What are Military Schools for Troubled Youth?
Military Schools are treatment programs for struggling youth in a military-style environment. These programs typically emphasize discipline and physical conditioning and were developed as a rigorous alternative to longer terms of confinement in juvenile correctional facilities. Military Schools are generally restricted to teens with little or mild behavioral issues. Military Schools are not an appropriate setting for teens experiencing emotional, behavioral, substance abuse, or learning problems. The idea of “shock incarceration” as a tough alternative to more intensive programming brought about the establishment of military-style boarding schools for troubled youth. Are Military Schools for Troubled Youth Effective? Experts agree that a confrontational approach is not appropriate. Most treatment care and military experts agree that a confrontational model, employing tactics of intimidation and humiliation, is counterproductive for most youth. For youth with emotional, behavioral, subs
