Teen Safe Passage To A Behavioral Health Program

Marni Luther, Hired Power’s Intake Manager, received an inquiry call from an Education Consultant regarding a family whose 15-year-old son was struggling with mental health and behavioral challenges. The inquiry was for Safe Passage assistance from the family’s home to a wilderness program in another state. During the initial conversation, Marni learned the teen was previously diagnosed with anxiety and depression and the family was working with local professionals for several years.
Reaching out to the family for further information and transition details, Marni learned additional information about the family dynamics within the home. It was shared that their son Jeremy’s* disposition showed acting out and resistant behaviors towards family, school, and professionals. At this point, it was clear they would benefit from the professional guidance of Hired Power’s Transitional Services team.
When the morning of the Safe Passage arrived, the Hired Power team notified the family of their arrival and spent time reviewing the day’s plans. The parents were reassured of safety procedures and that they would receive ongoing updates from Tracy throughout their travel. The parents then introduced the team to their son Jeremy*, sharing with him that he would be going to a wilderness program with the team accompanying him on his journey. The two team members reintroduced themselves to Jeremy* explaining where they were going and what the process would include. Jeremy was initially very upset, telling both his parents and the team he was not willing to go to the wilderness program. The Hired Power team members reassured Jeremy* of his safety and ability to comply with what was being asked of him. After additional conversation including support and direction, Jeremy* agreed to go with the team. Together they headed to the airport to catch an early flight. Upon arrival, all flights to their destination were either canceled or delayed, triggering a level of anxiety and reluctance to wait in Jeremy*.
Jeremy* and the team continued to build upon the initial trust and rapport with discussions about music, sports figures, and cars.
Jeremy* went with the change in plans without incident, falling asleep once they were on the road. After about a 3-hour nap, he woke up stating he felt much more relaxed and was “starving”, requesting a burger with fries. After the meal, Jeremy* and the team continued to build upon the initial trust and rapport with discussions about music, sports figures, and cars.
Upon arrival at the destination, the team and Jeremy* met with the receiving program professionals relaying the trip’s details and Jeremy’s* overall attitude. Jeremy* was nervous but accepting, shaking the transport team’s hands during their departure and thanking them for both supporting him on his journey and for the burger.
Hearing a huge sigh of happy relief in their voices, knowing he was safe and they were on their way to healing is why the entire team at Hired Power is proud to offer Safe Passage to their families and community professionals.
*The son’s name was changed to Jeremy for confidentiality purposes.