Boot Camps & Military Schools in Georgia
If your teen is out of control and engaging in self destructive behavior, you may have considered military school or boot camp as a solution. While determining a full time care program for your child is an emotional decision, there are certain factors to consider before making a selection. At Help Your Teen Now, our mission is to inform and educate you about your options so that you can make the best decision possible for your child. Our complimentary consultation and assessment help us steer you toward the resources and programs that are specific to your situation and needs. We have helped hundreds of families, just like yours, and we know we can help you feel confident in your ultimate decision. Call us today and we can help you explore the options in your area.
To see if a military school for troubled teens is the best choice for your teen – Click Here or call Help Your Teen Now at 1-800-901-7347.
Boot Camps Are Not The Best Option for Troubled Teens from Georgia
While military school or boot camp might seem like the idea option for a struggling teen with behavior issues, it might not be the best solution. There are certain requirements and differences within these programs that keep them from being the best fit for your struggling child. For instance, in many cases, military schools and academies are intended for students who wish to prepare for a career in the armed services, while earning an education. They are non-therapeutic and will not tolerate students who act out or refuse to accept authority. Boot camps were created as a strict environment for teens with behavior issues, however, the short term, restrictive military approach has been shown to do little for long term recovery. Some boot camps are not very well regulated and have actually been considered unsafe. We urge parents looking into these programs to consider a more therapeutic approach to correcting behavior, such as alternative or therapeutic boarding schools. Not only do these facilities offer a consistent education, they are also staffed with employees who have experience in treating troubled teens Alternative and therapeutic boarding schools ultimately have a higher rate of long term success and offer your child a better chance of a sound future. Contact us today.
Georgia Regulatory Laws
A private facility must be accredited by a state approved agency in order to participate in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) and/or the Georgia Private School Tax Credit. Although teaching certification is not required for private schools in Georgia, nonpublic schools enrolling students under the (GSNS) program require that teachers have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, instructors must have at least three years of experience in health or education. Nonpublic school curriculum must include reading, mathematics, language, arts social studies and science. O.C.GA §20-2-690(b)(4), (d). Nonpublic schools in Georgia are required to meet health and safety standards defined by local and state ordinances. O.C.GA §20-2-690(b)(6), (d). Manufacturing, distributing or possessing a controlled substance within 1,000 ft of a private school is a felony. O.C.GA §16-13-32.4(a).
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
ADD/ADHD
Georgia children between the ages of 4-17 diagnosed each year with ADD/ADHD: 9.3% (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/prevalence.html
TEEN PREGNANCY
Georgia ranked 19 out of 50 states for teen pregnancy with 2,182 live births to women between the ages of 15-19 in 2016. There were 99 births to girls under 15. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016 report.) https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/facts-and-stats/national-and-state-data-sheets/adolescent-reproductive-health/georgia/index.html
TEEN SUICIDE
National suicide ranking: 39th. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in individuals aged 10-14 and the third leading cause of death in teens aged 15-24. (Georgia Department of Health Survey, 2016) https://www.gaspsdata.net/data/suicide/infographics/2018-suicide-georgia-data-sheet-3-part-consolidated
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
A 2017 report determined that Georgia teens 13 and up use an illicit drug at least one time per month and approximately 70,000 adolescents admitted to illicit drug use within the past year. (Teenage Drug Abuse in Georgia: Know the Facts). https://georgiadrugdetox.com/resources/teenage-drug-abuse-georgia-know-facts/
VIOLENT CRIME
Juvenile arrests in Georgia for 2017 included, 79 arrests for aggravated assault, 43 arrests for robbery, 567 arrests for larceny, 233 arrests for drug abuse and 45 arrests for weapons violations. (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2017) https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05103.asp?qaDate=2017&text=yes
GRADUATION RATES
For the 2014-2015 school year, Georgia reported a 78.8% high school graduation rate. (U.S. Department of Education. 2014-2015) http://www.governing.com/gov-data/high-school-graduation-rates-by-state.html
Summary
Please contact us today if you are considering a program to correct your teen’s behavioral issues. Military schools and boot camps are not your only option. We are dedicated to helping you find the most effective solution for your child and your family’s needs and there are a variety of programs to explore. We can assist you in finding an environment for your teen that is both therapeutic and academic without resorting to a severely restrictive academy or potentially unsafe short term boot camp program. Taking a therapeutic approach to your child’s healing is far more likely to address the root of the problem and generate long term success. Please call us today for your free consultation and evaluation.
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