False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 01 No 01 - 1992 mar

Magazine Overview

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Date: March 15, 1992
Character: This newsletter serves as an informational and community-building tool for the newly formed FMS Foundation, dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by false accusations stemming from repressed memory recovery.

Foundation Formation and Mission

The FMS Foundation has been established and incorporated in Pennsylvania as a public foundation for charitable purposes, with the aim of providing tax-deductible gifts. The foundation's law firm, Drinker, Biddle and Reath, has assured them of the necessary qualification with the Internal Revenue Service. The newsletter outlines the initial expenses required for operation, including office rent, equipment, staff, legal fees, and other operational costs. It appeals for annual dues of $100 per family and requests additional significant contributions to cover expenses and fund programs.

The Genesis of the Foundation

The newsletter recounts how the foundation came into being, initiated by a therapist's observation of numerous individuals with similar stories. This led to the establishment of a hotline and the realization of a widespread social phenomenon. Initial contact with a group of seven families in the Midwest confirmed the scale of the issue.

Outreach and Support Network

In November 1991, four 'East Coast' families met in New York to devise strategies for reaching other falsely accused families. They decided to place a notice with a dedicated 800 number (1-800-568-8882) and sought assistance from Hollida Wakefield and Ralph Underwager at the Institute for Psychological Therapies to manage the calls. The foundation also committed to extensive written communication with newspapers, magazines, and professionals to share their story and present the other side of the false accusation narrative.

Tribute to Darrell Sifford

The newsletter pays tribute to Darrell Sifford, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, who wrote a series of articles about falsely accused parents. His work provided an 'eloquent voice' for the cause and helped many families find information and support. Sadly, Mr. Sifford passed away recently. He had been deeply affected by the issue and intended to write a book about the situation. The foundation pledges to honor his memory through their work.

Survey of Falsely Accused Families

By December, the foundation recognized the need for accurate statistics on falsely accused families. A parent's grant enabled the initiation of a survey designed to collect systematic and confidential information. Approximately 100 families had responded by the time of publication, revealing a diverse group in terms of religious preference, with the oldest person to report memories being 54. The survey also indicated that the effects of accusations are felt by many more people than just the accused. The foundation is analyzing the data and notes frequent inquiries about the therapists involved, with a general observation that many do not appear to be 'quacks'.

Foundation Activities Underway

Planned activities for the FMS Foundation include covering expenses for a toll-free number, a newsletter for families and supporters, and the ongoing survey of families. Future activities, dependent on resources, include issuing press releases with accurate information on child abuse statistics and memory, establishing a resource center for legal cases involving repressed memories, and studying the beliefs of mental health professionals.

Regional Meetings and Events

The newsletter announces upcoming meetings and workshops in various locations:

• Texas Area: Workshops on Memory with Hollida Wakefield and Dr. Ralph Underwager on March 20-21, 1992, in Dallas, covering 'Exploring Traumatic Memories' and 'Magic, Mischief and Memories: Remembering Repressed Abuse'.
• Philadelphia Area: Next meeting on April 11, 1992, focusing on forming working committees.
• Midwest Area: Meeting on April 25, 1992, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, at the Holiday Inn - Holidome.

A Family's Story: 'Where is Our Daughter?'

A deeply personal account is shared by a family who sought help for their 18-year-old daughter in January 1990. After counseling, the daughter was diagnosed with satanic cult abuse. The situation escalated when the daughter accused her mother of participating in the abuse and her son of being an antichrist. In September 1990, the daughter disappeared after a meeting with her counselor and law enforcement officers. The family has been searching for her for over 18 months and believes federal funds may have been misused by the local mental health center, which continues to promote the idea of rampant satanic cult activity.

New York Area Meeting Report

A meeting on March 8, 1992, in New York included 14 attendees, such as Michael Flomenhaft (an attorney experienced in mind control cases) and Galen Kelly. Flomenhaft discussed potential legal strategies, while Kelly viewed the phenomenon as a well-networked subculture related to cults.

Important Notice: Call for Stories

An appeal is made for individuals to share their stories for a book being published by a parent involved with the foundation. The book aims to counter the narrative of 'recovery' books that focus solely on adult survivors of sexual abuse, expressing concern that unfounded accusations might undermine progress in the field. Stories are needed by June for media purposes, and professional writers will assist with polishing them, with all identifying references removed.

Readings Recommended

Two books are recommended: 'Codependency Conspiracy' by Dr. Stan Katz and Amiee Liu, and 'What to Do when Psychotherapy Goes Wrong' by Shirley Siegel.

FBI Request

The FBI has requested that people stop calling them for the 'Investigator's Guide to 'Ritual' Child Abuse' booklet, as they have run out of copies and the phone lines are being clogged. The foundation is investigating the cost of reproducing the booklet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the need for support and validation for families falsely accused due to repressed memory recovery. It highlights the foundation's role in creating a network, gathering data, and advocating for a balanced perspective against what it terms 'nonsense' and 'devastation' caused by these accusations. The editorial stance is one of solidarity with affected families, a critical view of certain therapeutic practices, and a commitment to documenting and addressing the social phenomenon of false memory syndrome.