There is a wide range of support services within your community which can be used to help an at-risk youth. You may be a parent or grandparent of a teen who is struggling. You may have heard about camps, boarding schools and residential facilities but don’t know where to begin.

One resource area which some parents miss altogether is their local community. Of course the special camps for at-risk youth may be most helpful but some are far away. By accessing the services in your local community you may find just the help your teen requires and not have to travel far or pay large sums of money.

So what is available?

First there are the local churches. Even if a congregation is quite small, the headquarters of that church may have counseling and other social services. But if your local church is large, there is a good chance there will be members who can give professional advice on helping at-risk youth. Churches run alcohol and drug-addiction recovery programs and help with family break-downs. It’s a case of you contacting your local churches. You may not be a member of that church but Christian groups are set up to help those in need. Check out their web page or give them a call.

Schools are another excellent source of possible help. Large secondary schools will almost certainly have a school counselor and career guidance officer. Your troubled teen could fund new purpose in meeting with either or both of these officials. Schools are far more aware today of the problem areas young students can fall into and a session or two from a school counselor may make a significant difference to the attitude and behavior of your troubled teen.

Community groups located through your own town hall can offer a wide range of services including family therapy, parenting classes and guidance for young people. In some cases these services are free. In other cases the local government facilities offer sporting and cultural groups within your city or county. Maybe the cause of your teen being at-risk is too much time on their hands. By having your teen join one or more of the groups sponsored through city hall, your child could find a healthy activity and consequently, a healthy lifestyle. Again it is easy to find which services and activities are available by going to the town hall web site or giving them a call.

Finally there are private operators within your community who offer counseling services to a wide range of clients. At-risk teens can be counseled in private or as part of a family consultation. These local professionals have the advantage that your teen can receive help while still living at home and the high cost of some residential programs is not relevant.

Of course you can send your troubled teen to camp but you can also explore the opportunities of finding help right on your own door step.