Parent Advocate Sue Scheff Announces Release of First Book, “Wits End!” for Early 2008

Weston, Florida – Parent Sue Scheff knows all too well the frustrations of dealing with a troubled teen.

Being a single mom had always been trying, but as daughter Ashlyn reached her teenage years, the problems became far too much to handle.  Bad decisions and difficult situations left Sue Scheff with no choice but to look to outside help for her troubled teen and salvation for strained family. What she didn’t know continues to haunt her.  Seven years after her horrific travels into the world of teen help, Sue Scheff has become an advocate for safe alternatives, parent education and the truth.  Through her organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Scheff has helped numerous families safely and successfully find help. Hoping to reach parents further, advocate Scheff becomes author with the release of her first book, “Wits End!”.  Due in early 2008, “Wits End” details the trials and tribulations of Scheff and her family along with the reality surrounding the teen help industry.  Scheff hopes “a parent’s mistakes” can lend insight into other parents anguish.

“Wits End!” tells the story of a parent at hers; desperate to find help for her teen daughter, Sue Scheff enlisted the help of World Wide Association of Specialty Programs. The organization, better known as WWASPS, boasted themselves an umbrella organization of independent institutions for education and treatment of troubled adolescents. Through WWASPS, Ms. Scheff was introduced to the Carolina Springs Academy, a behavioral modification school located in South Carolina. Lured by the academy’s glossy brochures, videos, and positive parental references, Scheff enrolled her daughter.  So impressed with the initial experience, she even helped WWASPS by referring other parents to their services. The truth, however, came as a harsh reality.  “Submitting to the desperation and emotional frenzy was the worst mistake I ever made.” Says Scheff.

Soon after securing Ashlyn at the school, red flags began to rise. Scheff was notified that there was no therapist on staff; however, parents could hire a professional for an extra $100.000 per visit. Through school support sessions, Scheff also learned that there was no group professional psychological therapy, one of the advertised benefits of the program.  The program’s hidden costs continued to add up, and observation of other parents and school staff brought her great discomfort. After six months being denied the right to visit or even speak with her daughter, Sue Scheff withdrew Ashlyn from Carolina Springs Academy.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t over there. Upon returning home, Sue realized Ashlyn hadn’t benefited from her time at Carolina Springs. In fact, she was seriously depressed and dealing with suicidal thoughts as well as increased level of anger.  It was then Sue Scheff was faced with the reality of her decision: Ashlyn shared the unspeakable stories of physical and mental abuse she endured at Carolina Springs Academy.  Together, the pair worked with an excellent psychologist and began to heal, however, Scheff was not satisfied. Desperate parents like her were still being lured into dangerous and fraudulent programs by WWASPS daily. In 2001, Compelled by her struggles and newfound experiences, Sue Scheff founded Parents Universal Resource Experts to support parents with truth and genuine solutions for troubled teens.

Seven years later, Parents Universal Resource Experts is still going strong. Through free consultation services and the experience of parents nationwide, Sue Scheff has created a safe haven for families desperate for help.  The organization continues to provide safe options and alternatives for troubled teens as well as resources for parent education.

To learn more about “Wits End!” or to pre-order a copy, visit the book’s official website at http://www.suescheff.net.