--- title: "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" date: 2018-12-06 author: "Jonathan May" featured_image: "https://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/jan-kahanek-184675-unsplash-e1548264904261.jpg" --- # Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ## General Questions Is Adult & Teen Challenge just for teens? We work with youth, adults, and families. Our [center directory](/centers) lists the programs, their locations, and what gender and age groups that they accept. What should I expect if I attend an Adult & Teen Challenge program? Check out our “[What to Expect](/what-to-expect)” page. Every center varies a little, but this page has a general overview of what a day in the life of an Adult & Teen Challenge center is like. Is Adult & Teen Challenge a medical program? No. Adult & Teen Challenge uses a Christian faith-based recovery model. We rely on the teachings of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the study and practical application of Biblical principles to be the transformative component of our recovery program. While we recognize psychological and medical expertise to address many of the issues of addictions, we approach these issues from a spiritual perspective. Why is Adult & Teen Challenge effective? We call it the “Jesus Factor.” When people develop a relationship with God, everything changes for them. New priorities, attitudes, reactions, plans, and goals in life all add up to create a new life in Christ. The old lifestyle, attitudes, and behaviors are replaced. What is an Outreach & Referral Office? This is a local Adult & Teen Challenge resource office that assists people who need help or want to enter a residential program. Some offices offer weekly classes or groups for those who cannot enter a residential program. [Program Finder](/centers) Can anyone order your curriculum? Our curriculum can be purchased and used by anyone. However, programs or organizations that are not certified through us should not present themselves as sanctioned Adult & Teen Challenge programs, even if they use our curriculum. [Shop Our Curriculum](/store) How can the national office help if I have a complaint with an Adult & Teen Challenge program? Every Adult & Teen Challenge program is governed by their own Board of Directors and has their own articles of incorporation and IRS tax-exempt ruling. Each program handles all complaints against their organization. If you have a complaint or issue and are uncertain about who to contact, you can reach out to the National Office at feedback@teenchallengeusa.org. Please understand that Adult & Teen Challenge USA has no supervisory control over any local Adult & Teen Challenge program or organization. Does the National Office control all the centers? Adult & Teen Challenge USA is made up of a network of separate 501(c)(3) corporations; each has their own procedures, policies and set their own fees. All Adult & Teen Challenge centers must meet the national accreditation standards to be an Adult & Teen Challenge center, but many details are decided at the local level. Who do I talk to about Adult & Teen Challenge centers outside of the United States? All inquiries regarding centers outside of the United States should be directed to [Global Teen Challenge](https://globaltc.org/). How do I start an Adult & Teen Challenge center? Learn more about starting a new Adult & Teen Challenge center [here](/start-a-center). ## Applicants How can I get help? Contact the Adult & Teen Challenge program that you feel is right for you. Remember that you must provide your own transportation. Communicate with the Intake Staff; they will provide you with admission requirements and program descriptions. What are the age cut-offs for both the adolescent and adult programs? Adolescent Adult & Teen Challenge programs generally work with teens ages 12-17. Most adult programs work with individuals over the age of 18. There is not usually an upper range age cap in adult programs. The average age in an adult program is between 25-35. [Program Finder](/centers) Do I have to take part in the religious aspects of the program to receive help? We give full disclosure to every person who enters Adult & Teen Challenge that this is a Christian faith-based program. Entrance into all Adult & Teen Challenge programs is voluntary. Part of that voluntary agreement includes participation in all aspects of the program. This includes the religious aspects of the program. If a person drops out of the program, can they get their money back? Each individual Adult & Teen Challenge program has its own policy on fees, tuition, and refunds. This information should be explained, and provided in writing, at the time of admission. In most cases, admission fees are non-refundable. In adolescent programs (where finances are more of an issue), refund policies will be provided by the individual Teen Challenge programs. Do you have centers that are lock-down or take someone against their will? All of our residential programs for adults are voluntary. Some of our adolescent programs work with youth who have been enrolled against their will. Yet, even in those instances, an understood level of cooperation must exist. Do you have centers for the whole family? There are a few Adult & Teen Challenge programs that work with the whole family. Call (417) 581-2181, or visit our [program finder](/centers) for more details. Do you have centers for mothers and children? Yes, there are some Adult & Teen Challenge programs that are for mothers and their children. Call (417) 581-2181, or visit our [program finder](/centers) for more details. Do I need to detox before coming to Adult & Teen Challenge? Most of our programs require that you detox – preferably a medically supervised detox – prior to entering the program. Most communities have detox centers. Local centers can often make recommendations about where to go to detox. [Program Finder](/centers) Will Adult & Teen Challenge accept people with dual diagnosis? Dual diagnosis is common with individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Most Adult & Teen Challenge programs are not licensed as drug or alcohol treatment centers that employ licensed therapists. Instead, they utilize Christian faith-based discipleship training to help those who come to them for help with addictions. If an applicant’s mental health issues are beyond the scope of a local Adult & Teen Challenge program, that individual will most likely be re-directed to other treatment facilities that can properly care for those with dual diagnosis special needs. How long is the program? A typical residential Adult & Teen Challenge program lasts 12-18 months. Progression through the program depends on each student’s determination and work, rather than a specific time table. What does it cost to go to an Adult & Teen Challenge program? Costs vary from center to center. Because these fees are set by the local Adult & Teen Challenge center and their Board of Directors, costs can only be determined by contacting a specific program. [Program Finder](/centers) Why do the adolescent programs cost more than the adult programs? Adolescent centers are subject to greater restrictions and legal oversight. This limits their fundraising activities. They must also provide more specialized services, such as year-round secondary schooling. This, among other factors, requires that a fee be charged. In most cases, the fees charged do not cover the actual costs of the services provided. Can people be sentenced to Adult & Teen Challenge rather than prison? People often petition the court to rule in favor of sentencing them to Adult & Teen Challenge instead of prison. It is imperative that when the courts are petitioned to do this, that it is clearly communicated that Adult & Teen Challenge is a faith-based program and that Christian principles and practices are fully integrated into the program. What are the primary issues that an adolescent program focuses on? The primary focus for adolescent programs is to address delinquent and at-risk behaviors within the framework of a Christian faith-based environment. ## Family Members If I wanted to visit, will I be allowed? Each Adult & Teen Challenge program has its own visitation policy, but generally only immediate family members are allowed contact with the student. Contact between the student and other individuals will be severely restricted for the same reasons that are present in other programs of similar nature. ## Donations