Reform schools are probably not something that you hear come up in daily conversations with other parents or friends, and if it does, the definition of what this type of school might be like will undoubtedly vary from person to person. So, really, what is a reform school for troubled teens? Reform schools are generally institutions focused on the rehabilitation and education of troubled youth, aiming to help them develop positive behaviors and life skills.
In essence, a reform school is where young offenders or teenagers are sent to change their behavior instead of going to jail or prison after committing a crime. These institutions are specifically designed for minors, and the age of the individual is a key factor in determining whether they are sent to a reform school or an adult prison. Unlike adult prisons, which house adults convicted of serious crimes, reform schools focus on helping young people who have broken the law by providing support to manage their emotions, understand the root of their behavior, and learn more acceptable ways to act.
However, the term “reform school” isn’t used nearly as often nowadays; instead, you’ll hear it being replaced with “residential treatment centers” or boarding schools.
Let’s cover a brief history and purpose of reform school, as well as the effectiveness of a reform school. From there, you can decide if a path like this one might be right for your teen.
History and Purpose of Reform Schools
One story that illustrates the reality of reform schools involves a young boy in 19th-century America, sent away for petty theft—a crime often rooted in poverty and social neglect. Reform schools have quite a long history; in fact, many were up and running in the middle of the 1800s, especially in America, where poverty and social neglect were significant factors in their rise. Many children and teenagers in the past who broke laws or were leaning toward criminal offenses were often placed in these institutions and were termed “delinquents.”
However, many of these children became victims of abuse and harsh conditions within reform schools. Due to the extreme jail-like overtones of these schools and cases of abuse, reform schools have dwindled within the country over the last several decades.
Effectiveness of Reform Schools
While the mindset behind the programming in reform schools was most likely for good, students were often forced to comply with strict discipline or perform forced labor, which created a punitive environment. Having the children and teens absorb feedback and instruction from hardened criminals was actually making their behavior worse than when they initially entered the reform school. It’s easy to see how teens with behavioral issues might act out even more when under the supervision and guidance of prior adult inmates!
While some academic subjects and life skills were taught, the harsh environment often undermined true learning and personal development. In fact, research has shown that teens who are placed into these rough and tough reform schools can be more likely to grow up with issues like addiction to drugs and alcohol, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an intense criminal record, to name a few—demonstrating a lack of success compared to the positive outcomes modern therapeutic programs aim to achieve.
Reform School to Treatment Programs
Let’s be honest – it can be challenging raising teenagers in this day and time. There is no question that most teens will toe the line at one point or another, especially as they are learning boundaries and what is and isn’t acceptable in daily life. This can be exacerbated even further if there is a history of mental illness or emotional issues. Sometimes, as parents, we need a little bit of support ensuring our children are on the right path.
Modern residential treatment facilities for troubled boys are structured to provide support for troubled teens, offering specialized programs and safe environments that focus on healing, growth, and behavior modification. These facilities are staffed by trained professionals who provide professional help for mental health issues and guide students through behavior modification strategies.
Now, does this mean an immediate entrance into a type of reform school? Thankfully, no. As stated above, the use of the term “reform school” isn’t used nearly as often in the 21st century. Instead, programs and treatment centers aim to help teenagers get the best help possible for their mental and emotional behaviors (without taking them to see someone in prison). There are also alternative options to traditional reform schools, such as therapeutic boarding schools and residential treatment programs, which can be more rehabilitative and less restrictive.
Termed residential treatment centers or therapeutic boarding schools, these programs use a more gentle (yet disciplined) approach to improving the behavior of troubled teens than punitive options like boot camps for troubled teens. You will also find that these types of programs utilize the following:
- Specific evaluations designed to meet your teen where they are
- Individualized plans that are created to help your teen flourish, grow, and reach their goals
- Care from psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors, counselors, and any other necessary individuals
- One-on-one and group therapy sessions
- A focus on teaching life skills, teamwork, and academics to students attending the facilities
In addition, many residential treatment centers and boarding schools utilize hands-on learning and a certain level of responsibility; this could look like making beds each morning, organizing a volunteer activity, or even just staying on top of school work with a daily study hall, offering a constructive alternative to harsh boot camps in Oregon for troubled teens. Attending these programs helps troubled teens learn new coping mechanisms and practical skills for life, much like other therapeutic alternatives to boot camps in Washington for troubled teens that emphasize long-term growth over short-term punishment.
You’ll also have contact with your child, which can be a big piece of the healing puzzle for many teens. Whether through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, or Zoom, many therapeutic centers for troubled teens encourage the connection between the teen and family members. These facilities can assist parents in finding the right program for their daughter or son, and there are specialized programs designed specifically for girls. Remember, the location of the facility in relation to your town should not be the primary concern; what matters most is the quality and focus of the program, as these environments are created to foster healing, growth, and long-term success, even if the best option is a therapeutic alternative to military schools in California.
In Review
Now you know the difference between reform schools of the past and the current residential treatment centers, boarding schools, and therapy centers for teens that need help with their behavior, including therapeutic options that may be more effective than military schools in Idaho for troubled teens. We have discussed the brief history of reform schools, the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of these schools, and the transformation from reform schools to more gentle approaches such as therapeutic centers, which are often a better choice than traditional military schools in New Jersey for troubled teens.
With this information, you can be assured that a reform school experience of the past is not what you would be exposing your teen to if you are researching ways to move forward with your teen who might be dealing with drug or alcohol abuse, risky behavior, oppositional defiant disorder, or even ADHD, especially when you consider modern therapeutic options beyond military schools in Tennessee for troubled teens. Instead, the options available today for teen treatment are much more advanced and effective. So now what?
If you feel as though a warm, uplifting, and supportive environment would be suitable for your teen to help get them back on track, reach out to the team of specialists at Liahona Academy to learn more about their residential treatment center for troubled boys. By incorporating education with discipline and counseling, the staff of professionals can work to get the negative habits of your teen removed while subsequently boosting their self-esteem and overall work ethic. Reach out today to get your questions answered!
