Military Schools in Illinois
What
are Military Schools in Illinois? Military Schools in Illinois are
treatment programs for struggling youth in a military-style
environment. These programs typically emphasize discipline and
physical conditioning and were developed as a rigorous alternative
to longer terms of confinement in juvenile correctional facilities.
Military Schools are generally restricted to teens with little
or mild behavioral issues. Military Schools are not an appropriate
setting for teens experiencing emotional, behavioral, substance
abuse, or learning problems.
The idea of "shock incarceration"
as a tough alternative to more intensive programming
brought about the establishment of military-style
boarding schools for troubled youth.
Are
Military Schools in Illinois Effective?
Experts agree that a confrontational approach is not appropriate.
Most treatment care and military experts agree that a
confrontational model, employing tactics of intimidation
and humiliation, is counterproductive for most youth.
For youth with emotional, behavioral, substance abuse,
or learning problems-degrading tactics may be particularly
inappropriate and potentially damaging. The bullying style
and aggressive interactions that characterize the Military
Schools environment fail to model the pro-social behavior
and development of empathy that these teens really need
to learn.
Positive changes demonstrated while
in Military Schools usually do not last when a teen returns
to his Illinois community. Many teens report that the
program is helpful to them and they feel more positive
about their futures. It is unclear, however, whether these
attitudinal changes persist after teens leave the Military
School, or whether they are related to actual changes
in behavior once a youth returns to his community. Without
significant therapeutic intervention while in the program,
as well as specialized aftercare following release, Military
Schools in Illinois have been consistently unsuccessful in "changing"
juveniles.
What are the alternatives?
Illinois teens who need some form of treatment care require an
individualized approach that takes their strengths and
needs into account. Programs and policies should be family-centered
- including the family in all decision making about a
child - as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate.
Research has shown that small, family-centered programs
are more effective than boot camps in the long term.
Give us a call and together we can discuss
the best course of action for your child. We can be reached
any time at 1-866-490-3666.
