What are Military Schools in Michigan?

Military schools in Michigan are educational institutions that operate within military-style environments. These specialized programs put emphasis on physical conditioning, discipline and self-discipline. They were developed in an effort to provide a strict alternative for troubled teens who may be sent to juvenile correctional facilities.

Sometimes, Michigan military schools can effect youth in positive ways. But, they’re are programs designed to be discipline-driven. Therefore, they don’t generally accept teens with serious behavioral issues. If your teen is having problems caused by emotional or psychological issues, learning disabilities, alcohol or drug abuse problems or mental disorders, military schools aren’t the best choice.

Military-style schools are for students who are tough-minded. These “shock incarceration” programs are just one alternative to intensive programming.

Are Military Schools in Michigan Effective?

If you’re debating on sending your teen to a military school, your teen must be in trouble. Before you decide, take a look at some of the disadvantages of military school:

  • Limited Contact – Students who attend military schools have very limited contact with their parents. These are residential, educational facilities. Although they do allow their students to attend off-campus family events, there are many restrictions.
  • Demanding Discipline – Military schools take great honor in their demanding disciplinary tactics. Teens who have no self-discipline and aren’t physically fit may not thrive in these programs. That’s because they require daily physical training and use militant-style disciplinary measures.
  • Confrontational Approach – This approach is not the best one for all troubled teens. Teens with PTSD or those who’ve suffered through traumatic experiences won’t benefit from confrontational measures. This can also be counterproductive for teens with various mental disorders. The bullying approach simply can only cause more damage to those with alcohol or drug problems and learning disabilities.

Positive Changes May Not Be Permanent

Some teens have noted that they were influenced in a positive manner by military schools in Michigan. These teens reported that the programs helped them to see a brighter future for themselves. Yet, it just isn’t clear whether the changes reported continued when they went back to their communities after leaving these programs.

If your teen is suffering from psychological or emotional problems, the best option is one that includes intense therapeutic intervention. Teens who complete these types of programs also need aftercare treatment programs. Military schools simply do not offer these services to their students. Until the do, they will keep reaping benefits that are only temporary for “changing” troubled youth.

Alternative to Military Schools

If your teen has been diagnosed with a mental disorder, he/she needs a therapeutic approach to learning. Those with emotional issues, psychological problems and destructive behaviors can only heal through intense therapy. They need programs that concentrate on underlying causes and healing the family as a whole. Military schools are not appropriate for these situations.

Contact The Family Compass to find therapeutic treatment facilities in Michigan. Together we can discuss the best course of action for your child. We can be reached any time at 1-866-490-3666.