but we are a Continental Hub here in Cleveland and they will not even let you book a minor on any flight that is not direct. They don't want kids getting stuck in situations exactly like this.

While I think that SOMEONE should have realized this boy was UA and actually, um, ACCOMPANIED HIM (I can't believe he got delayed over night at the airport! Where did he stay?) I am a little confused why you are more upset about the fee refund than you are that they essentially left the boy to his own devices and couldn't be troubled to communicate with you about the cancellations ESPECIALLY in light of the minor.

I hope you'll stop back and let us know what the outcome was.