Horizon Academy – Red River Academy – Specialty Boarding Schools or Not?
by Sue Scheff on Jan 12, 2012
Who do you trust behind the screen?
Troubled teens, teen help, struggling teens, at-risk teens, problem teens, difficult teens, boot camps, military schools, behavior modification, specialty schools, specialty programs, teen help programs, boarding schools, residential treatment centers, residential therapy, emotional growth programs, therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness programs, defiant teens, manipulative teens, disengaged from the family, family conflict, hopelessness, WIT’S END….
You have about reached your wit’s end when you are searching the web and typing in about every keyword you believe describes what you think you are looking for. Glorified websites appear – maybe some not so beautiful, maybe you want a Christian setting, maybe you think a good boot camp or have that traditional thinking of an old fashioned military school…. however you will soon realize this isn’t 50 years ago. There are legitimate residential therapeutic schools today and it is a parent job to do their research to be sure they find a safe and quality program that fits their individual needs.
After hours – days – even weeks (I have actually spoken to parents that have spent months) on the Internet, sometimes the confusion can deepen, which is why I did create Parents’ Universal Resource Experts.
With this – I am only sharing my own experiences…. and it has to do with the affiliated programs with the title of this Blog….
Are you confused yet? Looking for teen help and realizing this is a BIG BUSINESS?
So, your teen is driving your crazy. You are at your wit’s end. You have finally decided you need outside help. You have exhausted all your local resources. Local therapy doesn’t help, heck, you can’t even get your teen to attend. Your teen is failing in school, he/she is very smart yet doesn’t want to attend school and believe they know it all. Many say, “typical teen“, but as a parent, we know it is more than that.
Where did our good kid go? Good kids making bad choices – and they don’t need to be placed in an environment that will make them worse in my opinion – learn from what happened to me!
As a victim of the WWASPS organization – I am often called or receive many emails about our (my daughter and I) experiences with them. Obviously not pleasant. Though I am happy to say the program she was at, Carolina Springs Academy, which attempted to go through a name change to Magnolia Christian Academy (or School) depending on the day you Googled it, is finally closed – it has been rumored some of the staff is now at their affiliate program – Red River Academy.
Let me be clear for legal purposes – these are rumors – but if I were placing my child in program, I personally wouldn’t take any chances – and furthermore, Red River Academy is clearly named in the current lawsuit which is extremely disturbing with allegations of fraud, abuse, neglect and much more – (click here) that is current.
Then we come to Horizon Academy. Another alleged WWASPS facility. Why say alleged? Maybe they will deny they are affiliated – yet look at their staff, again, you will see they were once employed at other WWASPS programs. Jade Robinson was at the program in Mexico (named in that lawsuit with alleged abuse and neglect) Casa By the Sea, then went on to Bell Academy, which didn’t last long, and I assume is trying to continue at Horizon Academy.
So when the “sales rep” tells you that “Sue Scheff” is a disgruntled parent – I say – YES, I was – you put my daughter in a box for 17 hours, she was mentally and emotionally abused – food and sleep deprived – I was complete defrauded – and she also missed out on 6 months of education. None of which I had signed up for. Grant it, this was 10 years ago – a lot has changed – but those original owners haven’t – so in my humble opinion – I wouldn’t trust any of their programs with my pets….. BTW: I am the only parent to have defeated WWASPS in a jury trial.
Most of the other (many) lawsuits have settled out of court with silence agreements. I don’t have one, which is why I can still share my story – which is why I get slimed online – which is why their sales reps have all sorts of stories about me – including “the jury made a mistake” – neglecting to tell you I won the appellate court too. No one condones child abuse – period.
I have been called a crusader (and not in a flattering way) though I take it that way. I have made it my mission to find the better programs and schools, since I do know what it is like to be at your wit’s end. I know what parents need help. I am not against residential therapy, which brings us to many of my stalkers that were formally abused in programs that believe all programs should be closed down. That is being extreme – they are not a parent trying to save their child’s life and future.
I will share with you that there are more safe and quality programs than there are bad ones – it is just about doing your homework and research. Today you are more fortunate than I was – you have more access to information and you can learn from my mistakes and my knowledge.
Please – take 10 minutes to read my story and see the list of programs that are and were once affiliated with Carolina Springs Academy – and from there, you make your own choices for your child.
I had one parent that almost went to Red River Academy that actually said the sales rep said they could have their teen “extracted” within a few hours? Extracted? Really – is your child a tooth? Please don’t get rushed into a quick decision – this is a major emotional and financial decision.
My organization is Parents’ Universal Resource Experts – and no matter what those “sales reps” or the Internet fiction – I don’t own, operate or manage any schools or programs! We are about educating parents when they are looking for help for their at risk teen…. Don’t get scammed when you are at your wit’s end.
Oh – and when these “sales reps” send out these defamatory links about me – another FACT they neglect to tell you is I won the landmark case for Internet Defamation that awarded me $11.3M in damages for what was said about me online! Lies and twisted facts! Here is my recent appearance on Anderson Cooper.
This is strictly my opinion on my own experiences – you are free to make your choices…
Tags: Difficult Teens, Educational Consultants, Horizon Academy, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Problem Teens, Red River Academy, Struggling Teens, Sue Scheff, Teen substance abuse, Troubled Teens, Wits End
Problem Teens, Teen Help and Parents Searching the Internet
by Sue Scheff on Jan 09, 2012
When is enough - enough?
Second semester. Some teens have had enough. They don’t want to go to school anymore. They believe they know it all. It is easier to get a GED, after all, some of their so-called friend are doing it!
Your once happy, bouncing toddler that strolled into kindergarten, brought that artwork home for your refrigerator, and may have end participated in the school plays has now decided that hanging out with a new group of peers that are less than what you would have selected for them, is their thing….
As much as you are trying to ignore or just say it is a phase, you notice your teen is withdrawing from the family, failing in school, smell alcohol, maybe even marijuana, cigarettes, and overall have become a child you no longer recognize with a personality that is defiant and totally disrespectful the the family boundaries – what do you do?
Most parents try local therapy – which is a great first step, but when happens when therapy doesn’t work? You can’t be afraid to take that next step! A parent in a denial only harms your teenager. Don’t be held hostage in your home by your teen’s behavior.
Sending a child to a residential program/school is a major decision. It is not one to be taken lightly or to be decided on overnight.
Usually a teen’s behavior has been slowly escalating and a parent knows that deep down things are not getting better. As much as you hope and pray that things will change, this is only typical teen behavior, sometimes it just isn’t.
With drug use and substance abuse rising – more dangerous and deadly ingredients being used, such as spice and inhalants, parents have reason to be concerned. It isn’t your marijuana of generations prior – it is so much worse and in many cases – addictive and deadly.
If you have reached your wit’s end and now surfing the Internet for help, remember, anyone can build a website. Anyone can put up nice pictures and create great content. You need to do your due diligence.
Years ago I struggled with my own teenager. I was at my wit’s end. I didn’t realize what a big business this “teen help industry” was. Yes, my child needed help, but what we received was anything but that. My story is a cautionary tale – not one to scare you into not using a program, however on the contrary, you have to get your child help, but you have to do your research in getting them the right help.
You can do it without spending thousands!
Here are some quick tips:
- Your child is not for sale, try to avoid those marketing arms selling you a list of programs that are not in the best interest of your child’s individual needs.
- Always speak with an owner or director – Someone that has a vested in your teen’s recovery. Their reputation is on the line.
- Wilderness and other short term programs are usually nothing more than a band-aid that will fall off as quickly as the program lasted. They are expensive camping trips and in most cases the Wilderness program will tell you at about 4 weeks that your teen will need to continue on to a longer term program. What? Yes, now you go back to the research board and worse than that, your teen will be deflated when he finds out he/she isn’t coming home in 6-9 weeks as they were lead to believe – and they will be starting all over again with a new therapist – new schedule – and new setting. Don’t get caught up in this “shuffle.” Start and finish with the same school/program.
- The average stay should be about 6-9-12 months, depending on your teen. Anything less is probably non-effective. Anything more, you may be creating abandonment issues in my opinion.
- Do you really need an Educational Consultant? Absolutely not. You are the parent and no one knows your teen better than you do – with a few tips, you will be able to make some sound choices.
For more helpful hint and tips, please contact www.HelpYourTeens.com for a free consultation. After the ordeal I went through, I created this advocacy organization to help educate parents on finding safe and quality programs.
Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Boarding Schools, Defiant Teens, Difficult Teens, Educational Consultants, Entitlement Issues, good kids bad choices, High School Dropouts, IECA, NATSAP, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Problem Teens, Residential Treatment Centers, Struggling Teens, Teen Help, Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Troubled Teens, Wits End
Teen Help: When Your Teen is Simply OUT-OF-CONTROL
by Sue Scheff on Oct 11, 2011
What happens when your teen just won't listen to you anymore?
Summer is over – school is into their first quarter and your teen’s behavior is only escalating! You are soon driven to your wit’s end!
When a parent is reaching their wit’s end, they are most at risk for making mistakes – mistakes that can cost them financially as well as emotionally.
Good kids – bad choices: Where did my innocent toddler go?
When therapy isn’t working
- This is not a science, in most cases when a belligerent, defiant and entitled teen is faced with a therapist or counselor, they will either close up like a clam, or tell the most amusing stories – which can be called – manipulation.
- Did you know it was your fault? It really isn’t, but in some cases the teen can actually convince a therapist that it is the parents that have the problem, not them. Again, another example of manipulation.
- Are you ready for a residential program?
- Have you exhausted all your local options?
- How do you know if you truly need a residential boarding school/program?
How to be a perfect parent
- There is no such thing as a perfect parent; however there is such a thing as being an educated parent. This is not about book smarts or academics; it is about first hand experiences from parents that have been where you are.
- Becoming an educated parent in the teen help industry is possible with time and due diligence.
Blame Game
- Not my kid, it is the kids he/she is hanging with.
- My child was caught with pot, but he swears it was his friend’s.
- It’s the schools fault.
- If I only had sent him to another school.
- If I only had given into the cell phone.
- His grandparents spoil him rotten.
- When safety trumps privacy. When is it appropriate to read your teen’s journal, text messages, emails, social networking sites etc?
The differences between Boot Camps – Wilderness – TBS – RTC – Click here.
Making sure your teen is not out of their element – Click here.
How to make the calls to parent references – Click here.
- If you could change one thing about the program, what would it be?
- Be sure to get references of the same gender and age. Important to compare apples to apples.
- Can always get off the list by asking the parent if they know of any other parents they can talk to.
Will my teen hate me? – NO – initially, they may have a lot of anger and resentment – but choosing the right program that fits your teen’s individual needs should stimulate them in a positive direction.
Order today!
You are not alone!!!! Learn more about the possibility of sending your teen to residential therapy by ordering, Wit’s End! Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control-Teen.
By not doing anything, you are not being a responsible parent – there may come a time – when that one hour once a week is simply not enough to make significant positive changes.
Get a free consultation today at www.HelpYourTeens.com.
Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.
Tags: Boot Camps, Military Schools, Parenting, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Books, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Residential Therapy, Residential Treatment Center, Sue Scheff, Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Troubled Teens, Wilderness Programs, Wits End
Boot camps and Military Schools: Are They Safe?
by Sue Scheff on Jun 01, 2011
I just read an excellent post about Boot Camps and Military Schools. Many know I am not an advocate for any Boot Camps and as far as Military Schools, they are a privilege and honor to attend – not to be used for troubled teens. Many parents have the misconception of Military Schools, as a parent that had a son graduate from Military School, I know firsthand it was an excellent educational experience. In no way do they tolerate substance abuse or defiant behavior.
Credit: Empowering Parents
Boot camps and Military Schools: Are They Safe?
Allegations of abuse, neglect or improper management tend to be associated with programs that are not licensed by the state in which they operate, or accredited by any sort of national accreditation organization. If you are considering sending your child or teen to one of these programs, remember that essentially there’s no oversight or accountability without accreditation or licensure—and even if the program is accredited, this isn’t an insurance policy against human error and poor judgment. In other words, no program is perfect. Be sure to have a good, clear understanding of both the benefits and the risks associated with any program that you’re considering.
Here are some guidelines for choosing a program for your child:
1. Accreditation and licensure: First and foremost, make sure the program is accredited by an accreditation agency such as the Joint Commission (JACHO) or the Council of Accreditation (COA). You should also make sure the program is licensed in the state in which it operates.
2. Is it appropriate? Make sure the program and its methods are appropriate for your child and will meet his or her needs. If you are not certain what your child’s needs are, work with a local professional who can help you understand, such as your child’s physician, school guidance counselor, or mental health professional. Their evaluation can help you better understand your child’s needs. If your child has other health concerns, such as asthma, diabetes or allergies, for example, make sure the program understands his medical issues and will be able to make appropriate accommodations.
Wilderness programs may be more likely to fall into the category of relying on natural consequences to teach kids in a very literal way. So for example, if your child refuses to make a fire, he’ll be cold, or if he doesn’t build proper shelter, he’ll sleep in the rain. This approach doesn’t always have the desired results for every child. Before sending your teen or pre-teen to wilderness camp, ask yourself this question, “Would my child actually benefit from having more structure, with tangible rewards and consequences?”
3. A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach: Look for a program that offers a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based curriculum. While some boot camps or schools may not offer counseling, often a defiant or acting-out adolescent can really benefit from behavioral therapy to teach him the skills he needs to change his behavior. The National Institute of Justice did a research study that indicated that the most effective programs use Cognitive Behavioral Theory as an approach to counseling which focuses on changing faulty thinking as well as behavior. While many programs include or even require therapy, they might not use behavior modification, which is the approach of The Total Transformation Program and what is recommended as being most effective.
4. Victims of abuse: Understand that boot camps are not appropriate for children or teens who have been victims of abuse of any kind. Research shows that this type of environment causes increased stress in this population of children. If your child has suffered abuse, consult with a mental health professional to find the appropriate treatment for him.
5. Is it personalized? Find out whether or not the program you’re considering is personalized. The National Institute of Justice suggests that programs are more effective when they take into account your child’s individual learning style, personality and behavioral characteristics. If the program is personalized and doesn’t simply operate by a cookie cutter standard—if it’s geared toward unique needs in the individual in some way—it will probably be more successful. If you’re afraid you don’t have a full understanding of your child’s needs, it’s a good idea to consult with a local professional who knows your child, such as a school counselor or a therapist, for example, and ask for input.
7. Get references: Ask for references from the troubled teen program you can check or contact. Are there parents you can contact and speak to whose children have been through the program already? You want to get those references and call them; ask everything you can think of to get a really clear picture of how the camp or school operates and what their child’s experience with the program has been like—even after their child returned home.
8. Ask for proof of success and credentials: Ask the contact person at any program to provide you with evidence of success. Get proof that their program works, that the staff possesses appropriate credentials and has adequate training and supervision to successfully perform the interventions used by the program.
When Your Child Comes Home: Can You Expect Good Behavior to Continue?
Many parents call the Support Line and say, “I sent my daughter to a wilderness program last summer. She had an amazing experience, but within the first week of being home, her bad behavior was back. I broke the bank sending her there. What should I do now?”
Contrasted with the regimented schedule your child experienced in a camp or at school, back home, within the chaos of everyday life, no single day is exactly like another. Things come up, parents get stuck at work, schedules are hectic and varying. And unlike a wilderness camp or military school, there are usually only one or two adults in charge—and as we all know, ample outside distractions for most teens. The bottom line is that any positive changes made in the unique setting of a troubled teen program can be very difficult to maintain in the home. After all, how can you turn your house into a military school or boot camp?
I believe that most parents can benefit from education and training while their child is away. So ask yourself these questions: “What tools from the troubled teen program can I use at home? What skills do I need as a parent to ensure a successful transition for our child when she comes back home? How can we maintain the progress that has been made?” It’s really important that parents and families are part of this process and that there is support and consultation available for you once your child is back. Look for a program that involves parents and siblings and that provides parent training or family therapy.
Why Do Troubled Teen Programs Fail?
Why do some programs fail to teach kids how to change their behavior? In some cases, there’s a lack of adequate training and support for families and parents. The program you choose should do a follow-up meeting or phone call with you a few months after your child comes home to see how things are going, and it should provide you with more assistance if needed. A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program like The Total Transformation is also a good way to learn skills as a parent and set up a structure for your child when he or she comes home.
Many times, parents send their kids away thinking that they’ll be fixed by the boot camp or school. They’re surprised when they come home and fall back into old patterns. But think about this common expression: “What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the results to be different.” Not only does your child need to undergo some kind of change, you as a parent need to change your approach as well if you want to see a successful outcome. Again, you need to have a structure in place when your child gets home from the school or camp, whether it’s something recommended by the program or The Total Transformation Program. Remember, your child isn’t a digital camera that you can mail away and get fixed and returned to you in working order. You have to change the dynamic within your family if you want to see results. That’s why the family therapy treatments that take place with the child in the home are recognized by many experts as being most effective.
Deciding to place your child in a troubled teen program is always a very personal choice that you should make on your own and/or with the support of a local professional who knows your family and your child. We strongly encourage parents to take their time and do some research and really dig deep into the inner workings of several programs if you decide to go that route. Have your list of questions ready. Do not be afraid to ask these organizations to provide proof of their claims, proof of the results they’ve obtained, proof of staff credentials, proof of life insurance and accreditation. And remember: have that plan in place for when your child comes home.
Source: Empowering Parents Blog
If you are considering residential therapy, please visit www.helpyourteens.com for questions to ask schools and programs, as well as helpful hints in selecting the right program for your teen.
Source: A Parent’s True Story and Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen.
Sue Scheff Celebrates a Decade of Helping Parents with Problem Teens
by Sue Scheff on May 11, 2011
Order on Amazon today!
In 2001 Sue Scheff created Parents’ Universal Resource Experts, Inc. (P.U.R.E.) in an effort to help educate parents when they have reached their wit’s end with their teenager.
This year P.U.R.E. is celebrating over a decade of assisting over 50,000 families. During these ten years, Sue Scheff has been interviewed by many media outlets including ABC News, 20/20, Lifetime Balancing Act, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox News, CNN, Headline News, InSession, Wall Street Journal, Miami Herald, Forbes, USA Today, Sun-Sentinel and many others.
Recently Sue Scheff was featured on Momtourage (iVillage) answering tough questions about raising today’s teens. “A parent asked about invading their teen’s privacy, such as reading their emails, text messages or journals,” Scheff continues, “It is a matter of when safety trumps privacy. If you suspect your teen is in trouble, becoming secretive, withdrawn, changing friends, I believe it is imperative for a parent to dig deeper if their teenager won’t open up verbally.”
Scheff knows personally the turmoil mother’s experience when their household is being disrupted by bad teen behavior. Out of desperation she turned to teen specialty schools and behavior modification programs for her own daughter but that only worsened the situation. Although her story is painful and the trials and tribulations’ seemed endless, Sue Scheff believes that there are excellent residential treatment centers and recognizes she made a huge mistake when she was at her wit’s end which is why she agreed to have her story published in an effort to help others.
Wit’s End, Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen, authored by Sue Scheff, was released in 2008 by Health Communications, Inc (HCI) and has been selling fast and steady to parents, educators and people with at-risk teens. “I am amazed at how many parents have emailed me or called to say that my book has helped them in many ways. After struggling with their own teen, they realized they are not alone,” Scheff says. “I also hear from parents on a daily basis that they were so confused but after reading my story, understand this teen help industry better and are able to make better choices for their own teen.”
With today’s ever expanding digital world, many parents hit the Internet looking for help for their troubled teenager only to be bombarded with slick websites and slicker sales reps trying to get your business. Scheff realized over ten years ago when she had her own struggles, that the Internet isn’t always what is seems to be.
“Deciphering Internet fact verses Internet fiction can be very difficult,” Scheff said in a recent interview with The Parenting Plate. “This is why my book, Wit’s End has proven to be a priceless asset when looking for residential therapy for your child.”
Sue Scheff continues her story about the Internet and how it can be an educational tool or a lethal weapon, depending who is using it, in Google Bomb, The Untold Story of the $11.3 Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet, also authored by Sue Scheff and Internet Expert and Attorney, John Dozier Jr., and published by HCI in 2009.
If you are searching for residential therapy for your troubled teen, visit www.HelpYourTeens.com for more information. To learn more about Sue Scheff, please visit www.SueScheff.com.
Contact: (954) 260-0805
Email: sue.scheff@gmail.com
Tags: At Risk Teens, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Books, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Problem Teens, Teen Drinking, Teen Help, Teen Help Programs, Teen Issues, Troubled Teens, Wits End
Boot Camps and Scared Straight Programs: Do They Work?
by Sue Scheff on Feb 17, 2011
What do boot camps really accomplish???
It never ceases to amaze me that parents are still asking for boot camps or scared straight programs. Although they may make an initial effect on your teen, it is rarely, if ever, long lasting. They are usually considered a band-aid to a wound that will soon be re-opened.
Many teens that are acting out in a negative way, are usually crying out for help. Lack of self-esteem, negative peer group and simply feel like they are not important to anyone.
Boot camps and scared straight programs are about breaking your child down – aren’t they already there? In many cases these types of programs can build more anger and resentment which is usually targeted at the parent that sent them there.
Finding a program that helps determine where these negative impulses are coming from and helping your teen work through them can be the best way to get back on a positive road.
Are you ready to get your teen the help they may need? Visit www.helpyourteens.com for resources.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Boot Camps, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Residential Therapy, Sue Scheff, Teen Help, Teen Help Programs, Troubled Teens
Troubled Teens? Parents At Wit’s End with the Internet Confusion
by Sue Scheff on Jan 22, 2011
You have resolved yourself to the fact that you can no longer control your teen’s behavior as they are spiraling out-of-control. Where did that cute little child go?
Actually, they are still there, but deeply buried under the layers of peer pressure, society, technology, divorces, and life in general. Life is not perfect, however with teens (although they believe they are nearly adults) they are not mature enough to understand that divorce isn’t their fault, a parent losing a job isn’t their fault, a death is not their fault, being bullied isn’t their fault – and before you know it, they have baggage that would outweigh even adults.
Now you get online – where can I find help! I am at my wit’s end!!!!
You start to see all these websites, clearing houses, marketing arms, toll free numbers etc… Then just when you think you found a program that can help, you find some very harsh website of disgruntled parents and other kids that attended that program.
Don’t panic. Look at the sources -is it a reliable source? Is it a legal case? Or simply people that have too much time on their hands, have a vengeance after a school or program and can’t move on with life. Unless you see some legal cases to substantiate these claims – chances are very good that their sole motive is to prevent others from getting help and slam programs.
It is a fact – just about every school or program in our country (and probably others) have the “good, bad and ugly” about them. You are not in business for years and won’t have clients that are not happy with your services. This is why it is so critical parents do their research.
As a victim of this myself, I have won two jury trials – I have proved that my issues as being a disgruntled parent were justified in a court of law -and that these malicious websites are nothing but a way to deter parents from believing my story or getting my help. I always tell parents, I am either famous or infamous – depending on the website you find – but in reality – I have taken it to the justice system and proved that I was being stalked, harassed and worse because the program my daughter was abused at simply wants me gone.
Want to know more – visit www.helpyourteens.com and read Wit’s End! Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out of Control Teen.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Boot Camps, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Residential Therapy, Teen Depression, Teen Help, Wilderness Programs
Teen Help, Troubled Teens and Searching for Residential Therapy (Confusion and Desperation can lead to mistakes)
by Sue Scheff on Jan 16, 2011
Coming to the realization you are in need of residential treatment for your teen is not an easy admission for any parent. It is a point of realization that you can no longer help them and by denying them the opportunity of an intervention, you may be enabling them into a dark future.
As my previous Blog post stated, finding the right placement for your teen is a tedious and time consuming job, however extremely necessary. This is a major financial and emotional step and as a parent, you need to take the reins and be part of this process.
Some thoughts and tips (from my own experiences) are the following:
- Beware of all these toll free numbers that go to places unknown – are marketing arms for a variety of programs and usually don’t have your child’s best interest, rather they are suggesting programs or schools that will “pay” for the referral.
- With this thought- always speak with the owner or the director. Someone that has a vested interest in your child’s recovery since it will reflect on their reputation. It is always beneficial, if you are working with a local therapist, to have them speak with the program you are considering to find out if it is a good fit. Remember, if your therapist has recommended residential – this is a step you should take, but sadly there are some therapists that don’t recommend residential therapy since it usually means they are losing a client.
- Are you determined to find a “religious” based program or school? Convinced that the bible will guide your teen back to you? Maybe – but remember, “religious based” programs rarely have to meet the same regulations that normal schools and programs do. A perfect example is where my daughter attended (that abused her and harmed her, while defrauding me): It was called Carolina Springs Academy. The changed their name to Magnolia Christian School. Why? They no longer have to report to DSS. Read a recent news article.
- Are you finding all these horror stories online about these types of programs? Remember, you need to take it from the source. Many of them are disgruntled teens that didn’t want to go to a program and obviously attending didn’t help them, however the majority is quite different. To sooth your mind, remember the Internet is full of fact and fiction, sometimes it is different to decipher. However looking into public records for legitimate lawsuits filed against programs can give you the real answers. My name is either famous or infamous – but when you look at my past, my court records prove that my stories are accurate and I actually won an $11.3M jury verdict for the slime that was written about me online. As the jury spoke loudly in the case with WWASPS – I defeated them to keep my story online – www.aparentstruestory.com - since it was told truthfully as I and many others experienced.
For more information on residential therapy and hints visit www.helpyourteens.com.
I will have more tips to come….. If you are looking for help ASAP – feel free to contact me.
Read more about my tips on my Parenting Blog.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Boarding Schools, Boot Camps, Parenting, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Residential Therapy, Residential Treatment Centers, Teen Drug Use, Teen Issues, Therapeutic Boarding Schools
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