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Bootcamps are military-style camps that emphasize discipline using rigorous physical training and a confrontational approach and was designed primarily as an alternative to juvenile correctional facilities. Some camps have some form of aftercare in place, most have probation programs. Military bootcamps were originally intended for non-violent, first time offenders. However, these days military bootcamps are also being marketed towards troubled teens who have not yet been prosecuted by the courts for any offense. Many parents see this as a good preventive measure to get their struggling teens back on track.
However, military bootcamps for troubled teens have had their fair share of criticisms because of many key points. Here are a few of them:
- Statistically, bootcamps don't reduce recidivism - The main purpose or original intent of bootcamps is to reduce the recidivism rate of offenders. Long term data show that when compared with the recidivisim (repeat offending) rate of teens that spent time in boot camps are higher than those who spent time incarcerated in juvenile detention facilities. In other words, teens who came out from boot camp are more likely to get re-arrested.
- Bootcamps cost the government more money - Aside from the fact that it doesn't help the recidivism rate, bootcamps also cost the states more money. Even if the length of stay is shorter than in juvenile detention facilities, the extra cost of operating the boot camps as well as the cost of dealing with recidivism is more prohibitive than if juvenile delinquents are just placed in community-based programs. This is also one of the main reasons why other countries are slow to adapt the program.
- The confrontational approach is not effective - Whether it's for offenders who have been boot camp by a court of law, or struggling teens sent there by parents, the "in your face", confrontational approach is not considered to be appropriate. Behavioral and mental health experts agree that confrontation, humiliation, and intimidation that young people receive in military bootcamps for troubled teens is counterproductive, even potentially damaging. This kind of aggression and bullying also lead to abuse towards campers, and this kind of abuse has been the subject of many investigations all over the country several times. The kind of environment young people experience in bootcamps are not supportive towards the kind of pro-social behavior that encourages them to develop consideration and empathy for others that these troubled young teens really need to learn.
What's a more effective approach?
Mental health experts recommend a more individualized approach to dealing with troubled teens and juvenile offenders. While military-style exercises may be effective for grown adults who are enlisting for military service, many young people lack the maturity and self-control to succeed in this kid of program. Military boot camps are not rehabilitative in nature. Many young people feel further marginalized and are not given the right help that they need.
The kind of help that each young person needs depends on what his/her needs are. There are other rehabilitative facilities that are specifically for young people battling substance abuse, there are facilities dealing with troubled teens with behavioral issues, there are therapeutic boarding shcools that provide mid to long term help and more. No single solution can fit everybody, but finding out how to help these young people through counseling and therapy in order to experience real help and healing is essential rather than just putting a bandaid on a festering wound.
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