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A Child or Teen in Trouble May Need a Rehabilitation Program and Transportation to Get There

By Judith Greenberg, Ph.D.
President, School Finders, LLC

If you are seeing an unusual behavior from your pre-teen or teen, it is best to make an appointment with the primary care doctor or a counselor. Often teens begin to feel like they cannot keep up with school work or that their friends have moved on to other groups. Some students turn to drinking, or running around with groups of kids who are making poor decisions. It doesn't take long for a child to change behaviors and feel pushed out of previous friendships.

Finding out what is going on with your child is vitally important. As a parent, you may not get answers from your teen and may realize there is more happening than just losing friends. Spying on your teen may feel awful to a parent, but children make decisions that can affect their lives in very poor ways. Getting appropriate help is necessary and finding people who can help you is critical for your child's health.

If you do not have or feel that a local program will work for your child, research "rehabilitation teen programs" on line and find a place that has the right program for your child. Getting the child to such a program is not easy and can even be dangerous. This child you love may plead to stay home, promise to change, and/or plan an escape before you can get to the rehab program. This is why a transportation person is necessary as a method for getting this young adult to the facility.

Transport companies are often large and found in many cities in the US. Some of the transport people work on their own and also know how to be certain that your teen arrives at the destination. Although the typical approaches to getting your teen to the location may seem harsh to you, they work, and that is the most important part of why you may need the help of an experienced transport team or individual.

In my years as a placement consultant, I have sent many students to rehab programs by the transportation approach. Always ask questions of the drivers you speak with and find one that helps you feel confident. The ones I think have the best approach are those that might make your child angry but will get this child to the program. Parents can drive the young adult to a program, however, I have seen many students cry and beg not to go and then come home and continue the habits that are not good for themselves or their families.

A good transport company will answer your questions, tell you the cost and help you to get ready to send the teen on to a healthier life. Parents have told me it seems stern but they later realize that having help in getting the student to a program is needed. The companies I have suggested to families usually use the following approach to getting the student to the program.

  1. No information is to be given to the child prior to the departure.
  2. You (the parent) pack a small bag with clothes and toiletries that will be enough for 2 to 3 days. The remainder of what will be needed can be mailed to the location.
  3. The driver will arrive very early in the morning and step into the teen's room and wake him/her up.
  4. Next the driver explains where they will be going, the length of the trip and the rules to follow during the trip.
  5. It is common for teens to be given one minute for bathroom needs and brushing teeth. One minute to say goodbye to family (teens may not talk to the family if there is a great deal of anger at this time). Goodbyes may included pets and/or siblings— it is your decision on that piece.
  6. Finally, rules for the road or airplane are repeated and the teen leaves. These people are well experienced and are kind to the teen and get them to their destination. Good transporters stay with the students throughout the trip and even go into the bathroom to be certain no escape is possible. You should receive a call once the student is onsite.

A quick move from home is vital in getting the teen to the program without tears, fighting with parents, or running away. Ask for a referral when selecting a transport person. However, know that past clients may not want to discuss their child's experience but some will and this will help you to realize the help transporters can give you in a difficult situation.

Judith Greenberg is a special education consultant and school placement expert based in Maryland. You can learn more about the school placement services she provides at www.schoolfinders.net. She consults all over the country via phone and Skype. You can reach her at schoolfind@aol.com or (301) 230-9010.

Please examine the At Risk programs on ISER for ideas and more information.

Disclaimer: Internet Special Education Resources (ISER) provides this information in an effort to help people find the right help for their special needs children and teens. ISER does not recommend or endorse any particular special education referral source, type of special education professional, specific special education professional, or educational methods.

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