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What is Trust Without Scrutiny?
“Kids will be kids” is a saying as old as time. But sometimes, kids go a bit too far. You, as a parent, are tasked with ensuring your child becomes a proud, productive member of society. Unfortunately, this means that if your child gets into trouble or they are showing signs of drug and alcohol abuse, you may have to resort to more drastic measures than a simple grounding.
In these circumstances, you may come across something known as a “behavioral therapy camp.” These camps are equipped with the tools necessary to help get children back on the right track—the track that creates upstanding members of society.
But just like anything else, these places sometimes hire bad people. People who may use their authority to abuse children. People who rely on the fact that these children may not be trusted should they try to inform others about the abuse.
These people are scum.
As a parent, you want to do right by your child. What should you do when someone who was supposed to care for your child instead abuses them?
How Can You Identify Abuse?
No one knows your kid better than you. While your child may have been acting out or showing symptoms of chemical abuse, which resulted in you being forced to seek outside help, their behavior may shift even more after returning from a behavioral camp.
Some of these shifts may be simple mood changes or rebellion from being forced to attend such camps that follow rigid schedules, rely on counselors and therapy, and may even include physical labor. However, as their parent, you may notice other behaviors that are out of character.
It can be hard to trust your child when they are acting out. It can be even harder if they are making allegations against the very camp that was supposed to help them.
Here are a few signs that the American Psychology Association suggests keeping an eye out for when you suspect abuse:
- Cuts, bruises, and burns.
- Broken bones and other internal injuries.
- Lack of interest in surroundings or hobbies.
- More knowledge about sex than is normal for their age.
- Pain, bruising, or bleeding on, in, or around the genitals.
Unfortunately, the signs are not always readily apparent. Even worse, your child may feel like they are unable to trust you, causing them to hide the truth or evidence of abuse from you.
Children who are abused may themselves become abusive towards others. They are more likely to use violence to solve their problems and can show issues with managing their emotions. Even worse, abuse can feed the very problems you sought to solve by sending them to a behavioral therapy camp, such as alcohol or drug abuse.
Abuse isn’t always physical or even emotional. Abuse can also come in the form of neglect, which can be even harder to identify. Perhaps they lost more weight than you assumed they would because of meals being withheld, or they were put into dangerous situations.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Abuse?
The first thing you should do if you suspect abuse is to talk to your child. Approach them from a place of love and understanding. Try to avoid accusations or confrontation, instead bringing the conversation back to your love and intention to help them.
You can track their symptoms. If they have unexplained injuries after returning from camp, take photos of them. If they are acting out worse than before they went to camp, journal their behavior. Keep notes of their behavior and any out-of-character behavior.
If you are certain your child was abused while they were at a behavioral therapy camp, you should immediately call law enforcement and make a report. Take your child to have a medical examination and keep the medical report. All of this information can help you build a solid case against the camp.
It is important to remember that your child may continue to act out while you follow these steps. Remind them that you are on their team. You are not trying to get them in trouble. You are trying to hold the people who hurt them accountable for their actions. Your child will need your support throughout this entire process.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
While gathering your evidence and filing police reports, you may be wondering if you should hire a lawyer. Remember, this camp that hurt your child will have a full legal team on their side trying to discredit you and your child. As soon as the allegations of abuse get back to them, they will be building a case meant to defend themselves and vilify you and your kid.
Working with a personal injury attorney can help you build a strong case should your claim go to trial. When you work with the compassionate team at The Kahn Law Firm, P.C., you work with a team of experienced attorneys who want your voice heard and the people who hurt your child brought to justice.
Call 713-999-6549 to schedule your no-obligation consultation with our team. Our team knows how to traverse the Texas legal system, and we fight for you and your family.
Don’t take on these criminals on your own. Fill out our online contact form to get your case started and ensure these people can’t continue hurting other vulnerable kids!
