Parents who think they can pinpoint when their teen’s life went off the rails are often surprised to learn how wrong they are. Venture Academy therapist and clinical director Connie Buckle says parents will often point to a teen’s drug use or criminal behaviour as the problem when in fact it is merely a symptom…
Four weeks at Venture Academy taught Rachel something she may never have learned otherwise: that her mother really did love her. “I’d been here about a month when I realized she does love me and that she wouldn’t send me to this program to get help for both of us if she didn’t care,” said…
Technology that has driven a wedge between parent and teen has at the same time provided parents with tools they can use to keep tabs on their troubled teens. Today’s parent, whether worried about their teen’s well being or just plain nosy, can use software to track their child’s every move, keystroke, and Facebook post.…
It all started one night at a party. All it took was that first time for Evan Smith’s life to unravel. Before long, the teen was using drugs and narcotics and pushing his parents to their limits.
Venture Academy is a private coed residential treatment program for teens aged 13 to 18 with emotional and/or behavioural challenges that interfere with their functioning at home or school. It has locations in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
When families call to see if Venture Academy can help their troubled youth, they always want to tell their story and it’s always a story of desperation, says the executive director. Many have tried all kinds of other treatment programs to no avail. He launched Venture Academy 13 years ago after recognizing a tremendous need…
There are many educators who believe that children with special needs deserve options. When the regular school curriculum fails them – or it doesn’t take them to their full potential – there is a growing number of private schools with programs specifically designed to help fill the gaps. These schools offer something far removed from…
A hot water tank was leaking natural gas that ignited in the basement about 9:30 a.m. while students were in class upstairs at Venture Academy. Staff evacuated nine boys, ages 13 to 18, and took them to a park as the alarm rang. “I had all the boys with me,” said Connie Buckle, the school’s…