Editorial Policy

The Real Parent Alliance is committed to providing honest, accurate, and independent information for parents of teenagers in crisis. This page explains how we create content, where our information comes from, and what standards we hold ourselves to.

Who Creates Our Content

All content on The Real Parent Alliance is written by Taylor Mathieu and Kyle Mathieu, co-founders of TRPA. We are parents, not clinicians. Our perspective comes from lived experience navigating the troubled teen industry over more than a decade, across six out-of-home placements, at a personal cost of over $250,000.

Our Sources

When we reference medical, psychological, or statistical information, we cite authoritative sources including:

• Government agencies: SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Professional organizations: AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Peer-reviewed research published in recognized medical and psychological journals
• Legislative sources: Congress.gov for relevant laws and regulations

We do not cite sources we cannot verify. When we share personal experiences or opinions, we clearly identify them as such.

Our Independence

The Real Parent Alliance does not accept referral fees, commissions, or any form of payment from treatment programs, educational consultants, or facilities. No program or organization has editorial influence over our content. We do not publish sponsored content or paid reviews.

When we discuss specific types of treatment programs (wilderness therapy, residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools), we describe them based on our direct experience and publicly available information. We do not endorse or recommend specific programs.

How We Update Content

We review and update our blog posts regularly to ensure accuracy. When information changes, such as new legislation, updated treatment guidelines, or new research, we update our content and note the date of the most recent revision.

Corrections

If you believe any content on our site contains an error, please contact us. We take accuracy seriously and will review and correct verified errors promptly.

Content Purpose

Our content is designed to inform and support parents who are navigating difficult decisions about their teenager's care. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Please see our Medical Disclaimer for more information.