adequate time to recreate in fresh air, which only served to agitate the underlying conditions which brought them to treatment centers in the first place. The "State Plan for the Establishment of Regional Psychiatric Programs for Seriously Mentally Ill Children and Adolescents" designated the Brisbane Center as overflow for other nearby children's psych hospitals in 1987. The Brisbane Center now treated children ages 11 to 17 with "acute" psychiatric disorders. By 1988, the adolescent Unit at Trenton State Hospital closes, due to Slocum V. Perselay litigation.


In 1989, the Brisbane Center underwent a mandated evaluation. The results were depressing. Staff were observed intimidating patients on several occasions. Several children suffered injuries due to improperly implemented and outdated restraint devices and methods. The admissions ward, meant to hold 40 children, held roughly 80 in outdated conditions. There was no infirmary on the campus, only dormitories and a school. Patients were not separated based on the severity of their disorders, which led to a grim environment for those with mild disabilities. The separation of patients was not just a recommendation. It was a court order that was being blatantly ignored. Because of this, several violent altercations between patients were recorded. The overall consensus was that Brisbane should be closed like the unit in Trenton.


The formal recommendation to close the Brisbane Center came in 1990 by Dr. Robert M. Friedman. In addition to the list of complaints observed during the prior years evaluation, he described the hospital as not having an adequate layout for either a hospital or a group home type setting. He noted the state children's hospital system as being "over centralized and fragmented". He also pointed out that the conditions required to be met for admission were much more expensive to treat in home like settings, so the only option was to dump them in the terribly overcrowded hospitals. This contributed to many of the problems the hospitals were facing. The state admitted the issues with the facility and began their own management team for Brisbane..


A follow up investigation of the Brisbane Center in 1991 showed several areas of improvement. It seemed that the cries of advocates had not fallen on deaf ears. However, there were still several persistent problems as well. Brisbane was still responsible for both short term and long term care, on a campus that could barely support either properly. The hospital was still operating without a specific goal or mission. This contributed significantly to the mismanagement of the hospital.


The hospital was once again under fire in 1997, when an exit sign broke and leaked radioactive Tritium into a portion of the main building. The staff did not dispose of the sign properly, but rather threw it away with the regular medical waste, This was done intentionally despite frequent warnings from several veteran staff members. The director claimed that they were over budget on contamination cleanup and couldn't afford the proper disposal.


The rampant abuse projected on the patients at the hospital came to a head in the first few days of 1998, when a patient named Kelly Young was killed after being physically restrained by a staff member of the hospital. After making a phone call to a family member, Kelly became visibly upset. Nobody knows what was said on that phone call, but we do know this was the last time the family ever spoke to Kelly. After being denied another call, Kelly was even more upset. The head nurse left the room to get Kelly some medicine for menstrual cramps, and one of the two social workers had left to get dinner. This meant the only person available to try and calm Kelly down was a male social worker that was much larger than the young girl. He ordered Kelly to sit down, but in her emotional frenzy she was hesitant to do so. Instead of following the proper protocol, which involved calling for help and administering several methods of non violent intervention, Youth Worker Nelson Williams grabbed Kelly and immediately attempted to put her in the controversial "Basket Hold". He forced her to the ground, then dragged her back to the chair where she was sitting. Due to his sloppy execution of the hold, Kelly wasn't calming down, but rather struggling for her life. The second social worker returned, and he immediately called for backup. Before they could get there, however, Youth Worker Stoll grabbed the young girls legs while Nelson Williams restrained her. By the time backup arrived, Kelly had already lost so much oxygen during the struggle she began to turn blue. She was put on life support at a nearby hospital but was taken off and pronounced dead on January 5th, 1998. The staff was heavily criticized for ignoring proper protocol, but none of them were ever forced to be accountable for the murder. They even went so far as to tell the family that Kelly "choked on an object". The only thing that came of the incident was that Nelson Williams was fired several months later.


The "Basket Hold" was the go-to technique for forcing patients into compliance at Brisbane. The technique was supposed to be reserved for instances where the patient was an immediate harm to themselves or others around them. It was a last resort method for when all other measures failed. However, just a few years earlier, the facility was instructed to stop using mechanical restraints on the patients. Since the ban on mechanical restraints took away the staffs easiest option for control, the next easiest was forced submission through the basket hold. The State Department of Youth and Family Services received an influx of abuse reports from the facility in the late 1990's. Almost every instance was the result of the psychical restraint procedure applied by the staff. Even more chilling, it was observed on several occasions that the outbursts that landed the children in the basket hold were actually provoked by several staff members. They would bully the children, and then punish them for being upset by it.


Following the murder of Kelly Young, several changes were forced upon the small hospital. A new method of psychical restraint was mandated, called the "Handle & Care" hold. Staff was no longer, for any reason, allowed to use the basket hold. The staff was also no longer allowed to be verbally aggressive toward the patients. Finally, the hospital promised to hire over a dozen new workers, both orderlies and psychiatrists. However, the reports of abuse never completely went away. A few months after the Young incident a patient had their arm broken while being transported in the "Handle & Care" hold.


It wouldn't be long before the extensive deinstitutionalization movement occurring across the country would hit home for the troubled facility. The decision to close the Brisbane Center came about in the summer of 2004. It was acknowledged that although the center filled a critical need for the state, the staff refused to adapt the new mandates designed to keep patients safe and that the closure was in their best interests.


The Brisbane Center officially closed in 2005. The fourty patients that the center was still serving went to developmental centers and private home environments in some cases. The complex sat empty, but used as storage for a number of years. However, in late 2015, a news article ran about important files being left in an unsecured building on the property. This was a common practice in many vacant hospital buildings on the east coast. The abandoned Sanatorium in Passaic County had an entire forensic lab left behind, which included physical evidence and photos of hundreds of crimes. This was eventually all just tossed in a dumpster when the building was demolished. The Overbrook and Greystone hospitals also had record vaults with documents dating back to the 1800's.


The mansion was entirely destroyed by a fire on May 30th, 2020. Demolition equipment was brought in after the flames were extinguished to ensure there was nothing hazardous left standing. Considering this was the only historic building on the campus, as far as I'm concerned the Brisbane Center is gone. 


While Mr. Brisbane would probably feel great dismay towards the tragedy that enfolded on the property that was once his dream home, I can't help but feel that he wouldn't want these stories forgotten as they have been. He would want everybody to know about it. We can look back on the history of the Brisbane Center and use it to improve conditions at our current psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers so these types of incidents never repeat themselves.

212 comments:

  1. WooHoo banner day for me new postings!
    Sad story all too common in NJ where they seem to look for and find the worst of the worst of society to care for the least able to protect themselves.
    I was told once as a boy that this was on purpose to prevent them from abusing "normal" people by giving them victims no one cared about to abuse! Look up my postings in the Belleville Isolation Hospital on this site I posted a link to my story. It is mostly the fragments of memory that have returned as an adult since running in to a very similar bunch of scumbags where I live now out west.
    I hope those children can find justice and the peace that it can bring.

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    1. As always, thanks for the contribution. I too hope those subjected to terrible conditions in institutions can find peace. Not just here, but all across the country. As you know it's not an isolated issue.

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    2. I have a friend that was a patient there and we would like to get in touch with the writter of this article and like to have more written about this place. Tell stories, let me know its not over till these sick people are put ro justice for what they did to these children.
      Andrea Sutherlund
      Armynice@aol.com

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    3. Im still trying to get my life back together after spending 5 years there i just cry at the thought

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    5. Ms Sarah Mathews what year were u there I was a patient there from 1990 to 1993 it still horrible just thinking about it . I remember telling my parents about it and they didn't believe that could be possible the way the staff would treat us !!

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    6. Hello writer.. I would really like to get in touch with you if I could. I was a patient from Feb 98 to Feb 99.. it was a bad year.. please reach out to me!! dragonwarrior83@yahoo.com

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    7. I live there be for it was very nice place I don't no what happened I am very heat about this place I would love them to open it back up again I would love to tell my story about when I live there I really would I love that place I won't to really tell how it really was like living there not bad at all

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    8. I was there to Carmella I was there forever 1991 1996 ..

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    9. I was a 17 year old patient there. The facilities were pure SHIT. I remember the black man who drove the van for us go fired and arrested for abusing (child fondling) patients. Mrs. Jones was the main coordinated superior. She could have been the spokes woman for "soul glo". I remember she drove a Hyundai sonata. I hated her and if o ever saw her car, a rock was going through the window. I grew to like her, although she was still a bitch. I also remember a Mr irvington. He was cool. I was ther was there in 2001. I was in music class for the WTC collapse. I'll never forget that. They did let us watch It. All the patients had major issues. It was a bad year but the place led me to where I'm at now. Doing great.

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    10. I was a fellow Alum at that fine Institution. I was there only for 22 days back in I believe 86 or 87. I was released out of there after I reported the abuse I saw going on. Up until today I never really knew what happened over there. I knew that there was going to be a huge investigation and the place was getting shut down because of the validity of everything I spoke out about. It was horrible there. Counselors punching us kids. Them watching as fights broke out. One of the fights involved me getting ganged up on by a group of other older kids. I have my paperwork from there around here somewhere. Recently stumbled across-ed it because my mom held onto it and it was found while going through things because she recently passed. I remember one of the counselors named Mr Bumpkin if I'm correct. He seemed nice, but there was another guy that wasn't so nice.

      I vividly remember right before I got punched in my collarbone by that mean counselor, he hit this kid named Albert. For lack of a better term and since I'm old school and don't use the PC bullshit, Albert was retarded. I know it sounds harsh but mentally slow mentally disabled whatever term you like to use. Either way, it was wrong to see that happen. There is no damn excuse in the world the validated that poor kid whom I think was probably about my age around 11 to get hit because he was having an episode.

      I think I may have been a few days or maybe even a week before when a friend of mine in there named Nelson, and I really hope it's not the same one that was involved in that death that happened there. He ended up needing stitches in his head because of something that happened during a basketball game. I really don't know if he ever got proper treatment and would not be surprised if that didn't happen. All I could say about that place is that it was a pure hell hole. Definitely not a place that should have been around because nobody really cared about the welfare of the many kids that were sent there for whatever reason.

      All I know is I used to get into some trouble in school because I had problems dealing with some things that happened in life. I wasn't abused or anything at home and was relatively a good kid. I got sent there because my school counselor thought it was a good idea because at the time I was having a hard time coping with the death of some family members. So I had some emotional problems. I didn't realize until today that this was pretty much an insane asylum for kids. I knew all kinds of kids went there for different reasons, being abused at home, juvenile problems with the law, and Etc.

      I will have to dig out my paperwork which I was trying to find before commenting on this. I either have it here or it may still be over at my mom's house. I know I saw the paperwork as recently as a week ago. I believe it was referring to my discharge and for the investigation that was going to happen soon after my release. I really haven't spoke about this stuff tell anyone, especially publicly. Basically the only thing that I gained out of that experience there was to keep my ass out of trouble.

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    11. well as we speak its burning to the ground.

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    12. I was a ward of the state and sent to Trenton's adolescent unit where there was a death of a boy that was prone to seizures being left alone in a bathtub had a seizure and drowned.they close the units and sent everybody to Arthur Brisbane I was at Trenton from late December 86 till February to 87 thep staff was abusive. If someone was having a bad moment you would be hog-tied and tied your bed with Ace bandages, t(4 staff members held the kid down tied both arms and legs with the Ace bandages and carrier to your bed holding the Ace bandages allowing alone, then to the bed). My first day on the unit a girl that had down syndrome was pushed through the outside door and throwing across the room, the staff was mad the she tried to runaway from them. When my friend was attacked in the cafeteria by two other girls, staff grabbed my friend and had her in a head lock, I was trying to tell her that I would make sure nothing would happen to her by the other girls, and I turned around to see that the other girl was about to attack, I pushed her back and she was grabbed by staff, and it was over. My counselor said they were having a meeting to see if I needed to be tied to the bed and not go home for good. I was leaving in two weeks by court order. Till this day I have nightmares of that place, some soaps at hospital's take me right back to Hell.

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    13. I was there from 76-78.

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    15. I was at Arther Brisbane child treatment center in the 1970s to the 1980s then they put me in Trenton psychiatric hospital then when I was 17 they sent me to Ancora Psychiatric hospital I was 20 so from a very young age until a was 25 I was institutionalized it really messed me up my foster family just tossed me away like I was nothing

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    16. The boy that drowned in the tub was named Edwin pagan I remember him a small very hyper kid I was there when that happened the staff member left him alone to hook up a VCR so we could watch a movie and the boy drowned in the tub they gave him CPR but he was already gone

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  2. I very much appreciate the kind words. As it stands this is probably the story I've most wanted to tell, as the incidents that occurred should never be forgotten. I actually wrote this article last year, but held off on posting it because I didn't want the building to get vandalized. It happened recently anyway though, so I figured it was time.

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  3. Thank you very much for this article . It was well written. I was a there from 81-83. I was there only due to neglect and abuse at home. The things that I experienced and witnessed there was pure evil.

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    1. I was there when it was for children only 1985 I went back when I was 11 I stayed to 1996 Carmella white

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    2. Call me please. 732-484-3644. I was in Turell, right behind Brisbane, was made to work for a $1 a day in Marlboro State Hospital for over 8 hrs a day, went to the gym at Brisbane until I saw a staff member abusing a young boy.

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    3. Carmella White? I was in Brisbane with a Carmella White 95’ 96’ Two Trenton girls. . Her and I didn’t get along for the most part. Got in several altercations . I still have the scars on my ears from one fight in which my ear rings got ripped out lol. But honestly, I often think about the patients that we’re there when I was. Wondering if they have done well in life and have overcome whatever horrible circumstances that placed them there at that horror house. Carmella White, if it’s the same female I’m thinking of, I hope and pray you have done well for yourself and are living a good happy life. And that goes for anyone who was a patient there.

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    4. I was sent to Arthur Brisbane 1986 till 1995 I was mentally physically sexually emotionally abuse by male staff in female staff I was six's years old when I first got restrained and one of the female staff named Kiko Gilmore was bending my foot until it broke when I will get upset the staff was string me and put knees in my back and it would hurt I will cry and see your hurt and I will also stay I couldn't breathe and they will say if you can talk you can breathe I have witness one of the staff restrain a female patient and she was hollering and screaming saying you're hurting my arm and I could remember the sound of her arm cracking because I'm always broke they will cover up a lot of incidents of abuse because the staff will take up for each other we were placed there because we had behavior problems not necessarily mental health problems but the state didn't care as long as they were getting paid he didn't care what was going on why we were placed there I remember being sexually abuse by one of the male staff and when I told I was harassed buy a officer they came to investigate as I grew up I didn't understand why was there police officer being so mean to me and why I didn't have no adult around when I being interrogated interrogated and asking questions I have also witness the staff being mean to a deaf girl there and I couldn't understand that I really don't understand why did they had me three so long I would act up because the staff didn't care about us they was only there for a pay check I still don't understand why child protective services didn't do any about so many other children there being abuse is so much other things and so many names that I can call out but I'm not because they know who they are ik every female and male staff names that were there and I hope to God that they pay for what they done to me and others if any one else was there at the time I was there please feel free to call me 6099923128 my name is shatia boxley

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    5. What is boxley I remember you well, and Carmella white I believe she had some sort of burn marking on her skin, tyeisha Harper, Batina Drew and so many others I remember. I also remember being a frequent target of black staff and residents for being one of those pretty black girls who didn't act "black enough"

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    6. Please email me with your stories. I will explain when/if you email me.

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    7. oops...

      elcoppo@comcast.net

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    8. I was a there with Shatia Boxley and Carmella, I was in cottage A where is spent months as a pre-teen and in Phoebe’s Place from 15-16 years old. I was a resident of Phoebe’s Place which was located upstairs from MH clients where Kelly Young was a resident at the time. Yes, I was a resident at the time when Kelly was taken from her family. We the children were exposed to worse treatment at ABCTC than some of us had seen in the lives that the State of NJ removed us from. Not all the staff were bad people, there were staff suffering with substance addictions as well as anger issues. Some male staff allowed the temptation of being around young girls; get the best of them and some male staff rotated female staff at the leisure. Women staff came to work angry due to circumstances within their home lives and the reality of dating within the employee pool and some came to work with the “I wish someone would” attitude.
      Upon admission, you are introduced to Dr. Binkowski; whom immediately prescribes high doses of adult psychotropic medications to children he has only met for a period of 5 minutes; at the most. Then you are assigned a unit based on your level of prescription needs; basically, if the choose to render you a catatonic, you are placed in Main House (MH), or you are sent to the Cottages (A or B). New ari Al’s must grab a mat and sleep on the floor until someone is discharged and a bed is available, these mats are cleaned weekly by the resident who are charged with a full house cleaning on Saturday. Everyone caught foot fungus from the showers and male staff often were present upstairs on the living quarters floor. We received 3 meals daily and limited education, teachers were often seat filler more than educators. The Cottages had deadbolt locks on the doors which we know today is a fire hazard and we had to beg “which never really worked” to go out and breathe fresh air and play like the children we were. Staff were taught to restrain us as a first resort, this meant the staff member/s would slam you to the floor; face up or down, crossing your arms across your upper body, close to the neck area and the staff would sit behind you on the floor, hold both arms tight behind you and wrapped their legs around you. Another staff then come and holds both of your legs, you are often unable to breathe and they often poke fun at you losing breath. So many of us have plead for our lives that we were conditioned to not back-talk staff as this could send them into a rage and we would pay the consequences, then after being rendered breathless, they write up the account in their favor. We were children, those who are meant to be seen and not heard, such small voices being overshadowed by adult voices. I have seen so many of Phoebe’s Place residential residents who were all 16 and above, not being adopted or returned home, those to age out of care; left mentally and spiritually broken. I have seen them show up in Covenant Houses in NYC and NJ and some living within city parks. I too am still dealing with demons I faced at the hands of those who were hired and sanctioned to protect me. NJ had never answered for any of this. If you would like to know what happened, I was a resident there twice, I have spent over 5 years at ABCTC.
      I was able to go to college become a Social Worker and have spent countless years being a voice. But the demons of my past still prevent me from trusting, believing, sleeping, loving and having healthy relationships.

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    9. i was there at abctc i was the girl who slashed her arm up with a razor in the girls cottage . i was maxed out of there by the age of 18 .. i have so much to say but not saying much now ..if anyone wants to talk im here at juliaellis85@gmail.com
      julia long

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  4. Me and some friends got into Brisbane and yes there are files stored in the main building. We all grabbed some and got out. Wont be going back due to some of the stuff written in the files. Place sounds terrible wasn;t aware how serious this was

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  5. I was a patient at Brisbane as a child. Glad it's closed.

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  7. Hi. I was a patient at ABCTC from 95-96. I was 15 years old I witnessed alot of physical as well as emotional abuse coming from the so called staff members as well as I was physically and emotional abused. Thinking back to when I went there till this day makes my stomach knot up. It was a horrible place. Most of the staff was very nasty towards us as patients. They would intentionally do things or say things to get us upset. I witnessed one girl who I was housed with get thrown down the stairs in A building. A few weeks later the same happened to me. I was upset so I went up to my room. Well you were not allowed up stairs during the day. So two staff members, Mr. Williams and Ms. Atkins came up stairs after me. I explained I was upset. But they insisted I go back down stairs. Do I began to walk towards the steps to go down. Well Mr Williams had my one are and Ms. Atkins had my other. Just as I was to go down the steps Mr.Williams gave me a shove and literally went flying down the steps. I began crying and they both accused me of throwing myself down the steps. I immediately went to the nurses station. I told her I wanted to call 911 and I can tell she knew what transpired but saw the fear in her eyes. But nothing ever became of that. This facility was absolutely a place of horror. And my heart goes out to all the children who suffered through this

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    1. i was there twice almost 3 yr total i was bad they use to beat me all the time i wish i cuda been more successful in my life but im not only thing i learned os to stay away from cops but now at 35 im left wit all the problems i have some times i wish i had leople to talk to people that were there and wojld understand me not sum doc that dont k ow sht god bless

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    2. Hello,
      I was in ABCTC 84-86 on two occasions. It was terrible then and heartbreaking to hear all these stories. If anyone who used to go here wants to talk my email is chokeltaylor60172@gmail.com . Who had Dr. Musikoff as a therapist?

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    3. Where can I find comment I didn't finish writing?

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  15. My mom used to work there. So did my dad but he worked for human services police. And my mom was in the building hands on. I often wonder if she was apart of the abuse because I've heard so much of it. Always wanted to find someone and ask if they recall her.

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  16. What was your experience with the teachers and staff running the school?

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    2. I remember being paid $0.07 putting together sets of 20 Jagermeister cards as part of the class. Obviously exposing us to other things instead of learning the important things. We were slaves. If we didn't do what we were told we were restrained either by the basket hold or bye four five six point restraints and injected with medicine. School was year round and mandatory. They had this system of Junior one, Junior to, intermediate 3, 2, 1 and Senior two, one. Each rank up allowed you different privileges and allowed other kids to hold rank over the Lesser kids and allowing those seen your kids to determine punishment such as being locked in a room, or be forced to sit in a locker 4 hours on end. If you refused you would be restrained and once again injected to calm down.

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    3. The only one who believed me was bonnie tyler my teacher there

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    4. Loved Bonnie Tyler! She was a diamond in that hell hole for sure! I spent three years at Brisbane. People like Ms. Tyler brought hope into an otherwise hopeless situation.

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  17. I was at abctc in 1998 to 1999 it was horrible luckily I was heavily medicated with thorozine. I Remember being in the boys cottage and later on being transferred to a co-ed dorm

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    2. I tried calling this number but it goes to this strange this thing with no voicemail please contact I have plenty to tell

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    3. I was on Thorazine then Millaril. After a year they told me I didn't need it anymore. From 76-78 the place was not that bad. We had baseball team, soccer and basketball team. A fishing pond, it was cool. I never saw abuse in my two years there. By the way, our teams were called the Brisbane Braves.

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    4. Thorazine in liquid form, I think everyone was on the same meds, I would always joke about it saying that they must of bought in bulk. all I did was sleep all the time and I couldn't see my school work paper, when I said something about it all I was told was that I was lying about it.

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    5. If you were there from76 to 78 there’s a very good chance we know each other it wasn’t locked at that time and it was a little later they started the points system where they gave you these cards and punched them and you could rank up junior or intermediate and senior level the higher the lever the more you could do

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  19. First and foremost, I feel sorry for the victims and my heart truly goes out to them in continued recovery and justice. But I do not feel sorry for anyone who has vandalized this site in the past three years alone and does not speak the truth about the site. It's a shame that this facility ever became a Child Treatment Center - PERIOD. That is NOT what it was originally donated for. Now it has such a negative connotation associated with it, something the Brisbane family is also likely a victim of. Moreover, the site has been utterly vandalized and destroyed in the past three years as a result of those "curious" to see "what's left." The house was gorgeous at one time. Look at it now in these pictures, compared to the black and white photo on top. If your grandfather donated 1,200 acres to the State for FREE, including your ancestral home so it could become part of something good, how would you feel? The State of New Jersey should be ashamed of itself on multiple levels. If it wasn't for Arthur Brisbane we would not have Allaire State Park or The Historic Village at Allaire. He was a philanthropist and editor who greatly impacted American history during his life time. He wrote about and championed for a "better society" in early 20th century America. He and his wife, Phoebe, have to be turning over in their graves over the nightmare that has become of their GIFT. The land that the Brisbane's donated at Allaire - in totality - is priceless. Lastly, please credit the source of the original black and white photograph accordingly. Its too bad that Arthur Brisbane wasn't able to donate his land-holdings at Allaire to the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE as he was trying to do through his friend Franklin D. Roosevelt. For those affected, I pray for your well-being and that you find peace and justice.

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    1. Apologies, the "Source" is credited via the link. I missed that. My bad. Sorry!!!

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  20. Do you recall names of any of the school personnel who used these techniques? There are teachers and other school personnel from brisbane still working in the state system

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    3. Im looking for a woman named sara orman i think is her last name and a woman named debbie parker.. They were two good people who were badly hurt and i always think about them.. I wonder if they are ok

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  21. Being forced to be medicated with heavy anti phycotics like mylirill,haldol,thorazine etc..along with the constant bullying,intimidating , fear environment, blocks of time are simply erased from memory, but I remember Williams, Atkins, I remember a mr.holland or hollis..he always wore different Adidas and a kango..pretty big guy..but I remember him in the cottages around 86,87 time frame. Horrible, nightmare place. We were throw away kids and the state allowed its sanctioned torture with a blind eye.

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    1. I am sorry you sufferred. You were a child in need. Should have never happened. I do not know the names you mentioned.

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    3. Damon I believe the dude that you described with the Adidas it was a big dude in the cottage was the abusive guy that I remember. I think he wore that kind of clothing, tracksuit Style. Sounds like the same guy that I seen hit some of the other kids along with myself. We were probably there at the same time but I don't recall which Cottage or what not I was in

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    4. Mr Wynn?? Or mr. Williams always wore track suits..that place was a terror.. Thinking about it makes u wanna cry..

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  22. I do not think any child that was there came out unscathed during that time. I really wish more would come forward. These stories need to be told. The atrocities are countless.

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    1. Yes mr Williams used to beat kids up he was in cottage A with mr Wynn . I was in cottage B with mr cris hill and Shannon hill and mr carry Williams I was there 84 to 85 back end of 85 to 86

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    2. Yes mr Williams used to beat kids up he was in cottage A with mr Wynn . I was in cottage B with mr cris hill and Shannon hill and mr carry Williams I was there 84 to 85 back end of 85 to 86

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    3. My Mother filed a lawsuit in 1989. I ended up pregnant, but was so medicated that, as a 14 year old, I didn't understand or know and it wasn't until my Mother had a pregnancy test done and it was too late. I was 6 months pregnant. All along doctor's were telling my Mother and Father it was the Thorzine making me gain weight.

      But I thank God for blessing me with a now brilliant, handsome, family oriented man. He's 32, married for 10 years and has given me the most Gorgeous Grandchildren.

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  23. I was also a victim of Brisbane concentration camp my have been nothing but chaos and mental anguish since the ambulance dropped me off in the middle of the night march 17Th 1986 I was 8 years old. My name is Rasheedah McQUeen and I served 2 terms in that hell hole

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  25. Well written and expressed Brian I am the parent of Rasheedah McQueen thank you for stepping up also thank you for serving!

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  26. I was there late 93 until 18th birthday of feb94; i came from jamesburg juv prison; n i gotta tell ya i had a wonderful time there.. xmas there was presents under the tree for all of us; i was only allowed to go certain plces 4 fear of me running alway but i was allowed to go to the gymnasium with others to play basketball went 2 school there.. i was probably 2 of the only white kids in the cottage but got along with everyone there.. i only really remember 1 Counsler Mr T we called him.. i believe i was in cottage b.. i cant remember; but counselors wasnt bad at all 4 me or with anyone else 4 that matter from what i can recall.. there was maybe a couple times i seen a kick in the balls a patient might get but trust me was seldom it happened n most of the times kids did something to deserve it...I loved that place was much better then jail. wish i could find some of the kids i was in there with....

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    1. ur name nor ur face doesnt ring a bell.. what cottage were u in?

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    2. I too was there during 96-98.

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    3. Sara were you in cottage A in 98 99

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    1. Yo buddy slow up. i said 4 me it was great.. I had no clue people were being raped n beaten like ur saying. im only going by my experience in there. U r right it was def better then Jamesburg.. but even if i did know all that happened in that place What am i suppose to do Lie n say i was beaten there? I didnt see any body getting beaten and just so u know the kid that got kicked in the nutz was laughing afterwards.. never said it was Right but he did have it coming n he knew it. Not every staff member was Bad n not everyone was good. Maybe just maybe if they would of gotten the Bad seeds out n kept the good 1s in they could of saved that place. I say i was there for maybe 5 months there's alot of other cottages right? so maybe i was in a cottage with good staff. I dont no who was putting gifts under that tree but it sure was nice to see things under it. im trying to be as nice as i can beings what u just wrote makes me feel like i should of been alittle more sentimental to other people.. 4 that i DO Apologize to the Victoms. But Ill SAY IT AGAIN IN CAPS LOCKS FOR MR RETIRED POLICE OFFICER/FEDERAL AGENT/WHATEVER ELSE U CLAIM 2 BE! "4 THE STAFF THAT TRULY CARED AND HELP ME THANK U!" don't ever try n judge me for being honest i told u my experience. Sarah Matthews if u were in 1 of them cottages i said n went to the gym at nite rac.. im sure i bumped into u there.. but looking at ur picture ur face doesnt ring a bell nor does ur name how old were u at that time? maybe u were younger then i was n in a different cabin.got to remember it has been about 24yrs..

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    3. You are the most narssictic person I have ever seen on the Internet. GET OVER YOURSELF!

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    4. thank u Anonymous.. holy sheep shit Mr Brian Dean!i'll say it again I apologize to the people that was mistreated in Brisbane. but u Sir have a real Authority Problem. Thank you for ur services greatly Appreciate them. N thanks 4 showing ur true colors as to a person who def got into alot of trouble but def was in Brisbane for good reasons.. but Um on that note wont be sharing them with this asshole.. Wait! i mean "Mr important!" I hope everyone who was effected by all this can heal the best they can even U Mr Dean.. "I think u need it the most" Mr. Skull n bones. what the hell does that tell you about this guy.. Really! I say ur apart of some serious shit there dont u think? https://youtu.be/DD-JttocUzk

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    5. For Mr Dean
      Symptoms

      Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. People with the disorder can:

      Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance
      Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration
      Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
      Exaggerate achievements and talents
      Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate
      Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people
      Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior
      Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations
      Take advantage of others to get what they want
      Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
      Be envious of others and believe others envy them
      Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious
      Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office

      At the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:

      Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special treatment
      Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted
      React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior
      Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior
      Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change
      Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection
      Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation

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    6. MR Dean? I apologize if i offended u or belittled u def was not my intentions.

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  28. What's going on at Arthur Brisbane today October 24, 2017 I just saw about 20 cars waiting at the gate at 5:30 in the morning

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    2. The military had a base on the otherside by the tennis court

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    3. I was there also I was placed in basket holds until I couldn't breathe and my hair was pulled they had me over medicated and when the judge and dyfs came to a court hearing that was held for us they ordered the facility to adjust the dosage so I would be alert it was the worst Kelly was killed a couple months after I left I would not have wished ABCTC on anyone who was in need of help

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    4. I was there 1959/1964, has there been any class actions, against this institution, if yes what was the outcome, it was not a very good experience,for myself, actually it was a very traumatic period of my life

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    5. I was there in 1959/1960. Back then it was dr lussier in charge of the facility. I never had any problems there, lived in cottage B, pitched for the baseball team they had and left there in July 1960. I still remember some of the councellers that were there at the time. Mr handily, who unfortunately died in a car accident while I was there was one of my favorites There also was a mr saville, and a British guy named mr denim, who would say bloody this and that when pissed. There also was a mrs ziegler who was in charge at the main building. I doubt if anyone reading this goes as far back as I do, I was 11 at the time, but I still remember some of the other kids names who were there with me. Teddy gurka, Danny soles, Bruce rue. Oh well, if you read this and want to respond. Email me waynek9148@aol.com

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  29. I remember that day they called ms.Bailey to hush us on the unit up and Ray gamolidy had us on unit lock i saw my room in those pics

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  30. https://youtu.be/Z8xTgIIPR1o youtube vid inside n out

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  31. Anybody remember a Mr Sable in the mid 1970 that did some of the abuse?

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    1. Hello do you still have those Files ?

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    2. I rember a black guy there that was in cottage b that broke kid wrist and arms bending them back

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    3. I was there from 75-77. I was the catcher for the baseball team. The only name I remember is a social worker named Mr. Borgatis.

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  32. Jimmy "The Peckery ", are you out there? RN

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  33. I was on the coed unit a few months fro. 97 and 98 with kelly. I wouldn't call myself a friend though I tried to look out for some of my peers who couldn't control themselves. I was 14 and learned real quick what staff were about and the so called nice staff where those who treated you like some form of a person. This place, meant to help did thr opposite. Staff would force us in our chairs and put shows like the price is right and if people spoke or got up without permission the quiet room visible in the next section was used as a power source regularly. One girl constantly undressed herself. Staff saw me as someone who could help and would have me try and get her clothes on. Otherwise she was always in that stupid room. Maria. I remember. Ms. Atkins. Nurse William.nurse Renee I remember so many staff members. Few stood up for what was right for us kids. I often wonder what has happened to people I've met there. I still have my goodbyebook. I hope everyone has learned to heal and move forward with their lives. Kelly's passing was a tradedy. I was on visit but I blamed myself for not being their to intervene. I do remember talk when I returned and they tried to couch this lifesaver story to us. Disgusting. Anyone around that time want to contact me it's allieluvslaila2014@gmail.com

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    1. I was there and remember her. My name was Liz Golinski at the time I am missing huge chunks of memory please tell me if you remember me.

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  34. I was there in 1975 and 1976. Mr Ricchitti was running the facility. Perry Neare was one of our counsellers. I believe he is a psychologist locally. I was 10 at the time and never saw or received any abuse. The schooling was so good I actually came out of there a grade ahead of where I should have been. We went on a lot of field trips and fished and sledded. It was an wake up call for me and my extremely bad behaviour. It was necessary for me and wouldn't have what I do today without it.

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    1. me, 73-75 AND I remember you Ken. Group 2. I have a soccer team photo with us in it. Stephenson/Lane were coaches. I have been in contact with a few people. You would remember me. Mr Near always made us run for punishment.

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    2. Please contact me, I would love to get a copy of that soccer picture.

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    3. I was also there during those years. I stayed in cottage B

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  35. I was a patient at ABCTC from 94-95 and was heavily medicated and experienced tremendous amount of physical as well as mental abuse. I remember always struggling to stay awake from all the thorazine and other meds I was being given. I remember the staff constantly yelling, pushing, or hitting me to wake me up. I was there for severe depression and several suicide attempts, but I left in worse condition than I arrived in. As a young adult I was given ECT treatments to try to help block the flashbacks and nightmares I had from that place.

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  36. Was there from 98-99 co Ed dorm

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  37. I was there when I was in my teens they had a dance there at the main house I ended up kissing a girl at it and I was forcfully removed from the dance taken back to the boys cottage and the staff beat my ass in the bathroom then gave me a shot of thorzine knowing I was allergic to it I remember being threatened everyday by the staff the only good thing about the place was the music class at the school and the work shop that paid u 25 cents for every rubber grommet u turned right side In I hated that place they refused to let my family visit and refused to let me make calls to my family

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  38. Ken, I remember Mr Neare and Mr Richetti, Mr Kauffman and Mr Greenly, Miss Sullivan and Dr Ivey, Mr Morton and Mr Luker

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    1. Hi Dave. Funny how we still look for this place from our past.
      JoeCr

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    2. Remember Morton's dog, Sam?
      How about Mr. Roach, Ms. Harvey and Ms. Cummings?

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    3. Dave Cohen and Joey Cris...
      Group 2
      I thought it was a good experience.

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  39. I was a patient in this facility back in 1984. Extremely weird and spooky 2 year experience.

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  40. I was here along time ago was 11 to 12 years of age and yes alot of bad memory happen here was also abuse I can't believe alot of this went on most of the time I was so druged up I don't rember some things but I bet if I was hypnotize I would rember this is sad to here.

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    1. me too I am missing huge chunks of memory please tell me if you remember me Liz Golinski i was there 95-98 i believe

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  41. Don't know if any one rembers the group home that was called Phoebe's place on Brisbane grounds

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    1. My name Melissa that place was crazy Erica hi you hit me why God bless you

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    2. Yes, I was a resident

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    3. Melissa what year were you at Brisbane? I knew a Melissa there in 2001

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  42. I rember the rubber boots we worked on as a job

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  43. Replies
    1. I remember her. From Main House 3?

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    2. I liked ms gandy.. I remember when she put on that fashion show for us and we all had to get on stage and than we performed a Destiny childs song..

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    3. I liked ms gandy.. I remember when she put on that fashion show for us and we all had to get on stage and than we performed a Destiny childs song..

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    4. @Erikadrakeford:
      You were at ABCTC when I was there.
      We did a fashion show and we were on the Cheerleading Squad for the Brisbane Braves.
      Please contact me

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  44. i was also a paitent there in 1985 i was beaten abused injured restrained drugged up had a piece of it all i recieved no help or treatments there then i was put into trenton phyc hospital same treatment beated restrained abused drugged up is there a lawyer that will take a law suit agunst the hospitals

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    1. I was there in 85 too wali parker

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    2. I think I remember you from Trenton phyc hospital

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  45. Your parents worked there? Was it ms burns but her husband used a different last name but he had dreads or mrs. Ghandi?? Ghandi was great burns was a bitch and she punched me in the face because i punched a girl named mellisa..i dont kno why i punched her but i did..

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  46. So I was there when Kelly young died. I do remember that, but what I find strange is that I have little to no other memories of that place. I remember being punched one time because I didnt want to eat. but thats it. my name was Liz Golinski, if anyone remembers me please reply.

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  47. Wow so many people... I was also a member of the twisted fraternity of those forced to live in less then human conditions. I was there twice. Once as a child for a year (82) and then thrown back into the system in my early teens.(85) I remember both times quite vividly. It's sad how much we all had to endure and experience for the sake of some staff members demented entertainment. I hope you all have learned to cope and live life in great ways. Stay fierce and fabulous.

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    1. For those who didn't have bad experiences then count yourself blessed. The Only staff member who's name I remember was an African American Male counselor named Mr. White.

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    2. I remember you a lil bit im wali parker

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  48. I was there too as a young teen but like many of you i don't remember much but i do remember a girl name Janice Drake my name is Janice Gomez

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    1. I just hope you managed to avoid the hell many of us had to face. It was over 30yrs ago for me and though names had faded, faces and fears never did. I wish you all the best in the world and hope all is well

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  49. who was there in 93?

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  50. I was a "patient" at Brisbane from 1974 until 1978. The buildings and grounds were a lot nicer then, but the same issues with the staff were going on.

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    1. I WAS THERE 73&74.like the last guy said,the grounds where KEPT up, the pool was filled in the summer,fishing was good,sports program where we played other schools.BEING MOLESTED BY MR.SABOL.MAN THAT DUDE HAD HIS WAY WITH ME LIKE FOR AN HOUR.I was black&blue from my a** CHEEKS all the DOWN my legs.WHATS F UP.IT WAS REPORTED BY ANOTHER COUNSELOR,PICTURES WHERE TOOKEN AND THE DUDE DIDN'T GET FIRED????THANKS DR.IVY.SHE WAS THE HEAD SHRINK BACK THEN.WHEN THEY PUT TO SLEEP BACK THEN THEY ROLLED YOU INTO A BLANKET,AND PUT SOME WERE.I had to KNEEL FOR 4 hours Wright by the office by the dining room a few times.A jacked up on strong meds after THAT.AFTER THAT SABOL,I DIDN'T HAVE VISITS UNTIL ALL THE BRUISES WERE GONE.I REMEMBER MR.LANE THE COACH.GROUP 3 COUNSELOR'S,MR VOLGER,MR.LUKIS.HE WOULD FLY OVER.ASS HOLE MR RUBANOCHIE.MAN I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THOSE FILES.SHOW ME THE FILES.I'm 56 now I want my JUSTICE.I live in CALIFORNIA NOW.Every one SHOULD get $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

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  51. Most of the staff you mention were transferred to Brisbane from Trenton Psch when
    It closed. I worked there from about 1982 or 83 to 1987. I became a foster parent for one of the children I’m back at Brisbane. It was a good place for children at that time. I worked with the youngest group of children in group one at the main house. I went to their years later and was the one who found the records and called the papers. . Most of them were staff records that had Social Security numbers, names, addresses, and many other personal informational details. The place was a mess and I found some client folders with names and dates of birth on the floor, but there were boxes in the employee files. I did not break into the facility . I drive through there sometimes because they miss it. It was a good place to work, and I saw many small children improve and get better. One thing that is often frequently not mentioned is the number of staff that were injured by the clients. The other thing is that is stated that require you to have any kind of degree to be a youth worker. All that was necessary but has a high school diploma. I was attending Georgian Court, University majoring in special education and I had done visit to the school, and I was hooked. While I was in college I worked as a youth worker with the youngest group of children who were ages four through eight or nine depending on their functioning leve. I got my degree and stay teaching but still remained at Brisbane on weekends because it was a wonderful place to be, although some days weretough when the kids were upset.. The people I worked with were good people who did not try to set the children off. Many of the children were from urban areas and we took them on many healthy activities throughout the day both on the grounds of Brisbane and off grounds. The basket hold was utilized when children became aggressive toward some selves or others. We used time out and children were restricted to the unit for a day, but that was like being grounded. I never witnessed any of this by any staff and I’ve worked with in the group. I left before the hospital was closed to the youngest group of children. Train psychiatric is closing and they were bringing patients that were much older and bigger and they were bringing staff. We never used any mechanical restraints and no units were locked during the time I worked there. I wish it were still open and operating as it was when I worked there. I continued working there after I started teaching in a public school district until I have actually became Foster parent to a child I met at while I was working at Brisbane. That led to a long span out of foster care until I began to adopt children. I often drive through the facility because I am sentimental, and it makes me sad to see what it looks like. I had my daughter in the car when we noticed an open door at the main house and found we were able to walk through there . I was horrified when I found the boxes of records and emailed a reporter for the paper. The boxes were immediately removed. A few weeks later I drove through there and I was in on the property for five minutes when a wall Township police man pulled in. I guess they were embarrassed and did not want anyone further investigation.

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  52. Wow cant believe so many people posted here. Amanda Cottage B 95-97. I dont remember much I was in the quiet room a lot. Just hope everyone is doing better now. I sure as hell am

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  53. I worked there for a year in 2000. Most of the kids there were doing ok.some had serious issues. We had a softball league and went on trips to the mall and a nets game. I was there today hiking w my dog and it's so sad to see it empty and falling apart. Vandals ruined so many of the windows and inside of the school and other buildings.

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    1. To:Unknown

      I don't know why you care so much about that place. I was there for Treatment and I was ABUSED,it wasn't only me. Where is our justice. The place should be brought down. Sold.Or give a plot of land to all of the victims.

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  54. Hello

    Can anyone tell me DR Ivy's full name ?

    I was their for 9 long years and went through the same Awful

    That most of you went through .

    God Bless all of You !

    And may All of those that took of Vantage of Us

    Rot in Hell !

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    1. I was there when Ivy was there.What Year were u there?

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    2. I was their (70-71) do you remember Mr. Sabol he Raped and Abused Kids.and do you or did you have Shock Treatments ?

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    3. Mr Sabol

      Had his way with many young people he liked to have his way with you outdoors. And he enjoyed hurting you as well. All of us that were taken advantage of deserve justice. We were only children.

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  55. Sorry for the misspelled words its just hard to see this place again.

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    1. Hello

      I was their mid 60s to early 70s.

      Mr. Kaufman & Mrs. Ivey ran the place.

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    2. Was Mr kaufmann the guy that worked in the office under the staircase by the dining hall.

      What was your experience with Dr. IVY.

      I was in group 3 with that peice of ---- SABOL.
      I remember the black lab.

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    3. Mr. Kaufman was a very Large Man and Ran the place with Dr Ivey. At the time I had No idea she was a Dr I was in the Main Building up the Long Steps. As for Mr. Sabol He had His Way with Many Young Kids ! And the Worst of it He Didn't try to Hide it He would even do His Thing Outdoors behind a Building.What year or years were you their ?

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  56. I was there to the one guy in cottage b used to brake kids arms and wrists

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    1. I remember him too , name doesn't come to me. Do you remember Mr. Sabol he would Rape and abuse Kids. was their (70-71) anybody remember getting Shock Treatments' ?

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    2. Yes they would give shock treatment's to certain children that Dr Ivey felt were problematic to themselves and the other children and staff. Awful things went on their yes not all children were subjected to abuse but those that were live with it. Something needs to be done for what went on their the state of New Jersey needs to be held accountable once and for all.

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    3. wow found this site by mistake always thought it was a bad dream. Was their 70-73 do any of you know if , Kaufman Ivy or Sabol are still alive ? I really cant be-leave all of you that had the same encounters that i endured their and by the same people. Rapes abuse shock treatments being drugged and no one to turn to. I cant bare to think of it at this time will return after i calm down. God Bless all of you.

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  57. Robdorp517 @gmail.comMarch 7, 2020 at 8:53 PM

    To Anonymous

    Please contact me,if you were in the group by the stairs u were in group 2.I was in group 3 BELOW u.I would like to take some kind of action against the state of New Jersey.

    Please.

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    1. Rob
      I was their late 60s early 70s and Awful things went on that were done by Staff and other Kids their. As for taking some kind of action against them well , I've talked to a few Lawyers and always hit a Dead End. Always the same Answer It was a very long time ago .

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    2. I see at the bottom of this page a Lawyer has left his contact number to talk to anyone who has had bad treatment while in Brisbane.

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  58. Erica Drakeford
    I was there from 93 to 96 and it was hell, I remember ms. Thelda burns, ms ghandi, mr. Winn, and so many others. I have nothing good to say about any of them. I was pushed down the stairs too at the girls cottage and physically attacked by thelda burns and Mr. Randolph.

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  59. I’ve visited Brisbane about three times over the span of a year, and I keep finding documents, flyers, even coloring books marked 2010 and later?? Which is especially scary when you think that the last kids there were evacuated in 2005.. does anyone recall being a patient after they supposedly closed? Or have a theory about why there are so many kids books dated 2010? Please email me, I also took some pictures of these items with the date while I was there.

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  60. Also, I found a room in the basement of the main dormitory building filled with personal documents from the patients, there was nothing in the filing cabinets but the floor was littered about a foot high with medical and psychiatric evaluations for kids, Rorschach tests and drawing evaluations and stuff. Took a few files home with me, an African American boy named Vernon and a girl named Mildred. There were a ton more in that room but the smell of asbestos was getting to me.

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  61. Also, I found a room in the basement of the main dormitory building filled with personal documents from the patients, there was nothing in the filing cabinets but the floor was littered about a foot high with medical and psychiatric evaluations for kids, Rorschach tests and drawing evaluations and stuff. Took a few files home with me, an African American boy named Vernon and a girl named Mildred. There were a ton more in that room but the smell of asbestos was getting to me.

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    Replies
    1. The state of NJ were using the buildings for document storage. Then they were irresponsibly abandoned. This included not only patient documents but also the names and social security numbers of many employees. This is a common practice in state facilities.

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    2. is this building still stadning ??

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    3. Yes, it was the basement of the main dormitory building that you see in most photos

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    4. Burned to the ground today. I was a first responder on the scene. They are tearing it down right now.

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  62. I remember as a little black girl that was sent there, my first impression of the place was that it was a very beautiful property. It was there that i learned that evil can lurk within beauty. My time there was spent being raped,abused,drugged and tormented. I remember a few of the staff like MS.Duffy, Ms.Cappolla, Mr.Aldashore who were engaged at the time and a Ms.Nichols who were kind to me, but never told on the other staff that were doing evil things to us. I AM 52 now and still wonder how i survived.

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  63. I call bullshit on allot of these abuse stories. I spent plenty of time here as a kid, I know Nelson Williams, and I'm not going to say nothing went on here because Mr. Negron kicked my ass pretty good one night on the floor of cottage a between the lockers, but also I'm not going to call bullshit and say this place wasn't all that bad either. I was here 2 times, the first time in cottage A and the second in Cottage B before getting shipped off to the Wyliehouse in Bethlehem PA and then eventually Vision Quest. So i can tell you stories but at Brisbane - it wasn't so bad, if you followed the rules and just lived. I should go back and do a positive video of this place because as a young teen I learned allot here. Now almost 36 years later I can say allot of what i learned shaped me to be who i am today!

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    Replies
    1. Well thats good for you.
      But there are those of us that had horrible things done to them and are living with it. Certainly not all children were physically abused but many did. So keep those of us that weren't as lucky as you were in your prayers for we live with our bad memories each day of our lives.

      Delete
  64. Does anyone remember Ms. Blair? She was a supervisor in the COED cottage. She is the one who broke the arm of one of the patients.

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  65. Once upon a time, circa thirty years, I thought very highly of both Carmella White and Shatia Boxley. People back then used whisper that I was someone special. That my "family" was a church. In reality, neither was true, ever.

    It's as if I blink my eye and suddenly find myself.... 47-years-old.

    Why?

    Because I am!

    Lol

    Only once was I manhandled. The year was 1987, early in my first admission.
    He deliberately placed his knee on the back of my neck and my lungs couldn't catch sufficient oxygen for nearly two minutes. I was gasping. I know what George Floyd went through! Only I was lucky, by the grace of God, that my heart kept doing its job and that my life continued.

    The youth worker, about five years later, acknowledged that he had indeed done this, and that he was remorseful.

    I, 'till this day, don't understand how you can come within just a few minutes of taking away the life of a 14-year-old who had fallen victim to a nervous breakdown and was admitted to psych rehab (Brisbane), and then after being fired, decide to appeal so that you can return as if it had never happened.

    Did I forgive him? Yeah, absolutely. Have I ever reconcile the guy's rationality? No. Why would he have wanted to go back there? I'm sure he had other career options.

    This youth worker died in North Carolina a few months ago. Not a day passes that I don't pray the Heroic Act of Charity, for the peace and the full pardon of his soul.

    Hi, Carmella!

    Hi, Shatia!

    :-)

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    1. When I quizzed this youth worker about his premise for having denounced guilt five years earlier, and then jump legal hoops for his job back, his answer:

      "Conservatism; ad-hoc interest."

      I understood then, and I do now, if one gets relieved of duty, especially from a hospital that pertains to the care of children, it can be difficult, though not implausible, to negotiate future employment.

      What's more, if your academia background is limited to that of high school and you're equip no trade skills, good luck in your diminishing returns for a new paycheck!

      Re: Nelson Williams, I knew Nelson for five years. I liked him. I respected him.
      Had no problem with him.

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  66. They closed Trenton phyc hospital down because of abusive staff on kids just to send them to abct to work with kids, so what did it solve I guess it looked good on paper. Mental health patient children or adults if you have to be impatient they treat you like your less than a person. staff are more like prison guards, with so many budget cuts you get what you pay for.💩

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  67. Arthur Brisbane children treatment center, I am Francis Cugler. I was there from 1953 to 1956 and the place was in great condition. The staff that worked there were all very good to all the patients. What the Hell happened in the 70-80 this beautiful place was destroyed. Who worked there at the time or the politicians, a lot of people should have been fired and incarcerated. Nothing has been said about this.

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  68. Hello, I'm a senior in high school and I plan to study psychology in college. I've applied for a program at the college I am going to attend to help me get ahead. The project for this program requires us to research a treatment facility and gain insight into the experiences there. For my project I decided to look into the treatment of the children at Arthur Brisbane to help spread awareness of the abuse many patients went through. If you have any experiences you'd like to share or you're willing to answer a few questions please email me.
    boylesamantha84@gmail.com

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  69. It's sad that even today as adults, children from a abusive psychiatric system still have few people who call us liars over exaggerating,you weren't in my shoes, seeing it happening in the moment, feeling the pain physically and emotionally. Reliving it in my sleep till this day 30+ yrs ago today. You keep telling yourself that adults wouldn't do that to children and I'll keep going to therapy to deal with the experience of the adolescent psychiatric system.

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  70. My name is Miguel i was there around 2001 to 2003 i hate there that place was bad the only think i miss there is my friend Papomiguel340@gmail

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  71. I was there in late Spring/Early summer 1982. Mr. Weiss, an Air Force vet was extremely violent and did the basket hold on me MULTIPLE times when all I was doing was being mouthy and refusing to do work. I was told by staff in Cottage 1 and Cottage 2, "Shut the fuck up or we will let the boys fucking kill you." I still have nightmares over that place and the treatment and I am now 50 years old. Somerset Hills School was not much better either

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    1. another place i also ended up... sorry we had the same horror stories.

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  72. I was there too my name was Melissa and the staff was very rude some kid was very rude too Mrs burns was a bitch and Erica drakeford who was you that punch me for no reason my email is melissawise2010@gmail.com I call the state in on this place I would always get beat by staff and forced to wash in shower for no reason and my roommate Fannie and Jen Ruiz in Lakewood and this place was very bad the nice staff Mrs olive Mrs Jessica and Mrs Clark Mrs joaden the black guy with the little arm

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  73. I am appalled with the stories I have read on this site. My heart breaks for those children all those years ago. My brother was put there in the mid 70's. He does not have any bad memories there. Thank God! I wonder if that worker Nelson Williams is my cousin whom I was abused by when I was a little girl. He was evil.

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  74. Good Riddance to a place where I as a patient,(84-87) both experienced and saw staff that were not trained to handle kids with psychological disorders abuse them. The medical staff were a joke, administrative staff turned a blind eye, and many assaults went unrecorded. I actually had my arm fractured "by accident" and they blamed it on improper restraint. The place still haunts my memories and i'm glad to see it's finally gone.

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  75. To all of you that was mistreated both physically, emotionally and sexually by other kids and staff their remember you were not at fault what's so ever. I too had things happen to me while their
    ( mid 60s early 70s ) dose anyone out their know if any of the
    3 that are guilty of doing many of the horrible atrocities to children are still alive ( Dr Ivey ) ( Mr. Kauffman ) and ( Mr. Sabol )
    so that collectively we can attempt too get justice once and for all
    remember we were young children and no matter the reason we were placed their not one of us deserved to go through what we did their again we were children ! Some of us have survived those moment's in our past gone on to have a family a career
    and were lucky enough to have been able to live with it.
    But lets take a moment for the ones that couldn't live with it
    and as a result took a different path in life and the ones as a direct time of having gone through those horrific times are no longer with us. So their are some of you that are likely in a profession that you can look in too see if either of the 3 are still
    here so to take lawful action towards their actions towards
    children and their lack of responsibility to our safety.
    That said God bless all of you and be strong .

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  76. I was there for 18 months in 72-73. Worst 18 months of my life. If you weren't emotionally disturbed when you went in, you were emotionally disturbed and scarred for life when you left.
    I remember Dr. Ivy clearly. I had a bad vibe every time I was in his presence. Mrs. Goodwin, the teacher, was a large black woman with a mean streak. If you didn't do what she said, she would grab you by your hair and shake you till you bled at the roots. I remember Mrs. Carmine. At the time I was there, girls lived in the mansion, capped at 12 girls.
    The dorm supervisors were verbally and emotionally abusive. I remember them saying, often: No wonder your parents put you here, you're a bunch of brats! If one girl acted out and we were in the day room, we were all forced to cross our arms on the table and put our heads down. If ONE girl peeked, all of us were punished by additional time with our heads down.
    I can't count the number of times girls would try to escape by going down the emergency chute in the day room. The entire floor was locked down until the escapee was found. There were times it was hours before she was found. It was hell on earth. My mom refused to believe me when I told her about the abuse. Who is going to believe a child labeled emotionally disturbed, anyway? Stigma persists until this day.
    There was one dorm supervisor who truly cared about us. She would take us on trips to her horse ranch, and outings to places like Allaire State Park. She taught us knitting and crocheting (knitting needles were considered dangerous weapons). Not one of the girls ever abused her trust. She was the lone exception to the abusive adults who were supposed to care for us. If not for her, I probably would have killed myself in despair.
    I don't remember ever getting any therapy. Lots of psych meds, no support or help with the trauma that either put us there, or the trauma they caused.
    I was discharged because I turned 13. At that time, 13 was the age limit. When I found out last year the place was closed, abandoned, and later burned down and eventually demolished, a part of me felt relief. Reading the comments here made me realize I wasn't the only kid that was abused and mistreated. I'm so sorry we are members of this exclusive club. I'd like to turn in my membership card and pretend the place never existed. I cannot believe it remained open as long as it did, with its history of abuse.
    The grounds were beautiful, granted. It hid the ugly truth of the abuse, neglect, and vitriol we experienced.

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    1. Denise I know what you went through I could stand any of the staff I’m going to post my story that people didn’t believe me and now I’m paying for it because a lot went on in there so keep an eye out for my post please you ever want to talk please give me a call at 919-902-4600

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  77. I was in the place across from Bisbane, Turrell. It too was a nightmare.

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  78. I was in that hell hole in early 70’s well a lot of the staff where abusing people and getting away with it well they went as far as to give me the electric shock treatment well it was so bad I remember smoke coming from my ears well nobody wanted to hear me then they were doping me up with medicine to make me sleep well the last straw was when this one kid threw pool balls at people and the male staff was druging girls and rapping them well my aunt got me out we went to the state and got no where with them to this day I remember it like it was yesterday now I’m having serious problems with seizures and physically issues where I can’t cope with it no more if I could find the staff from back then I pay them a surprise visit and it wouldn’t be good I’m going to get my records from the state some how and I’m going to cause a big issue over this Denise I know what you went through and everybody else that was there please anybody wants to talk about there issues with that hell please contact please I need to know what people went through also cause somebody has to pay I’m here for anybody but I’m fighting the state one way or another we need justice and I want answers because nobody believes it’s was bad there that staff should of been put in jail

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    1. If you would not mind calling me to discuss your experiences, I would greatly appreciate it. 646.581.9228

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  79. I left NJ in 1980, and have zero intention of going back. I've been through enough therapy that this stuff no longer bothers me. I'm sad for the kids that are now adults who were far more traumatized than me, and didn't have the counseling resources I was able to get.

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  80. Hello everyone. I am an attorney in NJ who focuses on Child Sex Abuse claims. I am currently representing an ABCTC resident who was there from 1969-1971. My client was brutally raped by other inmates as an 8 year old boy, as well as by two staff members who have been identified by others in previous posts on this blog. I am trying to find witnesses who were present at this facility during that time period or shortly prior thereto and can help me understand what it was like at the time. All communications will be held confidential. I can be reached at 646.581.9228. Thank you in advance to anyone with the bravery to come forward, and I'm terribly sorry for you all for what you've been forced to endure.

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