Planning not Placement

Over the years,  the Bodin name became synonymous with placement.  This is an incorrect label given that much of our work is planning.  Planning for success at home.  We utilize our clinically trained Educational Consultants, local resources  and creative planning to develop a wrap-around plan individually catered to the needs of the particular student.

Of course, this is not to say that placement does not become necessary in some cases.  Our extensive travel and knowledge of the many different programs, schools and levels of care make us a valuable resource in those cases.  Each year, we visit and evaluate over 100 schools and programs around the country.  We also work hard to stay connected to local schools and resources as well.

For more information visit www.thebodingroup.com

Listen to Douglas Bodin and Kevin Kindlin on LA Talk Radio!

Douglas Bodin and Kevin Kindlin, Educational Consultants at Bodin were recently interviewed by Allen Cardoza’s Radio Show, Answers for the Family.  If you are interested in listening click on the following link http://www.latalkradio.com/Allen.php

Response to Sue Scheff – At Wit’s End

Douglas Bodin, CEO

www.thebodingroup.com

http://admittingmistakesasaparent.blogspot.com/

Dear Sue—

That’s a fantastic reminder to desperate parents of the risks associated with getting on the internet. Predatory practices by otherwise reputable organizations, let alone those by the disreputable ones, are outrageously commonplace. As an Educational Consultant I also agree almost entirely with your assessment of educational consultants! My firm is the largest in the country, employing almost exclusively Masters and Ph.D. – level, experienced professionals to act as the guides and planners for families in crisis. It’s the best of both worlds, in my opinion. As trained therapists, they understand the intricacies and nuances of often significantly clinical issues. But as a team of 15, constantly traveling around the country visiting and evaluating hundreds of programs, we bring a level of knowledge and on-the-ground experience that is unmatched. Furthermore, with a diversity of clinical experiences and backgrounds, our team approach allows each consultant to collaborate and derive support and guidance from other members of the team on a regular and routine basis. I further agree that consulting with your therapist is an important component of the process. We get most of our referrals from therapists who may recognize the possible need for a residential placement but rely on our travel, experience and expertise to help determine its necessity and location. Finally, with regard to the politics, I believe you are unfortunately correct that individual practitioners are limited in the number of programs with which they can remain conversant. They have their “favorites” that are often based on factors unrelated to the specific needs of a particular child. And while Wilderness programs are often an extraordinary first step as a preparatory and evaluative tool, they aren’t for everyone. Adhering rigidly to the best interests of the child, advocating for his or her needs and remaining involved throughout placement(s), guiding a family and problem-solving at every step is an essential recipe for successful outcomes. Being more than mere “matchmakers” is what has contributed to our success and growth for 30 years.

Help for your teen

If you are a parent of a struggling teen you may be searching for answers. At Bodin, we firmly believe that there are no general answers to the difficulties families and teens are struggling with. There is not one or even one hundred schools that can solve the problem. Every single family we see is different and every plan we develop is different, too.

The Educational Consultants at Bodin are available to assist families who need help. Our expertise is in creating unique and clinically appropriate plans for success. Our educational consultants travel throughout the U.S. and abroad to evaluate schools and programs. We work hard to stay connected to many local resources within each community we work in so that every plan is developed to support not just the student, but the entire family system.

If you have a struggling teen, please check out www.thebodingroup.com or call 800-874-2124

What is a Troubled Teen?

Most people would use that term to describe the kid down the street known to have troubles with the law or who has a history of using alcohol or pot. For the Educational Consultants at Bodin, we see troubled teens who do fit the typical idea of a troubled teen, but who are not thriving for many reasons other than substance use and troubles with the law. We work with adolescents, young adults and families who need guidance developing appropriate and individualized plans for academic and emotional growth. We have developed relationships with schools, programs and individual resources throughout the country in order to ensure that a plan we create will be successful. Much of our work is with the families in order to maintain the plan and not fall prey to the common parenting pitfalls that can interrupt or setback these plans.

If you think you have a troubled teen and would like to speak to a consultant, call 800-874-2124

Drug Testing, right or wrong?

Without going into the great detail that many recent articles have on whether or not to drug test your adolescent or young adult, let me just say; if this is an issue in your home, you may need to start thinking about outside intervention and assessment. Educate yourself about drugs of abuse and the options available should you decide to seek help for your family. There are so many options and so many underlying issues that need to be addressed when a young person begins using substances. An Educational Consultant can educate you and help you. Whether it’s early intervention through parent coaching or a crisis intervention through treatment planning, the Educational Consultants at Bodin have experience, knowledge and compassion and are ready to help today!

Check out www.thebodingroup.com or call 800-874-2124

In this economy, why would I hire an Educational Consultant?

In a stagnant economy it is always difficult to make decisions to spend money on what appear on the surface to be discretionary services. However the odd part is, when you are going to spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on a traditional or special needs program for your child, can you really afford to make a mistake, especially in this economy? Of course no consultant can guaranty success, but a good one can maximize the potential for a positive outcome and put you and your child in a position where, with commitment and effort, a favorable outcome is not just possible, but likely.

What is an educational consultant?

Simply put, and believe me the services Educational Consultants provide are not simple; Educational Consultant’s provide services to families with young children to young adults who seek expertise about the educational and social emotional options for their children.  At one end of the spectrum is the traditional educational consultant who will assist families in looking at day schools, boarding schools and college. At the other end are those consultants working with the special needs child, students who have behavioral or learning issues, or both.  Everywhere along the spectrum, many families need assistance in understanding their options, facilitating the process, demystifying the chaos and creating a plan that gives the family and the student peace of mind that they are not alone.