Plus, 4 Things To Watch Out For

Entrusting your most precious treasure in life, your child, to just anyone is not an option. However, sometimes you come to a point where you have to find help from someone more experienced because things at home have become too difficult to handle on your own. Finding a reputable therapeutic program is daunting.

Maybe your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, getting in trouble with the law, illegal substances or some other behavioral, emotional or cognitive adversity.

You know there is so much potential in their future, if you can just get them through this most difficult stage of life. Their pain is affecting everyone in the family, often causing marital difficulties, feelings of neglect from the other children, and discontent.

That’s where therapeutic programs can be a life-changing experience. They can offer a more optimistic trajectory for your child’s future. However, you don’t just want any program; like anything, there are good ones and not-so-good ones. 

Here are some of the things to look for and some of the things to avoid when finding the best therapeutic program to fit your family’s needs.

Look for these signs in a reputable program:

1. Accreditation or Licensing.  Look for accreditation by reputable organizations, like The Joint Commission, or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA) and National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), who ensure internationally recognized organizational and program standards.
2. Highly Qualified Staff.  You will want to make sure the staff is experienced in working with young ones, and that staff members consist of licensed therapists, counselors and medical professionals. There should also be a low staff-to-child ratio.
3. Positive Reviews and Testimonials. Research reviews and testimonials online, however I would not take online testimonials seriously. Speak with other current and past parents and students for accurate information. A reputable program will be happy to give names of other parents and student to share their experiences. 
4. Stringent Safety Protocols. These protocols should include clear emergency procedures, as well as staff training in crisis management and ironclad policies against abuse and neglect.
5. Individualized Treatment Plans. Each child should have their own individualized treatment plan that addresses emotional, behavioral, social and educational needs of the child.   

Pass on a program with these obvious signs:

There are some obvious signs that a program or school might not be a good place to entrust with your loved one.

1. High Staff Turnover. When there is high staff turnover, that is a sign that there are not enough staff members, not a well-treated staff, the staff is not equipped to handle the potential difficulties that could arise, or work conditions are not conducive to a positive environment.
2. Reports of Abuse or Neglect. You can check local and federal court records, and check with professional organizations, like the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP).  Online reviews are not to be taken seriously. Ask the school/program for references. 
3. Very Little, or No Family Involvement. The family’s involvement will be crucial for long-term success of the child’s therapeutic needs. Additionally, not allowing family involvement could be a sign that they are hiding something. 
4. One Size Fits All Programming. Good therapeutic programs and schools know how to treat each child as the individuals of whom they are. Creative and individual treatment plans and educational plans will be the care that you want for your child.

When you don’t know where else to turn. 

Therapeutic programs and schools can be a lifesaver when you don’t know where else to turn to help your child struggling with emotional, behavioral and cognitive issues.  

The struggles of just one child affects the dynamics of the entire family.  A crisis is a family issue. The best programs offer support for your child, as well as strategies to improve your whole family dynamic as you learn new skills and techniques for communication and connection. They offer a future of hope and realized potential. 

As a parent, you want the very best for your child. Finding a program or school that is the right fit can be an unrealistic project when in a crisis. If you would like help in making this process easier, reach out for a free discovery call with us at Therapeutic Educational Consulting to discuss options. 

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