Some extremely concerned parents of a severely acting-out 17 year old daughter sent her to a very expensive therapeutic wilderness program. They knew they would have to use a transport service as the daughter would never agree to go on her own.
Sometimes, a young person's actions are so destructive to themselves and others, that you have to do something, you HAVE to get them out of their environment and their patterns so change can take place.
When we were considering such a move (we ended up not doing it), this transport piece really held us back. The idea of some goons coming into my child's room, rousting them out of bed and shipping them off somewhere against their will...it seemed like a huge betrayal.
Especially these days with the tales of renditions and suspended writ of habeas corpus.
I've changed my ideas about this.
I've found that the kids who have been escorted to various programs were not angry about the transport. They may be angry at being sent to the school or program but they were not furious about how they got there. Maybe the parent sees it as a bigger violation than the teen. Maybe it's something that just has to happen.
Maybe it's something that some people are so skilled at concentrating on the young person and their story that it just becomes part of the narrative. Maybe these folks can do a better job than you, the parent can.
You should not let the transport piece stand in the way of what you feel is the best plan for your child.
Crazy crazy business.
1 comment:
It is hard to say whether it is the transport or the ordeal to be put through a program which often carries lifetime scars with them.
Here is a blog about how teenagers fell when they are transported to programs:
Being transported
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