Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > Teen Challenge

To those who find this forum...

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BuzzKill:
I don't know a great deal about Teen challenge. I didn't want to get caught up p in a debate when I am as ignorant as I am on the subject. But I can say that when I was researching options for my drug addled son, Teen Challenge was not an option, b/c they wouldn't take him against his will. They sent me an application that he had to fill out if he wanted to go.

They were kind on the phone - there was no high pressure tactic brought into play. The young man offered to pray for my family - and being one who believes in the power of prayer, I was grateful.

As for indoctrination - I could be wrong - but I wouldn't think a non-Christian would ever consider Teen Challenge. Its not like they hide their beliefs, or the fact they lean heavily on the power of prayer for healing, and so on.  

I got the impression that there are many chapters across the country and that they can differ significantly in their approach. This *might* mean that while this dude here may be telling the truth, that they don't put people in the hot seat wear he is; they might else were.  I got the impression that some were segregated male / female; and others weren't.  

I also recall being told that if a person wanted to leave they would not try and stop them. It was explained that it wasn't uncommon for people to decide to leave after a few days or weeks. They explained that they wouldn't hold an open place but that if the person later felt they wanted to return, they could be put back on the waiting list. The wait at the time was 6 months - is what I was told.

After what I have been through with WWASPS, I have to say I am impressed with the approach Teen Challenge takes. They may not be perfect (what human endeavor ever is) but they might be worth considering, if one is a Christian, and needing help with substance abuse.

hanzomon4:
From what I've gathered reading blogs and long debates on comments sections, and of course here, It looks like TC uses more coercive tactics to keep their wards. With the Adults it's usually court order or parole that the consolers use to keep them in the program. "If you don't we'll send you to jail". With the kids the parents hold all the sway.

I've heard the same thing about the differences regarding the various TC, however most of the complaints I've come across refer to the one in California. This just sound like all the other programs and program supporters. Abuse leaks out while the program(supporters) claim that their program is different, not like those abusive programs. I've become suspicious of every program and unless they are held accountable to laws(that are enforced), transparent, follow an evidence based model, stand up to fierce questioning with straight answers(not the "were not like X-evil program"), and have clearly defined policies across facilities(with in the law of X state) they'll get the hairy eyeball from me.

I'm not out to get anyone but the industry is so dirty and good at looking clean I just can't take them at their word. If you(fire) have been through it and liked it lets us know, Give us input on the Day to Day...        

Being that I've seen this kind of poster in Thayer Threads, WWASPS threads, Pure, Whitmore, Straight-clone, and X-known-abusive program threads I can't help but view this as the same thing.

Oz girl:

--- Quote from: ""BuzzKill"" ---I don't know a great deal about Teen challenge. I didn't want to get caught up p in a debate when I am as ignorant as I am on the subject. But I can say that when I was researching options for my drug addled son, Teen Challenge was not an option, b/c they wouldn't take him against his will. They sent me an application that he had to fill out if he wanted to go.

They were kind on the phone - there was no high pressure tactic brought into play. The young man offered to pray for my family - and being one who believes in the power of prayer, I was grateful.

As for indoctrination - I could be wrong - but I wouldn't think a non-Christian would ever consider Teen Challenge. Its not like they hide their beliefs, or the fact they lean heavily on the power of prayer for healing, and so on.  

I got the impression that there are many chapters across the country and that they can differ significantly in their approach. This *might* mean that while this dude here may be telling the truth, that they don't put people in the hot seat wear he is; they might else were.  I got the impression that some were segregated male / female; and others weren't.  

I also recall being told that if a person wanted to leave they would not try and stop them. It was explained that it wasn't uncommon for people to decide to leave after a few days or weeks. They explained that they wouldn't hold an open place but that if the person later felt they wanted to return, they could be put back on the waiting list. The wait at the time was 6 months - is what I was told.

After what I have been through with WWASPS, I have to say I am impressed with the approach Teen Challenge takes. They may not be perfect (what human endeavor ever is) but they might be worth considering, if one is a Christian, and needing help with substance abuse.
--- End quote ---


I think choice can be a very relative thing, particularly if somebody needs help quite badly. It is possible to be a practicing christian who signs on to something with only *half* the story because they want help badly. many christian welfare orgs and NGOs run counselling services both religious and secular. I could see how an unscupulous zealot would concern themself more with saving a soul and tell an addict what they want to hear. Or a kid may go semi voluntarily but with considerable pressure from her parents and family. Afterall 18 yr olds at WWASP are "free" to take an exit plan.

It is also common for cults to say that someone is free to go at any time. But if i had a real and severe addiction and was told I would be nothing without the program it might be a pretty strong incentive to stay. it is a really fine line.
We have Teen challenge here. it is not generally live in but lots of rehap here is not. I went to one of their meetings as a research thing. It was pretty heavily religious, more than I would be able to stomach but appeared to be helpful enough to those there. of course i am aware that nobody acts too crazy in front of a stranger but there have been no complaints that i am aware of. i wonder if it differes from country to country

Firebird81:
I am glad that some who have a little experience with TC have come around here. That gives me a place to jump from. To answer Buzzkill's question---every TC in the country is required to follow a set of guidelines in order to maintain certification. The same curriculum and basic schedule is followed at every center. Teen Challenge centers do not act autonomously, when it comes to what methods they use regarding structure. Where they act autonomously is in fundraising, because National (world Teen Challenge) does not provide them with funding, although seed money has been known to be provided to help a center get off it's feet.

Fundraising is where I could see the legitimate complaints, particularly with SoCal TC's decision to use the fire camps.  Many staff members hated that while I was there and felt it put potentially successful students at a risk of dropping out---it was a brutal schedule on those camps. BUt we have to put this into perspective--As TC grew into a national organization expenses obviously grew as well. Some tough decisions had to be made, because of TC's religious component it never has and never will qualify for federal funding, except for non-religious activities, of which there are very few in TC. The LATC Recreation Center in Lynwood (compton) is an example of one, tho. It is simply a recreation yard like the YMCA where neighborhood kids can get off the streets for a few hours several days a week and play in a safe environment.

Anyway, funding became a problem with the growth. So different centers had to come up with different solutions, as TC had always been a free program. Some centers started charging $300 a month, very cheap compared to many programs. Some started charging a one time entry of a few  hundred dollars. Teen Challenge has an advisory board of various pastors and large donors that deal with these types of challenges. In SoCal, one of them suggested selling pancake breakfast tickets in front of stores for $1. The directors of the SoCal centers felt it was very important to remain free, because most heroin addicts who need us the most can't afford to spend money on rehab. So they adopted this program and it's been a tradeoff ever since. It morphed into chicken dinner tickets sold door to door. Unfortuantely the seven socal centers had an annual budget of over $3 million. It cost $6000 a yr to house one student. So, various other methods were suggested and tried. Riverside TC does a car wash for the Riverside auto auction. And many centers signed on to the fire camp program where they cook for the firefighters.  

Fire camp has been the worst as far as dropouts and other problems and I always felt it wasn't worth it. Trying to get funding tho has turned fundraising into a large part of the program and it is easy to see why some get discouraged. Most, however, feel that since they are there free, it is worth it to them to work a little to keep the doors open. LATC also experimented with a pressure washing service offered to local businesses and had a moderate level of success bringing in some money that way. Worth noting is that David WIlkerson the founder, vehemently opposes fundraising, prefering instead to be about God's work and letting God provide the funding on his own. Truthfully, if needed funding was available any other way, socal tc would drop fundraising. Unfortuantely, no golden goose has ever arrived ( and Bush's plan would not have been the goose either, because of TC's strong religious integration) so decisions have been made. Free with fundraising, or charge without? Teen Challenge doesn't deal with middle class and rich people primarily. Their base are the street thugs, hardcore needle users, prostitutes and crackheads. How many of those people would have to be turned away if they charged. Like I said a tough decision. Regarding a couple other questions, I'll just make a different response.

hanzomon4:
Can you give us any input on the phases

--- Quote ---While at the Teen Challenge office Mr. Soemo gave me literature about the organization. Throughout that literature the intent of the organization is made very clear.

Phase I of the five phases of Teen Challenge, according to their literature, is "Basic Confrontational Evangelism."

Phase II, III and IV revolve around constant and continuous indoctrination or "Christian studies," also accomplished through "One on One and Group Counseling."

Phase V, which is about re-entry into society revolves is based upon the principle of putting a client in an "established . . .. local Church." That church would apparently meet the doctrinal requirements of Teen Challenge.
--- End quote ---

Also TC does work in the prison systems, adult and juvenile(Arizona for sure). Questions have been raised regarding TC notification of parents that their child is involved with the program. What are the written rules on this and how does it actually play out in practice?

Also
--- Quote ---It may be on the first visit or the fifth. The person usually realized that the only true change can come through Christ. They either receive or reject Him. The plan of salvation is explained to them. When possible we direct them to a Church for further follow-up. Others having come to this decision 'I really want help through Christ' we will then represent them in Court."
--- End quote ---


What's that about, TC represents people in court?

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