Aunt, there is a mountain of research showing that short-term boot camps are harmful. I do not know if Ascent is a boot camp setting such as the ones in the research.
As for the long term school, frankly, sometimes there is a benefit to removing the kid from the home. Some parents are horrible and cause more harm than one of these schools.
If he is engaging in dangerous behaviors in his neighborhood or getting into drugs that could imminently kill him (club drugs or huffing) you have to take emergency steps, such as removing him to a place where he cannot do these things. Kids who are involved in violent gangs need to be removed from their neighborhoods.
That said, in my short time there, I would say that perhaps 1% of the kids I knew really needed to be there. The rest could be helped at home if the parents would actually do what they need to do. And there?s the rub ? many parents resist specific instruction on how to parent teens and they get into trouble. They bring the kid to someone like me to be fixed ? and the parent needs to change what he?s doing. It?s a system. In my private practice, I tell parents to read Dr. Phil?s book and watch his show. If they do exactly as I instruct and read/watch, they enjoy vast improvement in the situation. However, they are much more comfortable blaming the kid. I understand ? they?re doing the best they can figure out to do. However, if they do everything I say, they don?t have to send the kid away! Another great book is How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk.
It?s easier and more comfortable to send your child away to a place where ?professionals? will help him. However, I?ve seen too many kids suffer depression, anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after a long stay in this kind of school.
Good luck to you. Everyone needs an aunt just like you!
On 2005-01-05 13:28:00, concerned aunt wrote:
"Hi to all that will take the time to read this and give my any feedback. I just came across this website after hearing that my nephew was placed in the Ascent wilderness program this week and is then to go on to one of the boarding schools. I would really like to hear about past graduates perceptions of the school as well as from staff members. I have read some other forums and really have some concerns. I love my nephew dearly and I know that he needs therapy after some recent events in his life and would love to see him finish his education. Of course CEDU's website gives a nice lovely perception but I want to hear the real truths. So I hope that some of you will take the time to respond.
Thank you."
