The troubled teen industry is not regulated. There is no Federal oversight and there is no governing body monitoring what goes on behind closed doors. This leaves the door wide open for abuse.
United States of America (Press Release) August 7, 2007 --
There is a silently emerging multi-billion dollar a year industry that most people do not know exists. It is the parent-choice, private-pay Troubled-Teen industry. Tens of thousands of parents each year are placing their children and teens into residential programs across the US and around the world without realizing what they are getting themselves, and most importantly, their child or teen, into.
CAICA has received complaints from parents that their children have been abused in many of these programs. Some have even had difficulties removing their own child or teen from a facility, often because of custody issues.
This is a buyer beware market. There are no Federal laws in place to protect children who are placed into such programs. There is no governmental oversight.
CAICA recommends the following:
If your child, teen, or family are not in imminent danger CAICA recommends parents Stop - Take a Breath - and Do Your Research.
CAICA strongly recommends doing everything possible before considering sending a child or teen away. Many parents have indicated if they knew then what they know now they would never have sent their child or teen away. There are options, it is important parents are aware of what those are.
CAICA recommends seeking local help whenever possible. Also, reach out to friends and family for advise and help. Parenting is a tough job and there is no shame in reaching out to those you love and trust for help. As a friend once said, "It takes a village to raise a child."
For parents who have no other choice but to place their child in a program (court-appointed, etc.):
CAICA and the US Department of State warns against parents sending children and teens to programs outside the country. American laws will not protect your child if he or she is in another country.
CAICA warns against parents hiring teen transports for the sake of transporting children to facilities they themselves have not visited and fully investigated.
CAICA warns against hiring transport companies who pick children up in the middle of the night, taking them from their beds without pre-warning from parents and without their consent. The effects on a child or teen can be traumatic and last a lifetime.
Because there are no Federal Guidelines and the laws that are in place to protect children have often not applied to this industry, and because we have seen the many accounts of abuse, neglect, an deaths in these facilities, CAICA cautions parents to explore all viable options prior to placing their child or teen into such a program, and if their child is in a program, we recommend you look at the Warning Signs and Questions to Ask. If your gut tells you something may be wrong, listen. Parents have regretted waiting until it was too late.
CAICA has received complaints from parents that their children have been abused in many of these programs. Some have even had difficulties removing their own child or teen from a facility, often because of custody issues.
This is a buyer beware market. There are no Federal laws in place to protect children who are placed into such programs. There is no governmental oversight.
CAICA recommends the following:
If your child, teen, or family are not in imminent danger CAICA recommends parents Stop - Take a Breath - and Do Your Research.
CAICA strongly recommends doing everything possible before considering sending a child or teen away. Many parents have indicated if they knew then what they know now they would never have sent their child or teen away. There are options, it is important parents are aware of what those are.
CAICA recommends seeking local help whenever possible. Also, reach out to friends and family for advise and help. Parenting is a tough job and there is no shame in reaching out to those you love and trust for help. As a friend once said, "It takes a village to raise a child."
For parents who have no other choice but to place their child in a program (court-appointed, etc.):
CAICA and the US Department of State warns against parents sending children and teens to programs outside the country. American laws will not protect your child if he or she is in another country.
CAICA warns against parents hiring teen transports for the sake of transporting children to facilities they themselves have not visited and fully investigated.
CAICA warns against hiring transport companies who pick children up in the middle of the night, taking them from their beds without pre-warning from parents and without their consent. The effects on a child or teen can be traumatic and last a lifetime.
Because there are no Federal Guidelines and the laws that are in place to protect children have often not applied to this industry, and because we have seen the many accounts of abuse, neglect, an deaths in these facilities, CAICA cautions parents to explore all viable options prior to placing their child or teen into such a program, and if their child is in a program, we recommend you look at the Warning Signs and Questions to Ask. If your gut tells you something may be wrong, listen. Parents have regretted waiting until it was too late.
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