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Helpful Hints when searching for a Therapeutic Boarding School (TBS) or Residential Treatment Centers (RTC)

 

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  • Be very cautious if sending your child out of the country. Laws are different and cannot protect your child out of the country. Review the U.S. Department of State, Washington D.C. Fact Sheet at http://www.travel.state.gov/behavior_modification.html. Many parents are misled by the lower tuitions--don’t be one of them. We recommend keeping your child in the United States. If you are a resident outside of the United States, this may not affect you.

  • Don't allow glossy brochures, tearful videos and fancy websites determine your decision for your child. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If a program is advertising a very high success rate, please ask them what third party organization did their statistical studies. In-house surveys are prejudiced.

  • Don't choose a program to "teach your child a lesson." This is a common mistake many parents make. Many times, these are good children making bad choices. Harsh treatment and environment can enhance their anger as well as build resentment.

  • Don't accept a program that is not accredited to educate your child, provides scant food and/or clothing and unsanitary living conditions. A visit to the program prior enrollment, if possible, is recommended. It is understandable that not every family has the finances or the time for the extra trip. With this, please be sure your research is thorough. 

    It is normal for parents to want their child appreciate what they have at home, however deprivation of food, sanitation and clothing should not be accepted. These are basic human rights. Many of these teens are suffering from low self-esteem, depression, peer pressure, etc. Taking away their basic needs may escalate these negative feelings.

  • Don't enroll any child in a program that refuses to allow parents to speak with their child within a reasonable amount of time, usually no longer than 30 days. Visitation in many programs begins at 3 months. This is your child, and family counseling is just as important as your child’s counseling. 

  • Don't allow the Program Director to overlook your concerns or questions. If you feel you have valid concerns and do not understand something, keep asking until you do. This is your right as a parent.

  • Do ask for the staff’s education, training and experience. Credentials of those working with your child are vital. Ask if they have background checks on all employees.

  • Do ask what the age of majority is in the state of the program. Be sure children cannot sign themselves out of the program at the age they are at. You will see many programs in the West (especially in Utah ) due to the age of majority, which is 18. This ensures your child cannot leave without your consent.

  • Do check with the local police or the state office of the Attorney General for reports of neglect or abuse. With this, understand there are no perfect programs, and some may have issues that have been rectified or are not related to the students. However, others, with constant complaints, should be crossed off you list. Investigation is your best solution in finding a good program.

  • Do ask what the program's use of restraints is. If they have "Isolation" inquire about the length of time that is normally spent there and what this entails. Ask what the program does if your child runs away.

  • Do ask if the person who is marketing the information receives any kind of direct, or indirect referral fee or compensation (i.e. A month’s free tuition, gifts, certificates, dinners, etc.) P.U.R.E. discloses on FAQ page that we do receive fees from some schools and programs.

  • Do call as many parent references as you have time for. Please remember to ask to speak with former students or graduates from the program as well as the parents. This is not a sales call; this should be a call for information, guidance and support. Did their child have the same issues as yours?

  • Most Importantly, it is very important for placement to be a family decision. Trust your gut and your heart. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Keep searching. It is time to bring the family back together. 


This is not to frighten anyone, as it is to make parents aware of an industry that has little to no guidelines to follow. It is a fact, some of our kids need help, let’s get them the right help with an educated and researched decision.

Play it safe, this is your child’s life we are speaking of. P.U.R.E. is part of bringing families back together…