Digest

This podcast delves into the harrowing story of Circle of Hope, a religious reform school in Missouri, where former students and staff members allege widespread abuse and mistreatment. The episode focuses on the experiences of Ashley Tucker, a young girl sent to Circle of Hope by her desperate mother, Theresa, seeking help for her daughter's spiraling behavior. Ashley describes her time at the school as "hell," detailing physical and emotional abuse, including forced standing, excessive chores, and punishment for speaking back. The podcast reveals the strict religious environment fostered by Boyd and Stephanie Householder, the school's founders, who enforced a rigid interpretation of the Bible and used harsh disciplinary methods. Amanda Householder, their daughter, grew up witnessing the abuse and later became a vocal critic of her parents' actions. The episode explores the culture of fear that permeated Circle of Hope, where students were constantly monitored, punished for minor infractions, and subjected to bizarre chores. Former students describe Boyd Householder's physical abuse, including choking, tripping, and shoving, which he justified as "Biblical discipline." Amanda, forced to assist her father in restraining students, recounts her guilt and conflict over her role in the abuse. The podcast also sheds light on the lack of regulation and accountability for religious reform schools in Missouri. The state does not require these schools to register or be inspected, leaving them largely unregulated and vulnerable to abuse. The episode highlights the invisibility of these institutions and the difficulty in holding them accountable. The podcast expands to include allegations of abuse at Agape, a religious reform school for boys where Boyd Householder worked before opening Circle of Hope. Former students allege physical abuse and restraint at Agape, further exposing the pattern of abuse associated with Boyd Householder. Amanda Householder, initially defending her parents, eventually confronts the truth about their actions. She receives a message from a former student alleging rape by her father and hears from other former students about the abuse they suffered. This leads to her awakening and a desire to make things right. The podcast details the investigation that began in 2018, leading to findings of abuse against Boyd Householder. However, the school's lack of registration with any state agency hindered the ability to suspend its license or shut it down. A viral TikTok video posted by Amanda, showing Boyd Householder instructing students to hit another student, sparked a new investigation and ultimately led to the closure of Circle of Hope in 2020. The episode concludes with the legal action taken by former students against Boyd and Stephanie Householder, resulting in a settlement and subsequent criminal charges. Amanda continues to advocate for victims of abuse and to hold her parents accountable. The podcast highlights the resilience of survivors and the importance of speaking out against abuse.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Abuse at Circle of Hope

This episode investigates the abuse and mistreatment at Circle of Hope, a religious reform school in Missouri, exposing the culture of fear, physical and sexual abuse, and the lack of regulation that allowed the school to operate for years. The episode focuses on the experiences of Ashley Tucker, a young girl sent to Circle of Hope by her desperate mother, Theresa, seeking help for her daughter's spiraling behavior. Ashley describes her time at the school as "hell," detailing physical and emotional abuse, including forced standing, excessive chores, and punishment for speaking back.

00:02:20

The Householders and Their Beliefs

The podcast reveals the strict religious environment fostered by Boyd and Stephanie Householder, the school's founders, who enforced a rigid interpretation of the Bible and used harsh disciplinary methods. Amanda Householder, their daughter, grew up witnessing the abuse and later became a vocal critic of her parents' actions.

00:05:18

The Culture of Fear and Abuse

The episode explores the culture of fear that permeated Circle of Hope, where students were constantly monitored, punished for minor infractions, and subjected to bizarre chores. Former students describe Boyd Householder's physical abuse, including choking, tripping, and shoving, which he justified as "Biblical discipline." Amanda, forced to assist her father in restraining students, recounts her guilt and conflict over her role in the abuse.

00:12:56

The Lack of Regulation and Accountability

The podcast sheds light on the lack of regulation and accountability for religious reform schools in Missouri. The state does not require these schools to register or be inspected, leaving them largely unregulated and vulnerable to abuse. The episode highlights the invisibility of these institutions and the difficulty in holding them accountable.

00:25:50

The Abuse at Agape and Amanda's Awakening

The podcast expands to include allegations of abuse at Agape, a religious reform school for boys where Boyd Householder worked before opening Circle of Hope. Former students allege physical abuse and restraint at Agape, further exposing the pattern of abuse associated with Boyd Householder. Amanda Householder, initially defending her parents, eventually confronts the truth about their actions. She receives a message from a former student alleging rape by her father and hears from other former students about the abuse they suffered. This leads to her awakening and a desire to make things right.

00:32:23

The Investigation and Closure of Circle of Hope

The podcast details the investigation that began in 2018, leading to findings of abuse against Boyd Householder. However, the school's lack of registration with any state agency hindered the ability to suspend its license or shut it down. A viral TikTok video posted by Amanda, showing Boyd Householder instructing students to hit another student, sparked a new investigation and ultimately led to the closure of Circle of Hope in 2020.

00:38:24

Legal Action, Accountability, and the Aftermath

The episode concludes with the legal action taken by former students against Boyd and Stephanie Householder, resulting in a settlement and subsequent criminal charges. Amanda continues to advocate for victims of abuse and to hold her parents accountable. The podcast highlights the resilience of survivors and the importance of speaking out against abuse.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the main allegations of abuse against Boyd Householder and Circle of Hope?

  Former students alleged that Boyd Householder was physically and sexually abusive. They described being choked, tripped, shoved, and restrained. They also alleged that they were forced to stand facing a wall for long periods, scrub floors with toothbrushes, and be punished for minor infractions.

• Why did it take so long for authorities to investigate and shut down Circle of Hope?

  The lack of regulation and accountability for religious reform schools in Missouri allowed abuse to go unchecked for years. The school was not registered with any state agency, so there was no license to suspend or agency to shut it down. Additionally, former students were often afraid to come forward because they feared retaliation.

• How did Amanda Householder play a role in exposing the abuse at Circle of Hope?

  Amanda Householder, who had defended her parents in the past, eventually confronted the truth about their actions. She used social media to expose the abuse at Circle of Hope and gather support for an investigation. She also connected with former students and staff to provide evidence to authorities.

• What impact did the TikTok video have on the investigation?

  The TikTok video, which showed Boyd Householder telling his students to hit another student, went viral and brought attention to the abuse at Circle of Hope. It sparked a new investigation by the Cedar County Sheriff's Department and led to the school's eventual closure.

• What changes have been made in Missouri to address the lack of oversight for religious reform schools?

  In response to the abuse at Circle of Hope, Missouri passed a law requiring religious schools to register with the state and be held accountable if they are found abusing kids. This law aims to increase transparency and oversight for these institutions.

Show Notes