Is Teen Challenge just for teens?
No, the vast majority of centers are actually for adults ages 18 and up. The directory of centers lists
the centers and provides the gender and age brackets for each program.

Is Teen Challenge a medical program?
Teen Challenge believes in the faith model and concentrates on focusing attention on God and His will
for those that enter the program as well as those who are being assisted in some of the services offered.
While recognizing the need for expertise in some areas, Teen Challenge does not subscribe to the medical
model of helping an individual involved in drug abuse.

Why is Teen Challenge effective?
Some might say that it is the length of the program (12-18 months) along with the religious environment
that helps people kick the habits that have been formed over the years. We believe it is because of
something (or someone) we call “the Jesus Factor.” When a person finds a relationship with God everything
changes. New priorities, attitudes, reactions, plans and goals in life all add up to real change. New-found
life in Christ and learning biblical principles for daily living replace the old lifestyle and the attitudes
and behaviors underlying them.

Is Teen Challenge open to people of all faiths?
Teen Challenge is based foundationally on a literal interpretation of the Protestant Bible. It is our
belief that applying the principles of Scripture to a person’s life will enrich their life and provide
them with the path to a personal relationship with God. Certainly people of other faiths may enter the
program but, as they are informed of the nature of the program, they voluntarily choose to participate.
It is not required that a student have a conversion experience to enter or complete, but conversion is
regarded as the greatest hope for breaking an addiction.

What is a crisis center?
This varies from center to center but generally this is an office with staff members who are capable of
crisis intervention and referring an individual into a residential program. Teen Challenge has several
residential crisis centers that serve as holding facilities until there is room in an induction center
but the majority of crisis centers are non-residential.

What is a restoration program and where are they located?
Restoration (commonly known as relapse or recovery) programs are for those who have already gone
through a Teen Challenge program and need some additional support and accountability. A graduate
needs to contact the center they attended to inquire as to whether a restoration program is available.

Do I have to participate in the religious aspects of the program to receive services?
An applicant is carefully informed as to the faith-based nature of the program and that entering a Teen
Challenge program is voluntary; however, all aspects of the program are mandatory upon entrance.

If a person drops out of the program, can they get their money back?
Each individual center has its own policy on returning money. That policy must be shared at the time of
intake and provided for you in writing. In most cases entrance fees are non-refundable. In adolescent
centers, where many times finances are more of an issue, information could be provided by the center as
to return policies.

Do you have centers that are lock down?
As a general rule Teen Challenge is for those who voluntarily want to get into the program to receive
assistance with life-controlling problems. At this time Teen Challenge does not have a true lock-down facility.

Do you have centers for the whole family?
There are a few centers in the country for whole families. Call 417-862-6969 for contact information for
those programs.

Do you have centers for mothers and children and if so where?
There are a few centers in the country for mothers and children. Call 417-862-6969 for contact information
for those programs.

Do you have coed centers?
Most Teen Challenge center do not allow intermingling between the sexes. There are several that have
programs on the same property, but interaction is strictly controlled.

Can I detox at your centers and if not where can I go?
Most Teen Challenges require that you detox before entering the program. There are detox centers in most
communities. The local Teen Challenge should have some recommendations as to where a good detox
program would be in your area.

Will your centers accept insurance to cover the cost?
Some of our adolescent centers do receive insurance from companies, however for the most part insurance
companies will not cover the cost of staying in a Teen Challenge.

Will Teen Challenge accept dual diagnosis or mentally ill patients?
Generally, all individuals who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol tend to be dual-diagnosis. Teen
Challenge is open to assist all who are able to function in a live-in setting. Those that have severe
limitations are referred to organizations where they can find the care required for their special needs.

How long is your program?
The typical Teen Challenge experience lasts 12-18 months barring any unforeseen circumstances. Emphasis
is placed, not on a time element, but on the evaluated progress of the student as to when completion is made.

Do you have adult programs?
Yes, in fact, the vast majority (only 23 out of 167 residential centers are adolescent) of our programs
are for participants aged 18 and above.

Does it cost to go to your program and if so how much?
Costs vary from center to center. Because these fees are set by the local center and their Board of
Directors, it would be more instructive to call the local center for more information.

Why does the adolescent program cost more than the adult programs?
Adolescent centers are under greater restrictions and scrutiny and are more limited in their fundraising
capabilities. They also must provide more specialized services such as year round secondary school and
retain qualified schoolteachers. This, among other responsibilities requires that a fee be charged. The
fees charged do not, in most cases, typically much lower than the actual cost of the services provided.

Can a person get court ordered to go to your program?
Approximately 15% of our population nationwide is court ordered into our program. However, because of
our faith-based nature, the court is required to give the individual a choice, (i.e. do 12 months in a
correctional facility or complete the Teen Challenge program.) It is important that such a person
understand that biblical principles are fully integrated into the program at Teen Challenge.

Does an adolescent have to be willing to go to your program?
Essentially, yes. As a rule Teen Challenge is a voluntary program. There are several programs that take
more difficult adolescents, however, even in those instances a certain level of cooperation must exist.

Do you take just behavioral issues in your adolescent programs and if so where are those located?
The primary focus for Teen Challenge involves helping individuals who are struggling with life-controlling
problems, specifically drug and alcohol.

If I want to re-enter your program, do I have to start all over and if not where are those centers?
That would depend on the circumstances under which you left. In most cases you would have to start all
over again. If you want to go to a different center from the one you were originally in be aware that
the new center will need to contact the former Teen Challenge for a follow up on your activity during
your stay.

If I have a complaint where do I go on your website to send an email?
Most complaints should go to the center for which they are directed. If there is not a resolution to your
problem then the program’s Board of Directors is the next avenue through which a complaint may be registered.
Some centers are administrated through a regional office. The regional office should handle any complaints
concerning a local center’s activities. The national office may be contacted as well, however, this office
does not exercise supervisory control over local Teen Challenges.

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