My husband and I are looking for support on how to cope with our
ODD/ADHD/Bipolar 13 yr old son.

A little back ground...my husband and I have a combined family (yours mine and
ours). He has 2 from a previous marriage, our oldest 17 yr old girl, our 13 yr
old son, I have a soon to be 11 yr old girl, and then we have a soon to be 4 yr
old together.

Our 13 yr old has been in and out of institutions for the last 6 years, thanks
to a teacher from his school who deemed us unfit when he was 7, and had the
Department of Human Resources step in. We have finally shaken them after all
this time.

Since returning to our home full time, we have a constant battle of wills with
him. He will not do anything he is told to do, he constantly argues with the
girls (baby is in daycare) and roams the neighborhood without permission.
talking to him does no good, as he constantly smarts off and tells us he can
take care of himself. You explain the dangers of what can happen to him and he
just stares at you with a blank expression on his face.

I could go on and on, but basically I would like some feed back and possible
ideas on how to approach him and deal with this behavior. WE have tried
rewarding him when he does make it through the day without an argument or
leaving home but this lasts exactly one day, no more no less.

Any advice ideas are welcome,
Thanks,
Wendi