Boot Camps for Teenagers

Does Your Teenager Struggle With the Following?

• Family Conflict, Argumentative, Abusive Behavior
• Blatant Disregard for Rules
• Can't Accept "No" For an Answer
• Abrupt Changes in Personality
• Never at Fault - Shifts Blame to Others
• Uncontrollable Anger - Poor Emotional Control
• Can't Accept Feedback - "Above the Law"
• Manipulative - Pits Parents Against Each Other
• Lying - Stealing - Sneaky Behaviors
• Lack of Motivation - Lazy - Resists Tasks
• "I hate you," attitude
• "You can't make me," attitude
• Substance Abuse - Alcohol or Drugs
• Skips School - Truancy
• School Suspensions - Authority Problems
• Grades Have Fallen - Academic Problems
• Can't Keep Friends - Peer Problems
• Legal Problems - Facing Justice
• Fighting - Violence and Aggression
• Gang Involvement & Glorification

Does he/she struggle with a disorder, or with an emotional or behavioral problem?

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Conduct Disorder - Diagnosed or Observed
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder - Diagnosed or Observed
• Low Self-Esteem or Poor Self-Image
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Depression - Diagnosed or Observed?
• Drug Abuse or Addiction
• Alcohol Abuse or Addiction
• Smoking or other Tobacco Use
• Sexually Active - Risky Behavior
• Cutting - Self-Harm or Mutilation
• Adoption Issues - Associated with RAD
• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
• Eating Disorder (Anorexia, Bulimia)
• Learning Disabilities - Diagnosed

Does Your Child Need a Boot Camp for Teenagers?

This question has been asked more often in recent years because of the hype generated by television programs and "info-tainment" documentaries. Boot Camps for Teenagers are generally, from the perspective of InsightPros, a terrible mistake. In our experienced with troubled teens we have seen that very few actually "need" radically oppressive intervention. Most can be helped to discover enough strength within themselves to actually succeed for the long-run without overly punitive measures being employed. Is a Boot Camp for Teenagers right for your teen? We will leave that to you to decide. And while you're making your decision, consider the alternative resources we can offer. Do your research. No matter how "terrible" your child has been, do you want to spend thousands of dollars on an intervention that doesn't work, or worse, causes your teen's issues to intensify?

Consider all of the troubled teen resources we have supplied on this site.

Often when teenagers struggle with the numerous issues they face in today's society they become, frankly, quite unpleasant. Thousands of families throughout the country have felt that the best way to get their troubled teens back on track is to send them to boot camps for teenagers. The idea is to both "straighten them out" and to legally punish them in the most painful way possible. However, unreported in both the media and from these programs is the fact that there is very little statistical evidence that boot camps for teenagers have a long-term impact on the success of the child. In fact, there is mounting evidence that they are both ineffective and in many cases detrimental.But there are other options to boot camps for teenagers. InsightPros is here to help.

What are Boot Camps for Teenagers?

Boot camps for teenagers are correctional programs for delinquent teens which maintain a military-style environment. These programs typically emphasize discipline and physical conditioning and have been developed as a alternative to longer terms of confinement in correctional facilities. Many, but not all, of these programs are followed by a period of probation or some form of aftercare. Boot camps for teenagers are generally restricted to non-violent or first-time offenders.

The idea of "shock incarceration" as a tough, low-cost alternative to more intensive programming brought about the establishment of military-style boot camps for teenagers.

Are boot camps for teenagers effective? Experts agree that a confrontational approach to teen problems is often inappropriate. Most correctional and military experts agree that a confrontational model, employing tactics of intimidation and humiliation, is counterproductive for most troubled teens. The use of this kind of model has led to disturbing incidents of abuse. For teens with emotional, behavioral, or learning problems, degrading tactics may be particularly inappropriate and potentially damaging. The bullying style and aggressive interactions that characterize boot camps for teenagers fail to model the pro-social behavior and development of empathy that struggling teens really need to learn.

Positive changes demonstrated while in boot camps for teenagers may not last when a teen returns to his community. Many teens have reported that the program is helpful to them and they feel more positive about their futures. It is unclear, however, whether these attitudes persist after students leave the boot camps, or whether they are related to actual changes in behavior once they return to their communities. Without significant therapeutic intervention while in the program, as well as specialized aftercare following release, boot camps for teenagers have been consistently unsuccessful in "changing" troubled teens.

What are the alternatives to boot camps for teenagers? Teens who need some form of treatment care require an individualized approach that takes their strengths and needs into account. Programs and policies should be family-centered, including the family in all decision making about a teen, as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate. Research has shown that small, family-centered programs are more effective than boot camps for teenagers at instilling long-term change.

Are you familiar with all of the intervention options - beyond boot camps for teenagers - to help your child? How are you going to know what your son/daughter needs? InsightPros may have treatment options that can help.

Beyond boot camps for teenagers, what kinds of treatment will build the life changing self-esteem and confidence that your son/daughter needs to be successful for the long run?

A major problem facing kids who struggle with the issues listed above is low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.

Many, if not all, of your son's/daughter's destructive behaviors could merely be symptoms of this one core problem.

Be certain that the intervention you choose builds, rather than destroys his/her self esteem, instilling life-long positive change by dealing with the core issues.

An abusive or overly restrictive setting may not build the confidence and self-esteem your child needs.

If your child exits a boot camp for teenagers with the same low self-image that he/she entered with, then he/she will continue to engage in the negative behaviors that validate his/her self image.

Many parents choose to pursue interventions that address the symptoms only. Attacking the symptoms will drive the destructive behaviors underground - only to resurface at a later date. This approach wastes valuable time and resources and may even make things worse.

You have made the right choice in seeking help. The next step is to contact us. We have vast experience in the treatment care industry. We have worked in the industry. We have lived in the industry. We have seen what works ...... and what doesn't.

We will guide you. We will inform you. Take advantage of our knowledge and insight. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

To inquire regarding placement in a residential program that is NOT a Boot Camp for Teenagers, complete the contact form found through the "Please Help Me Now!" link above. To speak with someone regarding placement in a TEEN HELP PROGRAM call 1-866-798-2285.*