The article which follows is an adaptation of an article on the website of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, of which Tom Croke is a member.  In addition, a group of schools which depend upon educational consultants for referral has prepared a video clip, available at www.teenhelpconsultant.com.

In times of crisis a barrage of emotions often overwhelms parents. The confusion and desperation associated with a troubled teen can be extremely trying. As alternatives are explored, how do you know what options are available? Of the many forms of intervention, which meet the unique needs of your child or young adult?

Educational consultants help parents build a promising future for their young person and their entire family.

Educational consultants are trained experts who possess comprehensive knowledge of options. Many consultants specialize in crisis intervention and have extensive experience advising families with young people who have emotional and behavioral difficulties. This expertise is used to advise you on the most suitable plan for your child or young adult.

The consultant thoroughly interviews both the young person and family to determine individual needs and concerns. Getting to know you and your young person is vital to discovering a solution.

In some cases, testing may be done to determine specific learning and behavioral patterns. Some consultants administer these tests themselves; others make referrals to other professionals for testing. Young people who are "acting out" can appear very similar although the underlying roots of the behavior may be quite different. An individualized approach is required to respond to a young person's particular needs. A knowledgeable consultant can help you find which programs are suited for your young person.

Research is done to find the best fit for your child or young adult. Because consultants have helped a variety of troubled teens, they are aware of a multitude of options and can expeditiously target the best choices. Educational consultants spend about 20% of their time on the road, visiting therapeutic programs and other educational institutions. Not tied to any institution or program, consultants can concentrate on what is best for your young person and provide you with objective options.

If your young person has been placed in a program, the consultant follows up to monitor progress. Consultants often work as part of a treatment team in conjunction with therapists, and can also serve as a support for parents. Consultants look beyond the current placement and assist in planning for your young person's continued progress. If your child or young adult is not placed, the consultant will assist in implementing a plan to address your problems at home.

Educational consultants advise on all facets of your young person's care. This professional and confidential intervention often brings long-awaited direction to troubled families.

Consultants work for you. Many websites that serve as guides to schools and programs and many people who advise without a charge, are simply marketing for specific schools and programs, with payment arrangements they do not always disclose.

Parents who have used a school or facility may be helpful, but different people have different needs.  What worked for Johnny Smith might not be right for your child. 

PLEASE NOTE: This article was adapted from the following web page of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.  We chose to use this because it was prepared by the organization that represents most educational consultants known to us.  We have altered the article where we believe the general statements about consultants do not reach our innovations. We have changed several items that reflect the difference between FamilyLight^sm and most other consultants. These are the changes and the reasons for the changes:

1. The original article from the Independent Educational Consultants Association refers to services to children and teens; we include young adults.
2. The original article from the Independent Educational Consultants Association refers to meeting families on “neutral ground.” We believe in meeting families in their homes.  We believe that is a far superior way to do things.  We know that young people feel more comfortable and confident participating in their own planning in their own homes than in a professional office.   We learn more and the young people develop confidence that the people guiding their parents are not strangers.
3. The original article from the Independent Educational Consultants Association is written as if the only job of the consultant is to find a residential placement or to do a “school search.”  We believe that is too narrow a view.  Our job is to help families to devise and implement a plan to solve a problem.  We are not trying to sell residential placement.
4. We point out that the original article from the Independent Educational Consultants Association is misleading on the point of consultants meeting and getting to know the young person of concern.  We doubt that most consultants do in fact meet the young people with behavioral and emotional issues who are the focus of our practice. Most proceed on the basis of reports from parents and other professionals. (We do know some who do some of the time.)  We know of no others who require a meeting with the young person in order to take the case. We generally spend more time with them than any other consultant we know of. 
5. There is a reference to the fact that some consultants do testing.  We do not, but we heavily utilize the results of testing done by others.