Troubled Teen Alternatives

As we've all seen on daytime talk shows, some parents are at the end of the rope with their teens and just don't know what is left to do in order to help them. Teens in bootcamp can be a controversial topic but I'll attempt to discuss it a little here. These are two types of alternative programs for troubled teens who would otherwise be in jail or another correctional facility. Unfortunately, this is a real life issue, not a talk show, that happens regularly throughout the country. Teens, for numerous reasons, end up on the wrong path and on the way to destroying their lives.

Behaviors that your troubled teen might exhibit include skipping school, violence, lack of respect, stealing, drinking, sneaking out, bringing friends home for long periods of time and sexual behavior in and out of the home. The FBI reports that teenage crime has been on the rise for the past year.

Boot camps are an alternative to jail for these adolescents. There are also many different kinds of camps ranging from state to private. While we think of boot camp as a physical challenge, it is also a mental challenge. These camps are usually short-term but the long-term camps has increased recently. They're modeled after the military in that they pose mental and physical challenges as well as teach respect and responsibility. The whole point behind boot camps is to give teens a "reality check".

Boot camps can include uniforms, marching in formation and "yes sir" "no sir" way of thinking. Baracks are also similar to those in the military with bunk beds, foot lockers and regular inspections. Parents need to consider if their teen can handle this environment before sending them to a boot camp and drill instructors.

These camps seem to be more of a short-term solution. Studies have found that recidivism rates for long-term camps are high and not good for long-term change. Also, as we all know, boot camps are controversial in that they have been questioned about their health and safety practices. While drill instructors have success with voluntary military cadets, many use this same technique on teens and it becomes a questionable situation.

These camps teach juveniles valuable life skills that they are lacking. They can be a good alternative for improving self esteem. Let's face it: kids aren't bad. They didn't choose this lifestyle with intent of being a troubled teen. They simply gave in to peer pressure or some other reason.

Another option for troubled teens is military school, like West Point. They're usually privately owned and operated. Studies have found, however, that these schools are less likely to be successful for troubled teens. These schools are NOT designed to improve those who are not motivated, who are defiant and academically challenged.

Military schools are also not designed to help teens in crisis. These schools seem to only apply to a small niche of our society. Plus, tuition is as much as $20,000 a year. These schools are nothing like secondary schools. Secondary schools place a heavy focus on education. Military schools focus on education, sense of community, respect, honesty, self-esteem and hard work. These schools also do not provide emotional problems.

So there you have it. My take on Juvenile Boot Camps vs. Military School. In short, boot camps serve a short term purpose for troubled teens while military school serves a good purpose for those teens who are motivated and willing to be a part of the school.

Please note: before you enter your child in any type of correctional program please consult a professional to help point you in the right direction. Every individual is different so every type of treatment will be different.

I've been writing all of my life and have a career as a ghostwriter. Writing is my passion and always has been. I've also won some awards for my writing including "Best Creative Content Writer" in 2001.

Article Source: Dakota_Blue