Pocono News Section

Agency Responsible for Exchange Students Says It Was in the Dark

Agency Responsible for Exchange Students Says It Was in the Dark - Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 5:10PM EST

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- The investigation into the treatment of foreign exchange students in our area is continuing. And the agency responsible for placing those students says it never knew what was happening.
The Director of the Aspect Foundation says she never knew how bad the conditions were for some of these students. Now she says she wants to make sure this kind of thing never happens again anywhere.

Officials of the Aspect Foundation say they are taking steps to make sure what happened in Scranton, never happens again.

The agency based in California told the I-Team it never knew about the Scranton home filled with dog feces and filth. It was home to a 15-year-old Nigerian girl. That home was run by Edna Burgett, their Area Coordinator.

Our story prompted the city to condemn the place. Now a grand jury is investigating possible criminal charges.

Aspect officials say Burgett, who was fired after our report aired, filed false reports and let students stay with families that did not have proper clearance.

Aspect also says they never heard stories like the one of Anne from Denmark, who lived in another home filled with dog feces.

As a result of our investigation, Aspect Foundation closed its nationwide enrollment and suspended its area managers. They also plan to meet with Senator Bob Casey to push for a nationwide law called the Exchange Student Bill of Rights.