I think he's got a future in foster homes.
Without any doubt I predict that this kid's only future is life in prison w/o parole. It's already too late. If he treats his mother this way what kind of treatment will foster parents get. Personally I think we'll be reading shortly about the murder of this mother. No doubt at all.
Part of me believes you are correct, and the good in me wants to hope for the best...stories like Helen Keller's come to mind. But based on my experience with the state, it's a long shot. Odds are foster homes will do more harm than good.