**Please note we are NOT a program. We only provide transport services to programs! (rehab centers, wilderness programs, and therapeutic boarding schools.)**
Next Step Youth Transport knows how stressful troubled teens can be on the family, both for the child and the parents. Making the choice to put your teen in a wilderness program or using other youth services is a big step, and we are here by your side to make this time a bit easier.
The first step is knowing how to prepare for transporting troubled teens in order to get your teen the help he or she needs safely.
Troubled Teens are Smart: Cover Your Tracks
Moms and Dads remember Teens are computer savvy so keep these tips in mind in order to not blow your cover about transporting your teen to programs for troubled teens, otherwise the transport could backfire.
- Clear your computer’s history and cache: You don’t want your savvy teen to look through your internet searches only to find you’ve been hunting down wilderness programs or youth services. This will tip him or her off! If troubled teens become aware of such a plan, they’re apt to run away or do something extreme. Watch your tracks parents!
- Mum’s the Word!: Don’t tell your child’s siblings about sending off your troubled teen. Kids aren’t very good at keeping secrets, plus they’re too young to understand the emotions and consequences of such a huge decision.
- Choose Your Inner Circle Wisely: Your best friend or neighbor doesn’t need to know you’re sending your teen to programs for troubled teens. In fact, most people will add in their opinions, which isn’t helpful to you at this time. When you have questions or if you doubt your choice, reach out to Anji and the family at Next Step Youth Transport to validate your choice and answer any questions.
Peaceful Transport to Youth Services Tip #2: Keep The Day The Same
This isn’t the time to switch up the daily routine or act out of character. As hard as it is, train yourself to think that this day is the same as any other. Acting suspicious or particularly nice to your troubled teen on this day will have your teenager’s “spidey senses” up and running and looking for clues.
We know it’s not easy to keep a cover, but remember that it’s just one day and this one day could end up positively impacting you and your family for life!
Pack Appropriately for Wilderness Programs
Each program will have different requirements for what they will allow your teen to have with them.
If it’s a smaller program, be sure to pack a few basic personal items and nothing more.
If it’s a larger youth services program, get clothing, bedding, and any other necessities sent directly to the program ahead of your teen so he or she doesn’t catch on that something is fishy.
As a rule, if your teen needs medication at any youth services, label a clear Ziploc bag with medication dosage and instructions and hand to us when we arrive at your home.
Bonus Tip: Troubled teens will notice their favorite shampoo or contact lens solution is gone. They may be troubled but they’re not stupid! Leave their products untouched, and go to the store to buy new ones so they won’t notice anything unusual.
We know it’s stressful for you to be aware of every move you make, but in order to help your teen in programs for troubled teens, you have to think sneaky just like a teenager, otherwise the gig is up!
Special Items Hot Tip: Prepare for Transport to Programs for Troubled Teens Like a Pro
Certain items are not replaceable or “buyable” like contacts or retainers and other orthodontic appliances. In the case of these special items, don’t pack them ahead of time! Just make the Next Step Youth Transport family aware and we will gather these items after we’ve intervened with your teen.
Troubled Teens & Their Families Need Next Step Youth Transport
Deciding to send your teen to programs for troubled teens is a hard one, but our family at Next Step Youth Transport knows what it takes to help get your troubled teen into a better place.
If you’re ready to make this life altering change, reach out to us. Based in Texas, we will transport troubled teens anywhere you have chosen to send your teen and will do it peacefully.
At the end of the day, we believe family is the most important thing and we want to return yours back to its happy state!