Hot on HuffPost Parents:
John Izzo: The Bullying Epidemic and How We Can End it
Christy Turlington Burns: Support Maternal and Child Health -- Donate…
Study reveals abuse at teen boot camps
Filed under: Just For Moms, Teens, Just For Dads, Health & Safety: Babies
Would you send your out of control teenager to a boot camp or wilderness program? Many parents do, turning to these tough love programs in desperate attempts to straighten out their wayward children. The theory behind these camps is that by breaking down a child's defenses and stripping the built-up walls of aggression and anger, the child can begin to heal whatever is broken inside of them. It isn't meant to be used as punishment, but therapy. Unfortunately, many of these children suffer at the hands of those who are supposed to be helping them.
An inquiry by the Government Accounting Office has found that in the unregulated world of boot camps, many children are suffering a level of abuse and neglect that sometimes ends in death. Researching data from 2005, the GAO found 1,619 incidents of abuse in 33 states. In looking at teen deaths in these camps since 1990, they found half of them were due to dehydration or heat exhaustion. Of the programs where children have died, many are still operating today.
Rep. George Miller, a Democrat from California, is pushing for regulations. "This nightmare has remained an open secret for years," he says. "Congress must act, and it must act swiftly."
I actually have some experience with wilderness camps and support anything that would ensure the safety of these children. Years ago, I sent my own daughter to such a camp and neither of us have any regrets about it. At the time, it was a gut-wrenching decision that filled us both with doubt and fear. But the experience was a turning point in her life and prepared her for the next step in her journey to becoming the person she is today.
An inquiry by the Government Accounting Office has found that in the unregulated world of boot camps, many children are suffering a level of abuse and neglect that sometimes ends in death. Researching data from 2005, the GAO found 1,619 incidents of abuse in 33 states. In looking at teen deaths in these camps since 1990, they found half of them were due to dehydration or heat exhaustion. Of the programs where children have died, many are still operating today.
Rep. George Miller, a Democrat from California, is pushing for regulations. "This nightmare has remained an open secret for years," he says. "Congress must act, and it must act swiftly."
I actually have some experience with wilderness camps and support anything that would ensure the safety of these children. Years ago, I sent my own daughter to such a camp and neither of us have any regrets about it. At the time, it was a gut-wrenching decision that filled us both with doubt and fear. But the experience was a turning point in her life and prepared her for the next step in her journey to becoming the person she is today.
YourVoice
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
- Have you ever had to get a court order for documents?
- How can I get my 3 year old to take medicine? It's an awful ordeal and lately she has been making herself throw up!
- This is a direct quote from the Canadian mother who has refused to reveal her childs' gender identity...What is your opinion ?????? and please note th...
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Visit the Wine Boot Camp in Santa Rosa, California
Join Melanie Kim on a visit to wine boot camp, a one day trip that includes wine tasting and grape picking in Santa Rosa, California.
-
Learn about Boot Camp Training and Tap Dancing
Explore the health and wellbeing issues concerning boot camp training and tap dancing.
-
How to Use Boot Camp on VMware Fusion
Learn how to use boot camp on VMware fusion with a review of the software program.
-
How to Make Your Own Beach Boot Camp
Andrea Metcalf shows you how to use the beach to your advantage, even in the cold months of fall.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
10-10-2007 @ 4:49PM
Ann Adams said...This is old news to many of us. Perhaps something will finally be done.
A well regulated camp, under some kind of supervision and rules, may have its place and I'm sure many fit that description.
However, many have no restrictions and the results can be tragic.
Reply
10-10-2007 @ 7:14PM
Bonnie said...If you have a large chunk of time to read a personal account of one girl's experiences, it is quite horrifying indeed.
http://www.63days.com/1-mom/
-Bonnie
Reply
10-11-2007 @ 10:16AM
LS said...I'm with Ann... there needs to be some kind of regulation - perhaps an organization that oversees and rates, something. (anything but the government, please, let's not go there!)
I would truly hate to see the good camps get shut down, because I believe that for some, Nature is the place where you can recharge, recover, and get back on track. And for some kids, it's just what they need - spending time in jail or Juvie will just make them worse.
Reply
11-20-2007 @ 11:10AM
John Rhodes said...I am also with the people who are for the regulation. I think the wilderness can have a positive effect on teenagers.
Regulation is necessary and a step in the right direction is something along the lines of The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (http://www.natsap.org).
Reply