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boarding schools for troubled teens In Michigan
It’s not uncommon for Michigan parents of at-risk teens to consider enrolling them in some kind of therapeutic boarding school. Alternative residential education can positively affect troubled teens, but there are many factors to consider about various facilities. HelpYourTeenNow is a parent advocacy group that provides resources for Michigan parents and teens who are considering therapeutic boarding school.
Do Schools for Troubled Teens in Michigan Work?
Yes, therapeutic boarding schools in Michigan can help struggling teens make meaningful progress—especially when traditional schools or outpatient therapy haven’t worked. These programs combine structured academics with behavioral support, therapy, and life skills training to address deeper emotional or social issues. While Michigan offers some local options, many families also consider out-of-state schools for a broader range of specialized care. For more insight, learn what these schools are often called and what they offer.
Contact Help Your Teen Now for free guidance in finding the right fit—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
When Should You Consider a School for Troubled Teens in Michigan?
You might consider a therapeutic school in Michigan when your teen is showing signs of ongoing defiance, academic failure, depression, or risky behavior despite your best efforts to help at home. When local schools and counseling aren’t enough, these specialized programs offer a more intensive, supportive path forward. If you’re unsure about timing or school type, explore alternatives like residential treatment centers for teens.
Need help navigating your options? Help Your Teen Now offers completely free support to guide your family toward the right solution.
Michigan Regulatory Laws
In Michigan, Act No. 116 of the Public Acts of 1973 regulates child residential facilities such as therapeutic boarding schools to ensure the care and supervision of minors throughout the year. The Act outlines the powers and duties of state departments in regulating things such as inspections, criminal history checks for employees, and who is authorized to place a child in a facility (722.124, Sec. 14).
The education segments of therapeutic boarding schools in Michigan are subject to strict licensing (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.481) and regulatory agencies. Registration is mandatory, as is approval (Mich. Comp. Laws §380.1561(3)(a). These schools must provide medical and psychological services (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.483(b) and run a criminal history check on all employees (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.483(d). State certification for teachers is required (Mich.Comp. Laws §§388.552; 388.553) Michigan law requires that boarding schools meet all the educational requirements and be fully accredited by a national association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.484(a).
Private, denominational or parochial schools are regulated slightly differently than private schools (Mich. Comp. Laws §380.1561(3)(a). They may choose to participate in accreditation, but are not required to. For parents seeking a religious-based therapeutic boarding school, carefully review the program for compliance to basic state standards for residential facilities and private schools.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
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Educational Recources
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Michigan Regulatory Laws
In Michigan, Act No. 116 of the Public Acts of 1973 regulates child residential facilities such as therapeutic boarding schools to ensure the care and supervision of minors throughout the year. The Act outlines the powers and duties of state departments in regulating things such as inspections, criminal history checks for employees, and who is authorized to place a child in a facility (722.124, Sec. 14).
The education segments of therapeutic boarding schools in Michigan are subject to strict licensing (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.481) and regulatory agencies. Registration is mandatory, as is approval (Mich. Comp. Laws §380.1561(3)(a). These schools must provide medical and psychological services (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.483(b) and run a criminal history check on all employees (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.483(d). State certification for teachers is required (Mich.Comp. Laws §§388.552; 388.553) Michigan law requires that boarding schools meet all the educational requirements and be fully accredited by a national association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (Mich. Comp. Laws 340.484(a).
Private, denominational or parochial schools are regulated slightly differently than private schools (Mich. Comp. Laws §380.1561(3)(a). They may choose to participate in accreditation, but are not required to. For parents seeking a religious-based therapeutic boarding school, carefully review the program for compliance to basic state standards for residential facilities and private schools.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
Educational Recources
Statistics for At-Risk Michigan Teens
ADD/ADHD
- 9.7%
9.7 percent of children in Michigan, aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016–2019).
TEEN PREGNANCY
- 13.5%
The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Michigan is 13.5 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
- 10.5%
Michigan ranks 15th with a suicide rate of 10.5 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/MI
DRUG USE
- 8.91%
In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In Michigan, about 8.91% of adolescents in this age group reported using illicit drugs, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
ALCOHOL USE
- 9.17%
Approximately 9.17% of teens in Michigan suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).
TEEN VAPING
- 20.8%
Michigan ranks 31st among all states, with 20.8% of high school teens reported to have used vapes. (Drug Watch, 2024).
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 it won’t be easy, but it’s important to do everything you can to help your teenager avoid self-destructive behavior and get help before it’s too late. Therapeutic boarding schools are often the answer when your child should no longer be at home and you’ve run out of ideas on how to help. When you call HelpYourTeenNow for a free consultation, we will evaluate your teen’s needs and then provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about alternative and therapeutic boarding schools. We are definitely your best resource for advice and inside information on finding a realistic and workable solution to your teen’s behavioral issues.