My 2002 series on Missouri’s unregulated teen reform ministries won an investigations prize in the Education Writers Association contest and contributed to the closing of at least two centers.
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THE 2002 INVESTIGATIVE SERIES
Seven stories over three days show how Missouri is a magnet for such programs. The series also looks at the trauma that students experience decades later.
MAGNET: Missouri is a haven for reform schools
ROLOFF: Teen reform schools in Missouri follow pattern set by radio preacher Lester Roloff.
YEARS LATER: Former students of the teen ministries face demons for years
BY THE HANDBOOK: A student handbook shows how the schools keep teens in line.
OTHER SCHOOLS: Two schools mirror Mountain Park.
A FATHER’S CHOICE: A dad sends his son to an austere teen reform program because he had no choice.
HEARTLAND: Politically connected Christian academy is winning its battles in court.
FOLLOW-UP STORIES
LEGISLATION: Bills are filed in response to series, though they ultimately failed.
LAWSUIT: Soon after the series, a lawsuit is filed against Mountain Park. Meanwhile, a pastor at another school is arrested on abuse charges.
CLOSURE: Mountain Park closes
CLOSURE: Thanks to Calvary closes.
THAYER: I get a tip that yet another school has opened in Missouri, using the same tactics.
DEATH: Not long after my story runs, a student at Thayer dies.
RADIO DOCUMENTARY: Twelve years later KBIA in Columbia, Mo., broadcasts a half-hour piece. I am among those interviewed.
matthew franck 
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