THE IPYT INDEX

INDUSTRY OF PROGRAMS & PRACTICES FOR YOUTH TREATMENT

Understanding the Industry The Need for Accessible Data

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.

Senator George Miller, CA 2007 Congressional Hearing

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?

Senator McKeon 2007 Congressional Hearing

TYPES OF FACILITIES

It's important to note that the term "troubled teen programs" encompasses a wide range of facilities and programs including therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers, and more. While some programs operate responsibly and ethically, there have been cases of unregulated, private troubled teen programs that have faced allegations of abusive methods. Parents and guardians should seek programs that are accredited, licensed, and subject to appropriate oversight and regulation to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants.

It is crucial to emphasize that these examples are not representative of all programs in these categories.

Wilderness / Boot CampOutdoor Adventure-Based Therapy
Therapeutic Boarding SchoolEmotional Growth with Academics
Residential Treatment CenterBehavior Modification
Anti-Drug ProgramSynanon to KIDS/Straight
Christian BasedTeen Challenge Lester-Roloff/IFB

Wilderness Programs and Boot Camps

These programs operate in natural environments such as forests, mountains, or deserts, removing youth from modern-day distractions and temptations. They use the wilderness setting as a therapeutic backdrop, often including survival skills training and outdoor activities, with programs typically lasting a minimum of 28 days.

Boot Camps focus on strict discipline and physical regime, sometimes modeled after military training. They often emphasize behavioral modification and can include elements such as uniformity and austere living conditions. Boot camps may be year-round or run as summer programs for up to three months.

Therapeutic Boarding Schools

Advertised as providing academic education as well as behavioral correction, these programs enroll youth for various durations, with some contracts requiring stays of up to 21 months or more. These schools may have security measures, like fences, to prevent students from leaving without permission.

Morbi euismod feugiat libero, at efficitur libero eleifend ac. Nunc vehicula semper sem quis auctor. Pellentesque lobortis ipsum nec sapien cursus euismod et interdum quam.Sed tincidunt egestas magna et interdum. Curabitur id justo eget eros cursus fringilla. Etiam sed dolor eu lectus consequat tristique.

Residential Treatment Centers

These facilities provide treatment for youth with behavioral, emotional, or psychological issues, including services such as drug and alcohol treatment, confidence building, and psychological counseling. These are often structured environments aiming to change behavior through systematic techniques and interventions. The approaches may vary from therapeutic engagement to more punitive methods.

Boot Camp / Anti-Drug

These programs focus on strict discipline and physical regime, sometimes modeled after military training. They often emphasize behavioral modification and can include elements such as uniformity and austere living conditions. Boot camps may be year-round or run as summer programs for up to three months.

Straight, Inc. was a program that operated in multiple states and claimed to help troubled teens with substance abuse issues. It faced allegations of abusive practices, including confinement and emotional mistreatment. It has since closed.

Religious

Cras dapibus libero et magna feugiat, rhoncus lacinia neque vestibulum. Nunc molestie, odio vel dignissim blandit, enim mauris facilisis urna, et ultrices dolor magna quis sem. Vivamus semper, elit nec interdum viverra