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Boot Camps & Military Schools in Hawaii

Are you struggling with a teenager who is out of control and engaging in self destructive behavior? Have you considered military school or boot camp as a solution? If so, we want to help you. Deciding on full time care for your child is a big decision and there are many factors to consider before you select a program. At Help Your Teen Now, we are dedicated to informing and educating you on the variety of options for your troubled teen. We offer a complimentary consultation and assessment in order to help us direct you toward the resources and programs that will be most beneficial for your specific situation. Call us today to see how we can help your family get started on the road to healing.

Boot Camps Are Not The Best Option for Troubled Teens from Hawaii

It is a common myth that the best plan of action for a troubled teen is to place them in a strict environment where they will be molded into accepting authority. This is why many parents consider military schools or boot camps as a solution for their out of control child. Although it is true that a strict, consistent regimen can be beneficial for many children, it is important to understand the requirements and differences between the programs available. For instance, most military schools and academies are not intended to address behavior issues. Students who attend these schools are there to gain an education while preparing for a career in the military. Students who flout authority, or consistently act up may be asked to leave. In addition, most of the time students may not be enrolled against their wishes. Boot camps were created as an alternative to military schools. They are non-academic, non-therapeutic, short term programs that adopt the style of a real army boot camp. These camps may show some success, but follow up studies have shown that it is only in the short term. In addition, many of these camps are not regulated well and have put their attendees in potentially dangerous situations. We encourage parents to consider an alternative or therapeutic boarding school. These facilities cover academics, while taking a therapeutic approach to correcting behavior. They are staffed with employees who are experienced in treating troubled teens and have a history in addressing the root of the problem for better long term success. Call us today to explore the options in your area.

Hawaii Regulatory Laws

Although accreditation is optional for nonpublic schools in Hawaii, a school may choose to become accredited through an agency that meets the requirements of the Hawaii Council of Private Schools. All private schools in Hawaii must register with the Hawaii Department of Consumer Affairs. Licensing is optional although strongly recommended by the state. Memorandum of Understanding The Hawaii Council of Private Schools, HDOE, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), pursuant to Hawaii Sessions Law, ACT 188. The licensing organization of a private school sets the requirements of teacher certification. Schools licensed by the HAIS require that “the administration, faculty, and staff shall be qualified for their position and responsibilities by education and/or experience. While it is the responsibility of the head of the school to determine the school’s needs and the qualifications needed in personnel, regular teachers, not working exclusively under the direct supervision of another faculty member, shall be expected to have at least a baccalaureate degree from an established college or university, or a professional certificate from a national or state teacher certification agency, or some other means of indicating the talents and/or skills (such as technological, foreign language competency) for their position. In general, there should be a preference for faculty with degrees from established colleges or universities.” Hawaii Council of Private Schools, Standards and Procedures for the Approval of Hawaii Private Schools, 1996. Nonpublic schools licensed by the Hawaii Council of Public Schools are required to include reading, mathematics, social studies writing, speech, science, art, music, health and physical education in their educational curriculum. Hawaii Council of Private Schools, Standards and Procedures for the Approval of Hawaii Private Schools, 1996. students must present a report of health including, a physical examination and proof of a tuberculosis examination in order to attend a private school,. HRS §11-157-6.1 Private schools are required to maintain the health and safety standards detailed by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools. All employees hired after July 1, 2000 must pass a criminal record check in order to work students. HRS §302-C1

 

Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf

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Hawaii Regulatory Laws

Although accreditation is optional for nonpublic schools in Hawaii, a school may choose to become accredited through an agency that meets the requirements of the Hawaii Council of Private Schools. All private schools in Hawaii must register with the Hawaii Department of Consumer Affairs. Licensing is optional although strongly recommended by the state. Memorandum of Understanding The Hawaii Council of Private Schools, HDOE, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), pursuant to Hawaii Sessions Law, ACT 188. The licensing organization of a private school sets the requirements of teacher certification. Schools licensed by the HAIS require that “the administration, faculty, and staff shall be qualified for their position and responsibilities by education and/or experience. While it is the responsibility of the head of the school to determine the school’s needs and the qualifications needed in personnel, regular teachers, not working exclusively under the direct supervision of another faculty member, shall be expected to have at least a baccalaureate degree from an established college or university, or a professional certificate from a national or state teacher certification agency, or some other means of indicating the talents and/or skills (such as technological, foreign language competency) for their position. In general, there should be a preference for faculty with degrees from established colleges or universities.” Hawaii Council of Private Schools, Standards and Procedures for the Approval of Hawaii Private Schools, 1996. Nonpublic schools licensed by the Hawaii Council of Public Schools are required to include reading, mathematics, social studies writing, speech, science, art, music, health and physical education in their educational curriculum. Hawaii Council of Private Schools, Standards and Procedures for the Approval of Hawaii Private Schools, 1996. students must present a report of health including, a physical examination and proof of a tuberculosis examination in order to attend a private school,. HRS §11-157-6.1 Private schools are required to maintain the health and safety standards detailed by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools. All employees hired after July 1, 2000 must pass a criminal record check in order to work students. HRS §302-C1

 

Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf

Statistics for At-Risk Hawaii Teens

ADD/ADHD

  • 5.8%

5.8 percent of children in Hawaii, aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016–2019).

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9489617/

TEEN PREGNANCY 

  • 13%

The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Hawaii is 13 per 1,000 females in this age group, according to the World Population Review.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/teen-pregnancy-rates-by-state

TEEN SUICIDE

  • 11.7%

Hawaii ranks 23rd with a suicide rate of 11.7 deaths per 100,000 adolescents aged 15 to 19, according to data from the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death Files (2020–2022).

https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/teen_suicide/HI

DRUG USE

  • 7.36%

In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In Hawaii, about 7.36% of adolescents in this age group reported using illicit drugs, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.

https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/#hawaii

ALCOHOL USE

  • 6.31%

Approximately 6.31% of teens in Hawaii suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).

https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/#hawaii

TEEN VAPING

  • 30.6%

Hawaii ranks 7th among all states, with 30.6% of high school teens reported to have used vapes. (Drug Watch, 2024).

https://www.drugwatch.com/e-cigarettes/vape-stat-by-state/

TEEN PORNOGRAPHY

  • 57%

The porn industry experienced a 12.6% annual revenue increase from 2018 to 2023. Adolescent exposure to pornography has steadily risen, with the age of first exposure becoming increasingly younger. 57% of young adults ages 18-25 use porn monthly or more often.

https://www.addictionhelp.com/porn/statistics/

TEEN BULLYING

  • 46%

According to Pew Research Center, 46% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 have experienced at least one of six types of cyberbullying behaviors. (Pew Research Center, 2022).

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/12/15/teens-and-cyberbullying-2022/

 

Summary

We Can Help!

If you are considering a program to deal with your teen’s behavioral issues, please contact us today. We are dedicated to helping you find a healthy environment that will treat the underlying causes of your child’s behavior. Boot camps and military schools are not the only options available. There are multiple programs in your area that may be a better fit for your teen’s needs and that have a better chance for long term success. Call us today for your free consultation and evaluation.