Troubled Teens Resources

Boot camps, boarding schools, military schools, teen ranches, wilderness youth programs. Choices - a seemingly infinite number of of choices. For a parent with a teen who is advancing rapidly  down the road to destruction, the multitude of programs and treatment facilites from which to select the best treatment program can be frightening and confusing.
As you embark upon your search, be prepared for the horror stories because there are many, and some, unfortuantely, are true. Thankfully, horror stories are the exception and a wealth of information is available for parents seeking help for their at-risk teenager. But, as with any important investment, emotional detachment and objective appraisal of all the available facts will help you render a decison unclouded by the chaotic emotions at play while in the midst of seeking help for your son or daughter. And this is surely an investment that requires clarity of mind and purpose.

The following guideline provides an outline for key areas of concern.

• Who is the Director and what are their credentials and background?
• Is the facility licensed?
• Will I be able to speak with my child? How often?
• How often can I visit my child? Are there required visits for parents?
• What types of financing is offered? Do they have scholarships?
• Are there extra fees over the tuition?
• Will my insurance cover any of the tuition?
• What is the average stay? Is there after-care?
• What is their success rate? Do they have a guaranty?
• If my child turns 18, can they stay if they are willing to?
• Do they offer open enrollment?
• What are the average age and how many students are in the school?
• If it is coed, are they kept separate? How?
• What form of discipline is used? What are their consequences?
• Is their staff qualified for their position with the school? Do they do background checks on their staff prior employment?
• Educational:
• Is the academics accredited? Through what organization?
• Will their transcripts be accepted at their local school?
• Are the teachers credentialed? What is their experience?
• Do they offer special education or help with learning disabilities?
• Are SAT, ACT or other college placement tests available at the school?
• What is their extra curriculum? Do they offer music, sports, arts, etc?
• Do they offer vocational courses or college courses?
• Are there extra fees for special classes?
• Medical and Therapy:
• Is therapy offered and is it included in the tuition?
• If not, what is the fee and will my insurance cover it?
• Where is the nearest hospital to the facility?
• Is there a doctor or nurse on staff? If not, how often to they visit?
• Do they accept children on medication? Do they believe in medication?
• Behavior:
• Will they keep a child that doesn’t want to attend?
• Do they accept children that are escorted?
• Can the child be expelled? If so, what must they do to get expelled?
• Do they accept teens that are extremely aggressive?
• Do they accept Court Appointed teens?
• Do they accept teens with criminal records?
• What types of children are accepted into the school?
• Safety Measures:
• If a teen runs away, what procedure is taken?
• Is the facility staff secured 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
• What are the credentials of the staff?
• What is the staff-to-student ratio?
• Is there regulations put on mail and phone calls?
• Do staff members read the mail? Do they monitor the calls?

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Though a pervading sense of urgency may fill your every waking moment, this is the time to slow down and take measured steps to assure that the wisest choice is made for your teen and your family. There is indeed a long road ahead but, with the vast array of resources available to parents today, it is a road that can lead your child into the bright future that you envisioned.