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Darrington Academy
Darrington Academy is located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
It is one of several facilities operating according to the
guidelines of the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) and affiliated with Teen Help.
Darrington Academy opened in late 2004 at what used to be the Fannin Inn Motel.
Dace Goulding purchased a home nearby and information obtained by ISAC indicates that he is
acting as Director of the facility.
Dace Goulding is currently the President of the Mormon (Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) church in nearby Ellijay, Georgia.
Goulding was formerly the Director of Casa by the Sea.
That facility was closed by Mexican Authorities in September, 2004.
Goulding was also a supervisor at a facility in Samoa called Paradise Cove when that facility closed under suspicion of child abuse.
The law firm representing Darrington Academy denies any affiliation with WWASPS and stated in this letter that Richard Darrington, not Dace Goulding, is the owner.
However, ISAC has found several internet sites that list Darrington Academy along with facilities known to be affiliated with WWASPS.
This particular website clearly shows a copyright belonging to Teen Help, the marketing arm of WWASPS.
ISAC also obtained a copy of the November/December Source Magazine.
Page 19 clearly lists Darrington Academy with all of the other WWASPS programs.
The contract for the facility is remarkably similar to those of other WWASPS programs, and even has a "zero tolerance" clause stating that problem children will be sent to Tranquility Bay, a WWASPS facility in Jamaica.
As part of our investigation, ISAC obtained a copy of a deed for Darrington Academy.
As indicated by the arrow, the name on the deed is "Goulding" - NOT Darrington.
Darrington Academy, Inc. was incorporated by Richard Darrington, but it appears to us that Dace Goulding owns the land and building.
Recent information indicates that Darrington Academy is having difficulties finding staff members who meet the minimum requirement of having a high school diploma.
ISAC has learned that at least one parent was required to pick up her child from a nearby gas station, instead of at the facility.
According to the parent, staff members at Darrington said it was best if the remaining children at Darrington Academy were told the child went to Tranquility Bay, not home.
Darrington Academy Photos
This is the front of Darrington Academy. The building to the left is a converted trailer. Note the tall, white wall in front of the "dorms." This photo was taken in early 2006.
Darrington Academy from across the road. This photo was taken in early 2006.
The rear of Darrington Academy. The original motel buildings are now surrounded by converted trailers and tall, chain link fencing. It does not appear that the large grassy area, basketball and volleyball courts seen in advertising photos actually exist. This photo was taken in early 2006.
This photo, supposedly of Darrington Academy, is displayed on the Teen Soulutions website. People who have been to Darrington Academy dispute the authenticity of this photo.
Darrington Academy Documents and Older Photos
Contract for Darrington Academy
ISAC EXCLUSIVE: Photos of Darrington Academy from 2005
Court Document: Transcript of WWASPS v. Pure
Teen Escort Used by WWASP Has a History of Domestic Violence and Child Molestation
Discovery Seminar Exposed
WWASPS Seminars: Warm Embrace or Pyscho Cry Fest?
Our facility watch list and our main WWASPS page will provide more information regarding WWASPS and Teen Help.
Information regarding closed WWASPS/Teen Help facilities, including Casa by the Sea and Paradise Cove, is now located on our ARCHIVES page.
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