Troubled Teen-Please Help! (credit, home, high school)

[nmoore]

Does anyone know of any type of program in ATL where troubled teens can visit prisons to see where there actions can lead them.. Please help!

[netdragon]

I don't consider that kind of thing very affective. Usually what works best is completely removing them from their element so they stop repeating the same patterns. Have you thought about sending them to boys/girls town, boot camp, or something of that nature, or even a summer camp? It's the whole concept of re-patterning versus using fear tactics. If that's unaffordable, sending them to live with a relative sometimes work at breaking up their old habits.

[RoslynHolcomb]

I agree. The Scared Straight model was discredited quite some time ago. IMO, boot camps are similar.

I worked in social services primarily with teens and IMO 'shrinking their world' is the most effective method. That is, they go nowhere but home and school (church if you attend). No phone, computer or other communication devices. Strip their room of everything but their bed and books. They have to earn the privilege of getting those things back. Obviously it's more labor intensive on the part of the parent, but when implemented properly it's most effective.

[netdragon]

Also, if they can get involved in an extra-curricular activity or hobby it will distract them from the less constructive things.

[CityFan]

Originally Posted by netdragon

Also, if they can get involved in an extra-curricular activity or hobby it will distract them from the less constructive things.

I agree with you, but don't wait until they are in teen ages. It might be too late when they have formed their own patten in their life. You need to find the root cause and go from there. You have to be a warm, caring parent since day one. Once they have their own social circle, they become addictive to the circle and do what they are used to. I think more possitve caring is the best way to break their routine. I also think what kind of people they hang with is also a main factor in forming their own outlook of world.

[Jodylyn]

I too am a parent of a troubled teen. I have in fact been a caring parent and certainly have done what I believed to be in my son's best interest. However, once he became a teen and went into high school, many things changed. I tried the stripping of his room including the door, posters........left simply the bed, books, clothes. This did nothing,but create anger and his attitude was that of revenge. I tried talking, compramising, ect. Did no good. My son was evaluated and was said to have borderline depression, chemical dependancy, oppositional defiant, passive-aggressive, ect. The report also concluded that he was a threat to himself and others. Here in montana, the juvenille justice system refuses to work with a parent and enforce the parents rights and establish boundries/consequences. My son is currently living with a single woman and her 14 year old daughter that my son is having sexual relations with. Of course this is against my consent. I forsee my son heading for more serious trouble. I had him in a theraputic setting last year. The cost was 12,000 for a week. (that is what I paid out of my own pocket) I could go on and on..........I have tried every suggestion from specialists for the past 2 years. Unfortunately, when we live in a setting that gives our troubled youths more rights than the parents it becomes quite disturbing. I've looked into boot camps and other alternatives. On an average the cost would be 9,000 per month. Even if I were able to afford that expense, my son refuses and made further threats. I have no suggestions for you, Ive tried many things and have not had positive results..........my thoughts and prayers go out to you!

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by Jodylyn

I too am a parent of a troubled teen.

My son is currently living with a single woman and her 14 year old daughter that my son is having sexual relations with. Of course this is against my consent.

I've looked into boot camps and other alternatives. On an average the cost would be 9,000 per month. Even if I were able to afford that expense, my son refuses and made further threats.

First of all, you can have the single woman arrested and put in jail for "contributing to the delinquency of a minor" since she is allowing him to live with her against your will, as well as engaging in sexual acts within her home. Have her locked up. The state will take custody of her daughter. Request that your son be arrested.

Next, approach a judge and insist that he assign the boy to a bootcamp. Some states will allow the parent(s) to do this. Check into it. If after doing a 6-8 week stint in boot camp your son doesn't improve at all, and couciling doesn't work at all, you have few choices. You can move to a very remote location somewhere where there is literally no one for him to hang out with, or release him to the custody of the state (with judge approval) and harsh as it sounds, wipe your hands clean of him and let whatever happens happen to him. Harsh, but options.

[winter]

I feel for you and hope that things get better. Good Luck and God Bless you and him.

[sweettea1]

Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BC Golf Association: Golfing in British Columbia) and type in your zipcode to find a club near you.

[sweettea1]

okay, woops, that website wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Let's see...try Boys & Girls Clubs of America