When your child is facing emotional, behavioural, or academic challenges, the decision to seek outside help is never taken lightly. Parents often ask: Will a live-in program actually make a lasting difference in my child’s life—and in our family?
At Venture Academy, this is a question we take seriously. For over a decade, we’ve supported youth from across Canada through individualized, therapeutic care. But what truly matters is not just what happens during the program, it’s the long-term impact once a child returns home.
To answer that, we’ve collected and analyzed direct parent feedback at various stages: during the program, three months after discharge, and one year later. The results reveal a clear story of progress, sustained growth, and improved family dynamics. Looking for help for your family? Call Venture Academy today at 1-866-762-2211 or contact us online .
During the Program: Immediate Improvements in Safety and Structure
The first transformation many families see is stability. For parents who had a child at Venture Academy for more than 120 days, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Parents reported that:
- 100% saw improvement in their child’s overall wellbeing
- 99% noted positive changes in behaviour and emotional regulation
- 99% experienced a stronger relationship with their child
- 100% felt well-informed about their child’s progress throughout
These outcomes point to the importance of therapeutic structure and consistent support. Parents often describe feeling a renewed sense of hope as their child begins to stabilize and re-engage with healthier habits and relationships.
After Program Completion: Continued Growth at the 3-Month Mark
The transition home can bring challenges. But for many families, the improvements continued. In our three-month follow-up survey of families whose child had spent 120 days or more in the program:
- 94% said their child was still doing better overall
- 97% reported improved family health and functioning
- 96% saw better communication within the family unit
- 89% noticed ongoing school progress
At this stage, families often describe feeling more equipped to support their child’s needs. Many express gratitude for the tools and insights gained during the program, which help them maintain momentum in the weeks and months after discharge.
Ready to learn more? Call Venture Academy today at 1-866-762-2211 or contact us online .
One Year Later: Evidence of Lasting Change
The strongest indicator of success is whether improvements hold over time. That’s why we also conduct one-year follow-ups with families. Across nearly a decade of post-program evaluations, parents reported that:
- 74% said their child continued to do better overall
- 80% felt their family was healthier than before
- 81% experienced lasting gains in communication
- 78% saw improvement in peer relationships
- 70% reported better school performance, including attendance and academic effort
These numbers reflect not just short-term stabilization but deeper, more sustainable change. Families often describe a gradual rebuilding of trust, improved routines at home, and renewed confidence in their child’s direction.
What Makes Venture Academy Different?
Several core principles drive these outcomes:
- Meaningful Therapeutic Relationships: 99% of parents believe that connection with the clinical team was a key factor in their child’s progress.
- Family-Centred Approach: Parents remain involved throughout, with regular updates and ongoing communication from staff.
- Balanced Structure: The program combines personal accountability with compassion, helping children develop self-awareness and resilience in a safe environment.
- Canadian Expertise: As a live-in program for youth in Canada, Venture Academy is designed specifically for the needs of Canadian families, from coast to coast.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect If You’re Considering Help for Your Teenager
Choosing a residential treatment program is not about giving up. It’s about giving your child a chance to reset, grow, and succeed in a way that home-based solutions may not provide. At Venture Academy, we meet each child where they are, helping them—and their families—move toward a healthier, more hopeful future.
If your child is struggling with behaviour, substance use, mental health concerns, or school disengagement, we’re here to help. Call Venture Academy today at 1-866-762-2211 or contact us online.