I just read the story of child abuse at Rancho Valmora in New Mexico. As a parent with a child in a therapeutic boarding school, I always cringe when I read these stories. Why do I continue to place my son at a school that may be similar? It is my belief that if my son were not at an RTC (residential treatment center) he may not be alive today. Before he went into residential treatment he was on a fast spiral downward due to self-destructive teen behaviors. Our family could no longer give him the support that he needed.
It has been a hard journey, he has not lived at home for almost a year and I miss him dearly, but when I compare how he is doing today, to how he was doing before he left home I feel that I am getting my son back. I also see a vast improvement in his self esteem.
I do think there are what they call “teen boot camps” out there and many of these are giving the industry a bad name. I never felt I was sending my son away “to set him straight” or punish him. He needed help. If you are looking for a “boot camp” environment, then beware. But I do know that most of the reputable facilities care about the teens and the families and they are providing a well needed service. Do your homework and ask questions. Read my post on “Choosing a Adolescent Treatment Center for your Teen”.
These kids are all so young, and many times their behavior is not due to them being “bad” kids but due to circumstances that take time to process and need to be worked through.
This also came through the news wires today regarding the Rancho Valmora child abuse case.
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