Is the Self Proclaimed Resource "Expert", Sue Scheff, a Danger to the Public

Who is the “Parents Universal Resource Expert”? It’s Sue Scheff. 

Is Sue Scheff really an expert?

Is Sue Scheff qualified to give “program” advice to parents of teens who are in need of special care? 

Is Sue Scheff a danger to the public?

You decide.

Read the latest news on Sue Scheff’s referral program Harbor Oaks Boarding School.  This hand selected program, hand selected by Sue Scheff, demonstrates her lack of expertise.  In this case The Madison County Department of Social Services substantiates neglect and the “improper supervision of at-risk student population” (click here).    This is just one example of what can happen when a family takes the advice of the untrained and unqualified self-proclaimed expert. 

Who is Sue Scheff? 

Sue Scheff is the owner of Parents Universal Resource Experts.  Sue Scheff is a self-proclaimed expert. 

What is a self proclaimed expert?

A self-proclaimed expert is someone who leads the public to believe that they have qualifications and/or credentials that somehow qualify them to speak in an authoritative manner on a certain topic. A self-proclaimed expert has no real backing or education to support their expertise.

Is calling oneself an “expert” a danger to the public?

If someone is claiming to be an expert on risky teen behavior and subsequently an expert on programs to correct risky teen behavior, yet they have no formal education and/or training in that field of study, then YES, they can be a real danger to the public. 

If Sue Scheff has no qualifications for recommending treatment then how can she determine if a specific school provides treatment?  Children and teens with special needs, need highly trained and qualified professionals making decisions about their care and treatment. 

What does a real expert have that Sue Scheff doesn’t have?

A real expert is a person with extensive knowledge or ability in a particular area of study. An expert can be, by virtue of training, education, profession, publication or experience, believed to have special knowledge of a subject beyond that of the average person, sufficient that others may officially (and legally) rely upon the individual’s opinion. 

What qualifications does Sue Scheff have for giving advice to parents of teens who have special needs?  NONE.  Sue Scheff has no formal education or training.  She has only her own history of parenting which includes placing her own child in a controversial and risky program.  

Keep these things in mind before making a decision that may affect your family for the rest of your lives:

1. Sue Scheff has no real training on the subject of risky teen behavior above and beyond that of the average person. 
2. Sue Scheff is not working for you,  she is working for the programs who pay for her services.  She receives compensation from the programs she recommends.
3. Sue Scheff is selling “teen help” programs that are unregulated and controversial. 

What can happen when parents take the advice of a “self proclaimed expert”?

• A parent may find that the program in which their child was referred to does not do background checks on employees. They may find their child in a program that hires convicted felons.  For more on this story about one of Sue Scheff’s programs (click here) .

• A parent may find that their child ends up in a program involving allegations of child abuse (click here) .   Cheryl Sudweeks, a friend and associate of Sue Scheff, was offered a plea bargain (click here) by Juab County Attorney, Jared Eldridge. As part of Cheryl Sudweeks plea, she agreed not to run another rehab school in Juab County.  

• A parent may find themselves involved in a law suit against Sue Scheff  (click here) because she allegedly has falsely represented herself to parents and families. In addition, they may find that their child has suffered damages due to placement in a program that is very controversial.

 Ask yourself these questions, then decide for yourself if there is a danger in relying on a self-proclaimed expert. 

How does Sue Scheff determine child safety within the programs she refers to? 

How can Sue Scheff be sure your child is getting the proper care and treatment that he or she needs? 

How does Sue Scheff determine which one of her programs is the best suited program for your child? 

What qualifies Sue Scheff to make recommendations on treatment and treatment programs? 

Let’s face it, there is no place in this unregulated industry for parents to be playing “experts”. It is our kids who are at risk, and our kids who will suffer. Don’t fall prey to someone who will use your desperation and vulnerability to further prosper off your families crisis. Demand professional help from real experts. It’s your child and he/she deserves the best!