In 1994 the Assessment and Short-Term Residential Center opened at Boys Town Nevada to provide refuge to girls and boys in crisis, including runaway, homeless, court-placed or abused children until a permanent and safe placement could be found.  Highly trained professionals provide individual assessment, counseling and care to help children ages 10-18.  The program is successful in helping children work on treatment goals, learn life skills and problem-solving techniques, identify challenges and make better choices.  Emphasis is placed on family reunification, if it is in the best interest of the child. Since opening in 1994, 3900 youth have been assisted in moving forward with their lives. 

Philosophy

• length of stay based on individual need;
• to offer a safe environment with trained staff for youth in crisis;
• to teach appropriate social skills through individualized treatment and help youth overcome behaviors that have been problems for them in the past;
• to enable families to become more effective through the Boys Town Common Sense Parenting training program.

 Goals

• to temporarily care for youth in crisis until they are able to reunify with their previous placement, or until a new appropriate, more permanent placement can be arranged;
• to provide treatment services to enhance a youth’s overall functioning and ability to deal with current and future difficulties;
• to foster continued success for youth and families by offering free parenting classes.

Program

• youth receive individualized treatment based on their needs;
• youth are taught social skills to enable them to interact successfully in the community, e.g. with family, peers, and teachers;
• a research-based motivation system is utilized to encourage youth to be effective in treatment ;
• medical screenings are completed as part of the admission process;
• all youth participate in an educational class room approved by the Clark County School District and run by a certified teacher;
• staffed by trained Youth Care Workers 24 hours a day;
• planned daily activities including movies, picnics, museums, parks, etc;
• scheduled weekend and evening visits with family, if approved;
• structured Parent Training, including behavioral contracting and mediation training;
• independent Living Skills, e.g. study skills, meal preparation, laundry are taught to youth;
• a family style environment, i.e. family meals, outings, decorated bedrooms, etc;
• professional staff through competency – based training, annual certification, ongoing education and supervision, 24 hour consultation and consumer feedback;
• sliding-fee scale for private referrals;
• average staff to youth ratio of 1 to 4;
• Clinical Support Specialist (LCSW) providing group and individual support. 

 Aftercare

• a one month follow-up contact is made with every youth and family;
• the Boys Town Common Sense Parenting program is available to parents of youth;
• youth may be re-referred, once parents participate in the parenting program.