Hi Kim, I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble. However, we actually would strongly recommend that you *avoid* "Scared Straight" programs, as research has shown that they're ineffective, and can even make kids *more* likely to commit new crimes.

You don't say what sort of problems you're having with your daughter, and I don't know what sort of resources are available in your area. But I strongly recommend family therapy if you can find it or afford it -- it can often be very useful in addressing behavior problems.

If you go that route, see if you can find a provider who has a lot of experience (and certification) using "Motivational Interviewing" (MI). It's a technique that therapists and health professionals use to increase client motivation to change. A key difference between it and other approaches is that it's based on research on how people make behavior changes (like quitting smoking) to draw on their own motivation for a better life to help them stop doing negative, self-destructive behavior. It's not a complete treatment in itself, but it can be extremely effective way to start work with a defiant teen.

You may also find that having her assessed by a behavioral health provider may help you find that there are underlying reasons for her behavior -- for example, mental health issues, trauma, or alcohol and drug issues.

Just a couple of ideas - I hope this is somewhat helpful, and I wish you the best of luck with your daughter.