Core Structure of Programs
The TCUSA Board of Directors approved a "Phase" system to explain core structures of Teen Challenge. All centers of any Phase are expected to be involved in Phase I. The phase ministry is as follows:
- Phase 1 - Recognition of destructive and habitual thoughts that lead to substance abuse.
- Phase 2 - Focus on healing the wounds of past failures and broken relationships.
- Phase 3 - Character development and spiritual growth with a discovery process identifying personal strengths and setting individual goals.
- Phase 4 - Continuing Care Planning includes employment/educational plans, housing, financial planning, relationship skills, support system evaluation, leadership skills and relapse prevention. This may or may not be residential, but generally these centers involve Phase I activity, as well as providing pastoral counseling and referral. Many of these ministries also coordinate or directly provide the non-residential expression of Teen Challenge: Living Free (formerly Turning Point). Living Free is small groups based. The Crisis centers that are residential are typically very short term until a more permanent discipleship bed can be located.
- Phase 5 - Re-entry - generally for those graduates needing additional assistance in education, transitional housing, securing jobs or job skills, but can involve other reasons.
- Phase 6 - Restoration - for graduates who have returned to old behavior patterns. Phase VI is a rare ministry as a center, and is more often co-located with a Phase IV.
Another major component of the Teen Challenge structure is the Teen Challenge curriculum by Dave Batty. This is known as the Group Studies for New Christian and the Personal Studies For New Christians. All centers in the USA are required to use Teen Challenge curriculum, and there is an extensive certification process for teachers. The details of this curriculum may be viewed at the TCUSA web site.
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