Camp Hell: Anneewakee

The Anneewakee Treatment Center for Emotionally Disturbed Youth operated in Douglasville, Georgia for over 25 years. Purportedly, it was a place that parents could send their troubled kids for help. But in reality, it was a breeding ground for abuse. This is the story of Anneewakee, as never told before. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the introduction to Camp Hell: Anneewakee, we give a summary of what Anneewakee was supposed to be and what it became. We hear from some of the very first patients of Anneewakee as well as other survivors and victims of abuse. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A closer look at the mythos of Anneewakee and the meaning of the crest. We hear from former patients about the child labor they were forced to do and the lack of education it’s patients received. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louis “Doc” Poetter was the head and founder of Anneewakee. Since the 1940’s he managed to keep himself in the headlines, gaining relationships with many powerful people. Some early counselors see first hand Poetter’s sexual abuse with patients and attempt to do something about it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following two counselors reporting of Louis Poetter abusing patients at Anneewakee, a 1970 hearing is held to see if the center can keep its license. We hear from actual court transcripts as voiced by actors. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the assistance of Poetter and his political ties, Anneewakee receives it’s license as a medical facility and begins accepting third party payments from insurance companies. We take a look at one of the worst experiences of Anneewakee, evaluation and observation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of patients at Anneewakee is growing and the center soon expands with a second location in Carrabelle, Florida. We hear from some of the first groups sent there and stories of the backbreaking labor it took to build it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louis Poetter begins taking groups to Mexico where the boys are treated to an annual visit to a brothel. We hear one of the worst stories from Florida with hints that trafficking of underage boys may have been happening. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anneewakee opens up a third campus for troubled girls in Rockmart, Georgia. We hear from former patients about the abuse and the long term effect it has had on their bodies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this weeks special bonus episode, we hear from Chris Newlin, head of the National Center for Child Advocacy. Chris talks to us about the issue of child abuse, what we can do to help, and how it has changed over the years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at the “funny money” which allowed Anneewakee’s owners to make a fortune. The upper organization begins to fall apart once arguments over money begin to happen after a head accountant dies under mysterious circumstances. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities finally move into Anneewakee and arrest Louis Poetter. A scorned mother on the board of Anneewakee spearheads the investigation while a group of former patients file litigation against the Anneewakee organization. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Criminal charges against Louis Poetter continue to grow, while other Anneewakee employees are arrested. A civil suit against Anneewakee is built. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of court hearings, a settlement is finally reached. Conclusion and final thoughts on the aftermath of Anneewakee. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.