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Boot Camps & Military Schools in Illinois
If you are parenting a teen who is engaging in self destructive behavior, you may have considered boot camp or boot camp as a solution. It is important to understand the differences and requirements of these programs. At Help Your Teen Now, we want to inform and educate you about all the options available so you can make the best decision possible. We offer a complimentary consultation and assessment in order to direct you toward the most relevant resources and allow you to customize your plan of action. We are proud to have helped hundreds of families, just like yours, find the path to heal and rebuild. Call us today to see how we can help you too.
Boot Camps Are Not The Best Option for Troubled Teens from Illinois
There are many misconceptions surrounding the goals and effectiveness of military schools and boot camps in regards to troubled teens. While the rigid structure and military style environment may seem ideal for a child with authority issues, these programs may not be the best fit after all. For instance, most military schools are designed for students who are eager for an education while preparing for a career in the armed forces. Students who consistently act out or refuse to respect will ultimately be asked to leave. They are not intended as therapy for struggling teens. Boot camps, on the other hand, were created with a similar military style regimen in order to scare teens into respecting authority. However, these programs, which have been very poorly regulated in the past are a short term solution at best, or dangerous at worst. Boot camps are non-academic and non-therapeutic and because of the bad reputation they have gained, are now difficult to locate in the U.S. We strongly encourage parents to consider an alternative or therapeutic boarding school to address their teen’s behavioral issues. These facilities adopt a strict consistent structure while therapeutically exploring the root of the problem. They are fully academic and are equipped with a staff that understands the age group as well as the challenges that come with it. Alternative and therapeutic boarding schools are proven to have a higher rate of long term success. Call us now to discuss the options available in your area.
Illinois Regulatory Laws
Accreditation is not required for private schools in Illinois, however those that do apply for accreditation through an approved accrediting agency must be recognized by the state. (Policy and Guidelines for Registration and Recognition of Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Schools, February 2004.) Registration is also optional but schools may register through the State Board of Education. 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25o(e). After one year of being registered, and adhering to guidelines regarding the administration, organization, instructional programs, school facilities, food services and personnel, nonpublic schools may apply for recognition from the State Board of Education. Policy and Guidelines for Registration and Recognition of Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Schools, February 2004. Although the Illinois State Board of Education encourages all instructors to have at least a baccalaureate degree in the subject they are teaching,teacher certification is required at the discretion of the individual school governance. If an instructor does not have a degree, they should provide a timeline of how and when they plan to achieve that degree. 105 ILCS 5/24-1.1 The curriculum at nonpublic schools should match the variety of subjects taught to students in public schools. 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Non-public schools must have the same graduation requirements as public schools. Health exams and proof of immunization is required for all children attending nonpublic schools and proper exemption paperwork must be submitted when applicable. 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1; 410 ILCS 235/6. Regular safety drills for bus evacuation, fire, severe weather/shelter and law enforcement drills for bomb threats and shooters must be employed.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
7.2% Illinois children between the ages of 4-17 are diagnosed each year with ADD/ADHD (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011 Study)
In 2016, the CDC reported 7,805 live births to women under 20 that year. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2016 Study).
National suicide ranking: 44th making suicide the 3rd leading cause of death for individuals between 15-24. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016 Study)
27% of Illinois teens report abusing alcohol and 34% admit to using marijuana at least once. 6-8% report using illicit drugs such as prescription painkillers and cocaine. (State Report, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.)
In a 2016 report by The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, there were 65 juvenile arrests for aggravated assault, 203 arrests for robbery, 873 arrests for larceny, 284 arrests for drug abuse and 233 arrests for weapons violations.
For the 2014-2015 school year, Illinois reported an 85.6% high school graduation rate. (U.S. Department of Education. 2014-2015)
Summary
If you are considering a boot camp or military school to address your teen’s behavioral issues, please contact us. There are many other options available that will promote long term success and be a better fit for your family. Let us assist you in finding an environment that will allow your teen to thrive, while treating the underlying issues. We know you want to feel confident in your final decision and we want to help you get there. Call us today for your free consultation and evaluation.
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