Teen Boot Camps

Boot Camps for Troubled Teens

Boot camps can be either a short or long-term placement with placement period of 3-12 months. The hallmark of most boot camps is a structured environment usaully combined with education, 24-hour care, and varied levels of therapy. The rigor, structure and discipline of boot camps offers an opportunity for adolescents to recognize and begin to work through behaviors, attitudes and addictions that may have occurred with a troubled teen in the past.. Adolescents are usually placed in teen boot camps with problems such as failing in school, mild drug abuse, defiant behavior, running away, manipulation, and general rebellion to name a few. Some boot camps may choose to specialize in one category or another. Teen boot camps should not be confused with military boarding schools which operate more like prep schools - using structure and and military order, but place less emphasis on therapy and behavior modification.

Treatment within Teen Boot Camps

Treatment within a boot camp varies and may include group therapy, individual therapy. Teen boot camps may also base treatment on a positive peer culture environment, in which teens hold other teens accountable for their behaviors. It is best to inquire when searching for a program to know what types of therapy are offered. It is also a good idea to ask parents that have participated in any given program what their feelings are about the type of treatment offered-asking is always helpful, especially if you are in the same boat as the hundreds of other parents- looking at treatment options for the first time.

History of Teen Boot Camps

Originally boot camps were started as an alternative to jail for juvenile adolescents. Serveral types of teen boot camps have emerged since then, varying from state run to privately run where the teen will be mentally and physically challenged. These facilities can be a starting place for getting your teen help. In both the state and private environment the camps goal is to scare kids straight generally only giving a good short-term solution. Parents often seek out boot camps with the assumption that a "wake up call" is all that is needed for their troubled teen.

Are Boot Camps the right choice for my Troubled Teen?

Boot camps use military-style, military exercises, and intense physical training focusing on reality, respect and responsibility. Many teens lack these qualities, yet desperately need them in order to successfully transition into adulthood. This experience can help teens replace destructive attitudes and behaviors with new perspectives and direction in their lives.

Good to note:

• Boot camps are usually licensed for treatment within their respective states and are required to renew that license on an annual basis.
• Educational consults frequently recommend a residential treatment program or therapeutic boarding schoolas a follow to therapy begun in a boot camp.
• Insurance may help cover a portion of treatment costs. This portion varies from provider to provider and program to program, but is usually small.
• Many programs may be nationally affiliated with great organizations such as NATSAP (national association of therapeutic schools and programs).

Teen Boot camps : Search Tips

Many parents just like you who are searching for a program to help their troubled teen have wondered, "How do I find a teen boot camp anyway?" If you have asked yourself this same question, you are not alone. Often parents searching for help will find themselves taking a crash course in Adolescent Treatment Programs 101. Here are some tips that will help you along the way. More...

Teen Boot Camps - eProgramSearch.com