Working With Troubled Youth-An Intro

Going through the adolescent stage can be quite turbulent not just for teens but also for the parents who are raising them and trying to guide them to the right path. There will be times when parents will realize that their children need more help than what they are capable of giving, and this shouldn't make them think any less of themselves. During these times, many parents will wonder whether removing their children from mainstream schools can help. One form of early intervention is sending your child to troubled teens programs, and there are different kinds of these. There are juvenile boot camps, troubled teens camps, wilderness programs, alternative high schools and moRE. One thing is for sure, some programs are not so effective, and some can be a pivotal point in your child's life. For those looking for parenting advice, determining when to seek help is a very important thing to figure out. What kinds of teens can benefit from troubled teens programs? Teens that have problems such as the following:Do you want to learn more? Visit Alternatives 4 Teens.

- Defiant of authority figures at home or at school

- Teens showing violent behavior

- Vandalising and destroying properties at home and at school

- Compulsive lying

- Manipulative

- Flunking in school

- Acting out sexually

- Engaging in dangerous activities

- Experimenting with drugs and alcohol

- Depression

- Bullying

- Suicidal Tendencies or thoughts

An honest evaluation by the school counselor can be a good place to start. It's definitely not an easy thing to accept or admit when your child is having problems. Many parents experience guilty feelings when they begin to realize that their teens are troubled. It's also a concern for many parent that sending their children to therapeutic schools isn't cheap.

Why should you still consider alternative schools for troubled teens?

Simply put, these kinds of schools will provide intensive therapy and counseling without interrupting your teen's academic progress. Unlike boot camps where it's only the symptoms that are dealt with, therapeutic schools (whether in wilderness camp or a community-based form) really provides individual psychotherapy.Teens are taken out of their usual environment, taken away from bad influences, and put in a more nurturing environment which is focused on their wellness. Classes are

intentionally kept small in order to be able to focus on each child's individual needs. While getting therapy, these children will also be able to rediscover what it feels like to gain academic success, renewing their hope and their self-confidence in the process.

It's also important to note that most troubled teen programs also provide family therapy as a part of the process. Families also need to be involved because dealing with a troubled teen is a family affair. These programs aim to restore a struggling teen back to their family. Part of how they plan to do that is by putting an aftercare program in place in order to help teens transition back rather than throwing them back to their old environment and just expecting them to be well and stable enough to survive.