Just wondering... are you treating the problem or the symptoms?
Behavior modification to change his behavior doesnt do anything for the underlying issues. I realize your immediate concern is "drugs, stealing" bla bla bla, the typical stuff the programs are catering to the fears of ( a lot of the time the FEAR of kids doing it gets them sent to programs, not the actual action!).
You saw brat camp, right? You know how wilderness programs work, right? Tricked into coming in or FORCED to come in, forced to sign off on some BS paper, and then youre forced to physically exert yourself, endure crap, and the stress of that + the stress from the councelors (pushing buttons) so you basically get pushed until you break emotionally. Generally they get mad or have a crying breakdown or whatever.
So now, hes in a program, right? DUH hes gonna say hes 'proud he accomplished in it' because thats part of the deal. You have to agree with the shit in the brochures and 'work the program' to get out, even if its bullshit or simply a case of not being needed or necessary. Sure, if you survive shit you might be sure of yourself... but engineered, artificial hardship to 'overcome' is still just fake life experience.
I mean shit, its not as if he can leave or ask you pick him up, is it? So how would you know what he REALLY thinks? You DO know what happens if you say anything bad about the program, riiight? You get pusnished for 'manipulating.
Seriously, this place is teaching CREATIONISM. How hard would it be to imagine their whole model is to indoctrinate and make him repeat their dogma and act good before he gets out. So yeah, if you want him to be trained into obedience and spout Anchor's bullshit... well, there ya go.
Hell, while Im posting - please, share with us what kind of communication you and him have. Can you or have you shown up unannounced? Are his calls or letters monitored or censored? Did they say not to listen if he said anything bad because its manipulative?
My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.
-- Ashleigh Brilliant