Information on Troubled Youth Programs Utah
Utah is one of the most naturally beautiful states in the US. As such, it’s also one of the most ideal locations for wilderness camps. There are quite a few wilderness camps currently set up in Utah, and their programs are commonly referred to as outdoor education. Outdoor education is an adventure-based program which is meant to be therapeutic in nature. Some identify outdoor therapy as therapy in itself, and some use the outdoors as a medium which delivers therapy, meaning that it still has clinical therapy as a basis. Wilderness therapy aims to help participants gain self-relience and positive self-worth through symbolic and practical activities done in the great outdoors.
Here are a few examples of troubled youth programs in Utah that parents can look into and see whether these will fit the needs of their children:
1. Aspen Ranch (co-ed)
2. Turn-About Ranch (Christian, co-ed)
3. Mountain Homes Youth Ranch (co-ed)
4. Eagle Valley Youth Ranch (all-girls)
5. Majestic Ranch (co-ed)
It’s understandable if parents feel a bit reluctant to let their children go on a wilderness adventure. It would probably help if parents know what questions to ask in order to identify their concerns and be able to find answers for them. Here are a few examples:
1. Is the program licensed? Which licensing body is it licensed with?
2. How long has the program been licensed?
3. What is the maximum number of students the program is licensed with?
4. How many students are currently in the program?
5. What are the admissions process? How are children picked?
6. What are your ways of knowing whether my child is appropriate for the program?
7. Have there been lawsuits filed against the program in the last five to ten years?
8. Is there a way for me to contact my child while in the program?
There are also some questions you can ask about the staff:
1. Who is the Director and what are his/her qualifications?
2. Are the members of the staff licensed therapists?
3. What is the student to staff ratio?
4. How is the turnover rate of the staff in the past few years?
5. Who will be transporting children during activities?
6. Do staff have ongoing training?
You can also ask questions about safety procedures:
1. How are emergency situations handled?
2. What are emergency precautions taken during extreme weather conditions?
3. Does the program have a blanket liability insurance to cover students?
4. Are all staff members trained on administering CPR?
5. Are students educated on the safety plan?
6. Will the staff make sure that my child takes his/her medication?
7. Is there a sufficiently equipped infirmary?
Parents have all the right to make sure that their children will be safe in the company of other people. Asking questions is a good start of finding this out. There’s a lot more to a good troubled youth program than just the kind of therapy that they give students. It’s also important to know how their day to day operations are carried out and how they respond to certain situations that involve the safety and well-being of the children.
