The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

 Are you searching for teen help? No doubt, many parents are experiencing new challenges with their anxious teenagers during these uncertain times. In a recent survey by  Common Sense Media , the spread of the coronavirus has upended school for teens, with  95%  of 13- to 17-year-olds in the U.S. reporting the cancellation of  in-person  classes at their schools at least temporarily. Teens are worried - the average youth is facing stress , anxiety and some are feeling loneliness (according to the survey). For those that were already experiencing risky behaviors, this can be more troubling. Quarantine life could be a time of relaxation for some, but for some parents of teens, it's anything but relaxing. Whether your teen is stressed out from not being able to mingle with their friends, or spending way too much time online (especially since they had to finish school virtually) -- maybe your teen is feeling isolated or lonely, are they sinking into a depre...

Be careful where you click into! I was made aware that the program that used to be Carolina Springs Academy, where my daughter was harmed, was just re-opened as Seneca Ranch in Due West, SC. As a parent advocate , I encourage parents to do their due diligence when researching programs for their teenager. The Internet is full of wonderful websites and toll-free numbers that will sell you many things. When it comes to your child, learn to separate the Internet fact from the Internet fiction.  There will always be those forums of slander - former institutionalized kids that believed they were wronged by the system - and many still don't have relationships with their family. Though I feel for them, I also understand that there are many good programs in our country - as well as a handful of not so good ones.  You will never please everyone, however when you have the same repetitive stories over and over - from different kids at different times from different parts of the...