Troubled Teens Resources

Many schools for troubled teens have found that animal assisted therapies work wonders with teens who are alienated and incapable of empathy or relationship.
Tipton, a boys boarding school for troubled teens describes their program this way:

“Animals ignite warmth in even the most withdrawn boy, putting him at ease and increasing his willingness to reach out and take risks without fear….. He will also learn to have compassion, gentleness and respect for animals, other people and himself. Additionally he will learn to control his aggression, curb his tempers and acquire gentility….”

This form of teen crisis intervention is not limited to troubled teen boarding schools, but can be established as a stand alone program used by the juvenile justice system and other youth rehabs. You maybe able to find one in your community, such as this equine youth program soon to be launched in Northern Kentucky.

“The idea for starting a Wrangler Co. here came to Clemons after visiting his father… when he heard about four young people being shot in one night in his old neighborhood.

He believes horses can help kids find the right path in life - and he has experience to back that up.

By the end of the month, Clemons’ nonprofit Muddy Water Wrangler Co. intends to start bringing in at-risk children - most of them will never have seen a live horse - for lessons in horsemanship and citizenship.”

(source)
(Image / Michael E. Keating)