Troubled Teens Resources

Teen crisis intervention begins at home. It begins with committed and aware parents willing to be “proactive instead of reactive” in their teenagers’ lives. It is becoming clear that too many parents either give tacit consent to their teen’s drug or alcohol experimentation, or simply take too few measures to monitor their teen’s activities.

Unfortunately, it is often too late when responsible parents discover that their teen’s friends are parented by irresponsible parents.

A new program for troubled teens designed to unite the efforts of committed parents is being launched in a small community in Maine. Teens at risk are, unfortunately, being regarded as “at risk” at younger and younger ages.

“The community has to do a better job of reaching these kids when they’re young. That’s why Phipps is rolling out a new program called SafeHomes, designed to begin the drug and alcohol conversation between middle school students and their parents.

Parents sign the SafeHomes pledge, agreeing that they will not permit their child to hold underage drinking parties nor will they provide alcohol to minors. In addition, they agree that their name, phone number and address can be printed in a community directory of safe homes — hence the program’s name. If anyone in the SafeHomes community sees your child drinking or holding such a party, they agree to give you a call and let you know. You’re expected to do the same.
[…]
She said the new program gives parents an opportunity to “set guidelines and expectations early on. It allows parents to be proactive instead of reactive.”

(source)

Brat camp for parents may be the next stage needed in teen crisis intervention. Some parents simply do not have a clue. Irresponsible parents, unfortunately, put everyone’s teenagers in danger.

Here is a woman’s description of her neighbor, an irresponsible parent that she refers to as Mr. Milquetoast.

“Throwing beer cans and bottles, pissing on people’s cars just shows the deepest contempt for the community. I guess we’ve earned it.

After a previous incident where Mr. Milquetoast’s son’s friends threw beer cans on my lawn, I talked to a Walnut Creek police officer about what could be done about this behavior and also the son’s alcohol-fueled driving. His response was that his parents had let him and his friends drink when he was underage. When I mentioned the little matter of teenage drunk driving, he said that the kids might have a designated driver. I think my snort could be heard in Lamorinda. Anyway, it’s clear that the problem is not just with the parents. It’s also with a police force that sees teenage drinking as acceptable and normal behavior.”
(source)

Just makes you want to throw your hands up in the air, doesn’t it? Also makes the option of troubled teen boarding schools and military boarding schools a heck of a lot more attractive. These type of parents are in the PTA, on school boards,and may likely be one of your teen’s teachers. You may recall this year the many teachers that have been brought up on charges of improper behavior with their students.

A parent has more control over their troubled teenager’s education in a private boarding school setting. Typically schools in the private sector can attract a higher caliber, more dedicated professional than the public sector. A parent can choose a specialty school that is closely aligned with their values, joining a community of parents that have the mutual goal of turning teens at risk into responsible adults.