Family Involvement

Whether a child is going on to another program or returning home, it is important that parental involvement remains a primary part of the student’s healing. Family involvement and responsibility are key components of the SUWS Program, helping to ensure that each child will continue to learn and grow long after his or her SUWS experience.

SUWS provides several wonderful tools and resources for the parents and families of our students. The following are key features of our family support:

Parent Check-in

Our Parent Check-In Program is designed to help keep you connected to your child’s progress through communication with field supervisors and therapists. When you sign up to participate, you will receive an email directing you to your child’s personalized website three days after their arrival. A new photo will be uploaded to the site each week, and progress reports will be posted on weekly basis as well. You can also refer to this site to learn more about our staff, facility, and post-SUWS travel arrangements.

For a demonstration of the Parent Check-In site, click here.

User Name is: suwsdemo

Password is: suws

SUWS Family Camp

Family Camp is designed to give families a unique experience utilizing the wilderness elements in which their child is already engaged. Facilitated mid-treatment by members of our clinical team, students and their parents are guided on a five-day wilderness journey that promotes specific treatment, supports long-term planning, and provides a clinically supervised opportunity to reconnect. Click here to learn more.

Parent Meeting & Graduation

In your communications with the field supervisor and/or therapist, you will discuss specific Parent Meeting and Trail’s End arrangements for your family. Based upon the therapeutic needs of your child, you and your field supervisor and/or therapist will determine your attendance plans for both parts of this step. Parent Meeting will be an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and reduce anxieties concerning Trail’s End. Graduation is the culmination of the entire experience and it reunites parents with their children in a neutral environment in which both parties have the opportunity to acclimate to one another and begin a future filled with positive success.

“I must admit I was skeptical whether the SUWS experience would achieve all that was claimed, so it was with some trepidation that we traveled to meet our daughter. What an incredible surprise! Her personality had turned from a rebellious, uncaring, self-destructive, and noncompliant problem into a warm, caring, decent 14-year-old. For the first time in more than two years she hugged us with tears in her eyes and told us she loved us and really meant it. The work you do with children is incredible. You have my utmost respect and undying gratitude.” 
-SUWS Parent