Brat Camp - How Do I Choose a Brat Camp?

Brat Camp is a reality TV series that originated in the United Kingdom. The UK Brat Camp Files followed teens as they enrolled in programs in the United States that specialize in helping troubled teens. Parents applied to enroll their children in the schools that were participating in the series. Now the Brat Camp series is being produced in the United States and airs on ABC beginning July 13, 2005. Every Wednesday an episode will follow the teens enrolled in a specific Brat Camp.

As a parent, you may ask, "What is a brat camp and why have I never heard of this before?" The phrase "brat camp" is really a cute way of selling the TV show. You haven't heard the phrase before because it didn't exist before the television show. The programs they feature, however, have existed for decades.They are known as wilderness therapy programs or therapeutic boarding schools. The wilderness programs are generally short-term options. In both cases, these programs address specific behavioral, emotional, or academic problems. They can specialize in issues such as substance abuse, ADHD, adoption issues/attachment disorders, depression, and even obesity.

Some parents are aware of the term "boot camps." Boot camps are usually adjudicated programs for teens who have been court-ordered to attend. However, for the typical teen struggling with emotional, behavioral, or academic issues, boot camps are not effective. The military-style regimen might seem appealing to parents who want to get a teen's attention, but if your teen has emotional or behavioral issues, or even undiagnosed learning differences, these boot camps can be counterproductive.

The programs that have had the greatest success with the complex issues that most troubled teens face are wilderness therapy programs and therapeutic boarding schools. While these programs have a structured environment and plenty of rules, they do what boot camps cannot do: they address the emotional and behavioral issues that are limiting your child's success.

How Do I Choose a "Brat Camp"?

Although the television shows can inspire parents to enroll their teens, it is important that you make sure you thoroughly research the programs you are considering to make sure you are finding a good fit for your individual child.

Some important questions to ask are:

1. How long has this program been around?

There are plenty of programs popping up every year. Make sure the one you choose has a history of success and a strong management and staff who really know this territory. Programs such as SUWS in Idaho have been doing positive work with youth for over two decades.

2. Why should I trust this program to take care of my child?

Reputation is important. A quality program will be recommended by Clinical Professionals or Educational Consultants. These are professionals parents pay to help them choose the right school. Beware of consulting services that tell you they will match you with a program for free. These consulting services make their money by charging the program that enrolls the student. This is not in your best interest, as the program is "buying" students rather than earning a reputation of quality and "attracting" students. If you do not want to hire an educational consultant, work directly with an admissions department, not with "free" services that are paid by programs to send them kids.

3. Who will be working with my child?

As about the staff and their credentials and experience. Quality programs will have quality staff with proper credentials. If your child has behavioral issues, you clearly want therapists who can address their problems in a healthy and effective way.

4. What specifically will the program do to address MY child's specific needs?

One size does not fill all. Some programs specialize in kids with learning differences or issues such as ADHD. Some have good sucess with teens who have substance abuse issues. By analyzing in detail the strengths of a specific therapeutic wilderness or boarding school program, you will be able to make an informed decision about which program will most help YOUR child.

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