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Therapeutic & Alternative Boarding Schools In Alabama
It is a major decision for a parent to enroll their child in an alternative or therapeutic boarding school. Choosing the right school is important and there are multiple factors to consider. Help Your Teen Now is an advocacy group for parents searching for information on the benefits of therapeutic boarding schools. Arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible about your options will give you assurance that you have made the best decision for your troubled child.
Alabama Regulatory Laws
Non-religious, therapeutic boarding schools in Michigan are subject to strict licensing and regulations. For instance, instruction can only be given by teaching professionals holding certificates issued by the State Superintendent (1975 §16-28-1(1) and the course work is to reflect the educational branches taught in the public school curriculum (1975 §16-28-1(1) The course objectives are to be made clearly available in the catalog, bulletin or brochure of the institution (R. 290-030-050-.05) and a register of attendance is kept, recording the absence of each child for a half day or more. (1975 §16-28-1(1). A physical education program that meets the standards of the Alabama Department of Education must be also be implemented (1975 §16-40-1).
The Alabama Department of Human Resources oversees the minimum standards for facilities housing minors up to 18 years of age. This includes ensuring that the building codes are up to date (1975 §41-9-163(c) and that regular fire drills are implemented and all exits are unlocked during school hours (1975 §36-19-10). Instructors and volunteers must pass a sex criminal background check in order to be given supervisory and disciplinary power over minors less than 18 years of age (1975§26-20-1). Additionally, the unlawful sale of controlled substances on campus, or within a three mile radius carries a penalty of five years incarceration, with no probation (1975 §13a-12-250).
Private facilities are allowed the same health and welfare facilities that are available to public schools. This includes dental and physician services, dental hygienist, school psychologist, nurse, social worker and speech therapist. N.Y. Educ. Law §912.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
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Educational Recources
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Alabama Regulatory Laws
Non-religious, therapeutic boarding schools in Michigan are subject to strict licensing and regulations. For instance, instruction can only be given by teaching professionals holding certificates issued by the State Superintendent (1975 §16-28-1(1) and the course work is to reflect the educational branches taught in the public school curriculum (1975 §16-28-1(1) The course objectives are to be made clearly available in the catalog, bulletin or brochure of the institution (R. 290-030-050-.05) and a register of attendance is kept, recording the absence of each child for a half day or more. (1975 §16-28-1(1). A physical education program that meets the standards of the Alabama Department of Education must be also be implemented (1975 §16-40-1).
The Alabama Department of Human Resources oversees the minimum standards for facilities housing minors up to 18 years of age. This includes ensuring that the building codes are up to date (1975 §41-9-163(c) and that regular fire drills are implemented and all exits are unlocked during school hours (1975 §36-19-10). Instructors and volunteers must pass a sex criminal background check in order to be given supervisory and disciplinary power over minors less than 18 years of age (1975§26-20-1). Additionally, the unlawful sale of controlled substances on campus, or within a three mile radius carries a penalty of five years incarceration, with no probation (1975 §13a-12-250).
Private facilities are allowed the same health and welfare facilities that are available to public schools. This includes dental and physician services, dental hygienist, school psychologist, nurse, social worker and speech therapist. N.Y. Educ. Law §912.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
Educational Recources
Statistics for At-Risk Alabama Teens
ADD/ADHD
- 12.1%
An estimated 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents using data from 2022.
https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/state-profiles-diagnosis-and-medication-treatment.html
TEEN PREGNANCY
- 24.8%
Alabama ranks 5th in the nation for its teen birth rate, with 24.8 births per 1,000 women. Approximately 74% of teen births in Alabama occur among older teens (ages 18-19), while 16% of these births are to teens who already have children.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/teen-pregnancy-rates-by-state
TEEN SUICIDE
- 15.8%
The suicide rate in Alabama in 2021 was 15.8 per 100,000. Over 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021, averaging out to 1 death every 11 minutes.
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/suicide/index.html
DRUG USE
- 8.33%
Youth drug abuse is a high-profile public health concern, with at least 1-in-8 teenagers abusing an illicit substance in the last year. Approximately 8.33 percent of adolescents in Alabama, age 12-17, experiment with illicit drugs. (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).
https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/#alabama
ALCOHOL USE
- 9.15%
Approximately 9.15% of teens in Alabama suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).
TEEN VAPING
- 19.4%
Alabama ranks 37th among all states, with 19.4% of high school teens reported to have used vapes. (Drug Watch, 2024).
https://www.drugwatch.com/e-cigarettes/vape-stat-by-state/
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!
We know that helping your teen avoid self destructive behavior is your first priority and we are your most comprehensive resource for finding a solution. We will partner with you to provide an individualized plan of action for your concerns as well as your child’s specific needs.
We hold a very high standard for the groups and organizations we recommend. We specifically work with groups that have a history of success in correcting behavioral issues as well as a unique understanding of what a delicate process this is for parents. You can rest easy, knowing that we have done the leg work in order to present with the best, most comprehensive options for you and your teen.