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Education History in Troubled Teen Industry

The troubled teen industry has undergone significant changes over the decades, with educational practices evolving to meet the needs of adolescents in these programs.

Key Developments

1960s

Introduction of behavior modification programs.

1980s

Rise of wilderness therapy as an educational tool.

2000s

Increased focus on individualized education plans.

Present

Integration of trauma-informed educational practices.

Troubled Teen Industry Timeline

1958

Synanon Opened

Drug rehab for adults. They were there voluntarily and could leave at any time.

1963

Daytop Village Opened

Drug rehab for adults. They were there voluntarily and could leave at any time.

1967

CEDU Founded

First 'umbrella' company of multiple TTI programs and types under one company that owned many programs.

1970

The Seed Opened

Drug rehab for youth. Children were there involuntarily and could not leave unless parents removed them from the program.

1971

President Richard Nixon Declares War on Drugs

Names drug abuse as 'Public Enemy Number One'. Increased federal funding for drug-control agencies and drug-treatment efforts.

1973

DEA is Formed

Formed to consolidate federal efforts to control drug abuse.

1976

Straight, Inc. Opened

Drug rehab for juveniles. Children were there involuntarily and could not leave unless parents removed them from the program.

1979

Universal Health Services (UHS) Founded

Provided mental health hospital services, including those to youth. Another umbrella company of TTI programs.

1981

President Ronald Reagan Turns War on Drugs into Full On Warfare

Focused on criminal punishment for drug offenses.

1984

Kids Centers of America Founded

Another umbrella company of TTI programs. Nancy Reagan started the 'Just Say No' campaign.

1986

U.S. Congress Passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act

Allocated $1.7 billion to the War on Drugs. Established mandatory minimum prison sentences for various drug offenses.

1987

WWASP Founded

Another umbrella company of TTI programs.

1993

University of Michigan Published Study

Showed that drug use among adolescents is still a significant problem.

1998

President Clinton Presented a New Drug Strategy

Focused on reducing hardcore drug use, ensuring safe schools, empowering communities, and increasing international programs.

1999

NATSAP Founded

Founded by directors of various TTI programs and umbrella companies.