In 1970 Elan School opened its doors promising to be a rehabilitation center and school for troubled teens, but in reality it was a living hell. Teenagers aged 12-18 were subjected to constant emotional and physical abuse, humiliation and dehumanization as a way to be mentally broken and controlled. Not only were these teens subjected to daily abuse, but they were also forced to participate in the abuse of their peers. The first thing you learned at Elan was there was no escaping.