Behavioral program for 17yo boy attracted to the hoodlum life

I would definitely do more than Kaiser therapy. I am the parent of an adopted child of color who has had and continues to have challenge that primarily began at adolescence around loss, abandonment and identity. There is a large community of people both locally and online you can tap into. There is a local group called Willows in the Wind that hosts monthly groups for parents/caregivers (now by Zoom) around the Bay Area. They are also a great resource. Additionally there is a FB for Parents of Adopted Teens and Wilderness Therapy and Residential Search WTRS. If you can afford it, I would Highly recommend Wilderness Therapy. These are reputable therapeutic programs. They are primarily in Utah. Some of the best programs are Second Nature, Embark, Evoke. Many specialize with adopted teens. There is also Residential Treatment. These are longer term 9-12 months (sometimes more) that provide school and emotional support and many specialize or have large numbers of adopted kids. These can sometimes be paid for through school or the Adoption Assistance programs. There are programs for young adults as well to address their trauma, loss, etc. Many people use educational consultants which also cost a bit but it can be extremely helpful choosing and navigating the systems. I would start with Willows and the FB page and go from there. But time is of the essence if he is 17! College may need to wait a year to get him in a safe place and address his trauma and identity issues. Good luck in your journey

Oh Mama/Papa.  I totally relate to your shock and fear.  We are in the same situation, although not to the level of a loaded gun.  I would get him out of there ASAP.  If he was able to get hold of a gun at the age of 17, he's in way deeper than you know.  Gangs are no joke.  There's a whole psychology around adoption, trauma, and the draw of gang life, especially for children of color who are vulnernable and easily targeted.  It's awful that it happened just before he graduated but this is his life you are looking at.  My kid went to a wilderness program where they get therapy and fully assessed. We hired an educational consultant who helped us make our decisions. Different TBSs have different focuses and you can't just pick one off the web. Sometimes they don't have space. All of it is a big chunk of change, though, and I don't know what your finances are. Kaiser mental health isn't great and as far as I know, they're still doing everything by zoom, which just doesn't work well for teens. Please feel free to contact me through the moderator and I'll tell you what I know.  Big hug. Keep him safe.

Outward Bound has both regular challenge courses or "intercept" courses for troubled teens. There's one starting April 18, canoeing the boundary waters for 50 days. It's pretty pricey at 15k. I think they may offer scholarships. But more affordable (and shorter - 22 days) starts in June. The 22 days seem to go for about 5-7k. Again I realize that's not so cheap. https://www.outwardbound.org/expedition-finder/?p=1&view=list&sort=&school=&columnsort=&age=17&from=03%2F01%2F2022&to=&month=&flexibility=&length_min=4&length_max=48&search=

My kid is also 17 and I spent hours and hours searching for camps for him and found that at age 17 there is almost nothing (except counselors-in-training but that means they are actually enthused about camp life). Outward Bound on the other hand accepts kids up to young adulthood. They also have programs Outward Bound also has the "Classic Expeditions" for kids who aren't at risk. These are same price basically but I think the focus is slightly different, more personal development and less dealing with the more serious issues. I've signed my kid up for a 2 week expedition for this summer. He's not yet at risk but if he continues this direction than he will be. I'm hoping to give him a chance to gain some self-confidence and inner strength. We'll see.

In their photos they make it look like a very mixed group of kids, not all of any one ethnicity. And I noticed that some expeditions (not sure if all the expeditions are like this) say you don't need to buy any gear if you don't want to, they have every thing there you can borrow for free - hiking shoes, tents, sleeping bags, even shorts, T-Shirts and rain gear, so keep that in mind, they say if all you show up with is your toiletries, they can supply you with everything else.

Anyway I am very sorry to hear that he is struggling now, it must be distressing to see and I think it's a great idea to get him away from this environment for a while. At this age, a challenge camp can change the trajectory of their life. I know it did for me at 17 although I was just a depressed kid. 

As an addendum to a previous reply, he could go to Fusion or some other one on one or online school to finish HS while you're figuring out next steps. That would at least get him away from the school environment, although it would be best to get him out altogether if he's really in danger. Fusion has schools all over the country. He will have to agree to this, however. If you're serious about therapeutic boarding schools, there's a parent support group called Willows in the Wind.  It's virtual and they are having meetings over the next couple of weekends. People attend who are at all places on the timeline, ie exploring placement, kids are there, kids are home.

Hi,

I feel your pain. I also have an adopted son who (at a younger age) seemed to be heading down a rough path. We found Coyote Coast to be a helpful adjunct to therapy. I recommend that you check them out. Time is of the essence, you have the remainder of his 17th year and then he is considered an adult. https://www.coyotecoast.com

all the best