Experts agree that a confrontational approach is not appropriate. Most correctional and military experts agree that a confrontational model, employing tactics of intimidation and humiliation, is counterproductive for most youth in the juvenile justice system. The use of this kind of model has led to disturbing incidents of abuse. For youth of color (who represent the vast majority of the juveniles sentenced to boot camps)-as well as for youth with emotional, behavioral, or learning problems-degrading tactics may be particularly inappropriate and potentially damaging. The bullying style and aggressive interactions that characterize the boot camp environment fail to model the pro-social behavior and development of empathy that these youth really need to learn.
Positive changes demonstrated while in the program may not last when a youth returns to his community. Many adult and juvenile offenders sentenced to boot camps report that the program is helpful to them and they feel more positive about their futures. It is unclear, however, whether these attitudinal changes persist after youth leave the boot camp, or whether they are related to actual changes in behavior once a youth returns to his community. Without significant therapeutic intervention while in the program, as well as specialized aftercare following release, boot camp programs have been consistently unsuccessful in "rehabilitating" juvenile or adult offenders.
Great quote, couldn't of better said it myself!! And this is from the gosh-darn National Mental Health Association.
I found this part interesting too, about the alternative to these programs:
What is the alternative?
Youth who are involved with the juvenile justice system 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 child, as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate. Research has shown that small, community-based programs are more effective and less costly than correctional institutions, for the majority of children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. Rather than removing children from their families and communities, which only increases their difficulties and sense of marginalization, most youth can be managed in their communities while they receive a full range of rehabilitative services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment.
THERE IS NO EXCUSE PARENTS. You are doing exactly what the professionals TELL YOU NOT TO DO. AND, the aftereffects are described quite well, just as all of the people who have been there say.
So tell me this. Is it thousands of us on myspace, god-knows how many on here, the NMHA, countless child-rights/advocate organizations, and many congressman support AT LEAST regulating these places.
And you choose to ignore all of it. All the evidence, first person testimony, everything. Why? Are this kid's parents lazy? They picked the most visible program on the internet advertising, and went with it? That's what it seems like.
Do you see why I think these people are bad parents??
How could a GOOD PARENT MAKE THIS MISTAKE EVERY MONTH OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER!?!?!
