If his well being is of concern, you should ensure that your son can clearly identify the difference between abuse and reasonable consequences. Carefully outline the difference and drill him on it before he goes. Be sure that he knows it so well that he can?t be convinced otherwise once out of your care.
Be sure that he understands that they should not, under any circumstances
*Limit his caloric intake, deny meals, or rush completion of a meal as punishment. He should receive no less than 1800 calories per day which should include a variety of foods. He should receive up to 3000 calories per day if doing extra physical training or with exposure to cold weather.
*Require him to do manual labor that they would otherwise have to hire done- maintenance of the facility and grounds.
*Censor his mail and phone calls with you. You are his only ally in the real world. Take that role seriously by not allowing the facility to shut you off from your child- no rational reason for it.
*Tell him that you fully support everything they might do, and/or that you don't love or care about him.
That?s for starters. There are just so many other, more subtle forms of abuse that are difficult to prepare him for. I mean, how do you explain to a 13 year old how to recognize ?bait and punish?? How do you instruct him on the proper use of restraint- when it is being used for protection or punishment, and which holds are legal. And, most importantly, how not to resist- can result in injury or death by ?excited delirium?- his own ?fault?.
He should understand the inappropriateness of staff entering into intimate relationships with their charges.
Prepare him for the reality of harsh treatment from his peers. They may have mercy on him because he will be one of the younger kids, but chances are good that he will be someone?s whipping boy. He should know that he will be living with those considered to be the ?worst of the worst?, some even criminals. Court ordered.
Also important would be to educate him on drugs. Oh yes, they can be had. Where there?s a will, there?s a way. And when they can?t, some resort to collecting wild plants and mushrooms. Get a good reference book so he can learn to ID and steer clear of the bad shrooms and plants such as datura.
Well, that should keep you busy for a while. Who knows, with any luck, by the time you prepare him for living in a teen bm warehouse, your problem child may transformed into the child you always wanted.
