While the "academy" has only been open some nine months (since spring 2013), this is at least the second such escape that has been reported to the local authorities. Since discipline is typically handled in house, It is unknown if any other youth have fled the facility.
From the Ogden Valley News,
A report from the Weber County Sheriff's Office states that a deputy recently responded to Waypoint Academy in Huntsville after staff reported that a juvenile had left the facility without permission and took a minivan belonging to the center after finding a spare set of keys to the van. The juvenile then abandoned the van at about 8400 E. 100 S. because he couldn't figure out how to turn on the headlights. He then ran north into area fields.
The juvenile was returned to Waypoint Academy after being located by the deputy a short time later hiding in the fields. The center's operator ended the juvenile's enrollment at the facility and asked that he be taken to Archway Youth Service Center in Ogden so his parents could arrange placement at a new facility or travel plans could be made for his return to New York. According to the sheriff's report, the juvenile was taken to Archway.
Residents will remember when Academy owners initially were considering a large home near the Trinity Abby in Huntsville as their campus. Neighbors objected to having troubled teens housed in their backyards.
Ultimately, Academy owners removed their petition and later purchased property in another residential neighborhood on Highway 39; their current location.
A Weber County planning staffer decided the Academy fit the definition of a "school" and issued approval for the facility, rather than putting the issue on the planning commission's agenda.
Concerns over potential water shortages and other issues surfaced, and the "Protect our water" campaign ensued.
Early on, during meetings held in 2010, Academy owners stated publicly that they would accept low risk "Forest Gump" type kids. More specifically, kids with Autism, Asperger's syndrome and similar disorders. However, their new website makes no mention of these disorders and instead touts anxiety.
WayPoint Academy provides specialized treatment for young men between the ages of 13-18 who are afflicted with various types of anxiety.
- Generalized Anxiety
- Social Phobia
- Panic Attacks
- Agoraphobia
- Specific Phobia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Depression is frequently present in individuals with severe anxiety. Thus, the criteria for admission also includes students with symptoms of depressive disorder.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder