Frequently Asked Questions

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Below are the most frequently asked questions about Trouble Teens of America and the programs available for troubled teens. The answers describe the most common situations, we always work closely with the parents to find the solution that best suits their needs.

ACADEMICS

Are academics accredited?

While some schools have private accreditation, most of them are accredited by a national accreditation agency.

Do credits transfer to other schools?

In most cases, yes.

Can my child receive a High School diploma?

Yes, most schools can do that.

Can a student who is behind catch up?

Yes. Each student will receive an Individual Academic Plan, which is designed according to the needs of the student and based on his/her academic standing at the time of enrolling into the school.

ADMISSIONS

Is it rolling admissions?

Yes, a student can enter a program any time of the year.

Can contracts be terminated early?

Yes, this is possible, although there will be some financial consequences to consider.

How can I get my student there?

About half of the parents bring the student into the facility. The other half uses youth transport services (we can provide you with a list of some options).

What kind of a student CANNOT come to the program?

We try to assist you in finding a program for all needs.

What happens if a student gets kicked out of the program?

Only in a very few cases does this happen. Some cases involve extreme violence, utter disregard to rules, other students and staff, or hygiene, or parental issues. We try to assist you in finding another facility.

AFTERCARE

How do you decide when a student is ready to come home?

There are certain guidelines built into the program itself that will determine a student's readiness to come home. A student will typically have to achieve each goal of the program before dismissal.

Is there any follow-up or aftercare?

Yes. Different programs have different kinds of aftercare available.

CAMPUS LIFE

What is the daily schedule like?

Each campus varies, but each day is scheduled hour by hour, specially in the beginning. This includes evenings and weekends. Students can earn privileges of "free time," although that is also something monitored and designed by the program.

Do students have extra-curricular activities?

Yes, they do. Nonetheless, these are privileges to be earned by good behavior and by following the program rules.

How are students housed?

Each program and school houses students differently. There is housing with individual rooms all the way to 20 students in a room.

Do students wear uniforms?

In most cases, yes. Each program usually has its own design.

Is there any religious affiliation?

Most of our programs are non-denominational. However we will assist you in choosing a program according to your religious preferences.

What do students eat and where is it prepared?

In some programs and schools the food is prepared on campus in a professional kitchen. We also recommend some programs where the students learn living skills and shop and cook for the whole group.

FINANCES

Does Troubled Teens of America charge the parents a fee for its services.

No. Troubled Teens is funded by private donations, fund raisers, individual donations, and grants.

Do you have loans or grants?

The funds of Troubled Teens are very limited at this time and no loans or grants are available. Educational loans are available for most programs, and in some cases also second mortgages or refinancing can be arranged. We would be most happy to assist you in determining the best financial option for your needs.

Is there financial aid?

Some programs do have limited financial aid available. Troubled teens of America will assist you in applying for financial aid that may be available.

Does insurance cover this?

In most cases insurance companies do not cover the tuition. Some companies are willing to cover the cost or partial cost of therapy.

LICENSING

How are you licensed?

Troubled Teens of America is a non profit and is not required to be licensed by the state. Troubled Teens does not own or operate any facilities. Programs that we refer to are licensed in different ways, depending on what they do and what they are. We refer to Residential Treatment Centers, Specialty Boarding Schools, Therapeutic Wilderness Programs, etc.

What agencies can verify the programs' licensing?

Turn to State Human and Family Services, Academic Accreditation Agencies, State Health Services and such.

How long have these programs that you refer to been in business?

Depending on the program, anywhere from one to twenty years.

Are the programs JCAHO approved?

The Joint Commission of Accredited Healthcare Organizations typically accredits more "clinical" settings, but some of the programs are accredited by JCAHO.

Are the programs members of any professional organization?

Depending on the program, yes. Most are members of at least the Better Business Bureau in their local area.

MEDICATIONS

Can the student be on medications?

Yes. At least half of the students that enroll are already on some medications for ADHD, ADD, ODD and others.

How are medications handled?

Medications are kept at a nurse's station and dispersed by the nurse or a trained staff member.

How much therapy do you have?

This again depends on the program. Some have intense therapy available (five times a week), and some have only a weekly group session.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Can parents tour the facility ahead of time?

Yes, we recommend that parents tour the facility prior to placement of the student.

Who can visit the student and when?

This varies greatly from program to program, but typically it is the parents who visit the student. If your requirements are different we will assist you finding the program that is best for you.

What all is expected of the parent?

The basic expectation is the support of the program. This can include letter-writing, packet-sending, visits, seminar participation, family therapy, and so forth.

STAFF

How is the staff trained?

Trouble teens of America is all volunteer staff. Each volunteer is carefully selected by the board of directors and trained by senior volunteers to ensure highest level of competence.

Is the staff background checked?

Yes.

Are the therapists licensed?

Yes, the therapists that work with Troubled Teens of America are all licensed.