Families with adolescents who are unwilling to attend a program,
especially those who have demonstrated emotional and/or behavioral
problems in the past, should use West Shield. In some cases the
very mention of attending a program could lead the adolescent to
run away or attempt to hurt him/herself or others. The needs of
such individuals are better served by trained professionals who
can provide an appropriate intervention and transport the adolescent
to the program safely and in the best possible frame of mind. What
is often viewed as a form of punishment when administered by a
parent can be turned into an opportunity for growth and self awareness
when presented to the adolescent by the "right" person.
This is why West Shield goes to such lengths to select agents with
whom the adolescent can identify and feel comfortable. Focusing
not only on the physical safety, but also the psychological and
emotional well-being of the adolescent.
All West Shield transport agents, managers and owners are registered
with the Trustline Registry through the Department of Social Services.
State Law now requires this registration and can impose stiff penalties
on those who violate this new law. This law improves the professionalism
of our industry as well as helps to keep known predators out of our
industry.
Our Services have been referred by educational consultants, parents,
program directors, school district administrators, hospital staff,
law enforcement agencies, psychiatrists, psychologists and other
adolescent care providers for more then 20 years. References are
available upon request. Click here
to read testimonials online.
West Shield agents come from a variety of backgrounds, including counseling
and social work, previous experience working at emotional growth schools
and programs, private investigations and government positions associated
with troubled youth. Extensive background checks are performed on all
prospective employees at the time of interview. Following that process,
all personnel undergo a specialized training program that includes
certification in a nationally accredited non-violent crisis intervention
program. Agents initially work as back-ups, assisting and observing
on many cases while developing skills necessary to ascend to the level
of lead agent.
By the admission of counselors who tell us how much better prepared
the young people are that we bring to their programs, by positive feedback
from parents and professionals after utilizing our services. We at
West Shield view adolescent transporting as 5% physical and 95% psychological,
getting the adolescent to the program in the best possible frame of
mind -- accepting responsibility for their role in the decision to
send them to the program and understanding what is expected of them
at the program. Based on statistics recorded from 1992 to 1997, West
Shield has a 97% success rate in locating and returning runaways (112
out of 116 cases).
Experience is one key factor that separates West Shield from the
competition. For over 25 years, West Shield has been helping families
by locating runaways and safely transporting adolescents to programs
and facilities throughout the United States. We have developed
an extensive base of agents in most major cities throughout the
U.S. Having a team of Private Investigators who are highly trained
and experienced in dealing with troubled youth is another distinct
advantage that West Shield has over other agencies. One more key
factor to consider is West Shield's $2,000,000 liability insurance
coverage. This policy not only protects the families we work with,
but also provides protection for professionals and programs that
refer families to West Shield. The policy is specifically written
to cover transporting adolescents to programs.
Ideally parents are asked to make a brief introduction of the agents
to the adolescent, explaining that we are there to talk and help the
adolescent. We then ask the parents to leave the area to minimize the
amount of aggression and/or manipulation by the adolescent. Our agents
then take time to explain the situation to the adolescent, treating
her/him with respect and dignity throughout the transport and asking
for the same in return.
In gathering information for each case, extensive communication is
conducted between the intake coordinator and the parents, educational
consultant, counselor, therapist and program admissions director. Agents
report to the West Shield office during each leg of the transport,
and updates are provided to parents and programs as the transport unfolds.
At the conclusion of the transport, agents call the parents to provide
a first hand account of how the adolescent behaved during the transport
and the intake coordinator informs the consultant and others involved
as to the outcome of the transport.
This should be determined on an individual basis. Families with adolescents
who are willing to attend a program can still benefit from West Shield's
professional transport services in that our agents are fully equipped
to answer any questions the adolescent may have regarding the program,
a big step in helping the adolescent understand what is taking place.
In addition, West Shield's agents are fully capable of dealing with
any changes of attitude that may occur as the transport progresses
or changes in the travel arrangements, such as flight delays and cancellations.
If you have any more questions please feel free to contact
us. Our helpful and friendly office staff will answer any questions
that you may have. |