Yeah--when I went to CEDU it had a different demographic than other programs. CEDU was a rustic warehouse for rich kids. For parents who were too freaking self involved to raise their kids (generally speaking) and then shipped 'em off when things go hot in the kitchen. I know both Michael Landon and Neil Diamond's kids went, among others... like Jenny Craig's! And Barbara Walters'!
A lot of the kids had huge self esteem issues, but others were just really depressed, bipolar, intellectually creative, or even, asperger's... CEDU was the worst place to put these kinds of people. The worst. Screaming fits of hysteria, Stepford conformancy, and public humiliation aren't really useful tools for emotional growth.
When I went there was NO individual therapy, or therapeutic meds (these were then over prescribed later, as a control tool). Also, many kids might have experimented, but few had serious drug issues. It definitely wasn't a rehab. It was No-Hab.
There was a kid or two who had GTA and the courts allowed CEDU over Juvie. But I wouldn't say this was the norm. One kid got a DUI and killed someone and was "sentenced" to CEDU. He felt so guilty (it was his girlfriend), he gladly took the punishment.
Other kids were just spoiled brats. By the time their parents remarried, the steps said, "either he/she goes, or I do!" I think those kids should have just been sent to do public works in some third world country. No humiliation, lots of humility, and perhaps a sense of positive contribution.
But WTF knows? I just can't understand parents shipping their kid to a TBS overseas. God--I would have died. I know when I decided to split CEDU, I felt it was a life or death situation. I wouldn't have been successful overseas. I'd be trapped.
