As another former student, I feel that I can give some thoughts on DHS. I think that the IDEA of the school was in the right vein. a place where teens and parents could have space, time to process their lives , neutral parites to help anaylise the problems and possible addictions and a 'safe' environment away from the real world. The children are not the only ones who need the help when they become 'unmanagable' often the family as a whole needs help. A school with some educational options, therapists, other bright and frustrated people who can relate to the problems of the day and learn how to cope and control their lives and not be controlled by them sounds great and has potential for sucess. This is where the good stuff ends really.
This program should not be entered into lightly and just like the fact that the tv is not a babysitter for your children, DHS is not just a dumping ground where families eventually can have returned to them - 'fixed' teens. The program takes work - hard work but also it should be remembered that the key to any relationship is communication. You pay large amounts of money to a school - make sure you are investing it in the right place. make surprise visits, talk to your teen and take notes. some of what teens say is garbage true, but, they aren't stupid either. the school paractices many unsafe methods that may just work but if the parents don't check in - un-announced- to keep the school in check, how can you really be informed about your child.
DHS has the right idea, the wrong 'power-minded' implementation and if more people checked up on the daily goings on - unnanounced, then perhaps the 'radical, illegal' stuff wouldn't be happening and the students and families could get on with the business of healing, learning and forging better relationships.
If as a parent you are not willing to really be there, stay away from this place because the 'brainwashing' stuff happens then since no one is there to counteract and take responsibility.
