My Son Is Getting Ready to Be Mandated by the State of Georgia to Go to Teen Challenge ?

Question by Kim M: my son is getting ready to be mandated by the state of Georgia to go to Teen Challenge ?
Has anybody here had any bad experiences with the program, I have heard good and bad and just needed to know what we are getting ourselves into, He may have the option of more other rehab if I put my foot down, thanks in advance

Best answer:

Answer by Been There~Done That!
Teen Challenge Juvenile Boys homes provide a safe haven for boys ages 12-17 years of age with out-of-control behaviors. The 15-month program includes on-site schooling in a classroom setting, daily discipleship, chapel and worship. The young men are presented with opportunities for group and individual counseling, family counseling, organized sports and recreation. Leadership skills, developing integrity and the importance of work are learned through indoor and outdoor chores and responsibilities.

Common concerns of our parents have been the following:

skipping school, resulting in failing grades
abnormal lack of ambition and depression
outbursts of anger and destruction of home property
absence from the home for extended periods of time
stealing from family members
poor choice of friends and suspected drug use

Juvenile boys Teen Challenge programs, through character-building curriculum and Christian principles modeled by competent leaders, assist each young man in turning his focus from “self” to service to others. We believe that the first change is a heart change… a knowledge that Jesus Christ has a purpose and a plan for each individual’s life. Guided biblical studies, exciting chapel services, the daily discipline of chores, and regular attendance in our state-registered private schools give a once “out-of-control teenager” a second chance at attaining a bright future of successful living.
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Anything that has a chance to help a young teen see things that a parent has exhausted all resources to make them see is a good thing. The bad in these places are the boys and girls that go there that cause it.

Consider the fact that if things were good for him now he would not be in the position to be mandated to go to a facility like this. He needs to relaize that is is due to consequences of his behavior or lack of that has caused it not you, or the State.

He has to want the help provided by them.