Educational Consultants

About Us

Hope Renews was founded by parents of teens with severe emotional distress in residential treatment programs. Having had children in these programs we learned firsthand two things. First, that this kind of intensive intervention can be life saving. And second, we learned that it comes with a substantial price tag.

It has been our belief that this kind of care should not be the exclusive province of the wealthy. So we created a foundation to specifically address financial issues – through loans and grants directly to families, through the dissemination of information of resources that might be available to help pay for treatment, and through a forum of supportive voices to connect families facing this challenge.

Hope Renews has survived the critical first five years in operation. While our grant and loan program is focused on just one program, Vista Adolescent Treatment Center, the information in this website should be of use to the much broader universe of families struggling to pay for a child in treatment. More...

How Do I Pay for It?

Paying for treatment is a challenge to low- and middle-income families. But it is not impossible.

It takes a parent that is educated, dedicated, and thinks outside the box. It will require planning, locating resources, talking to programs, juggling tasks, all while you are trying to take care of your family. But if you approach this fight, armed with knowledge and support, you are more likely to get your child the help he needs. More...

What is an educational consultant?

Educational consultants are the gatekeepers to residential treatment. They provide guidance, helping parents choose a treatment center that matches the needs of your child, and monitor her adjustment and progress.

Educational consultants visit residential treatment programs on a regular basis, getting to know the staff and owners, while assessing the program’s strengths and weaknesses. Once a child is in placement, many will visit the program and monitor the child.

How can an educational consultant help us?

Educational consultants provide experience, knowledge and objectivity to help formulate a placement decision during a confusing and stressful time for parents. Since educational consultants have extensive personal knowledge of a wide variety of schools and programs, including which type of care is best for your child's particular situation. They also help you avoid common mistakes.

What do educational consultants charge?

It depends on the consultant. Some charge an hourly rate, others charge an annual fee, still others work on a project basis. In general, you can expect to pay $2,500-$5,000 for their services.

Is it worth the money?

When parents face treatment costs of over $100,000 a year, it is important to get the appropriate treatment the first time. An educational consultant who is experienced and competent can increase the odds that the first choice of a school or program will be the right choice. This helps avoid additional failures for the child and the family. Parents who work with qualified educational consultants can reduce the possibility of losing time and money as a result of an inappropriate placement.

What is the membership organization?

The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is the professional membership organization for educational consultants in private practice, dealing with students with special needs.

For information about their ethical standards, see Best Practices information.

How do I find a special needs educational consultant in my area?

Search the IECA directory. Be sure to search for "Special Needs."

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Have you used an educational consultant? What were your experiences? Let us know in the Comments section below. Or join the discussion in the Community Forum.

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Newsletter 2010

The Hope Renews Newsletter for 2010 (that is, a real, hold in your hands, line your bird cage, burn after reading, made from paper document) is in the final production phases.

The topic is ADVICE:

from therapists to parents,
from kids to therapists and parents and
from parents to therapists.

You won't want to miss it, so please send us your mailing address and we will make sure you to get a copy -- in the mail.

The Editors