Friday, May 1, 2009

Sue Scheff: Parents At Wit's End

Are you considering these programs or talking to these sales reps?

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (CLOSED)
Bell Academy, CA (CLOSED)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA (CLOSED)
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS (CLOSED)
Horizon Academy, NV
Jane Hawley - Lifelines Family Services
Kathy Allred - Lifeline Sales Representative
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen) and Teens in Crisis
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
Mark Peterson - Teen Help Sales Representative
Majestic Ranch, UT
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here)
Parent Teen Guide (Promotes and markets these programs)
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Respect Academy, NV
Royal Gorge Academy, CO (CLOSED)
Sherri Schwartzman - Lifelines Sales Representative
Sky View Academy, NV (allegedly closed?)
Spring Creek Lodge, MT (CLOSED) Rumors they have re-opened in another area of MT.
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis (Lisa Irvin)
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Oceanside, CA - rumors of short term program there.

There is a rumor a new program in Mexico is open - parents need to be aware of this. It is believed they have re-opened Casa By the Sea with another name - possibly Discovery. Another rumor that was heard is Jade Robinson is running this program - he was formerly at Horizon Academy, Bell Academy (closed) and Casa by the Sea (closed).

Do your homework!

For many that have read my book - Wit's End! (Published by Health Communications Inc.) - which give my experiences with WWASPS and my daughters experiences with Carolina Springs Academy, it is a wake up call for all parents that are at their wit's end and desperately looking for help for their struggling teenager.

Are you worried or concerned about your teens recent behavior? Do you believe it is time for outside help? Local therapy is not working?

Visit my organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, that I created to help educate you on researching for safe and quality alternatives for your family.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sue Scheff: Safe and Sound Transportation



Pictured is owner and founder, Lorraine Colpitts. Safe and Sound Transportation is one of the best on the East Coast. Learn more about transporting your young teen "safely" and professionally from Lorraine. Call or email her at lcolpitts45@aol.com or 1-866-990-1900.


A Safe, Caring Transition at a Difficult time......Let us be the "First Step" in aiding your family during this time of family crisis.

Our Mission Statement........

To ensure the Safe and Reliable Intervention/Transport of your teen from your home or your childs current placement to your chosen destination in the most professional, yet nurturing and efficient manner possible. Welcome to the Safe and Sound Youth Transportation, Inc. website. This site offers you the opportunity to learn more about us and our company. We are here to assist you, the parent, with any and all of your teen escort and transportation needs. If you have comments or questions, please feel free to Contact Us. We thank you for visiting and would like to encourage you to check back for updated information.

" We go the extra miles "The extra miles.....it is very important to us that the transport starts at your home, (or your chosen school or program), and it doesn't end until we get your child all the way to his/her final destination. What that could mean is that we drive them from your home to the nearest airport, fly across the country to the state the program or school is in, then rent a car and drive several hours, if your destination is a Wilderness Program or School. It can be a very long and trying journey, but we are excited to take it with your child. We take having the responsibility of your child very seriously and will see them all the way through this part of their journey. We are committed to you and your family, and will always treat them with the utmost dignity and respect, kindness and compassion. We will stay in communication with you, the parent or guardian, by cell phone, and call you at frequent intervals, which can be decided on prior to the transport. Our goal is always the safest, least traumatic trip possible, and we always take the most cost effective route when we can. We also strive for the shortest routes, unless the safety of your child is jeopardized by long airport layovers. We do not want your child to endure any additional Trauma by having too much time to deal with on this already difficult and emotional trip.

We do not use handcuffs, or "straps", or any other offensive restraining devices. We rely on good old fashioned conversation and "Best Match" in staff to get the job done. We have been 100% successful to date. Our measure of success being that each child has gotten to the destination safely, timely, and in the best possible spirits under the circumstances placed before them.At Safe and Sound Youth Transportation, Inc., our emphasis is on the "Safety" of everyone involved.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Sue Scheff: Why Use Transport Services?

Why Use a Transport Service?

Transport Services, also known as Escort Services, are usually a last resort for parents to transport their teens to programs. Being a last resort doesn't mean it is a negative choice. Using a qualified professional can be a good experience for a teen.Some teens are willing to get help, others will go under false pretense, and then there is the need for escorting. Since Escorting your teen can be a difficult decision, it is very important to choose qualified and credentialed professionals for your teen.

The Escort Services listed here are fully licensed to transport teens and also have various degrees and/or background in Education, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Mental Health or other related fields. These are professionals! You are welcome to ask them to fax you their credentials.

Escorting your teen can be a very good experience with the right professional.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Sue Scheff - Teen Intervention


Are you struggling with debating whether you need to look for outside help with your troubled teenager?

Are you ready to make some very difficult decisions? Are you at your wit’s end?
Do you believe you need teen intervention from outside resources? Struggling financially and emotionally with this decision?

Are you willing to share your story on TV? This is not about exploiting your family, but helping others that are silently suffering and not realizing they are not alone as well as giving your teen a second opportunity at a bright future. Most remember Brat Camp - this is a bit different. Starting with educating parents about the first steps in getting your teen help - determination and transportation.

If you are interested in participating, read below and contact Bud and Evan directly.

Brentwood Communications International is an award-winning television production company in Los Angeles, California. We have recently begun work on a new television series about the real life work of interventionist / transporter Evan James Malmuth of Universal Intervention Services (“UIS”).

If you would be willing to allow us to film your case / intervention for the television series, Evan Malmuth and Universal Intervention Services will provide intervention / transportation services at no charge to you. In addition, we will negotiate at least one month of treatment services at a qualified treatment center at no charge with the purchase of at least two additional months of treatment at pre-negotiated discount rates. At the current rate of these services, this represents thousands of dollars in savings.

BCII and Evan Malmuth are not interested in making exploitative reality television. We are committed to helping you and your family and improving lives through the media.

If you are interested in participating in the show and using the services of Evan Malmuth and UIS, please contact us right away. Every day counts.

Email: tvhelp@bciitv.com

Phone: 818-333-3685

Bud Brutsman, CEO - BCII
Evan James Malmuth, CEO - Universal Teen Intervention

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Sue Scheff - Teen Intervention


Are you struggling with debating whether you need to look for outside help with your troubled teenager?


Are you ready to make some very difficult decisions? Are you at your wit’s end?


Do you believe you need teen intervention from outside resources? Struggling financially and emotionally with this decision?

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Sue Scheff: Teen Transports and Intervention



Universal Intervention's goal and significant purpose is to provide caring, confidential, and immediate assistance by initiating and implementing a positive therapeutic intervention. We strive to meet the urgent needs, of any family, loved one, or friend; who is seeking to find a secure and healing environment in response to a crisis predicament. We serve those witnessing serious or life threatening consequences to a troubled child, or a conflicted adult who is no longer able or willing to live their life in a safe and productive manner.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Sue Scheff: Transporting your teen safely to a school or program

Since having a teen transporting to a program or school is a huge decision, it is not to be taken lightly. After you have selected the program for your child, if you need transports, you need to again take the time to interview and research who will travel with your child.My book, "Wit's End!" is now available online at www.witsendbook.com - I have dedicated a chapter about teen escorting/transporting to help educate parents on this "new" field they are entering when dealing with an at risk teenager.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Sue Scheff: Financing Your Teen's Boarding School and Transportation


With today’s economic situation, it is becoming more difficult for parents to secure finances to assist with the high fees of residential therapy. Here is a list of some possible avenues. Many banks have raised their standards for qualifications (requiring a higher FICO score) among other requests. Some banks have literally stopped participating in Educational Loans.

Financial Options

Have you recently discovered the high costs of Boarding Schools, Military Schools, Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Residential Treatment Centers, Wilderness Programs and other avenues of academic and emotional growth assistance?

For the average middle class family the fees can be staggering. Even people of means can have sticker price shock at the tuition of these programs. Due to the extensive costs of operating these specialty schools with the appropriate licenses, credentialed staff as well as certified educational accreditations, it is extremely expensive.

The average cost of private Therapeutic Boarding Schools and Programs is about $4000.00 per month, usually all inclusive. There is usually a processing fee that is separate from the tuition that can range from $1500.00 - $2500.00. This fee usually includes insurances, administrative costs, and other various costs such as uniforms, haircuts, toilettes, field trips etc. Other programs will have an additional fee for uniforms. When choosing a program, be sure to ask specifically what is included and what extra fees can be expected. If a private program is less than $3000.00 per month, please be sure to do your research.

Many programs offer a discount if your full tuition is paid up front. This is an individual decision, depending on your financial circumstances as well as your family’s needs.
Transportation of your child to a program can also be costly, many parents will include the fees into a loan.

Educational Loans:

Financing these programs can be available to you in a variety of ways. The Educational Loan is one that is typically used by many families. There is usually no application fee and allows the family to have a reasonable monthly fee within their financial means. It is very similar to a college loan. Key Bank, Sallie Mae, Chase Bank, Clark Custom Loans and PrepGate are the most common used lenders for Educational Loans.

College Fund Option:

If a child has a college fund, it may be a good time to use it. Although we expect our children to go to college, when the time comes and he/she is ready for that step, and you have exhausted your college fund, there are always grants and scholarships to a wide variety of colleges that you could apply for. Getting your teen the help he needs to ensure he makes it to college is what you are concerned with at this time.

Individual Educational Plan (IEP):

Does your child have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) through your local school district? In some cases this may defer some of your tuition costs in respect to the academic component of a Boarding School or Program. If you have an IEP in place for your child, it is important to ask the school or program you are considering if they work with IEP’s and discuss the reimbursement process. For more information on IEP’s click here http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html

Credit Line/Home Equity:

Another popular alternative to financing a program is a Home Equity Credit Line. This can be beneficial to you in a few ways. Not only is a convenient way to access money that is needed, it can also be a tax deduction in regards to the interest payments. Please keep in mind, in some cases the program you are sending your child to can also be a tax deduction in regards to medical expenses. Usually the therapeutic and medical portion of the tuition can be deducted. Check with your Tax Preparer or Accountant for more information.

Credit Cards:

Credit Cards, although they usually have a high interest rate, may be able to provide you with the initial monies to enroll your child until you are able to access an Educational Loan, Credit Line, or other means of payment. Many parents will use a Credit Card that accumulates Airline Miles or other beneficial services, and then pay the credit card off within the 28-30 days with their credit line or other financial means. This prevents you from being charged the finance charges. It can be a way to earn airline travel that can help when it comes time to visit your child if they are out of state.

Medical Insurance:

Contact your Medical Insurance Provider to see if they cover residential placement. Some will cover the first 30 days or possibly the therapeutic portion of your child’s stay which is usually one third of the tuition. PPO’s are typically more likely to cover some costs, however it never hurts to check with your insurance company. In searching for programs, you may want to ask the program if they accept your insurance or have experience with how much you could expect from your specific insurance company.

Family, Church, or Employer:

Many families will borrow from relatives or in some cases; employers have been known to contribute to the family. In some cases this could also be a tax deduction for a relative or employer. Some churches will have specific funds to help families within their parish. If you are a member of a church or other faith based organization, it can’t hurt to ask.

Scholarships:

Don’t be afraid to ask the program if they have scholarships, some do have limited financial aid, so it is important to ask.

My Blog on Financing keeps up with new lenders as they become available. Always remember your local United Way and see what resources they have available.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Parents Universal Resource Experts - Sue Scheff - Getting Your Teen to a Program or School

Transporting your teen to a program or school is a huge decision, it is not to be taken lightly. After you have selected the program for your child, if you need transports, you need to again take the time to interview and research who will travel with your child.

My book, "Wit's End!" is now available online at www.witsendbook.com - I have dedicated a chapter about teen escorting/transporting to help educate parents on this "new" field they are entering when dealing with an at risk teenager.