Aftercare Support Services:

An often overlooked aspect of treatment for struggling or troubled teens is quality aftercare. Both parents and teens/young adults are desperate to move on and want desperately to believe that life can return to some semblance of normalcy. However, deep down we all know intuitively that the problems which led to the need for a program were developed over many years and likely will take substantial time, energy and practice to become our new way of being. The relative short stays at wilderness and therapeutic programs represent just the beginning of the journey to sustainable new positive habits. Setbacks and/or relapse are a constant threat without good planning, reinforcement and lots of practice for up to a year or more.

Parent and Family Advocates offers a vital aftercare support system for parents looking to protect the sizable investment made in sending their adolescent, teen, or young adult to a therapeutic school or program. Specifically, we offer the following:

• Support for treatment centers in developing a quality aftercare plan centered on both the family and student.
• Weekly follow-up at home, via telephone and/or e-mail to ensure consistent aftercare follow through.
• Assisting parents and families in locating post-treatment resources.
• Development of Family Living Contracts detailing new behaviors and family commitments.
• Working with teens/young adults in building the skills and confidence required for independent living.

"Helping parents and families help themselves!"