Boot Camps & Military Schools in Michigan

If your teenager is out of control, defiant, and behaving in ways that can endanger himself and others, you are probably seeking out a rehabilitation program that can step in and help. Many parents believe that a boot camp or military school can solve their teen’s behavior problems. At HelpYourTeenNow, we have access to information on a range of teen help programs across the country, including military schools and boot camps, among others. We’ll work with you to assess your family’s needs and then recommend a program that matches. Even though it may be heartbreaking to think about sending your child away to a therapeutic program, we’ll give you the support you need to make the best decisions.

Consider learning more about military schools for troubled teens before jumping to conclusions or call Help Your Teen Now at 1-800-901-7347.

Military Schools and Boot Camps Aren’t the Best Option for Troubled Teens

Like most people, you’ve probably heard good and bad things about boot camps for troubled teens, from success stories to accounts of abuse. Military schools are actually academic institutions for teens interested in a career in the military and don’t work with troubled teens. Boot camps are short-term, highly structured programs designed to push kids to their physical extremes and teach them to respect authority and deal with the consequences. Neither of these programs are very successful in helping teens deal with the issues that are causing the anti-social behaviors. Other alternatives, like therapeutic boarding schools and work ranches, have dedicated, trained therapists on staff who can help teens make long-term recoveries.

Michigan Regulatory Laws

Child residential facilities, from boarding schools to boot camps, are regulated and licensed by Act No. 116 of the Public Acts of 1973. The Act gives various state departments the authority to set the standards and enforce them and regulates everything from employee background checks to annual inspections (722.124, Sec. 14).

Michigan private schools must be licensed (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.481), registered and approved (Mich. Comp. Laws §380.1561(3)(a). Every teacher must hold state certification for employment (Mich.Comp. Laws §§388.552; 388.553). The law requires private schools to provide services to students that meet state standards, especially for medical and psychological services (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.483(b). Every employee must have a criminal history check (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.483(d). Unlike many states with looser accreditation requirements, Michigan private schools must be fully accredited by a recognized association (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.484(a). Religious-based therapeutic boarding schools are exempt from many of these requirements so review them carefully before enrolling your child.

(U.S. Department of Education, State Regulation of Private Schools, 2020)

Reference: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/Year/2020/03/11/560_10532_AdminCode_Boarding_School_Rules.pdf?rev=be4a1fa732654f19bbcea09fcdfac0a7