If you, or someone you know is experiencing difficulty with a child or teen, take a few moments and answer the following questionnaire. This can serve as a point of reference for you in understanding the severity of the problems your teen is currently facing.

The dynamics surrounding a difficult teen often creates such chaos and confusion it is sometimes hard for a parent to determine what level of response is warranted. Sometimes the problems are so severe that they can only be properly addressed by getting professional help in a controlled environment, such as a residential center, treatment program or specialty school. Other times problems can be resolved right in the home by setting better limits and tightening up the basic family rules and structure.

After completing the questionnaire refer to the scoring guide which will offer suggestions and recommendations based on the results of your own responses.

Answer Yes or No to each Question:    

1.  Does your child or teen seem to be pulling away from the family 

2.  Have you noticed any drop in your child's school grades and/or have they ever been suspended, expelled or truant?

3.  Does your child have difficulty completing their homework or other responsibilities?

4.  Has there been a change in your child or teen's friends and/or does your teen associate with a bad peer group?

5.  Has your child lost interest in former productive activities, hobbies or sports?

6.  Do you have difficulty getting your child or teen to do simple household chores?

7.  Has your teen been involved with problems with the law?

8.  Do you find yourself picking your words carefully when speaking to your child or teen, so as not to elicit a verbal attack or rage from them?

9.  Are you worried that your teen may not finish high school?                                    

10. Does your child or teen seem depressed/withdrawn?

11. Has your child's or teen's appearance and/or personal hygiene changed?

12. Does your child or teen ever display violent behavior and/or are you ever afraid of your  child or teen?

13. Is your child or teen manipulative and/or deceitful?

14. Does your child or teen seem to demonstrate a lack of motivation?

15. Is your child or teen verbally abusive to you?

16. Are you concerned that your teen may be sexually promiscuous?

17. Has your child or teen ever displayed any evidence of suicide ideation?

18. Are you missing money from your wallet, or other valuables from your home?

19. Does your child or teen's behavior concern you for their safety?

20. Is your child or teen angry or display temper outbursts?

21. Is lack of self-esteem and self-worth creating problems for your child or teen?

22. Do you always seem to second-guess what your child or teen tells you because of their repeated lying?

23. Does your child or teen have problems with authority?

24. Does your child or teen engage in activities you don't approve of?

25. Do you think your teen is possibly using or experimenting with drugs/alcohol?

26. Are you concerned about your child's well-being and their future?

27. Does your child or teen seem to constantly be in opposition to your family values?

28. No matter what rules and consequences are established, do you feel that your child or teen will defy them?

29. Are you exhausted and worn out from your child's or teen's defiant and/or destructive behavior and choices?

30. Do you feel like you are being 'held hostage' by your teen?

Tally your 'YES' responses. Based on the number of your 'YES' responses, our recommendations would be as follows -

20 or more:
High risk. Get help! 
A Residential Center, Treatment Program and or Specialty School Is Strongly Recommended.

9-19:
Borderline risk. It is possible that the problems can be resolved by tightening up the family rules and structure. However, it may be that a residential center, treatment program or specialty school is needed.

Up to 8:
Moderate risk. Tighten up family rules/understandings, and be consistent with your monitoring and follow-through.