The subject of program referrals is a complicated one.

On this page we'll try to help you sort fact from fiction and explain the dangers of "blind" referrals that are becoming more and more common in the troubled-teen industry.

Referrals

More than likely, you found several web sites promoting various troubled-teen facilities before you found the ISAC site.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of such sites on the internet right now.

The sites all look very different, giving the appearance that they are independent of one another.

Often the sites are very high-tech, with flashy introductions and cool graphics.

They may try to convince you of their good intentions by offering "free" referrals.

And while the referral will appear to be "free" since YOU won't be the one paying, these referrers will make money from YOUR child because the PROGRAM is paying them to make these referrals.

This can happen one of several different ways:

• Some referrers are paid per child. The more children that end up enrolled in the program, the more money they make.
• Some are paid a flat rate to make referrals. Typically these referrers have agreements with several different facilities.
• Some referrers receive a percentage of the first years tuition after the facility is paid by the parents.

The latest trend involves something even more sinister and deceptive.

Since people have gotten wind of the for-profit referral business, referrers are now teaming up with "child advocates."

These "advocates" will gladly tell you how awful a particular facility is, then direct you towards someone who will help you find an alternative.

We don't know what kind of financial arrangement is going on behind the scenes, but we're sure there is one.

Regardless of what they call themselves, these referrers are NOT qualified to diagnose your child over the phone and they aren't qualified to judge a program as being "good."

And don't forget - they are being PAID to tell you the facility is good.

Quite simply, the internet isn't regulated and the referral business isn't regulated.

We recommend that parents NOT use the internet to find a program for their child.

You just have no way of knowing what kind of person you are entrusting your child to.

ISAC is a participating member of the Referral Free Zone

Source: ISAC Corporation - www.isaccorp.org