Troubled Teens - Turning Winds - Residential Treatment Program for at risk youth

Troubled Teens / Turning Winds, A Division of Family Solutions Network, Inc.

For More Information Contact Turning Winds At

1-800-845-1380

How to identify a Troubled Teen

Many times as parents, we wonder whether or not our teenager is in need of help. The following document is a list that we have put together in order to give you an idea of the seriousness of your teenager's at-risk behaviors.

1 Does your troubled teen fail to complete assigned tasks? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen fail to follow instructions? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen have difficulty with organization and orderliness? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen exhibit hyperactivity at inappropriate times (a symptom of ADHD)? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen have difficulty focusing/concentrating during tasks (a symptom of ADD/ADHD)? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen fail to complete tasks that require effort regardless of the future importance of the task e.g. school work)? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen have difficulty being patient or waiting for his/her turn? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen intrude in conversations or tasks that he/she is not directly involved in? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen attempt to negotiate and/or manipulate in order to avoid consequences and problems?(1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen justify negative behaviors by blaming others? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen fail to follow through with promises and/or commitments? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen engage in mental and/or emotional degradation of others? (1 point)

1 Is your troubled teen unwilling to recognize the impact of his/her behavior on family and friends? (1 point)

1 Is your troubled teen unable to accept and/or understand other points of view? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen use manipulation and deception in order to change others' points of view?(1 point)

1 Is your troubled teen unable to engage in effective problem solving strategies?(1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen have weekly outbursts or mood swings? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen often break curfew without good reason?(1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen purposely annoy others?(1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen become easily angered? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen refuse to abide by the request of adults? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen avoid participating in family activities and social events? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen blame others for inappropriate behaviors and/or mistakes?(1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen neglect to follow house rules? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen argue about insignificant events? (1 point)

1 Does your troubled teen become impatient or easily agitated with others? (1 point)

2 Is your troubled teen failing one or more courses in school? (2 points)

2 Does your troubled teen use profanity? (2 points)

2 Does your troubled teen have difficulty confiding in others? (2 points)

2 Is your troubled teen openly defiant towards parents and/or teachers? (2 points)

2 Has your troubled teen undergone therapy and/or counseling without results? (2 points)

2 Does your troubled teen go out of the way to make others like him/her? (2 points)

2 Does your troubled teen take things without asking? (2 points)

5 Does your troubled teen seek revenge? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen engage in reckless behavior? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen run away from home? (5 points)

5 Is your troubled teen sexually active? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen destroy the property of others? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen engage in self-injurious behaviors and/or threaten to inflict self-harm? (5 points)

5 Is your troubled teen absent from school without parental knowledge and/or consent? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen engage in cruelty to animals? (5 points)

5 Is your troubled teen involved in physical fights? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen frequently use illegal drugs and/or alcohol? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen associate with friends who are not positive influences? (5 points)

5 Does your troubled teen make decisions based on the decisions of friends? (5 points)

For each box that you checked, there is a point value associated with that particular behavior. Please add the total number of points and record that figure here:

0-25 Points = Low Risk: If the point total that you calculated ranges from 0-25, your teen can be considered to be in the low risk category. Adolescents in this category are exhibiting some behaviors that are disturbing to parents, but many of these behaviors are typical for this age category.

***If you checked any one of the boxes that contain a point value of 5, please refer to the moderate risk category for a more accurate assessment of your child's situation.

26-40 Points = Moderate Risk: If the point total that you calculated ranges from 26-40 points, your teen can be considered to be in the moderate risk category. Adolescents in this category are exhibiting several behaviors that are disturbing to parents. Due to the number of behaviors that your child is exhibiting, there is need for some concern. Your teen may benefit from counseling, extra parental supervision and family activities.

***If you checked more than one of the boxes that contain a point value of 5, please refer to the high risk category for a more accurate assessment of your child's situation.

41-75 Points = High Risk: If the point total that you calculated ranges from 41-75 points, your teen can be considered to be in the high risk category. Adolescents in this category are exhibiting many behaviors that are disturbing to parents and are in need of help. We recommend individual and family counseling, as well as extra parental supervision. Possible placement of your child may be needed.

***If you checked three or more of the boxes that contain a point value of 5, please refer to the needs immediate help category for a more accurate assessment of your child's situation.

76-100 = Needs Immediate Help: If the point total that you calculated ranges form 76-100, your teen may need immediate help. Adolescents in this category have engaged in a significant number of behaviors that are dangerous and life threatening. Immediate help and placement of your child is advised.