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Troubled Teen Program FAQ

Program General Questions

Q: What are your success rates?
A: We recently conducted a study where we contacted parents of graduates one year following program completion. We asked parents how they felt about the results their child and family had experienced because of the program, and 96.4% of parents were either “happy” or “very happy” with their results. These results constitute aggregate data from parents with children in all of our schools.

Q: What is the average length of stay?
A: About 12-16 months for most of our schools. Some of our schools have a 3 month trial program, but most students need a significant period of time to complete the change process and fully internalize new skills, attitudes, and behaviors.

Q: Can my child earn high school credits or a high school diploma through your schools?
A: Yes, all of our schools are accredited by national and/or state accrediting agencies.

Q: When can my child start?
A: We offer open enrollment which means that your child can be enrolled as soon as your application has been approved, subject to space availability. The application process requires that you answer a series of questions over the phone. Please contact us to complete the application process.

Q: How quickly can my child be enrolled?
A: We can usually have your child enrolled in a program within 48 hours of the time you first contact us (assuming the program has space available).

Q: What is a typical day like at one of your programs?
A: Students arise early and get ready for the day. The eat breakfast, do a chore and then go to school. Once the academic day is over, students attend their daily character-building workshop. They also have a group meeting each day where they evaluate themselves in several important areas of performance and receive staff ratings and feedback also. In the late afternoon and evening, students may have structured free time, play on-campus games and sports, read, journal, socialize, do homework, etc. In addition to on-camps activities, there are also a variety of off-campus activities that may be attended by students who have earned it. In the late evening, students prepare for and go to bed. There are some exceptions to this schedule which include Sundays which are more relaxed and Seminar days which are more demanding.

Q: Can I come and take a tour of some of your schools prior to making a decision?
A: Yes, we would love to meet you and show you around campus. You’ll have an opportunity to meet our staff and youth. Please contact us to arrange a tour. It’s best if you can come on a weekday during normal business hours, but if this is not possible, we can accommodate a weekend tour.

Q: Can I speak with another parent who has had a child in one of your schools?
A: Sure. Click here for a list of parents who have volunteered to speak with other parents who are considering one of the programs for their child.

Q: How does the admissions process work?
A: During your first phone call with an admissions coordinator, we will ask you some questions which will be used to provide an assessment and create a personalized application. This application is then submitted to the schools that are best suited to your circumstances. Within 24-48 hours we will receive a notification indicating whether your child has been accepted or denied by each school. Once your student has been accepted to a school, you may enroll them at any time as long as there is space available. To enroll your child, you will need to complete an enrollment agreement, pay your upfront fees, and get your child to the school. Please contact us to obtain your enrollment forms and to make arrangements for admission.

Q: Is there a waiting list to get into your schools?
A: Many of our schools stay at or near capacity most of the time. If you are interested in placing quickly, please contact us as soon as possible so we can put you on a waiting list if there are no spaces available at the school of your choice. We can typically find an opening for you at the school of your choice within 1-3 weeks

Q: How do you involve families in the change process?
A: Parents are invited to attend our Premier Seminar series. These seminars help you to be an active part of the change process and also demonstrate your commitment to your child in helping them change.

Q: Where are the seminars held?
A: We hold the seminars in major cities around the country. Find your nearest teen program seminar location.

Q: When can I visit my child?
A: We recommend that your first visit with your child occur during your first Parent-child seminar. Click here for more information on our seminars. Experience has shown that children and families need time to resolve some of their own issues in order to prevent progress setbacks and to make visits productive.

Q: How do I communicate with my child?
A: When your child first arrives at the program they are only allowed to communicate with you via letters. With each level advancement your child will earn progressively greater communication privileges including phone calls, on-campus visits, and eventually home visits.

Q: How will I know how my child is doing in the program?
A: Your family will be assigned a “family rep” who will contact you on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to give you updates on your child’s progress in the program.

Q: Do the students wear uniforms?
A: Yes, all students wear uniforms 7 days a week.

Q: How do you discipline the students?
A: Students can earn progressively greater privileges through good behavior. Inappropriate behavior and rule violations result in loss of status and/or privileges and require students to earn back lost privileges. Physical punishment is never used.

Q: Will my child receive professional counseling in your program?
A: Professional counseling is offered at all of our schools, but is not required at all of them. Many students may not need counseling and thus the cost of counseling is not included in the tuition at most of the schools but rather is optional. Some of our schools are therapy-based programs and include counseling as a required part of the tuition. Contact us and we can provide a free consultation regarding whether your child needs therapy as part of their program.

Q: What does my child need to bring with them to the school?
A: A list of items will be included when you receive your enrollment forms that specifically outline what items can and cannot be sent. The list is relatively short
Getting your child to a program

Q: What if my child is unwilling to go to the program? How do I get them to the facility?
A: If you believe your child may run or react aggressively upon finding out about your decision to send them to a specialty school, you can arrange to have a professional escort service accompany your child to the school.

Q: How do you ensure a successful transition back home after program completion?
A: We offer an optional post-program coaching service to help parents deal with the transition and work through any issues that may arise once a child has returned home.

Have Someone Contact You About Troubled Teen School Options
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