WWASP History

WWASP(S) – The World Wide Association of Specialty Programs (and Schools), or as it was known later, Youth Foundation Inc, was an umbrella corporation of associated teen behavior modification programs, boot camps and therapeutic boarding schools. Created by Robert Lichfield in the early 1990s, WWASP quickly became one of the largest troubled teen industry corporations, with dozens of facilities located in both the US and abroad in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Samoa. Following investigations into a number of allegations of child abuse and unhealthy conditions at WWASP’s various facilities since 2002, over 20 WWASP affiliated programs were eventually shuttered, and the organization itself was eventually dissolved. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the company alleging abuse and fraud, the most notable being a joint action lawsuit on behalf of over 350 plaintiffs alleging physical and sexual child abuse as well as various acts of fraud and racketeering.

WWASP is defunct as an organization, but their legacy abides. While many schools formerly affiliated or associated with WWASP have taken pains to create distance between themselves and the organization, most still operate with a similar program model and continue to engage in the same deceptive marketing practices. Many of these operate at the same facilities, have the same ownership, and employ the same staff as WWASP. In fact, directly or through a convoluted web of corporations, Robert Lichfield still owns some of the facilities.

Name changes and attempts to obscure ownership were common among WWASP facilities and this tradition continues among its successors. For this reason, information can be hard to gather or verify. Additionally, even facilities without overt ties to WWASP have latched onto its “treatment” model, using the same types of unethical token economies, points and level systems, and “personal growth” seminars. For this reason, a complete list of WWASP and related or inspired facilities is difficult to compile. However, some of the facilities that have been associated with WWASP, either via direct affiliation or via former owners, are listed below.

WWASP wasn’t just about programs. They were also involved in marketing, billing, schooling, property management and more. WWASP operated a number of online sites and companies designed to optimize online searches and funnel kids towards their programs. They also handled billing for their member schools, controlled ownership of their properties, and were the exclusive schooling provider, all through other corporations. Some of the other known WWASP-associated entities are listed below.