Here are some excerpts from letters from parents of JRC students to the Judge Rotenberg Center about the Judge Rotenberg Center:
"My son has several different psychiatric drugs to control his severely violent behavior. JRC has been successful in getting him off the drugs and decreasing the frequency of his tantrums."
"JRC has been good at keeping our daughter's behavior in reasonable order."
"Because of his success he said he will always try to help and support other students at JRC."
"I think it's a wonderful program."
"Our son was failing in all areas. Now he is an 'A' student."
"We feel very grateful for JRC. JRC provides services that helped our son respond to his every day activities so that now he can do with a little help from staff."
"JRC provides the controlled environment that he needs to function."
"JRC has provided and is providing Carl with the best opportunity for a good life."
"The school has helped very much. They have helped my son get his behaviors under control."
"Adam has had tremendous educational achievement completely beyond my belief."
"I am pleased with the services JRC provides, especially the fact that my input is listened to and taken into consideration."
"She is off all medications."
"JRC is like no other school for treating children and young adults with autism and behavioral problems like no other school in the country."
"I feel great about the services that JRC has to offer."
"I feel very happy and satisfied that he is getting the help he needed."
"The Judge Rotenberg Center is a great program for individuals with severe behavior disorders. It has given our son his life back, and he is very happy."
"I am so proud of Michael. He has made such a change since being in the JRC program. My son always had F's and a bad attitude. He was so happy when he called me. I knew I made the right decision."
"JRC is the best thing that ever happened to Damien. I am thrilled regarding the complete turn around he has made. JRC has brought our son back to us without meds! We are so happy about Damien's progress. It seems like a miracle to us! We truly appreciate all you have done for Damien."
"His improvement away from aggression while at JRC is hopeful. I have nothing but positive experiences to report. I personally do not see the day-to-day improvements but his case manager relates the progress and it is encouraging. When I see him he appears happy, contented and not stressed. When I visit Justin I have occasion to see the interactions between him and the staff and I am always contented that the staff have been so welcoming to us and they genuinely seem to like Justin and interact with him in a compassionate way."
"Definite improvement at JRC."
"She has changed and learned a lot. I think it's the best choice we made for Lisa. I thank you for helping. Lisa has changed a lot in her behavior. Her academic skills are great. She feels good because she likes the things she is learning."
"His improvements at JRC came steadily. As the years have passed, Eric has reached his full but limited capacity. He is well adjusted and ever, may I say something of a positive patient for JRC. JRC has enabled Eric to live as normal a life as possible. Within his limits, the quality of his life is excellent. Simple routines are now possible. Eric is able to engage in interesting activities and to do so with zeal."
"We have seen improvement in Adam's behavior which we did not expect without medication. JRC has done a wonderful job in helping Adam's behavior problems. Please keep it up!"
"Since her placement at JRC we have seen improvement in all areas of behavior. The program appears to be working at this point as Cara has progressed through a number of levels."
"Six months after entering JRC, his aggressiveness and property destruction ceased. He now participates in his program. We are very grateful to JRC as this seemed to be our last option and we didn't know if it would be successful. We feel that many services are excellent, particularly the behavioral program and the medical and nutritional services. Michael is getting more practice on the computer and learning some new material. JRC is the first school that was able to get him to school with the group. JRC was the only program that we thought might be able to help our son. We have seen a dramatic improvement in Michael's behavior and are extremely grateful to JRC and their unique program. The new nutritional program is a wonderful idea and hopefully will be very beneficial not only to students but staff and parents as well. The beautiful surroundings at JRC are quite impressive and uplifting."
"JRC has provided us with impeccable services. It is a tough job but you do your best and we appreciate you very much. There is a great change in my daughter's behavior. She is much more patient and willing to take instructions and carrying them out. She is also verbalizing much better than before, she has lost a lot of weight and her health has improved. She feels grateful for JRC. Whenever she visits home and its time for her to come back to JRC she does that willingly without any force at all. So far the program is working nicely for us. Thank you very much. We certainly believe that without the help and intervention of JRC our daughter would be dead by now. JRC has a unique program that we have not seen anywhere else. Our thanks to Dr. Israel and his able staff for the great job they are doing for our children."
"Since Warren arrived at JRC in July of 2002 there have been improvements in all areas. JRC is wonderful!! ! If Warren had not been placed there, I don't know what we would have done, or what would have happened to Warren. Warren has also done well academically. I have noticed he is starting to take his work more seriously. Warren's case manager is the best and has done so much for Warren. He has such a positive impact on Warren and Warren gets along very well and has a great deal of respect and admiration for him. All staff members that I have come in contact with are great. When I have to call they are very helpful and assist in any way they can, and always return my call. When I have come up to school to visit they go out of their way to help me and make me as comfortable and welcome as they can. Thank you so much for all you have done and continue to do."
"Very attentive, caring staff, excellent weekly communication from the case manager. Lots of Bryan's behaviors have been eliminated. Excellent program and services. I feel confident that he is receiving the best care and services possible. In my opinion JRC is providing the best opportunities for behavioral improvements. Very clean, colorful environments. Well organized. Polite and courteous staff. Very satisfied with overall services provided by JRC. I thank God for JRC everyday."
"Services are top-notch and staff has thus far have been very willing to discuss and implement changes needed for Elaine's continued success. Elaine's grades have improved dramatically and she is thinking very seriously about college now, for which we are very glad and relieved. My daughter has been at JRC for a year now and has shown much improvement in maturity, dealing with adversity in constructive ways, and a significant weight loss - along with an increased interest in exercise. Parental concerns, difference of opinion, and questions about the program are consistently handled with respect, dignity and professionalism. The desire to push each student to maximum potential and excellence is strong and consistent."
"JRC has not only provided a safe environment for Brian, they have provided a treatment program which has successfully addressed Brian's severe behaviors and have done so without the use of psychotropics, with their potentially devastating side effects. Brian is learning - he has passed his social studies and math RCT's and is highly motivated to earn a local high school diploma. When he's home he talks with pride about his job at school and looks forward to go back to JRC. JRC is successful in managing very challenging behaviors and making positive changes in Brian's life as a result. The environment (school) is exceptional. Behavioral program is so highly structured and consistently applied - it works."
"Since Mike has been in this program at JRC he has improved to be more responsive and better relaxed so that he is able to stay in a workshop, etc. We feel JRC was a God send for Michael for this program understands his behavior and aggressiveness and how to cope with Mike."
"JRC stopped these behaviors and given some quality to my son's life. Program has saved my son's life. Matthew feels safe now. He has told us this frequently. He is now able to go on small trips without incidence. He enjoys these trips immensely. He loves going online via the internet."
"JRC is a good school for behavioral children. Where city schools cannot control these children. The houses are beautiful for these children compared to other schools. The staff is very polite people to work with. These is a lot of supervision for our children which provides safety."
"There have been improvements in Louis' behavior and well-being. Louis was in a desperate situation in all facets of his life. Hospitalization, drugs and a feeling of despair. With the structure and unique setting of JRC, he has slowly but surely improved his quality of life. No drugs, 100 lbs. lighter and much healthier physically and mentally. For a unique student like Louis, JRC did a fine job."
"I have been very satisfied with these services. I have noticed progress at least to the fact that he has been integrated to the community and is able to live a near to normal life. We feel confident that Gabe is in good hands and blessed that we were able to find a good program for him."
"We are very glad this school exists as our son would still be heavily drugged with no good quality of life. The procedures used here show him who is in charge and have reduced his dangerous behaviors. This program has changed the lives of children who were out of control and could not be managed elsewhere. JRC has saved many self-abusive children/clients from further injuring themselves. This program does not give up on the most difficult children. It keeps trying until effective therapy is found. JRC does not surrender them to a life of chemical controls and excessive restraints. You can not say this about other programs."
"There have been improvements in all the areas mentioned. I feel this facility has done a very good job. I have placed Michael in schools from Massachusetts to Washington state and have not found any compared to JRC."
"There has been much improvement since at JRC. JRC is the best placement. Its services are outstanding. We have noticed a lot of desirable changes in educational accomplishments. JRC is the best! JRC has a super program for the autistic, developmentally disabled, learning disabled, and severely handicapped. Just the best there is anywhere!"
"The staff at JRC has been great to Christopher; they keep me informed on every step of his progress. I feel very good about him being there. Christopher is doing much better than he was in public school. We are very pleased with the one on one teaching he gets. I think you have an excellent program at JRC. The program is working for my grandson. The staff is strict but fair, which is what my grandson needs. I think it is a well structured program."
"There have been many improvements in Bernadette's behavior since she first went to JRC. We are very grateful to JRC for the many services and time given to our daughter. We have seen many improvements in her education - she has done so much more than she would have in the NYC schools. I would first like to say 'thank you, thank you, thank you' for all the time and energy that JRC gives each student and how available staff makes themselves, to answer all questions. JRC please continue what you have already succeeded to do for our children. We now look forward to our daughter's visits, no more behavior problems and family dinners with no problems. We now laugh and enjoy one another. Thank you again!"
"Her behavior improved within weeks of her arrival. I think that JRC is the best program anywhere for my daughter's condition."
"It's a very good program and school."
"If for us take a few moments to complete this questionnaire, for you people at JRC take years to improve the life of students and I'm sure everyone will agree, they have a wonderful life. Congratulations for JRC all of you. Your services provided for Elly are very good. Congratulations to JRC. Your educational accomplishment is very, very good. Congratulations and thank you. JRC is the best."
"I must say that in spite of her recent enrollment I have noticed a few changes in my behavior. For starters, she is taking care of her personal hygiene much better. She is applying her mind to her studies. I am fully aware that no place is perfect but... with all that I have seen, challenged, participated in, observed, reached out to, called upon, JRC is the best school of them all. Thank you for caring about my baby girl. I have entrusted my daughter's life and well-being to the care of JRC, I am confident that I have made the right decision. Thank you very much."
"My son is happy with JRC. He likes it very much and he gets along with everybody, the teacher and the case manager, and everybody else in the residence where he stay. I am content with everybody at JRC. They are very helpful and they are wiling and understanding staff member."
"We feel very good about him being in JRC. We know he gets the best of care and we don't have to live in fear that he will do something to hurt himself. The medical needs are well taken care of."
"I feel JRC has improved the quality of Brendon's life tremendously. Even though he is a low-functioning individual, through JRC he is living his life to the fullest. Every person no matter what his disability deserves respect and love, which he receives in abundance at JRC. I feel very confident that Brendon is well cared for in JRC environment. I love each and every staff member who dedicates their life to help people with disabilities. Thanks so much for all the special staff members! Excellent staff! Professional caring people! Exceptional enviroment! Thanks for all your help through all these years! Dr. Israel deserves all the credit for a job well done."
"I feel JRC has been a blessing for him as his father has many medical problems and could never care for him and problems such as his could not be handled by just one person. I think JRC is doing a fine job, keep up the good work. JRC is probably the most appropriate place for children and people with such problems that they cannot have life without medication."
"JRC has eliminated our concern for our son's safety. He hasn't banged his head in years. He no longer drools and shakes because of heavy medication, which he no longer takes. He is knowledgeable about geography and has improved his math and reading skills. Our son feels very safe. We have good communication with case managers at all times. We are able to visit at any time and everything is always in place. The decor and furnishings in the school and homes are in good taste. Everything is clean. The beds are excellent."
"JRC has been a blessing to us. Their understanding of our son's problems and how to deal with them took a lot off our mind. Mike's ability to adjust to JRC staff has improved his behavior so he is less tense and able to follow the JRC staff directions. Words are not able to express our gratitude for this program. I think God was looking out for us when Michael enter JRC program. Good housing programs. Good working habits. I see a lot of improvement with Michael. His mother and I are forever grateful."
"Over the years, he has improved significantly, and can care for himself and be a productive member of society. JRC has done an excellent job in caring for Nicholas. We have never had any problems with the methods used to moderate his behavior. Nicholas has improved greatly in the educational area. He can perform basic occupational tasks, and can understand and take directions from instructors with little difficulty. Nicholas is very happy with JRC. We are told he is always smiling and is loved by his caregivers. We have been very pleased with JRC's treatment of Nicholas and our family. The situation with him being so far away from us remains painful for us, but we know he is in the best hands and we have every confidence in JRC to tend to his needs."
"Yes, I do see a much calmer individual who is, at times able to control his anger and contain himself. Yes, he still has outbursts, but his tolerance level is much higher. I feel JRC is a wonderful, excellent school! The staff works extremely hard and they are all very consistent, which is important. JRC works hard to bring about personality and academic improvements in their students and I commend and recommend JRC highly. Without JRC, I don't know where my son would be at this time! Yes, I've noticed a tremendous academic improvement - when my son came to JRC about 2 1/2 years ago he hated to read and did the minimum out of school work just to barely pass. Now, he is eager to do his homework and very zealous about reading. JRC totally caters to parents in bringing the parent/student relationship closer- the staff works extremely hard in helping to make the students happier and developing a closer relationship with parent and child. The reward program is wonderful! The items in the reward store are treasures. JRC is generous with cash rewards. JRC really pushes the students academically to reach their potential. JRC has used every tool possible (i.e. after school classes, tutoring, reward incentives, etc.) to get my son on and above grade level and to keep him there. My son has had numerous case managers and they all have been attentive - they call me with weekly updates so I won't worry and generally address any problems/questions/concerns I may have."
"JRC is a good place with children that have problems to be worked on. My son has improved in his academics. My sisters and mother and father think this is the best thing I did for Keith. JRC is a good school for children that cannot stay in regular school to finish their education. I see Keith has calmed down a lot. He has grown up in some ways."
"After 3 months the services seem to be helpful and appropriate. He seems to be positive about his experience. A unique treatment plan that at least offers hope and a new approach to severe behavioral issues. I am hopeful because there has been improvement in my son's behavior and wished I tried the non-medical treatment that JRC offers long ago. The staff has been most cooperative and candid with us in dealing with Louis' problems and have been helpful in communicating how JRC is dealing with Louis' problems."
"I am seeing some change for the better. I am very pleased with the way my grandson is treated, it is very important to me. For him to be treated with dignity and I have seen that with the staff. He seems like he wants to learn now, and to be more involved in the classroom. I am very pleased about the way that I am kept informed about my grandson's progress, and kept up-to-date about his behavior patterns. When I call the school I am always put through to his classroom so I can speak to him. When my husband and I came to visit with Chris, I can always get a staff member to talk with us about Chris' schoolwork. I think the reward system is a very good program. All in all, I am quite satisfied with the JRC program for our Christopher. I think they can prepare him to be able to get along with others, to be able to come home, to live and to be able to go to a regular school."
"We are grateful for the care that our child receives. We think the services are great. The program seems geared to each individual student's needs. We are called on a regular basis to keep us informed of our son's progress."
"We are very pleased that this school is in existence. It gives these difficult students a place to be. This program tries really hard and takes a lot of students from crisis level to manageable behavior. The staff is always very friendly and willing to talk to parents despite difficult conditions."
"JRC program is fantastic compared to Prosper's former school. He seems happy at JRC."
"I have seen some improvements JRC has provided for him. I feel trustworthy to JRC services that are helping out my son's situation."
"No other school or place could help Caroline. JRC was the only school that would accept Caroline. JRC is a #1 place. There is no place like it anywhere. We think it is the 'best place!' JRC always seeks to improve its services, standards. It keeps parents informed of its procedures, programs, etc. on a current and up-to-date basis. All questions and requests are answered promptly. Case managers keep parents informed on a very frequent basis."
07 Mar 2008, 7:44 pm
