Programs for Troubled Teens in Minnesota

Finding help for a troubled teen is a daunting process. The stakes are high, your family's happiness, your child's future, and the fear of doing the wrong thing can be paralyzing. A few Minnesota-based programs offer hope to at-risk, troubled teens and their families. Of course, not every program can help every teen, and not every one is appropriate if your child is suicidal, has a severe psychiatric illness, has a serious history of violence, or has an active substance addiction that calls for detox.

  1. The Minnesota Youth Program

    • Low-income families can find help through the Minnesota Youth Program, which offers a range of services to at-risk youth ages 14 to 21. It works with youth who are "extremely disadvantaged and face multiple challenges such as substance abuse, criminal history, mental health issues, cognitive learning limitations, in addition to being poor," helping them with behavioral, academic and other issues that are holding them back. The state government partners with local agencies to offer educational, career guidance and support services. It is a division of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Its home base is in St. Paul, but the program will direct you to service providers in your own county.

      The Minnesota Youth Program

      651-259-7114

      positivelyminnesota.com

    Outward Bound Intercept Program

    • Sled dog mushing: one of many creative tactics employed by Outward Bound

      Outward Bound, a not-for-profit, is one of the oldest wilderness adventure companies in existence. Today, its works with more than 70,000 students a year, taking them out of familiar roles and situations and challenging them to develop a new sense of their own potential and take advantage of life's possibilities.

      Outward Bound uses Reality Therapy techniques to teach decision making and goal-oriented behavior, with an emphasis on "giving back to the community through community service and a balanced and restorative justice approach."

      The "Intercept" program serves teens "at-risk of academic failure, dropping out of school, delinquency or becoming chronic offenders." It presents a strong focus on team-building and communication skills. Parents are invited to a conference halfway through the program, facilitated by staff, in hopes of establishing a new basis for relating to each other.

      Two expeditions take place in Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Winter Semester, which involves cross country skiing and sled-dog mushing, and Minnesota Canoeing and Climbing, which includes a seminar for parents and guardians at the end of its four-week session.

      Tuition ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 as of 2010, but Outward Bound does provide some scholarships.

      910 Jackson St.

      Golden, CO 80401

      866-467-7651

      outwardbound.org

    Soltreks

    • Soltreks offers an entire menu of wilderness trek choices: one-on-one treks, group treks, and family treks, any of which can be further customized to meet individual needs. The program approach is a blend of classic wilderness education, family systems and strength-based therapeutic concepts; you'll find no drill sergeants here.

      Soltreks offers flexible program lengths, rolling admissions, and therapeutic assessments. The program involves intensive family participation. It can accommodate some special physical needs. As of 2010, a $150 application fee applies. The 28-page application can be downloaded from the program's website.

      Soltreks, Inc.

      2346 Highway 3

      Two Harbors, MN 55616

      218-834-4607

      soltreks.com

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