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Helpful Hints when searching for:
A Therapeutic Boarding School (TBS)
or Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) for your child or teen
NEVER
send your child out of the country. Laws are different and cannot
protect your child out of the country. Review the U.S. Department of
State, Washington D.C. Fact Sheet at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1220.html.
Many parents are misled by the lower tuitions, don't be one of them.
Keep your child in the United States.
NEVER
allow glossy brochures, tearful videos and fancy websites determine
your decision for your child. If it sounds too good to be true, it
usually is. If a program is advertising a very high success rate,
please ask them what third party organization did their statistical
studies. In-house surveys are prejudiced.
NEVER
choose a program to "teach your child a lesson." This is a common
mistake many parents make. Many times, these are good children
making bad choices. Harsh treatment and environment can enhance
their anger as well as build resentment.
NEVER
accept a program that is not accredited to educate your child,
provides scant food and/or clothing and unsanitary living
conditions. A visit to the program prior enrollment, if possible, is
recommended. It is understandable that not every family has the
finances or the time for the extra trip. With this, please be sure
your research is thorough.
It is normal for parents to want
their child appreciate what they have at home, however deprivation
of food, sanitation and clothing should not be accepted. These are
basic human rights. Many of these teens are suffering from low
self-esteem, depression, peer pressure, etc. Taking away their basic
needs may escalate these negative feelings.
NEVER
enroll any child in a program that refuses to allow parents to speak
with their child within a reasonable amount of time, usually no
longer than 3 weeks. Visitation in many programs begins at 3 months.
This is your child, and family counseling is just as important as
your child's counseling.
NEVER
allow the Program Director to overlook your concerns or questions.
If you feel you have valid concerns and do not understand something,
keep asking until you do. This is your right as a parent.
ALWAYS
ask for the staff's education, training and experience. Credentials
of those working with your child are vital. Ask if they have
background checks on all employees.
ALWAYS
ask what the age of majority is in the state of the program. Be sure
children cannot sign themselves out of the program at the age they
are at. You will see many programs in the West (especially Utah) due
to the age of majority, which is18. This ensures your child cannot
leave without your consent.
ALWAYS
check with the local police or the state office of the Attorney
General for reports of neglect or abuse. With this, understand there
are no perfect programs, and some may have issues that have been
rectified or are not related to the students. However, others, with
constant complaints, should be crossed off you list. Investigation
is your best solution in finding a good program.
ALWAYS
ask what the programs use of restraints is. If they have "Isolation"
inquire about the length of time that is normally spent there and
what this entails. Ask what the program does if your child runs
away.
ALWAYS
ask if the person who is marketing the information receives any kind
of direct, or indirect referral fee or compensation (i.e. A month's
free tuition, gifts, certificates, dinners, etc.) P.U.R.E. discloses
on FAQ page that we do receive fees from some of our schools and
programs.
ALWAYS
call as many references as you have time for. Please remember to ask
to speak with former students or graduates from the program as well
as the parents. This is not a sales call; this should be a call for
information, guidance and support. Did their child have the same
issues as yours?
MOST
IMPORTANT: It is very important for placement to be a
family decision. Trust your gut and your heart. If it doesn't feel
right, it probably isn't. Keep searching. It is time to bring the
family back together.
This is not to frighten anyone, as
it is to make parents aware of an industry that has little to no
guidelines to follow. It is a fact, many of our kids need help,
let's get them the right help with an educated and researched
decision. |
