|
At the age of 12 our daughter XXXXX was diagnosed
with ADD coupled with a variety of mild psychiatric and social
problems. After several years of failed psychological and
psychiatric therapy programs, we decided to enroll her at
Whitmore, as her behavior was disrupting the entire family.
XXXXX returned from Whitmore this summer after eighteen
months. She was not cured, but well on the road to recovery.
She is no longer on any medications, she is able to recognize
and control her destructive behaviors and she now believes
in herself. She has the occasional relapse but we can handle
that.
We looked long and hard at the various treatment options
available to us. The Whitmore program appealed because it
offers a structured loving home like environment that uses
group therapy and peer pressure to achieve change. It delivered
on our expectations mainly due the personal dedication and
love of Mark and Cheryl. We were amazed by their energy and
inspired by their perseverance.
During XXXXX’s stay we visited her frequently and the
school visited us in Texas. We observed nothing that could
be considered abuse. We saw discipline and rule enforcement,
which to the rebellious teenage mind could have been construed
as abuse, but we saw nothing that would be untoward in the
average American household. XXXXX has since confirmed that
there was no abuse and that the problems were caused by one
or two students who were looking for a way out.
The Whitmore offers a unique solution for problem teens
but it is by no means a not a panacea. It has a proven basic
program that is augmented by spontaneous action and adaptive
improvisation, an alien concept to most state agencies. Rather
than trying to close down the Whitmore, the public would
be better served by understanding the strengths of the program
with a view to duplicating them elsewhere.
Eric & Jan Schofield
Spring, Texas
281-225-0484
ewschofield@entouch.net
Copyright © 2004,
Woodbury Reports, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
(This article may not be reproduced without written approval of the publisher.)
Return to Strugglingteens.com Home
|
