Educational Resource for Parents of Special Ed Kids

Came across this great site for parents of kids of all ages and found the special education area of more value than most that I’ve come across.  If you’re a parent with a special needs kid be sure to check this resource out here: Special Needs Education

Parenting Teens Is Not All Fun

We have three teenage sons and although they’re a far cry from rotten, they can be challenging at times. They’re in that gawd awful time period where they’re still boys, but think they’re adults and don’t need to learn anything from their parents. Fortunately, we’ve only had one serious incident that required an equally serious discussion and some punishment (grounded for 2 weeks).

For those of you parents who have reached the end of your rope here are some websites that may be of help:

• Our Directory for Dads of Teens
• Parenting Teens - Help for troubled teens and their parents. Includes a forum for parents seeking support.
• Boot Camps for Teens - If it’s reached the boiling point and you need to resort to a camp for troubled teens this site will help you find the right one for your son or daughter.
• Troubled Teen Boarding Schools - This site offers links to information about individual residential treatment centers, private schools, troubled teen specialty schools, and military school alternatives for a troubled teenagers.
• Teen and Youth Transport Services - offers support transitioning a teen to a treatment program from a team of a family that was once in the same position.

There’s so much more out there on the net. I hope your situation doesn’t require drastic measures, but if it does I hope you’re able to make the right choices and get beyond these trying times. Please don’t lose faith in your child or yourself. Time tends to heal all wounds so be patient.

Bedtime is a Special Time

A few minutes ago I pried myself away from this keyboard and went upstairs to say goodnight to two of our four boys. Our oldest, Brian, is a special needs guy and Colin is our 5 year old bundle. As sit back down at my desk and try to get back into my groove I can’t help but realize how important those short visits with the kids are, especially at bedtime.

Brian is 19 years old now, but he’s really, really young in his mental abilities. He absolutely loves seeing dad before bedtime and as the years have rolled by I’m beginning to realize how meaningful and special they are to me as well. His constant state of happiness is a blessing and helps to keep me grounded.

Colin on the other hand shows his glee in different ways when I say goodnight. He manipulates me into whatever game or activity he’s consumed with and his glee is so obvious that it makes me feel guilty about all those other nights I’ve missed these special moments.

Precious moments should never be missed or taken for granted should they? I vow to spend more special time with my kids while they’re still kids.

Teen Transport for Troubled Teens

Clint Hardy, owner of New Start Transports, was kind enough to provide us with the helpful information below. Clint’s experience goes beyond that he’s gained since starting his company based in Utah, he was once in the same shoes as some of the teens he is so passionate about helping. If you’re a parent with a teen in need of some “help” we hope this article is of some help.

What is teen transport?

Teen Transport can be defined as the transition of a teen from the place of pick-up to the destination chosen by their parent (or guardian).

Why is this step so important to do well?

The teens that are usually very anxious and at-risk. To be more specific; the teens may not willingly want to go to the destination the parent guardian(s) has made placement arrangements for. It is not uncommon for a teen to be unaware of the placement until a transport service is present at the place of pick up.

Teen transport associates should act as mediators between the parents, programs, and teens during the transition to the chosen facility.

Many teens that find themselves in need of transportation services share one or several of the following characteristics or behaviors:

Drugs, alcohol, and other substance abuse

The use of tobacco

Poor school performance

Defiant to parents and authority figures

Legal issues

Runaway history

Dishonesty

Physically acting out such as but not limited to: destruction of property, fighting, attempting suicide, and so on…

Stealing

Poor choice of friends

Family issues

Any other issues that a temporary, out of home placement may assist with

More details about the actual transportation:

The place of pick up for a teen transport is most commonly at the home of the parent guardian(s) where the teen lives. Other places of possible pick up may include but are not limited to the following: adolescent hospitals, schools, treatment programs, a friend’s home or other private residences, courts, police stations, work, airports, any other public or private location that the teen transport services are authorized to pick up. It may be important for the transport service to consider the support of law enforcement in all pick ups away from the private home residence of the parent guardian(s) making the placement.

The placement and/or drop off location for the teen is usually a treatment program such as but not limited to the following: outdoor therapeutic wilderness program, specialty boarding school, Christian school, therapeutic program, residential treatment center, and any other private program placement for a troubled teen. Teen transportation may also be provided to the following locations: airports, hospitals, home, another parent’s home, schools, therapy, and any location chosen by the parent guardian(s) of the teen. It is important for a youth transport service to only transport a teen with the consent of all applicable parent guardians. If a parent wishes to make an out of state placement of a teen, they should have both parent guardians’ permission and/or a court appointed document giving us permission to transport the teen.

The words transition, mediation, and intervention are very important terms to quality transport services.

• Transition: the transport service may do more than just transport a troubled teen from point A to B, they should transition the teen. This transition offers opportunity and time for a teen to be more prepared to arrive to the program.
• Mediation: the transport service should mediate between the parent(s), teen, and program(s) to give the teen an opportunity to cooperate with the program placement willingly without incident. Teen transport services are usually not on duty law enforcement and they should use the tool of mediation rather than dictating and intimidation. All parties in a teen transport intervention process should be considered equals, but the teen may be required to cooperate with the requests of their parent guardian(s) as the law supports. A transport service offers a third party intervention source, as they are not involved with the program(s) and/or parent(s) making the placement. This outside source of mediation often makes it possible to transition a teen willingly to a program, without incident. Parents and professionals should look for a company that has a history and reputation of successful transports
• Intervention: A transport service directly intervenes with teens to provide a safe transition with as much opportunity for positive preparation for the program prior to the teen’s arrival. In this intervention, the transport service should not attempt to solve the problems leading up to the placement but should work with the troubled teen and parent guardian(s) to allow this transition to occur as safely as possible while implementing the principles of integrity, compassion, and respect those present.

How to choose the best teen transport agency:

Choosing a Teen Transport Agency can be a very tough decision emotionally and financially. Parents and referring professionals are encouraged to look into the insurance bonding of the teen transport service they choose or refer to along with other important credentials that would seem necessary to ensure a safe transport of a potentially at-risk and anxious teen. These are some of the credentials to consider:

• • Insurance specific to the Teen Transport
  • A Business License for Teen Transportation
  • Accredited Crisis Prevention Training provided by the Teen Transport Agency
  • Qualifications and accountability of employees and/or contracted associates - review and look for personal pages on-line
  • References from both parents and professionals

These are only a few of the many things to consider in choosing a transport service for an at-risk teen. Please use your own good judgment and check references.

Clint Hardy

Former Youth Program Participant

Autism Speaks

The Autism Speaks Channel in the YouTube Nonprofit Program has some excellent videos for parents of autistic kids and for people who should learn more about these autism spectrum disorders. A couple of my favorite videos can be found below. For more information on the nonprofit behind these videos visit the Autism Speaks website.

A World Where…

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Below: Sean Delaney Raps About Autism

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My children are the best

I love my kids! They love me! They always tell me I’m the best dad they’ve ever had! That’s good , right?

Come back soon… we’re busy getting the place ready.

Dad