My heart goes out to the students and families that didn't have a positive experience at HLA, and apparently those are the only ones we're hearing from. These comments do not represent my son's peer group though, at least the ones that stuck it out and are finishing the program. Our son has turned his life around since going to HLA. He is self-confident, happy, has made incredible friendships that I know he will treasure for a lifetime and has become very close to both of his counselors and a lot of the staff. I have two 3-inch notebooks jammed with copies of our almost daily emails, we talk twice a week on the phone (and though there is a counselor nearby, it has never influenced our conversations, which are sometimes negative and most of the time not). I admit, the first couple months were rough with minimal contact except in letters, but it kept getting better and he gots lots of privileges as he progressed through the elements. He has been home for frequent visits. Granted, in the beginning there were lots of things I'm sure he hated about HLA. He was NEVER abused though, trust me, or he would not have stayed. When he turned 18, he chose to complete the program. He's looking forward to a future full of opportunities he never would have had otherwise, and has been accepted in a couple different colleges. He is and always has been an incredible kid. He had some serious issues, like all the kids do that go there, or they wouldn't be there in the first place. He has grown up and gotten his life back. No program is perfect, but HLA was a good thing for him. He would have preferred to be home, no doubt, but admits the environment he left was not what he needed if he was going to have a future. He also went to Ridge Creek and thought it was great. He even started thinking he might get into counseling or working with teens himself someday. He has always loved the outdoors and never felt like he was being abused or tortured. He also gained weight and looked healthier than he had in two years. I'm sure the people who are bitter and angry have their own stories and I respect that. Just don't put everyone and the entire program down, because it has helped a lot more kids than it has failed. It gave us our son back and our family is happy now and eagerly awaiting his homecoming. I've seen a ton of improvements and changes at HLA just in the last 18 months. I hope they keep improving the program. Oh, to the person who said it's rich parents who ship their kids off so they don't have to deal with them..... that's a crock. Sending your child away, regardless of their problems, is the hardest thing any parent could ever have to do other that witness their child destroying their life with drugs or alcohol or some other problem that could destroy their lives as effectively as a car wreck! I just wish that all the parents and kids that need help will keep searching until they get it. Do your research but then give HLA a chance. It worked for a lot of us.
