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Boot Camps & Military Schools in Delaware
Parents of severely troubled teens can reach a point where they don’t know where to turn. Military school or juvenile boot camp is often considered as a solution for behavioral issues, however, it is important to be aware of the differences and requirements of each of these programs before you make a decision. At Help Your Teen Now, we want to help inform and educate you on the process of determining the best course of action to help your child. We offer a free consultation and assessment that allows us to customize your plan of action. We make sure you have the resources you need to have confidence in the program you choose and our experienced staff is here to answer the many questions you will have along the way. Call us today and see how we can help your family.
Boot Camps Are Not The Best Option for Troubled Teens from Delaware
The goals and purpose of teen military schools and boot camp are subject to many misconceptions. Although the rigid rules and structure of a military school might seem ideal for a teen with behavior issues there are several factors to consider. For instance, military schools are are created in order to prepare students for both academic success and military service. Students in these programs are expected to obey authority and those who consistently act out will be asked to leave. Boot camps are intended as short term programs, whose severe schedule and military style are meant to scare teens into respecting authority. Boot camps are non-academic and non-therapeutic and since they do nothing to address the root of behavior problems, they have a very low long term success rate. Depending on the needs of your teen and your goals for his/her behavior, a boot camp may be an effective first step in the overall therapy plan. However, we strongly urge you to only consider it in conjunction with a long-term plan such as an alternative or therapeutic boarding school. Contact us to discuss the programs options available for your child in Delaware.
Delaware Regulatory Laws
Accreditation is not required for private schools in Delaware, however the state requires that all educational facilities be registered. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §2704. Although a teaching certification is optional for instructors, the Delaware Department of Education may implement a “voluntary licensing and certification” system for non public and private schools. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §121(b). The curriculum in nonpublic schools must be similar to that of the public schools in the state, under the Compulsory Education Statute. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §2703(a). Courses that are required include instruction in the U.S. Constitution, the Delaware Constitution, government and the free enterprise system as determined by the State Board of Education. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §4103. Fire and safety standard inspections will be performed by the state Fire Marshal, or his deputies. Fire drills must be held monthly and school exits are to remain unlocked during school hours. Del. Code Ann., Title 16, §6607(d)(e). A fingerprinting program may be implemented in nonpublic schools with signed authorization from a parent or guardian. Del. Code Ann., Title 11, §8526.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
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Educational Recources
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Delaware Regulatory Laws
Accreditation is not required for private schools in Delaware, however the state requires that all educational facilities be registered. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §2704. Although a teaching certification is optional for instructors, the Delaware Department of Education may implement a “voluntary licensing and certification” system for non public and private schools. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §121(b). The curriculum in nonpublic schools must be similar to that of the public schools in the state, under the Compulsory Education Statute. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §2703(a). Courses that are required include instruction in the U.S. Constitution, the Delaware Constitution, government and the free enterprise system as determined by the State Board of Education. Del. Code Ann., Title 14, §4103. Fire and safety standard inspections will be performed by the state Fire Marshal, or his deputies. Fire drills must be held monthly and school exits are to remain unlocked during school hours. Del. Code Ann., Title 16, §6607(d)(e). A fingerprinting program may be implemented in nonpublic schools with signed authorization from a parent or guardian. Del. Code Ann., Title 11, §8526.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
Educational Recources
Statistics for At-Risk Delaware Teens
ADD/ADHD
- 11.1%
11.1 percent of children in Delaware, aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016–2019).
TEEN PREGNANCY
- 14.6%
The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Delaware is 14.6 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
- 8%
Delaware ranks 8th with a suicide rate of 8% 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/DE
DRUG USE
- 10.06%
In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In Delaware, about 10.06% of adolescents in this age group reported using illicit drugs, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
ALCOHOL USE
- 10.06%
Approximately 10.06% of teens in Delaware suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).
TEEN VAPING
- 5.9%
Approximately 5.9% of middle and high school students, equivalent to 1.63 million individuals, reported current e-cigarette use. Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2024.
https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/results-annual-national-youth-tobacco-survey
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.
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 boot camp or military school as an option for your teens behavior, we want to help you. We can educate you about the variety of programs available that may be a much better fit for your child’s long term needs. Facilities such as alternative and therapeutic boarding school provide both an education and a staff trained to address the root of the problem with struggling teens. Boot camp and military schools are not your only option for an environment that will reduce your child’s self-destructive behavior. Call us today and let us help you explore your options for long term results.