There are many types of troubled teen programs that exist in the United States and many of them are just plain ineffective, others are worse. Troubled teen programs run the gamit from wilderness therapy programs, boot camps, military boarding schools, therapeutic boarding schools, emotional growth programs, residential treatment centers, to drug rehab/treatment programs and psychiatric hospitals. They all serve a specific purpose. What most of these programs for troubled teens are lacking is heart and a grounding in Jesus Christ.
Abundant Life Academy is designed to help struggling boys and girls to return to a life of prosperity and power. Abundant Life Academy is different than all of these. Abundant Life Academy is a Christian boarding school where leadership training is taught to advance the student past his/her immaturity and back on track to his/her destiny. We don't work with students who have mental health issues or drug addictions. We work with students who are good kids from good Christ-centered families looking for an excellent Christian Boarding School. We teach the principles of the Bible in such a way as to promote the spiritual and emotional growth of our students, launching them into their destiny.
Unfortunately, many parents who contact Abundant Life Academy have waited too long to intervene in the life of their teenagers. Their child has gone too far down the path of destruction and is in need of a more restrictive environment then what ALA provides. These kids are using well on their way toward drug addiction and other very harmful activities. And, in most cases, the parent describes how fast their child fell. They describe a scenario where their child went from a straight "A" honor student and athlete to a child who they could not recognize virtually over night. Well, in reality it does not happen that way. Most of the time the troubled teen's fall happens well before the manifestation of the problems, only the parents ignored or underestimated the problem. Denial is usually a major factor in the downward spiral of a student, and in hindsight the parent wishes that they had done something sooner.
Whether you choose ALA or other Christian Programs for Troubled Teens or even one of those more stringent and harsh programs for troubled boys or girls mentioned above, please use every resource available. Check out every alternative, ask lots of questions, do not simply choose one of the first troubled teen programs that you see or email. Be thorough, check references, visit the programs facility, if possible use an education consultant. These troubled boys and troubled girls are your precious gifts from God. Do not dismay and do not give up hope.
Your troubled teen does have a destiny in Christ, "... For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future, and a hope ..." - Jeremiah 29:11 ".. . He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers ..." - Malachi 4:6a. If your teen is out of control keep your eyes on Jesus. Actually, we advise you to not only keep your eyes on Jesus, but to praise Him as well. Keep focused on the fact that God is in control and is allowing all of this to happen. We are not saying that God is causing this, but we are saying that He has a plan and the victory goes to those who keep the faith and praise His Holy name. in all situations, praise His name. God will use your current situation, as He does in all situations, to draw you closer to Him.
