It is the best thing ever. We were having so much trouble with my son and he entered and finished and actually graduated with honors. I would highly recomend it for every young man, trouble or not. It was life changing!!!  He went here in HI so it was the HNGYCA. 

Thanks for the input. My son is 16 and has lived with his dad in Louisiana for the last 10 months. Up until then he lived with in Washington State. He decided to try living with his dad (grass is always greener) for a few reasons but mostly because my husband and I are strict and have expectations that he disagreed with.

Anyway, this last year has been one I would not wish on anyone. Let's just say having all the freedom he could want didn't work out in his favor. He is so far away from the young man he used to be. He got into some trouble with the law, doesn't play sports anymore, attends an alternative school and has very few friends. I will admit he was pushing to go down this path when he was here and my husband and I fought with everything we had to keep that from happening.

Luckily I believe he is starting to grow up. He called his sister (graduated Romeo 182) and apologized to her for continually coming down on her because she always toed the line and knew Mom's word was final.

He then called me and asked me what I think about him doing this program. I am hoping it will be the saving grace we are looking for. 

It's either that or try to bribe some of the CC's I have met to take him in   Or better yet - his sense of humor would fit in just perfect with Gears or Cooch.

We had a terrible time with my son as well.  He skipped so much school that the end of his "senior year" they told him he didn't have enough credits to graduate-it was so bad that it would have taken a whole year, he was missing that many credits.  We gave him an ultimatum-get a full time job or go to the HNGYCA and since that was "only" 6 months, he thought that would be better.  I was afraid every single day that he would leave as they can't force them to stay and I think almost 1/2 the class dropped out.  My son (who is ADHD) THRIVED in the structured, regimented living where they knew what to expect and any given time.  Who knew??  I will attach a copy of he and I on his graduation and I have to say, it totally changed our relationship.  He is now 22 and lives at home but works full time, pays rent and is an all around great kid.  There was a time there that I thought he would burn out and be a bum.  Hang in there, if you can talk him into going to the YCA - I would do everything I could to encourage it.  He finally found his purpose and goals.  Good luck - this is such a hard time - I think I cried for 2 years!! 

On another note, we had an even worse time with my daughter and she is now in the Coast Guard so Miracles can and do happen!!