Age: 16

Joe, whose parents are separated, lives on the outskirts of London with his mother. He has younger twin sisters. He has not had a bad relationship with them, but his parents, Shelagh and Mark, have been concerned that he is a bad role model because he is so full of hate. He did badly in his GCSEs, but has been keen on his punk band, guitar and saxophone.

Joe's behaviour began to have a severely detrimental affect on his family over recent months. 'Often when things are really bad and I'm packing up at work I feel physically ill because I don't know what I'm going to come home to,' Shelagh says. He'll push his mother out of his room or push her out of the way. Joe's school didn't know how to handle him and his teachers recommended that he should be taken to get professional help, but he didn't want to do it.

'He seems to hate an awful lot of things and he hates me too,' his mother adds. 'He is very much a rebel without a clue. Everything is just too much effort for him. He has said to me that he didn't ask to be born so it is my responsibility to do everything for him. It is as if he has been a complete spoilt brat, but I don't believe he has been.'

Joe has a job in a supermarket and he has his first gig with a band. His mother Shelagh is pleased that he is finally doing something. He now gets on fine with his sisters, even though he used to blame them for everything before Turn-About Ranch.

Joe has always found conforming difficult and he started smoking cannabis when his family split up, but his music is now giving him a positive outlet.

'He was keen to go to the camp for a laugh,' Shelagh explains. 'And it has made a difference. Joe is more open and polite, gets on with family and takes responsibility. He is a pleasure to have around and prepared to work hard. School was always an influence on Joe and chipped away at his self worth. There was no strong, male role model.'

As for Joe, who does he blame for his problems? 'The government and the system,' he says.

Shelagh adds: 'I have got my son back. Thank you!'

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