My heart goes out to you for everything you and your son our going through right now.
I fought the county in court to try to get my oldest in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC). This was the reccommendations of the psychiatrists and SW's from the county he was previously being treated in. After several hearings, judge decided he would go and live with- his grandparents! Yes, his grandparents who I often recall saying, "We're gonna break him of his Autism." Ha! Not only is he doing worse, this year has been a complete downword spiral in school, with aggression.
The reason they decided this, according to the court, and the law, is they need to find the least restrictive environment... this is in the best interest of the child. Ofcourse, we all know our children are not one size fits all, and in some cases, this is not in the best interest.
The reason, according to a SW who had been working with- my oldest son prior to all this happening, is that Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is way more expensive, and the county doesn't want to pay for it. This SW used to work for the county we live in years back. He was a witness in court, and advocated for my son to be able to be transitioned to Residential Treatment Center (RTC), until stable enough to come back home. I can't believe the judge, it's as if he completly ignored this reccommendation, along with- the same reccommendations coming from the psychiatrists he has worked with.
I didn't mean to ramble on about my own experience, I just wanted you to know I've been down this road. I have not had to deal with- juvy, my son is too low- functioning, and it is very obvious he has mental health issues. Nonetheless, the aggression is aweful. I was told that I could fight for more services, but the county offered me what they called "Wrap around Services." When we broke it down, these were the exact same services he was currently receiving, with- the exception of respite care, and that was minimal. We had tried respite in the past, but no one ever seemed qualified enough to make me want to leave him alone with- them! They all seemed to inexperienced, and too scared. For this same reason, my son's grandmother will not use the respite, as well. Ugh! What great "services!"
I share your frustration, and I hope things will work out. Every state is different, and these situations can go many different ways. Keep fighting Warrior mom!
Peace and Love- Sarah