Your Troubled Teen Doesn’t Need To Go To A Boot Camp

No Boot Camp Needed

Parents sometimes send their troubled teens to boot camp in an effort to straighten them out and put them on the proverbial right track. In other cases, the courts order the young person to attend boot camp instead of locking them up. The bottom line is that these programs are usually a last resort and intervention to deal with substance abuse, behavioral or emotional issues. Parents, teachers, social workers and law enforcement officers might believe that these tough programs will grab the young person’s attention and motivate them to change. Admittedly, some facilities boast excellent success rates, but that is not always the case. Before you send your child to a boot camp for troubled teens, review the following information so that you can make an informed decision.

Disadvantages of Boot Camp

While a boot camp for troubled teens works in some cases, it might not be the right choice for your child. The following problems are associated with juvenile boot camps

1. Inexperienced staff – If your child is dealing with any complex or co-diagnoses, the staff might not be trained to handle them. Complex issues might include ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, substance abuse, oppositional defiant disorder, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder or similar problems. In addition to a lack of training, facilities sometimes hire young staff members that they believe will relate to the teens. However, these individuals also have little life experience when handling challenging situations.

2. Inability to take legal action – Parents might unwittingly sign over their rights to their child. They give the facility power of attorney to handle issues as they see fit. If the staff does not have the proper training, you might need to step in and take legal steps to protect your child. You need to make sure that you have the legal right to act if necessary.

3. Abusive behaviors – If the facility is not regulated, the teens can be the victims of abuse, which can span all types of mistreatment, such as:

Verbal abuse Neglect and a general lack of attention Withholding food or water Physical abuse Mental abuse, including isolation and Sexual abuse.

Tragically, children have even lost their lives at some of these facilities. Government statistics show that deaths occur for a number of reasons, such as heat stroke, blood loss, suicide, head injuries, dehydration and hyperthermia.

4. No accreditation – <a href= https://helpyourteennow.com/boot-camp-for-troubled-teens/>Boot camps for troubled teens</a> are not federally regulated and as such, have no accountability or oversight from a government agency. Staff does not need to be certified or even have a background of working with young teens. Even worse, individuals with a past criminal history of violence or sexual offenses can easily slip through the cracks as staff members. The lack of regulation can attract deviant individuals who are looking for vulnerable victims. In the long run, the children are the ones who suffer.

Alternatives to Boot Camp

Instead of sending your child to a boot camp for troubled teens, you might want to explore other options. Choose a facility that focuses on the specific needs of your child, such as a substance abuse facility for adolescents. Consider an outpatient program. Most importantly, seek places that are state-licensed and accredited by the federal government. You will reap the benefits of experienced and training professionals who are certified and who can meet the needs of your child. This intervention, with the help of caring staff, might be just what your teen needs to encourage him or her on the path to success.

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

6 Aug, 2015

Recent Posts

Finding the Right Boys Home For Your Teen Son

Finding the Right Boys Home For Your Teen Son

Finding the right solution for your teen son who may be in crisis is essential to ensure his future is steady, stable, and on the right track. Teen boys struggling with mental health or behavioral issues often need therapeutic intervention. The right boy's home can...

Improve Teen Grades in 6 Easy Ways

Improve Teen Grades in 6 Easy Ways

Parents usually think teens are just being lazy when they have bad grades. And for some kids, that could be true. But many teens aren't lazy; they just need to learn how to study or organize properly to be successful in school. Others teens have ADHD and other mental...

Defiant Teenager Help and Resources

Defiant Teenager Help and Resources

When your little one was born, there are good odds you were warned about the terrible twos and threes being the most problematic years to deal with. In truth, the pre-teen and teen years can bring with them the most challenges for parents. Your teen may be slipping at...

How CBT is Improving Teen Therapy

How CBT is Improving Teen Therapy

A practical therapeutic approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, examines how the environment and preconceptions influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to teach people how to identify irrational thought processes that...

What Happens When You Kick Out Your Teenager

What Happens When You Kick Out Your Teenager

As much as you love your teenager, there may come a day when you look at your options for having them leave your home to protect yourself and the other family members better. You may have tried just about everything you can think of to try and get your troubled teen...

Winter Activities to do with your Teen

Winter Activities to do with your Teen

Winter can be a challenging time to find fun and engaging activities to do with your teen. Sure, it’s easy to leave them with an iPad and a movie, but unless you want them mindlessly scrolling all day, there needs to be a bit more structure to your cold-weather...

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *