Our programs base treatment on the Boys Town Psycho-Educational Treatment Model (PEM). This approach creates an atmosphere where medical, psychological and social treatment of children can be coordinated and interactions between children and each treatment professional are enhanced.

The hallmark of PEM is to “Catch kids being good” and reinforce this behavior at a higher rate than bad behavior. It is neither a punishment model nor a standard counseling model. Our goal is not to frustrate youth, but to help them learn to get their needs met in pro-social ways. This approach requires a low tolerance for inappropriate behaviors coupled with high warmth and praise for appropriate behaviors. Ours is a self-help model. It is not a control model. It is a youth empowerment model. And it works!

Family Centered Care

Parental involvement plays a huge role in the success of a child’s treatment and reunification with his family. We encourage parents, guardians, siblings and other family members who surround the child, to be involved in the child’s treatment and care plan.