Parent & Teen Resources

Often when teens 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 youth back on track is to send them to teen boot camps. 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 teen boot camps 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 teen boot camps. Parent & Teen Resources is here to help.

The idea of "shock incarceration" as a tough, low-cost alternative to more intensive programming brought about the establishment of Teen Boot Camps.

Are teen boot camps effective? Experts agree that a confrontational approach to teen issues is often inappropriate. Most correctional experts agree that a confrontational model, employing tactics of intimidation and humiliation, is counterproductive for most 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 the teen boot camp environment fail to model the pro-social behavior and development of empathy that struggling teens really need to learn.

Positive changes demonstrated while in teen boot camps may not last when a student returns to his community. Many teens report 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 teen boot camps, or whether they are related to actual changes in behavior once a teen returns to his community. Without significant therapeutic intervention while in the program, as well as specialized aftercare following release, teen boot camps have been consistently unsuccessful in "changing" troubled kids.

What are the alternatives to teen boot camps? 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 child, as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate. Research has shown that small, family-centered programs are more effective than teen boot camps for long-term change.

What kinds of intervention will build the life changing self-esteem and confidance that your child needs to be successful for the long run?

A major problem facing teenagers and youth today is low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.

Many, if not all, of your child'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. Television and Hollywood have glamorized the idea of "sticking it to our kids" through brat camps or boot camps. Yet entertainment isn't treatment. There are better alternatives.

If your teenager exits a program with the same low self-image that he/she entered with, he/she will continue to engage in the behaviors that validate his/her self perception.

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 a great deal of 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 are personally familiar with many of the industry's best alternatives to teen boot camps.

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.

For any questions - call 1-866-798-2285 toll free
We have consultants waiting to take your call 24x7
Call now!