Troubled Teens:

What are youth boot camps? Youth boot camps are correctional programs for delinquent youth which maintain a military-style environment. These programs typically emphasize discipline and physical conditioning and have been developed as a rigorous alternative to longer terms of confinement in youth correctional facilities. Many, but not all, of these programs are followed by a period of probation or some form of aftercare. Youth boot camps 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 youth boot camps.

Are Youth Boot Camps 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 youth. 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 youth boot camps fail to model the pro-social behavior and development of empathy that struggling youth really need to learn.

Positive changes demonstrated while in youth boot camps may not last when a youth returns to his community. Many teens have reported that the program is helpful to them and they feel more positive about their futures. It is unclear, however, whether these attitudes persist after students leave the youth boot camp, or whether they are related to actual changes in behavior once the youth returns to his community. Without significant therapeutic intervention while in the program, as well as specialized aftercare following release, youth boot camps have been consistently unsuccessful in "changing" troubled youth.

What are the alternatives to youth boot camps? Youth 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 youth, as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate. Research has shown that small, family-centered programs are more effective than youth boot camps at instilling long-term change.

Are you familiar with all of the intervention options - beyond youth boot camps - to help your child? How are you going to know what your son/daughter needs? InsightPros may have treatment options that can help.

Beyond youth boot camps, what kinds of treatment will build the life changing self-esteem and confidence that your son/daughter needs to be successful for the long run?

A major problem facing kids who struggle with the issues listed above is low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.

Many, if not all, of your son's/daughter's destructive behaviors could merely be symptoms of this one core problem.

Be certain that the intervention you choose builds, rather than destroys his/her self esteem, instilling life-long positive change by dealing with the core issues.

An abusive or overly restrictive setting may not build the confidence and self-esteem your child needs.

If your child exits a youth boot camp with the same low self-image that he/she entered with, then he/she will continue to engage in the negative behaviors that validate his/her self image.

Many parents choose to pursue interventions that address the symptoms only. Attacking the symptoms will drive the destructive behaviors underground - only to resurface at a later date. This approach wastes valuable time and resources and may even make things worse.

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.