At least one method of helping at-risk teenagers is demonstrating its effectiveness and growing in popularity. More and more families are dealing with very difficult issues by enrolling their teenagers in boarding schools. Troubled teens often benefit from the therapeutic environments and from the change in surroundings.
Many still think of these schools as little more than elitist institutions at which the ultra-rich can dump their children while they go globe-trotting. Today's assortment of therapeutic boarding schools stand in stark contrast to this stereotypical perspective. These schools are affordable and are designed to provide a legitimate education while simultaneously providing the space and context necessary for troubled teens to make life-changing turnarounds. Professional educators and counselors supplement regular coursework with efforts designed to create lasting behavioral changes.
It's hard to argue with the logic underlying these custom-designed schools. Troubled teens are removed from their current environments. This gives them an opportunity for a "fresh start" and eliminates many of the pressures, habits and limiting histories that encourage a cycle of self-destructive behavior. Meanwhile, they work with trained professional staff members who understand the students' unique needs and who are accustomed to handling issues in ways the faculty at other schools are not.
While there are secular therapeutic schools with impressive track records, many of these programs are affiliated with churches or are faith-based initiatives. These Christian boarding schools make a point of incorporating biblical principles and Christ-centered therapy and education as part of their overall approach. This perspective may not work for everyone but for some families, religious-based education is one of the primary attractions of these boarding schools. Troubled teens, many maintain, are responsive to faith-based approaches and these schools have many strong supporters.
Utilizing boarding schools as a method of helping at-risk teens isn't necessarily new and it's only one of many potential options. However, the practice is rapidly gaining supporters and is becoming more and more popular, largely based on the success stories associated with those who've attended them. It's certainly an option many families who are currently dealing with an at-risk teen should carefully consider.
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