Boot Camps & Military Schools in Alabama

When parents find themselves unable to manage their troubled teen’s behavior through traditional disciplinary methods, military school or boot camp may seem like the best solution. However, entrusting your child to full-time care is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Before making your choice, it is important to understand how these different programs work and the requirements for each troubled teen program. At Help Your Teen Now, we aim to empower parents like you with the information and resources to make informed decisions for your child’s well-being. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Read more to learn if a military school for troubled teenagers is the best program for your teen or call Help Your Teen Now at 1-800-901-7347.

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

There are numerous misconceptions surrounding the objectives and functions of teen military schools and boot camps, particularly for parents in Alabama weighing whether to enroll their teens in troubled youth programs. While the strict regulations and structured environment of military schools may appear appealing for troubled teens, it’s crucial to understand that these institutions aim to equip students for academic achievement and potential military service rather than solely focusing on behavior correction.

Boot camps implement a highly disciplined regimen and military-style approach, yet they are typically short-term, remedial facilities designed to instill respect for authority through intimidation. Most boot camps lack academic and therapeutic components and often fail to address the underlying causes of behavioral issues. While a boot camp might be an initial step in your teen’s therapeutic journey, we strongly recommend considering it alongside a more comprehensive, longer-term plan, such as enrollment in an alternative or therapeutic boarding school.

At Help Your Teen Now, we are committed to partnering with you to determine the best plan of action tailored to your family’s specific needs and circumstances.

Alabama Regulatory Laws

Alabama boot camps and military academies are generally regulated and overseen by state, county, and city juvenile court systems. Teachers must hold state certificates(1975 §16-28-1(1), and the course work must be reflective of that taught in the public school curriculum (1975 §16-28-1(1) Attendance is mandatory, and records of absences of half a day or more must be kept.(1975 §16-28-1(1). Nonpublic schools must also implement a physical education program. (1975 §16-40-1).

The Alabama Department of Human Resources oversees the minimum standards for nonpublic facilities. Building codes must be up to date (1975 §41-9-163(c) fire drills must be held regularly, and all exits must remain unlocked during school hours. (1975 §36-19-10). Instructors and volunteers are subject to sex criminal background checks upon employment (1975§26-20-1). The unlawful sale of controlled substances on campus, or within a three-mile radius is punishable by five years incarceration, with no probation (1975 §13a-12-250).

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