DISCIPLINE:Youth need programs designed not to punish, but to heal and equip them to be valued by, and to value, themselves, their families, and others. The Helping Disciplines incorporated in the Meadowlark Academy include but are not limited to "Animal Therapy", "Structure", "Positive Peer Culture", "Cognitive Self Change", and an "Individualized Educational Program". These disciplines are widely recognized as some of the most successful difference makers for troubled teens and adults.

ANIMAL THERAPY: When constructing a building, it is an accepted fact that, without a firm foundation, the structure will collapse. The foundation for your daughter's change hinges on her learning environment. Animal-Assisted Therapy provides a learning environment where your daughter will receive unconditional acceptance and love. Animals ignite warmth in even the most withdrawn girl, putting her at ease and increasing her willingness to reach out and take risks without fear. Your daughter will learn about proper care, handling, feeding and health care of animals. She will also learn to have compassion, gentleness and respect for animals, other people and himself. Additionally she will learn to control her aggression, curb her tempers and acquire gentility. For some of the youth, it may be the first time they have experienced a healthy relationship with another living being.Meadowlark Academy is affiliated with Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services (CARES, Inc) located in Concordia, Kansas. The Meadowlark Academy in partnership with CARES assigns puppies to voluntary youth handlers. The puppies are taught basic obedience and socialization skills. Upon release from the Meadowlark Academy, the puppies return to CARES to learn specialized skills. Once these skills are mastered, the puppies are placed with physically challenged individuals to assist with their personal needs. The puppies as well as the handlers receive training prior to placement. The dogs used in the program are licensed as service dogs. As such, these dogs are in compliance with KAR rules which allow them to be with their handlers at all times. This allows for the animal to positively impact the overall learning environment of the facility. It is virtually impossible to walk a puppy around without its calming presence easing tensions and allowing for learning to take place.

STRUCTURE:The Meadowlark Academy is proud to acknowledge the United States of America as the greatest country in the world. We are proud that this country is founded on religious values; that we have been, and continue to be defended by our loyal troops; and that it recognizes the intrinsic value of each member of its society. Our history as a nation is not about the accomplishments of individuals. It is a rich history of the uniqueness of individuals coming together for the greater good of all. There is no area that more clearly evidences this than our highly structured and patriotic success. In the patriotic tradition, individuals are taught to respect the values inherent in following those in authority. Youth at the Meadowlark Academy will learn structure and discipline. This will be seen in the uniforms worn, sleeping arrangements (barrack style), use of respectful terms to adults and peers such as Sir, Ma'am, Mr., Mrs., please, thank you, etc., in structured mass movements and at flag ceremonies. Staff at the Meadowlark Academy will have high expectations of conformity in these structured settings. As a parent, you may rest assured that this will not be accomplished through punitive or verbal intimidation. Staff will address youth in a firm and, as needed, assertive manner always remembering to maintain the dignity of the youth in their care.PPC:The Positive Peer Culture discipline has a long and successful history. The Meadowlark Academy incorporates some of the basic components from this discipline. PPC is neither a loosely organized program nor one that is totally run by the adolescents. There is a keen understanding of the need to have adults oversee the process without derailing it by taking over. When a youth arrives at the Meadowlark Academy, she will be assigned to a group and its staff mentor. She will remain in this group throughout her stay. Each group will have responsibilities associated with it. Groups will be assigned varying details, community service projects, group aspects of the animal therapy program, sports/academic etc. teams, and group therapy sessions. In the group she will learn teamwork, sound decision making in the absence of specific guidelines, and how, through cooperation, significant accomplishments can be made. Staff are taught to understand the need for youth to learn how to work through their issues to help them prepare for similar situations they will have when returning to their families.

COGNITIVE SELF-CHANGE:This discipline is remarkably distinct in that it teaches how to dramatically alter one's belief that she is the victim of her own feelings and circumstances. In this discipline, excuses are not accepted. Change takes place when a person makes a conscious decision to think differently about himself and the world in which she exists. The program is an integrated, cognitive behavior change program for youth which includes cognitive restructuring, social skills development, and development of problem-solving skills. It is presented in the format of a small group setting (PPC groups).IEP: The Meadowlark Academy's school staff will develop an individualized school plan for your daughter. This will be determined based on past academic progress and future collective goals of the youth and parents. In addition to the basic education afforded to each youth, training will also include Automotive Care, basic Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, and Computer skills. Each youth will develop her own resume while at the facility. Each skill learned, educational advancements made, and any certified training received is included in her resume.Brat CampRead this article at Boot Camps for Teens about a new show called Brat Camp.