Program Description

At-risk boys, ages fifteen to seventeen may be eligible to participate in our program. The required minimum stay is one year. Boys are admitted into our program for a number of reasons including:

* failing grades and/or truancy

* some substance use issues
 (those with diagnosed substance abuse must attend a rehab program before being admitted)

* poor choice of friends

*defiance, disrespect or violence toward parent(s) - this is different from normal developmental 'conflict' with parents

*emotional difficulty handling the loss of a parent

*for parents who believe they need a "secure" program or facility for their son, Safe Harbor MAY be able to meet this need

*parents who prefer to work with a private program and whose child has minor legal problems will find Safe Harbor is able to work with most Juvenile or Family Courts to obtain a placement from the court

A MINIMUM TERM of one year is required for placement at Safe Harbor. The boys must progress through the level system in order to be recommended to go home. The long term commitment by parents enables each boy to progress, make mistakes, learn from them, and show themselves, the staff, and their parents the consistency over time required for lasting change.

This is an interdenominational Christ centered program. The staff are dedicated Christian individuals who care for each boy in the program. Boys from different religious backgrounds or those from no religious influence are accepted and no child is required to convert to have success in the program. However, parents or guardians of the residents MUST understand our viewpoint that being a Christ centered ministry is the reason we believe success comes to the boys at Safe Harbor.  Most parents would be delighted to "have their son back" and are happy to have them exposed to a spiritual influence.

The Safe Harbor program is structured and centers on teaching a work ethic and helping the boys understand their behavior is leading them into less and less freedom.. We develop positive character traits by exposing the boys to many vocational education opportunities including carpentry, welding, boat maintenance & repair, gas and diesel engine repair, and some basic electrical concepts. Character traits such as dependability, follow through, focus and attention to detail, are taught in these courses. Every class at Safe Harbor is entitled "work" to expose these boys to the world of employment, where the majority are headed within twenty four months.

Counseling is offered individually and through groups by both licensed mental health professionals, and pastoral counseling.  All staff are involved in mentoring during time spent with the boys. These informal settings help the boys relax, begin to trust adults, and learn life lessons not acquired elsewhere. Most boys entering the program have had outpatient counseling and if these sessions had been successful parents would not be seeking the type of help we offer.

Professional staff conducts individual sessions with families and their sons, conversations over the phone, and sends frequent email to keep parents updated. Additionally, short weekly phone calls along with encouraged letter writing helps restore family relationships. Once placed into residential care, the boy's family suddenly becomes very important again.

Lasting change takes time, and the process and timing for each boy is unique. Parents must take a long term view of the process that develops change. The bad attitudes and habits the boys have upon entering the program did not occur overnight and they will only change over time.

If parents are not committed to having their son work through the level system and to the point where they are recommended to return home, we prefer they not send them to Safe Harbor.