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Hi - I’m Ryan. I am an attorney that is licensed to practice law in Missouri and my office is located in Springfield. My team has helped numerous sex abuse survivors obtain the compensation they deserve. I am looking forward to helping you find justice.
The recent filing of a federal lawsuit against Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, a now-closed Christian boarding school in Missouri, has reignited concerns about the lack of state oversight for religious schools. This case highlights the ongoing struggle to protect vulnerable children and hold abusers accountable.
The 25-page civil lawsuit, filed on behalf of an 18-year-old Missouri resident identified as Jane Doe or Plaintiff D.A., details disturbing allegations of abuse at Circle of Hope Girls Ranch. The plaintiff, who was 13 years old when she arrived at the facility, claims she faced "abuse, harassment, forced servitude, assault, fraud" and other forms of mistreatment by the camp owners.
The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages from Circle of Hope, its owners Stephanie and Boyd Householder, and a Springfield-area pastor named Jeffrey Ables. The allegations are particularly alarming, with one incident describing Boyd Householder wrapping the plaintiff's head with tape as punishment for singing a Christian song.
Circle of Hope Girls Ranch is not an isolated case. Since 2020, the now-shuttered facility has faced at least 26 lawsuits in state and federal courts from former students alleging abuse. Similarly, Agape Boarding School, another religious institution for boys, has been hit with at least 20 federal suits and 40 state court lawsuits containing similar claims.
David Clohessy, a member of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), describes the alleged behavior at these schools as "almost unbelievably sadistic, bizarre and repeated criminal behavior."
The owners of Circle of Hope, Stephanie and Boyd Householder, were charged with more than 100 abuse-related felonies in 2021. While Boyd Householder passed away in June, Stephanie Householder is set to face a criminal trial later this year. She stands accused of 21 felonies, including child abuse, neglect, and endangerment.
The lawsuit and subsequent demonstration by abuse survivors at the federal courthouse in Springfield highlight the urgent need for increased state oversight of religious schools in Missouri. Currently, state law has relatively few regulations governing overnight-stay schools with religious ties.
SNAP members are urging survivors to come forward and report abuse to trusted individuals, local law enforcement, the Missouri attorney general's office, or even the FBI. They emphasize the importance of community and support in healing from trauma.
Robin Craycroft, a survivor who now works as a therapist in Springfield, underscores the lasting effects of sexual trauma. She explains that trauma can fundamentally alter a person's perception of the world, making it seem like a dangerous place.
The lawsuit also implicates Jeffrey Ables, a Springfield-area pastor and former Circle of Hope board member. It alleges that Ables learned of abuse problems at the school as early as 2008 but failed to notify authorities. Furthermore, he is accused of hiding children from state investigators during his time on the board.
SNAP is calling for Ables to resign or be terminated from his role as a pastor, arguing that such action would serve as a deterrent against those willing to abuse children.
Despite the disturbing nature of the allegations, there is hope that this lawsuit and others like it will lead to meaningful change. Clohessy praised the courage of the young plaintiff, stating, "I'm so grateful that this teenager realizes that she is no longer helpless. She can use the time-tested, admittedly flawed, but still wonderful American justice system to expose and prevent wrongdoing."
Ryan Frazier, Esq., an experience attorney in child abuse cases, offers the following commentary:
"The allegations in this lawsuit against Circle of Hope Girls Ranch are deeply troubling and highlight a systemic issue in the oversight of religious schools in Missouri. The lack of proper regulation has created an environment where abuse can potentially thrive unchecked.
From a legal perspective, this case underscores the importance of holding not only the direct perpetrators accountable but also those in positions of authority who fail to report or act on knowledge of abuse. The inclusion of board member Jeffrey Ables as a defendant sends a strong message that turning a blind eye to abuse will not be tolerated.
Moreover, the criminal charges against the Householders, coupled with this civil lawsuit, demonstrate the multi-faceted approach necessary to address institutional abuse. Criminal prosecution serves to punish the offenders, while civil litigation can provide some measure of justice and compensation for the survivors.
As we move forward, it's crucial that Missouri lawmakers consider implementing stricter regulations and oversight for religious schools. This could include mandatory reporting requirements, regular inspections, and clear standards of care for students.
Survivors coming forward with their stories play a vital role in driving change. Their bravery not only helps in their personal healing process but also contributes to the broader goal of preventing future abuse. As attorneys, it's our responsibility to support these survivors, advocate for stronger protections, and work tirelessly to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable."
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