Troubled youth treatments can help kids with behavioral problems adjust their attitudes and actions. These programs are tailored to help teenagers overcome the issues that drive bad behavior in residential or outpatient settings. Some parents are initially unsure if troubled youth treatments are the right course of action for their families. Here are the answers to some questions you might have as the parent of a child with behavioral issues:

1. Who is eligible for troubled youth treatments?

Troubled youth treatments accept teenagers of a variety of ages, with many of them accepting children as young as 12 or 13 years old. In general, the upper age limit is 18, since teens over the age of 18 are considered adults who are therefore legally responsible for themselves. Troubled youth treatments are a good choice for people who are still in middle school or high school. Outpatient programs will allow kids to continue attending their regular schools, while inpatient programs will assign kids make-up classwork within the program itself.

2. What kinds of behavioral problems can troubled youth treatments correct?

Troubled youth treatments can help teens with a number of behavioral problems, such as a tendency to shoplift, lie, or be disrespectful. Teens often end up at troubled youth programs because parents have tried other solutions but don't know how to get through to their teenagers. Teens will be helped through counseling, group sessions, and hard work. Teens will be given responsibilities to show them that they can be productive members of society and to teach them discipline.

3. Will kids be safe in residential programs?

Teens' safety is the number one priority for everyone at a troubled youth treatment center. Supervision will be provided at all times, and teens will be segregated into single-sex residential facilities. They will be given healthy meals, exercise, and mental health services. Contact with the outside may be limited, but kids will be able to keep in touch with their families through letters. When you send your child to a troubled youth program, you can rest assured that they will be safe and protected.

4. Will troubled youth treatments fulfill court orders?

Sometimes, teens get in trouble with the law. In lieu of sending kids to a juvenile detention facility, judges may approve the use of troubled youth treatment as a punitive measure. If your child has been sentenced to community service or counseling, a troubled youth treatment will likely fulfill these requirements.