Typically, troubled youth admitted to Behavioral Health programs are unable to function in normal family or community settings. For many, placement in traditional treatment programs has resulted in repeated failures, and reunification with the family shows little promise without stabilizing intervention. Because of severe emotional/behavioral disorders, these youth need a safe environment with specialized, intensive treatment.

Characteristics of youth qualified for admission include:

• History of physical and/or sexual abuse, police and court involvement
• History of repeated school failures
• Signs of persistent, unpredictable behavior that may jeopardize the health or safety of themselves or others
• Symptoms of severe impulsive tendencies, mood swings, explosive episodes, suicidal or assaultive behavior
• At risk of repeated psychiatric hospitalization

Programs are not designed to meet the needs of youth whose cognitive functioning is below borderline range, who are chemically dependent and in need of detoxification or have a history of sexual perpetration.

Utilizing a common philosophy of treatment, an individualized program of care is developed for each youth based on his/her treatment needs. This treatment plan follows the youth as they work their way from one level of care to the next. Boys Town Behavioral Health Services allow youth to progress, especially those who have had multiple placement failures, with the ultimate goal of returning youth to their home community.