Center for Safe Youth - Frequently Asked Questions

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	Frequently Asked Questions Why did the program recommend that I not transport my child myself? Educational programs and therapeutic schools generally recommend that you use an industry-recognized agency to escort your child for several reasons: The transition to a therapeutic environment is a time of tremendous anxiety for all parties involved. It is very difficult for a parent to focus on their own feelings and simultaneously help their child process theirs in a healthy manner. In addition, you have to ask yourself if you will be able to get your child to the program without lying to them. A child is much more likely to be oppositional with a parent, friend, or family member than with two strangers. Trained escort agents can help the child begin the therapeutic process over the course of their travel. Most programs have found that children who arrive after being escorted are much better prepared to begin the work of the program. Agencies generally have support staffs capable of dealing with sudden changes in travel itineraries. How will your agents respond if my child becomes verbally abusive, threatening, or violent? Center for Safe Youth agents are trained extensively in verbal de-escalation. In addition, our primary agents have several years of experience. They have "seen it all." If a child becomes oppositional or abusive, the agents will respond calmly and firmly. If the child is so agitated that they cannot be de-escalated and his or her behavior poses an immediate danger to his or herself, our agents are trained in several methods of temporary restraint. Will you handle my child's luggage? No. If your child's destination allows it, you may pack a small bag with basic toiletries for them to carry with them during their trip. You may also include reading material and/or music devices; but these items may be confiscated by the child's program. The Transportation Security Administration maintains a list of permitted and prohibited items here. If you choose to pack a small bag, the primary agent will inspect it before giving it to your child and will remove any items which they consider unsafe. My child has special medical needs. Will you still escort them? We evaluate every escort individually to determine if we have the appropriate resources to meet the child's needs. If your child simply needs to take medication regularly, you will need to provide the agent with sufficient doses for the trip; specific directions on the frequency and dosage of ingestion; and a copy of the prescription. Should I tell my child in advance (even the night before)? No. Generally, the reason that you have decided to contract with us is that your child is not able to make healthy decisions at this time. Is it a good idea for me to write a note or letter to my child explaining why they are attending a therapeutic program or school? This is something that you should discuss with the program. If you decide to write your child a letter, one of our agents will be happy to deliver it to the program, allowing them to decide the appropriate point to give it to your child. What should I look for in choosing a therapeutic transport agency? We recommend asking the following questions: What level of background check is conducted on their agents? How much experience do they have in transporting at-risk adolescents? Are they insured? If so, what does the insurance cover? What training do they provide for their agents? What are their references? What is their philosophy regarding the use of physical restraint?
	Agents Available Throughout the United States and Abroad Center for Safe Youth LLC Georgia License # PDSC001573