been there myself. they just want to get out as soon as possible - usually either becuase they deny they have a problem/extent of the problem or because they arent ready to change. My son has always pushed for outpatient but I was lucky because the court ordered at least 6 months residential and it took the pressure off of me - they just felt he wasnt going to get it with anything less. my son constantly asks me about other places - i always keep it vague and just say "we'll see where you get in." I looked at other programs because he asked me to (and i felt that was fair to at least look at them) but never sent in applications or pushed for them. Then when the decision is made I just say - this is where you're going - the other options arent going to work out. Flat out no without explanations - explanations and justifications just get me back into the position where he can manipulate me.