Teen Life How's Teens Deal With...
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Teen Group Homes How Much Does It Cost? - How Many Different Types Are There? - How Have I Been Able To Relate? What Are Teen Group Homes? Group homes have a lot to offer troubled teens. As of now, there are no generally accepted definitions in the field for "group homes" and "group residences." In time, these terms have come to apply that there are many different types of group living structures for children who indicate delinquent behaviors. Presumably the outcome in a residential program will show good progress in performance from the child, due to what the program has done with and for the child. Things To Consider: The following are some ideas that you may want to consider when looking for a group home:
You should always go to the group home and walk through the facility before making a placement of a child. It also helps to ask for references from other group homes or parents who have used the group home for their own child.
You should discuss the idea of a group home with the entire family. This helps in making an educated decision on if the group home is the right facility for the troubled child. There might be other options for the child, so check out more than one idea on how to deal with the particular problems facing them. This is a big life changing decision for the family as well as the adolescent so it is imperative that one do as much investigation as possible so that the parents can feel comfortable in getting the help needed for the family.
Remember, when looking at group homes don't assume that the home includes group therapy, twelve step programs, or schooling. There are group homes that forget that they are there for the children and become warehouses for delinquent children.
The cost of a group home can be quite expensive. Much of the cost depends on what type of treatment that the troubled teen needs. Some Teen Group Homes can cost as much as $30,000.00 to $50,000.00 dollars per year. The cost can be quite intimidating but don't get too discouraged because there are insurance companies and policies that help pay for treatment. Sometimes there are state funded programs that help lower the cost. Most well-rounded group homes have insurance options. You can also contact the state and local governments that have subsidy programs which help offset the cost of group homes. There are also church and local groups that make donations to group homes for families in need. Is A Group Home Going To Be The Best Option? If the child needs to be removed from the elements and environment in order to protect their safety, then the money becomes a secondary factor. If the child needs to be put in a more positive, supportive environment then get the help needed. Group homes can help the child to develop new ideas and become a better person so don't let money get in way. Group homes can be misleading. If you look at the term "institution for dependent children" you legitimize the placing of the child.
The courts may classify these group homes by saying dependent, neglected, or delinquent, but these classifications do not describe their needs or their psychosocial functioning. All normal children have problem areas in their lives. Since we are discussing the children who are placed in care facilities or who need placement in a group home, it seems necessary to distinguish the psychosocial and diagnostic variables. How Many Different Types Are There?
There are 3 forms of group care for the normal child, 1- foster care 2- group homes 3- child care centers or dependency institutions. All three of these modalities have given valuable services to children. The utilization of these modalities for normal children depends on the age of the child. Ages 3-6 are in need of different care than those that are 12-16 years of age. If the child is in a good environment between the ages of 3-6, there is hope that the child will change for the better. Once the child becomes a preteen or teenager, it becomes more difficult to change their behaviors. How Have I Been Able To Relate? I can relate to Group Homes on a more personal level. My Best Friend at the moment is in a group home. He was court ordered into one about a month ago. But don't worry, it's not his first time being in there. He was there around this same time last year. He stayed there for about 6 months. His family knew very well that he was having issues with drug abuse. And he had even had the courage to rob a gas station. Him and his friends would have gotten away with it, except that one of the kids ratted him out. Now, don't get me wrong, he's done his fair share of law breaking. So, when he went to court they gave him the choice of either going to a juvenile detention center, or a teen group home. I wonder which one he chose? He and his family had many different meetings with many different therapists. In the beginning he was very resisting of the treatment the group home was trying to offer. But one of the deal's was, if he made some progress he would be allowed "home passes" which would allow him to come home on the weekends. And trust me, he really wanted those. So, week by week, his grades improved and so did his attitude. He eventually finished his treatment and came home for good. But not 4 months later he began abusing drugs again. His mother was so lost and frustrated, that she even developed health issues. So, just recently he was ordered by the court to enter the teen facility once again. Surprisingly, he's happy. Even though they have him on Prozac and other Anti-depressants he's actually happy. I'm so glad he's getting the help he needs. At this rate he should be home in no time. And hopefully, he won't give into temptation when he comes back home. He knows he has a family that's there for him and a best friend that'll always be just a phone call away. Sources & Links On Teen Group Homes:
Remember, I'm here to help you the readers, with everyday problems and situations. If you have any ideas for an article, that you want addressed, feel free to e-mail me! Love, Christina |
