An Accessible Resource for the General Public
The industry which makes up the private and unregulated portion of facilities for at-risk youth or "troubled teens" lacks sufficient and objective information for the public. The IPYT Index aims to make that information available presented in a comprehensive and transparent manner.
Through an ever growing directory supplemented by verified information sources and updated with current studies, research, and articles, we aim for public awareness. Using digital media that makes sharing such info easy and accessible by collaborating with a variety of industry professionals.
The last time this country witnessed somebody with a bag over their head and a noose around their neck the world was horrified the nation was embarrassed and it was at Abu Ghraib. To be told that this is considered a valid therapy in the care of somebody else's child ...I think would horrify this nation again.
I have some questions I would like to direct it all the witnesses: can you tell me how many private residential treatment programs are boot camps there are nationwide? I guess that's no?
Collecting Data
To define the problem and how it can be addressed requires exploring the gathered data and understanding how it is best used.
LEGISLATIVE EFFORT
With the work that's been done so far continued development could assist existing efforts and create additional resources.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INDEX: MISSION STATEMENT
Over three years ago an effort to collect significant data regarding private treatment options and facilities for "troubled" youth resulted in identifying potetial solutions. Truly the primary problem appeared to be that no one knew about these existing issues and their history. For those already aware it came at the price of families forever affected by what they believed was providing help for their youth.
By a process of methodologies used within OSINT (open source intelligence) an overwhelming amount of data was able to be sorted, indexed, and explored. The application of its use made it possible to address the lack of resources and the information needed to create them. Once data is collected, organized, and shared informed decisions can be made to evaluate the efficiency of current and future solutions.
Overall it is imperative that data is thoroughly gathered, organized, analyzed, and explored to identify multiple approaches that best facilitate effective uses to reach informed decisions.
Consulting with other tech professionals and researchers paired with the insight and tacit knowledge of a survivor of this industry facilitated this process. With the help of software engineers and developers creating tools to collect and sort data the efficacy of these methods could be compared. Additionally existing practices of state and federal agencies were noted as well as how well they could be accessed and benefitted the public, specifically treatment of at-risk youth.
Understanding the Issues
Referred to as the "Troubled Teen Industry" commonly in present day media there is an extensive history stretching over decades with origins and influence that continue to thrive. Without federal oversight and even non-existant state regulations the history of abuse, torture, and death is one that must not be repeated.
Creating Solutions
The Practices Behind Creating IPYT
How this work started and what was involved in it's creation including the valuable roles of methodologies used and learning how to make this possible. Using OSINT to investigate and the application of Data Sciences and Analytics as well as how difficult methods have worked and what has hindered progress and usability.
Development Process
The Collaborative Approach
The use of investigative tools has played a significant role in development aiding in establishing the infrastructure of how data is organized. However there was a need for a specific way of drawing connections and the ability to be used in multiple ways in addition to the contributions of those from decades before up until the present. This is the utility that was created.
CONTRIBUTE TO IPYTCentral Directory
A centralized directory which lists programs and facilities, past and present, by state along with information on methods used as treatment and the research regarding its efficacy.
Public Awareness
To prevent further abuses and promote good practices begins with creating awareness to the general public and for families seeking assistance likely in a vulnerable state.
Data Informed
Based on information collected an informed understanding is possible regarding the options available and how such an industry was not only created but permitted to happen.