TLC has pulled the popular 19 Kids and Counting series from the air after allegations that the oldest Duggar child, Josh Duggar, molested five minor girls just months before the family’s show appeared on the network. The Duggar family released statements regarding the incident, with Josh apologizing for his “inexcusable” behavior and noting that he has been completely reformed. In the bombshell police report, it was noted that the Duggar family sent Josh to a “treatment facility” where he spent four months. The center that treated Josh Duggar has now been revealed as the Christian-based Institute in Basic Life Principals.
Although Josh Duggar claims to be completely reformed following a four-month treatment program and help from his parents, many questioned what type of treatment Josh received and if that treatment was sufficient. Radar Online has confirmed that the center that treated Josh was the Institute in Basic Life Principals in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The IBLP is a Christian-based center founded by controversial faith leader Bill Gothard. Gothard was investigated for sexual misconduct within the faith organization following allegations that he was “sexually grooming and inappropriately touching young women in his ministry.” Gothard would never be charged for any of the alleged sexual crimes, but he resigned from his position as church leader as the scandal became public.
A former leader of the IBLP Little Rock center, Harold Walker, confirmed to Radar Online that Josh attended the facility around the time that the Duggars say Josh sought help following the molestation claims. Walker says he would have to “talk to them [the Duggars] about it” before releasing details about why Josh was in attendance at the facility.
However, it seems that Josh was placed in the facility after Jim Bob spoke with church elders who thought a treatment program would be best for Josh following the molestation allegations. In the police report, Jim Bob says that Josh attended a treatment program in Little Rock from March 17, 2003, until July 17, 2003. Following the treatment, both Jim Bob and Michelle say that they felt Josh was reformed and that the “problem had been resolved.”
“They both felt that [redacted] no longer had any problem and that all of this had been resolved.”
Though Gothard has stepped down from leadership within the church, the IBLP facility is still open and operating in Little Rock. The program claims to “strengthen individuals and families through sound Biblical teaching and character development opportunities and to demonstrate Christ’s love through serving.”
It seems that the Duggar family decided to take a proactive path with all of Josh Duggar’s younger male siblings after the molestation came to light. Now all the Duggar boys attend the ALERT academy, which is part of the Institute in Basic Life Principals program. What do you think of the treatment facility the Duggar family chose for Josh after the molestation allegations? Do you think Josh Duggar has been fully reformed?
[Image Credit: Google Maps/ Facebook]