I think these are valid approaches, but I have to admit I would be uncomfortable having one near my home, mostly because of my little boy. But having said that .. I also wouldn't want many things near him including sober houses, etc.
I posted an article a long time back similar to this by Dr Gabor Mate... its on this forum somewhere.. Kindness beats tough love I think was the title given by the author. His studies showed it helped too; in Canada I think it was.