If your child is having difficulty with staying out of trouble or has behavior problems that cannot be remedied through medication or counseling, juvenile boot camp may be an option. Juvenile boot camp is a short-term correctional approach that involves a strict and structured environment. Juvenile boot camps can be found throughout the U.S. and are designed to restructure an older child or teen's way of thinking and behaving.
Goal
The goal of most juvenile boot camps is to rehabilitate the juvenile. Mental Health America notes that the effectiveness of the boot camp program may not be very promising. The chance of recidivism or getting in trouble with the law again after a boot camp session is great. Boot camps serve as a correctional program that are often set up in a military or hard labor atmosphere. Intense physical conditioning and strict discipline are the foundation for most juvenile boot camps---designed to be an alternative to the confines of jail or juvenile detention facilities.
Types
The two main types of boot camps are military style and wilderness, according to the Boot Camps Info website. It is important to choose a boot camp that is right for your juvenile. Military style boot camps are geared toward disciplining a child with a military style of basic training. An intense physical regimen is often the basis for most of these types of camps. They can be effective in teaching juvenile's responsibility for their own actions and how to get what they want through hard work and discipline. Wilderness camps are also popular choices. Juveniles are often sent out into the wild to live off the land and camp in the elements. The result is self perseverance and developing coping skills within oneself.
Criteria
Most juveniles who attend boot camp have to meet a certain kind of criteria. The Los Angeles Community Policing shares some criteria highlights for their juveniles such as being between the ages of 14 and 17, be at risk for committing crimes or substance abuse, have behavior problems or problems in authoritative situations. Some juveniles are referred to boot camps by a court order, school counselor or by concerned parents.
Benefits
Juveniles who attend boot camp will find out their people skills and interpersonal skills have improved, making a visit to a facility highly effective. Boot camps force children into learning how to do as told, respect authority, be obedient, understand structure, cooperate with others, build self esteem and confidence, and take responsibility for their actions.
Mistreatment
The effectiveness of boot camps is controversial. Although some juveniles can benefit, others can have a negative experience in which the effects are irreversible. Some children have reported being mistreated during their stay at boot camp. Heal Online reports that some juveniles have been mistreated through verbal, physical and mental abuse. Reports of over conditioning and holding back nutrients to camp attendees has also been reported. Make sure the camp you choose is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and allows you contact your child throughout their stay at camp.
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