Location:

St. George, Utah

Status:

Active.

A state-level non-profit, not a 501c3 charity.

History:

1990: Cross Creek Manor, the first WWASPS program, began operating in Laverkin, Utah.

1991: Owner Robert Lichfield created Teen Help, Inc. to market the program.

1998: After relatives and business associates began opening additional facilities, Lichfield created the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools.

Noteworthy:

J. Ralph Atkin, founder/owner of SkyWest Airlines, is also a founding member of WWASPS.

Robert Lichfield, his relatives and business associates, donated more than $1 million to Republicans during the 2002-2004 elections.

California Congressman George Miller has requested a federal investigation into allegations of child abuse and fraud surrounding the WWASPS programs.