Unpacking the Troubled Teen Industry—Part 1: Origins and Structure of Adolescent Behavior Modification

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Within and beyond the borders of the United States exists a system of underregulated behavioral modification programs geared towards adolescents. This system of programs is commonly known as the Troubled Teen Industry. The programs within this industry have been thought to exist in predominantly uncontrolled environments, with treatments that may not utilize empirically backed practices. Programs that fall under this umbrella may be public or private, may be subject to regulation or not, and may include a myriad of programs, including therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment programs, religious academies, wilderness therapies, outpatient programs and many other programs dedicated to youth behavior modification. These programs are commonly considered to be riddled with maltreatment, abuse, and trauma. This panel functions to unpack the limited information had on these programs, examining their origin and the potential structure and functioning within them. This is the first of two panels dedicated to developing a holistic overview of these programs and how they affect those who attend them.

Sub Unit

• Area VII. Non-Criminal Justice Responses to Crime & Delinquency / 60. Institutional Responses

Individual Presentations

• The Overrepresentation of Adoptees in the Troubled Teen Industry – Contributing Factors & Concerns - Sophia R. Manning, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• “The level and kinds of abuse I witnessed was abhorrent:” Vicarious Victimization of Adolescents in Insular Behavior Modification - Tanis Creveling, University of Cincinnati; Rachel M. Corsello, University of South Dakota

Discussant

• Rachel M. Corsello, University of South Dakota