- Many public school districts now offer alternative placement programs for troubled teens. Private programs like the Simon Youth Foundation work with local public schools to provide troubled students with a free alternative place to earn their education and get life skills. Other programs, like the Regional Safe Schools Program, work through state boards of education to provide free educational, social and career services.
- According to the U.S. Department of Education's No Child Left Behind Act, struggling low-income students have the legal right to free tutoring. The act also requires state education departments to provide parents of eligible students with an annual list of available services. Teens who do not meet the law's requirements may find free tutoring services at local public libraries. For instance, the Joliet Public Library in Joliet, Ill., offers library cardholders free tutoring through tutor.com.
- Many cities throughout the United States offer social services for troubled teens. Programs that help teens deal with abuse, drug or alcohol problems, gang pressure and other counseling needs are available. The city of Anaheim, Calif., offers these services for free or for a reasonable amount based on family income. Government programs can be found on city websites.
- Troubled teens can get help on many difficult topics by calling free national hotlines. Teenline.org, a website where teens come together to help other teens, lists national hotlines that provide advice on various addictions, physical and mental abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, suicide, rape, and many others. Many hotlines offer 24-hour help.
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