The Parents' Role | Hope Renews

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...

By Cathy Gilson, President

Putting your child in residential treatment is a drastic decision. Supporting her through treatment is no easier.

Our kids go through a wrenching experience. Therapists use every trick in the book to coax the emerging adult from the throes of the child’s adolescent impulses. If you’ve ever sat in on a group therapy session you know what I mean.

I am still wrestling with changing my behavior to support my
own children’s’ growth and independence. And occasionally
therapists have pointed out how my good intentions can get in the way of the
process.

Of course they are right. I hate it but its true.

If we are as important to our child’s health and development as we are told, then the stakes are high. We’ve got to get it right. I heard of a mother who removed her child from treatment because she thought the program was just too rough on her kid.

If treatment is too hard, what does that child face when he gets smacked by life? And do we really want to be bailing out our 24 year olds? I would love to hear your thoughts on the role of parents, the trials of treatment, and other insights.

Comments

Thanks for sharing your

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 01/08/2010 - 16:14.

Thanks for sharing your story.

~ Paula

Post new comment

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