Troubled Teens & Military Schools

Does Your Teen Struggle With the Following?

• Family Conflict and/or Disrespectful
• Blatant Disregard for Rules & Authority
• Reclusive or Withdrawn From Family
• Abrupt Change in Personality
• Never at Fault - Blames Others
• Uncontrollable Anger
• Poor Emotional Control
• Manipulative - Divides Parents
• Lying - Stealing - Sneaky
• Lack of Motivation - Lazy
• "I hate you," attitude
• "You can't make me," attitude
• Substance Abuse - Alcohol & Drugs
• Serious School & Academic Problems
• Low Self-Esteem or Self-Image
• Bipolar, ADHD, or Other Disorder
• Poor or Unhealthy Peer Relationships
• Facing Legal Action or Problems
• Fighting, Violence, Bullying, or Abuse
• Can't Accept "No," Criticism, or Feedback
• Regularly Runs Away or AWOL
• Simply "Heading Down the Wrong Path"
• Risky Sexual Activities
• Refuses to Follow Instructions
• Openly Defiant of All Authority
• Glorifies Gangs, Violence, Drugs, etc.

There are better options, and we can help you find them. Troubled teens need to be helped, through effective structure, therapeutic intervention, and strong academics to overcome their weaknesses, and discover the true strength that lies within them. DO NOT fall into the trap of thinking that fierce, abusive, punitive intervention via Troubled Teen Military Schools will help. DO NOT react emotionally to your teen's issues. At this point he or she needs you to make a clear, intentional decision to help because if you're reading this, he or she is probably incapable of making such a decision for himself.

It is important for you to understand that parents with the money to send their troubled teens to military schools often make the biggest mistakes, simply because of the financial resources at their disposal. Remember, intervention isn't meant to punish: it's an investment in a life that might otherwise be lost. If your teen isn't capable of making rational decisions then you must be. Review all treatment options before sending your troubled teen to a military school. We can help. Review our resources. Contact us. The answer may be closer than you realize.

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 troubled teen military schools. 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 troubled teen military schools 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 troubled teen military schools. Parent & Teen Resources is here to help.

Military schools for troubled teens are correctional programs for delinquent youth which maintain a military-style environment. These programs typically emphasize discipline and physical conditioning and were developed as a rigorous alternative to longer terms of confinement in juvenile correctional facilities. Many, but not all, of these programs are followed by a period of probation or some form of aftercare. Troubled teen military schools 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 schools for troubled teens.

Are Military Schools for Troubled Teens 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 the military school environment fail to model the pro-social behavior and development of empathy that these teens really need to learn.

Positive changes demonstrated while in the military school may not last when a teen 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 teens leave the military schools, 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, military schools have been consistently unsuccessful in "changing" troubled teens.

What are the alternatives to Military Schools for Troubled Teens? 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 military schools in the long term.

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 Troubled Teens Military School, complete our contact form (the green "Please Help Me Now!" link above). To speak with someone regarding placement in TEEN HELP SCHOOLS call us now.*