Age: 15

Josh, who lives in north London, has two younger sisters, one of whom he argues with. He has had violent rages against his family. Even though his parents, Sean and Terri, have seen him as an out of control, violent druggie, he has managed to continue his keen interests in skating, art and graffiti.

Terri says: 'He has been a pain since the day he was born. If he isn't getting what he wants, that's when the trouble begins. He'll start throwing things around the room or throwing things at us. Sometimes I can't believe I have a son like this. I'm not sure how often Josh uses cannabis.'

'I don't think Josh has used anything more than cannabis. I'm desperately worried he will end up being really unhappy and being hooked on drugs or alcohol or something. And then completely losing his way and that really makes me feel sad'"

Sean adds: 'He will usually punch me to the head and those punches do hurt. Josh is so unpredictable, and that's the problem. You live in fear of what he is going to do next. If he gets worked up, he is quite capable of doing anything. Each morning is a battle to get him to go to school. Because he doesn't achieve the things he's capable of achieving I think the frustration will lead to more violence and he will end up somewhere he shouldn't be.'

Josh has turned himself around and is now off drugs.

His father Sean says: 'Josh always fell back on his art to express his feelings and deal with problems, brought about by muggings and bullying. Music was always useful in that it allowed Josh to forget about his problems. Since Brat Camp Josh has become an avid reader.'

Josh was very keen to go to the camp. 'I think he realised that something had to give,' Sean says. 'I admire him for realising this. I can't begin to tell you what a big difference the camp has made. Josh is a wonderful kid. He is caring, loving and warm and has direction in his life. He seems so switched on again. It's great to have conversations with Josh now and he makes eye contact with me. He went away a troubled boy and came back a well-rounded man.'

His mother Terri explains the background to her son's problems: 'Josh was always a very switched on, grounded sort of kid but when bullied at school and mugged in the street he became angry and frustrated. He reacted aggressively at the lack of support and help from his school and the police. This was the start of a downward spiral.'

Josh adds: 'Before the camp I'd say 'fuck everything', but after I try everything once and just get on with it.'

Top of page