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Therapeutic & Alternative Boarding Schools In Virginia
If your teenager is out of control and exhibiting behavior that worries you, it might be time to consider a solution outside the home. However, where do you get answers to questions like where to send your child and what type of facility might be best? At HelpYourTeenNow, we can provide information, reviews and advice on teen residential facilities in Virginia. We are a parent advocate group that organized to help other parents—we aren’t affiliated with any programs or schools. We are dedicated to helping other parents get through this challenging time and pass along the wisdom we’ve gained. When you don’t know where else to turn, call HelpYourTeenNow for a free consultation.
Virginia Regulatory Laws
Therapeutic and alternative boarding schools must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The DBHDS is responsible for licensing residential facilities that house adolescents on site and the state provides new applicant training DVD.
Licensing and accreditation is optional for private schools in Virginia (Va. Code §22.1-19) and teacher certification is not a state requirement. Each school can set its own curriculum without oversight by the state board of education. Proof of immunization is required for students at private schools (Va. Code §22.1-271.2.E). If a private school is accredited, all employees must pass a criminal background check, however, non-accredited schools are not required to conduct background checks (Va. Code §22.1-296.3).
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
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Educational Recources
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Virginia Regulatory Laws
Therapeutic and alternative boarding schools must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The DBHDS is responsible for licensing residential facilities that house adolescents on site and the state provides new applicant training DVD.
Licensing and accreditation is optional for private schools in Virginia (Va. Code §22.1-19) and teacher certification is not a state requirement. Each school can set its own curriculum without oversight by the state board of education. Proof of immunization is required for students at private schools (Va. Code §22.1-271.2.E). If a private school is accredited, all employees must pass a criminal background check, however, non-accredited schools are not required to conduct background checks (Va. Code §22.1-296.3).
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
Educational Recources
Statistics for At-Risk Virginia Teens
ADD/ADHD
- 9.2%
9.2 percent of children in Virginia, aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016–2019).
TEEN PREGNANCY
- 13.1%
The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Virginia 13.1 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
- 12.1%
Virginia ranks 25th with a suicide rate of 12.1 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/VA
DRUG USE
- 6.96%
In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In Virginia, about 6.96% of adolescents in this age group reported using illicit drugs, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
ALCOHOL USE
- 9.01%
Approximately 9.01% of teens in Virginia suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).
TEEN VAPING
- 19.9%
Virginia ranks 35th among all states, with 19.9% 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!
It’s hard to know which program is best for your teen, when you are confused about everything from available options to cost. At HelpYourTeenNow, we will take the time to answer your questions and work with you to choose a program that provides teens and families with essential social tools that are needed to thrive in school and in society. Call us today to get more information and take the first step in allowing your troubled teens to start living a self-reliant, successful life. Don’t wait to make the decision on how best to intervene with your struggling boy or girl—contact HelpYourTeenNow for a free assessment.