TTI Glossary

The Troubled Teen Industry has its own language. Programs rename punishment, isolation, and control as "consequences," "reflection," and "support," and families often learn what the words meant only years later. This glossary collects that language from program handbooks, staff manuals, state records, and survivor accounts.

Terms used at more than one program are in Shared Terms A–Z. Terms documented at only one program or program family are under Program Sections, grouped by lineage. Treatment Modalities, About the Industry, and Wilderness Specific stand on their own.

Each entry ends with the programs where the term appears. Used at means it appears in the program's own documents. Reportedly used at means it comes from survivor accounts.

467 terms 66 programs Updated

Shared Terms A–Z

Rescuing #

A parent or peer protecting a child from consequences. Falcon Ridge made it a Category II violation. Wingate told parents to "resist the urge to rescue." Compare Red-crossing, Enabling.

Used at Falcon Ridge Ranch Wingate Wilderness Therapy

Wilderness Specific

Challenge by choice #

An option for students to turn in issued gear, like a backpack or shoes, and use primitive items they made themselves instead. The handbook frames it as optional and says students "are never deprived of their gear."

Used at Wingate Wilderness Therapy

Lay Over days #

Therapy days in the field (usually Monday and Tuesday), when the group didn't hike and the therapist visited.

Used at Wingate Wilderness Therapy

PMT (Personal & Mentor Time) #

Scheduled time on therapy days for letters, therapy assignments, and primitive skills.

Used at Wingate Wilderness Therapy

Pulse check #

A hydration check staff did before hikes.

Used at Wingate Wilderness Therapy

Wind Speaking #

A group discussion held on hiking days. The handbook doesn't explain it further.

Used at Wingate Wilderness Therapy