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Finding an At Risk Program that Meets My Child's Needs

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

The term "at risk" can be used in many different ways. This article is aimed specifically at families who find their child is not on task, is probably using drugs and/or alcohol, is acting out with more unacceptable behaviors, has made friends with only students like him or herself, and is not doing in school.

The school issues are usually found to be involved with learning difficulties, addictions, displaying lack of respect for themselves and others.

These behaviors are fairly typical behaviors that tend to get a child labeled as an at risk student at school. This just furthers the child's anger and pushes the student toward the needs of specialists and schools in this field. After three decades of working with students who have difficulties learning, becoming at risk, and having problems with schools and police, I have developed a list of "what to look for" criteria when selecting a program for the child and family.

It is vital for families to understand that it is not just the student who needs help and changes; the family life must also change and adapt when the child returns from a program, otherwise all the previous issues will appear again. It is also a good idea to switch the student's school or at the very least, speak with the school about changes in classes and teachers to help the reentry to be calmer and more helpful.

Questions to Ask About an At Risk Program:

  1. How long has the program been in business?
    Although it sounds harsh to call it a business, you must accept that this program is there to help students recover and proceed in their lives and to make money for the company. Ask for the faculty credentials, the psychiatric staff training and type of issues of the students, and the average time spent there by students. Not every program can work with all of the at risk issues students bring with them. Be sure the program knows what your child needs. Be honest and discuss your child's problems.

  2. Ascertain the percentage of students that complete the program and the time expected for your child's needs and help.

  3. Is this a co-ed or single sex program? (Which is more appropriate for your child? This is something you may know best.) What are the ages of the students in the program?

  4. What classes (with credits) and activities are available to students? Are all classes and activities made up of several or more students or are there also individual consults?

  5. Does the program allow parents and family members to have phone calls, letters, and or visits to the program? These usually are only allowed toward the middle or end of a period, depending on the program.

  6. What rules are required, are there non-physical punishments, and are rewards used to inspire students?

  7. What are the costs of the program, location, and out of program special activities and is there an additional cost such activities?

  8. Do not make a choice based solely on a website and comments made by previous "unnamed" parents.

  9. Take stock of the family's atmosphere before your child left for the program and find ways to change the dynamics of the family before the student returns. If your child returns to an unchanged atmosphere, he will quickly slide back into past behaviors.

  10. Ask the program for advice on how to get the student into a different school so as to keep her away from activities and pals who will undo the at-risk program, work and help. If the same family issues continue, the student may also fall back into habits that he or she used to help her live with those problems. Change is needed by all family members as each member felt pain from the behaviors that are now gone, and hopefully for ever.

A final note to add is that there are excellent programs throughout the US, and abroad. Some of these programs are built around religious concepts and others look toward the tough and grueling outdoors to help students. You know your child best and if you have reached a stage of non-communication, you make all decisions.

If you think your child will take off and not return, do not discuss this approach and simply have a service that works with such students and let that person drive or fly with your child without any previous information given to the child. It is rise and shine and off you go which makes it harder on your heartstrings but more likely the students will get to the program. I often hear parents saying they want to spend the least amount of money so there is money left for college. Sadly, without the best help for your child, your dream of college will disappear. Be realistic and understand that placing blame never helps, just love and understanding can help an at risk student.

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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