Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Sue Scheff Shares Her Story with the Florida Sun-Sentinel


'Wit's End' book offers advice to help out-of-control teens


By Liz Doup South Florida Sun-Sentinel
October 8, 2008


A decade ago, when her 14-year-old daughter spiraled out of control, Sue Scheff didn't know where to turn.


As a result, the Weston mom sent Ashlyn to a residential program that harmed rather than helped, she says. It was a drastic move after her daughter had temporarily run away and threatened violence.


In hindsight, Scheff wishes she had looked more closely at schools and asked more questions. To help parents avoid her mistakes, she started researching programs that offer professional treatment in a residential setting. She put what she learned in the recently published book, Wit's End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen (Health Communications Inc.; $14.95). She also created Parents' Universal Resource Experts Inc. (helpyourteens.com).