I think a good program should have (So far):
1. a proven track record and a proven model.
2. The school should be free from fences (where possible)
3. have therapists which are independent from the school (paid separately).
4. I would pass on the whole host family mentality.
5. The staff should be young for the most part or at least the ones interfacing with the kids on a daily bases.
6. The school should be highly structured and selective on the type of kids the accept.
7. The time period needs to be predetermined (+/- a month),
8. kids need to be screened to determine if the program has a good chance to be successful..
no flight risks, kids with knives etc.
9. I would not consider trying an all voluntary school. We cant even do that in the public sector, I wouldnt expect a TBS to be any more enticing.
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