#17: The Troubled Teen Industry

The troubled teen industry arose in the late 80s and still exists today. It’s an industry where privately-run “residential” facilities take in teenagers who have behavioral issues, addiction, or even learning disabilities. The idea behind them is to provide “troubled teens” with therapies and tools for them to lead successful lives. The reality, however, is much different. 

Many of these “schools” have come under scrutiny for abuse, mistreatment, and much worse. A lot of times, parents enroll their kids without their consent, which is a whole other negative consequence. The troubled teen industry gets swept under the rug, and their abuses are not widely known even though some of these “schools” are still in business today.