[millie58]

Has anyone put their 9 yo in an RTC or wilderness type program? Some background: he was moved 7 times. Doesn't see bio mom or dad at all. He's been seen by a child psychiatrist and is in talk therapy. His behavior at school is out of control. He is being sent home today and is suspended all of next week. I'm thinking he may need an RTC or a wilderness type program. Any thoughts??

Thanks!!

Millie

[Peggy]

I would first get him reevaluated and see about finding therapy that deals with RAD or his other (possible) issues. Does he have an aide at school or an IEP? I would also consider a therapeutic day school that deals with behavioral issues before at residential placement.

There are also therapeutic after school programs. My daughter attended those types of programs and they are for younger children as they usually top out at 12. They are referred to as PHPs (partial hospitalization programs) in my area and I used "voluntary services", or post-adoption assistance to pay for them. They are typically for 3 hours a day and are designed to help the child learn to live in a family setting and include daily therapy.

[lucyjoy]

RTC's are not generally good places for young children and seldom get lasting results. I think they are useful for kids who are unable to live safely in their families.

A better therapist and reevaluation of medication might be a good plan

[millie58]

thanks for all responses!!!

[aMarylandfamily]

Sometimes these behaviors are harder on the parent as they are the one who is getting the call to "take care of things" ...

In order to determine what service (therapy, residential, etc.) would best meet this child's needs, those needs have to be identified. If he is not under IEP request an evaluation for same and placement in the behavior program (whether in your home school or in another school within the district) and place him there initially - if additonal levels of care (i.e. residential, partial hospitalization, etc.) is required they will assist with determining that - by necessity. If the child is considered a danger to himself or others, ask the professional seeing him if he should be evaluated for placement. Although it feels like you don't want the school system involved you do - some funding for services is provided by them if initiated/processed through them. In some cases this behavior, which I'm sure you now consider outrageous and unacceptable, is a cover for something else occuring or a need for more individualized programs (i.e., behavior - and they can be good even though they often come with alot of publicity as for being 'for the bad kids'). If these behaviors exhibit themselves at home next week while on suspension and you see either danger to self or danger to others, take him to ER and request evaluation - they usually won't admit them on the first visit but you need to establish the patterns to get services ... and from hands on experience I understand (and care!) the heartache associated with asking for help the first time but what a relief it is once in motion. Hang in there - stay strong and vent here - several of us have been here and done this and it helps to know you are not alone!