Military Schools in Oregon for Troubled Teens

Did you know that the number of children and teens who have been tried as adults in the US is increasing every year? Or that a large number of these minors are in actual prisons, not including juvenile detention? The stakes for teenagers who are engaging in risky or criminal behavior are higher than ever before, and a single conviction can ruin an entire life. Some of the issues facing Oregon teens include:

• 19 percent of Oregon teens report regular use of marijuana.
• 29 percent abuse alcohol and 7 percent admit to binge drinking at least monthly.
• Oregon is 16 out of 50 in the country for suicide.
• Oregon is 36th in the country for pregnancy among women under 20.
• 10.8% of children receive an ADHD diagnosis each year.
• According to a 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Justice there were 504 juvenile arrests for substance abuse, 514 arrests for larceny and 59 arrests for aggravated assault.
• High school graduation rate is only 73%

Each of these facts lay heavily on any parent’s shoulders. But it is especially brutal for those who have teenagers that act out, or have been getting into trouble. For those reading this, military schools in Oregon for troubled teens may seem like the next logical step. After all, you have tried everything else, and nothing seems to be working. Unfortunately, that is rarely (if ever) the answer.

Military Schools In Oregon For Troubled Teens? Not Your Best Bet

If you have exhausted all of your mental and emotional resources in parenting a troubled teen, the next solution is a full time rehabilitation facility. While you are probably anxious to find an option that is both safe and comfortable, you also need to consider whether or not it is a good match for your son. Although you might assume that it is best to keep your teen close to home, military schools in Oregon actually might not be the best option. The biggest issue with military academies is that they are not equipped for the unique struggles being faced by your child. They do not provide any staff trained in psychology, trauma, or psychological disorders. They are unprepared for teens to have anger or substance abuse problems. Not to mention they work on a model that relies entirely on discipline, giving too much of the stick and not enough of the carrot. In many cases, time in a military academy can increase the problem, sometimes drastically. There are also laws in many of the states where they reside which allow a teen to check themselves out and leave the facility. At that point there will be no way of making sure your teenager is secured, and they could wind up anywhere. We have found that when teens attend a program further from their usual environment, they improve more. Some of the reasons for this are:

• The chance to live in new surroundings where the triggers and negative associations of day to day life can be left behind. Your teen can focus all of his attention on making positive changes and improving communication.
• Full time therapeutic programs provide a supervised opportunity for parent(s) and teens to take some time apart while they address their individual concerns. Temporary distance can allow each party to improve their communication skills, but it needs to be undertaken through a managed and safe environment where the time apart can be maximized.
• Parents have the opportunity to get some respite from the rigors of raising a teen with behavioral issues. Meanwhile, their son is safe and secure in a facility dedicated to encouraging and supporting him overcome his challenges.

These are only a few of the reasons why more troubled teens have found success at Liahona Academy than a military school in Oregon. Liahona Academy was established in 2001 and has successfully helped thousands of troubled boys at its southern Utah location. The curriculum consists of daily therapy, academics and outdoor activities in order to help teens find balance in their lives. Each boy works individually with trained counselors in order to gain the skills he needs to become a healthy individual.

Help Your Teen Improve For The Long Term At a Residential Treatment Center

Your teenager needs intervention from trained professionals that know the difficulties that they are fighting against. A military school in Oregon for troubled teens may promise progress, but they will do nothing more than beat your child down. A rehabilitation center will focus on long term improvement, not quick fixes.

Oregon Residents From The Following Cities Have Considered Liahona Academy:

Portland, Salem, Beaverton, Corvallis, Oregon City, Klamath Falls, Ashland, Eugene, Bend, Medford, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Grants Pass, Roseburg, Astoria, Tigard, Taulatin, McMinnville, Lincoln City, Wilsonville, Gresham, Coos Bay, Cannon Beach, Milwaukie, Hood River, West Linn, and Brookings.