Effective Troubled Teen Programs
Not all parents subscribe to the notion of "tough love," which
is used so extensively in many troubled teen programs. Some
parents want their children close by and want to avoid placing
their troubled teen into an environment that may build even more
resentment and anger. For these parents and troubled teens,
behavior modification programs are a good starting point. In
behavior modification programs, appropriate behavior is
reinforced and rewarded and inappropriate behavior is confronted
and redirected, with consequences given.
This may be as simple as drawing up a contract with a teen that
outlines the rules for the household and identifies the
consequences ahead of time if the rules are broken. The rules
and consequences must be fair and consistently administered by
both parents. A contract is a viable option for teens who are
just beginning to misbehave due to a lack of structure in the
home for routines, chores and expected behaviors.
For troubled teens who need assistance over and above what their
parents can give, outpatient therapy programs may be a viable
option, especially for teens who are already committed to
recovery. These programs offer a variety of treatment options,
including individual and/or group counseling, family counseling,
or substance abuse programs. Although outpatient programs can be
very beneficial, they are usually relatively short-term, and are
not designed for teens with severe emotional or psychiatric
problems.
Another option is to enroll a troubled teen in a day treatment
program. This type of program is designed for teens who were
unsuccessful in an outpatient setting. These teens often
struggle with emotional and psychological issues, and are an
option for troubled teens who need intensive therapeutic support
but who do not yet require a residential environment.