There is hope for parents

Parents who find themselves at their wits' end with their children and teens are resorting to sending their kids away to programs away from home, often hundreds and thousands of miles from home.

What most parents don't know is that in 2008 the troubled teen industry is, as a whole, remains unregulated. There is no Federal oversight and there is no governing body monitoring what goes on behind closed doors. This leaves the door wide open for abuse and neglect to occur.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating abuse and deaths in residential treatment programs. It's about time - these abuses and deaths date back to the 80's and 90's.

This blog is not meant to instill fear in parents who are looking for help for their teens.

Instead, it is to give hope and insight. No parent wants to put their child or teen into a dangerous situation. While coaching and other options will not work in every situation, it is good to know there are options.