Troubled Teens - Military Schools

Interestingly, the more "out of control" your child is, the more careful you need to be about ensuring that whatever help or intervention you employ will bring the most effective results. All too-often parents rush into the wrong intervention, spend far too much money, and see far too little change in their children. Money is wasted. Time that cannot be recovered is gone. And a life that may have been saved with the proper attention is left with an uncertain fate.

InsightPros does NOT recommend troubled teen military schools. There are many forms of residential intervention that are more specialized and effective than the "shock treatment" associated with most forms of "boot camps" or "military schools" for troubled teens. If you are considering troubled teen military schools for your child we STRONGLY suggest that you seek the advice of a licensed therapist AND an educational consultant prior to making your final decision. Do your research.

Even if you feel your teen deserves the harshest treatment possible consider where you're putting your investment. Private residential programs are expensive. If you make the wrong decision you will throw away many thousands of dollars. You'll lose valuable time and opportunity to truly help your teen change for the better. And in the end, your teen will return with as many (if not more) problems as he/she had before the intervention.

If you are looking for a residential program let us help you AVOID troubled teens military schools. If you are looking for IMMEDIATE TEEN HELP employ the FREE TEEN HELP options on the right side of this page.

What are troubled teen military schools? 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.