Ashley, on the End Institutionalized Child Abuse myspace group, former graduates posted that they'd be willing to help 18 year olds who leave programs get on their feet. The program gets parents to tell their kids that they'll get nothing, $10 or $100 and sometimes no plane ticket home if they leave once they are 18 and can legally do so, so many are scared into staying. Anyway, many former graduates offered to help so keep them in mind if he leaves at 18 and needs help, donations, advice, or anything else.
I agree with Antigen, we all wish we'd had a friend like you. By giving out your name and info, some people around here are going to attack you, and it gives you about a 2% taste of how bad Alex will get it in his program. Stay strong and please don't give up!