Troubled teens face a variety of serious issues, and there are so many different programs for teens that it can be difficult to choose the one that will be most beneficial for your child. You should choose a program that will be suited to the problems your child is facing. Here are some of the most serious concerns that parents face:
- Substance abuse
- Problems with the law or gangs
- Behavior or defiance issues
- Emotional problems
- Problems at school
- Negative influence of friends
- Promiscuity
- Issues from adoption or abandonment
- Involvement with a cult
Doing Your Research
You should know how long a troubled teen program has existed and what licensing it has if applicable. If the program is academic, find out what accreditations it has and what the teacher-to-student ratio is. Find out the type of security that's available and how discipline is administered. You should also find out about the level of parent support. If your child requires medication, find out if there's a doctor or nurse on staff and if medication is allowed.
Types of Programs
- Outpatient Treatment
This can be a beneficial program for a teen who has substance abuse problems if he or she is cooperative and are willing to have treatment daily. However, if your teen is fighting you over the issue, a different form of troubled teen program may be necessary.
- Summer Camp
This can be a very positive experience for a teen with an addiction issue if your child is willing to make changes while participating in a troubled teen program with peers. However, it also depends on whether your child is receptive and willing to cooperate.
- Boot Camps or Wilderness Programs
These troubled teen programs are typically used for teens with emotional issues. You can enroll your child without his or her consent, and the program provides security so your child can't leave. However, camps and wilderness programs are often short term and sometimes the problems may occur again.
Also, these types of programs don't offer any support groups for families. Counseling is sometimes available, but not at all facilities. Some parents enroll their child in a short-term program before transferring him or her to a long-term treatment program.
- Residential Treatment Programs or Boarding Schools
You can enroll your child without his or her consent, and a residential program or boarding program will provide security so your child can't leave. This is usually for teens with emotional or substance abuse issues, and initially it could be difficult for everyone involved. A 12-step program is usually available. Individual and group therapy is offered, and girls and boys are kept separated. Programs such as this have a high success rate because the entire family is involved.
- Private Schools
This is an option for the teen who has academic problems or issues with peers at public school. The only drawback is that a private day school can be expensive, but it can help your child to excel due to smaller class size and more personalized attention.
