Is There Any Free Programs

We do not know of any free boot camps or programs.

The only program that could be considered government sponsored would not be of interest to most parents. These types of programs take court ordered kids that typically have long legal records. In many states the program even though court ordered, is not free. The parents are required to pay for the child's stay. The juvenile system in most states could possibly be considered a government sponsored program, but again this is usually not what a parent is looking for when they are seeking help for their teen. The majority of calls we receive, come from parents who are trying to keep their teen out of the legal system, rather than trying to find a way to get them into it.

What does the US Military offer for defiant teens?

Today's military really doesn't have interest in, or time for out of control teens. With the incentives being offered including career training, the military has gotten more selective, rather than more permissive. If a teen is not interested in a career in the military or at least motivated to enroll, this will not be a viable option for a troubled teen. In a few rare cases a teen that feels backed into a corner with no choices may be interested in enlisting, but these are far and few between. If they do sign up, once the reality of the situation hits them, they are looking for a way out. Unfortunately getting out is not as easy as getting in. The paragraph below is taken from a military information site and is quite informative on this subject.

Is the military for your child?

(This information taken from a military information site) A teen should ask themselves the following questions before signing on the dotted line. First and foremost, you should decide if you should even join the military. As I said, the military is not for everyone, and some people find that out too late. Ask yourself why you want to join the military? Do you need a job? Do you want to serve your country? Are you thinking of making the military a career, or just to do a term or two? Is it for the college benefits? Is it to learn a trade? Do you want to travel the World for awhile? Just need some time to "mature? Before you join, recognize the fact that a stint in the military is not civilian employment. It's not just like having a regular job.

You can't just up and quit anytime you want to. You can go to jail just for being late for work. Before you join, recognize the fact that a stint in the military is not civilian employment. It's not just like having a regular job. You can't just up and quit anytime you want to. You can go to jail just for being late for work. (Granted, it's unlikely that a commander would impose non-judicial punishment, or court-martial action the first time you are late for work, but it would be entirely legal for him/her to do so -- See Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice [UCMJ].) No matter how high your rank, no matter which service you join, there will always be someone telling you what to do, and when to do it. Many times you won't like or agree with your orders, but you take a solemn oath to "obey the orders of the President of the United States and the lawful orders of those appointed over you." Disobeying those orders can have serious consequences. If you can't live with this simple fact, save yourself and the government some valuable time and money, and don't enlist.