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Answers
to Frequently Asked Questions
This
web site is being used to gather information, conduct research,
develop research grant proposal and to publish materials that will
assist programs and consumers.
No
revenue or income is generated from the information published on
this web site.
Programs
are encouraged but not required to use the
"Program
Information Submission Forms".
This
web site does not make specific recommendations or provide
information on specific programs.
www.WildernessPrograms.org
is not funded by any wilderness therapy treatment program.
www.WildernessPrograms.org does not recommend specific programs and encourages parents to seek
qualified consultation when choosing a program.
The
rationale and content validity for the rating of a program is based primarily on the content found
at www.WildernessTherapy.org.
Program
ratings are based on structural elements and primarily professional and
consumer feedback using the forms available on this page.
Professional
and consumer feedback is kept private.
The
rating system should not be used to assure safety or as a measure
of effectiveness. Programs with a lower rating can and do help children.
The
rating system varies with some programs and populations
served.
This web site was created because there is
need for it. This research project is technically a “Formative
Evaluation for a Rating System” with the purpose of locating data
points that are significant. The project is not indefinite. One
goal is to eliminate the need for this site by ultimately
providing programs and industry trade organizations with useful
information. Collaborations with programs, professional and
consumer groups are invited.
This web site allows consumers, professionals
and programs to co-create relevant information that reflects
consumer and professional experiences with programs. The site
promotes the need to bridge the gaps between programs,
professionals and parents.
This web site was also created because there
is little professional and consumer protection information
available. The web site is contacted by parents, attorneys, media
and health care professionals. The web site is intended to serve
the needs of the many and not just needs of a few. The web site is
not funded by programs.
This web site also exists because parents in some
states have no voice except to file a civil suit, or they must merely hope
that authorities will press criminal charges. Not every parent can afford to
bring civil claims. “Free market” pressures are not adequate to address
emergent needs. Federal
regulations are virtually non-existent and state licensure is not
universal. There are programs that start in states where the
operation cost is less because there is a lack of regulation. In
fact, the US Embassy publishes concerns and warnings specific to
programs that operate outside of the United States. Establishing
programs outside the United States has many advantages including
low costs, minimal regulation and near total insulation from
liability.
The rating system is not a fixed algorithm.
It is a formative evaluation research project that seeks
collaboration and oversight. The ratings appear to have content,
concurrent and construct validity. There are disclaimers as to the
predictive value of these ratings and there are recommendations
that parents always seek qualified consultation. The rating should
raise concerns but are not sufficient to rule out a program.
Programs with low ratings can and do help children. Research
programs carefully and seek consultation.
There are 2 major sources to find consultants
nationally.
www.StrugglingTeens.Com
www.EducationalConsulting.Org |
