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:
* difficulty handling the loss of a parent to death, divorce, desertion, prison,
substance abuse
* failure to adapt to, or in, an adoptive family
* 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 and disrespect toward family members - this is different from normal developmental 'conflict'
*families 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 leave the
program. The long term
commitment by guardians or parents enables each boy to progress, make mistakes, learn from them, and show
themselves, the staff, and their families 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 guardians or 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 but this has not led to anticipated change.
Professional staff conducts individual sessions with families and their sons
including conversations over the phone, and
staff sends frequent email to keep family 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. Guardians and/or
families must take a
long term view of the process that develops change. The poor attitudes and habits the boys have
upon entering the program did not occur overnight and they will only change over time.
Families must be committed to the process of change; longer lengths of stay
promote stability and community through the experience of connection and
belonging that comes from this stable, structured community environment.
If guardians (grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives) and/or parents are not committed to having their son work through the level system to the point where they are recommended to return home, or they are ready to be emancipated, we prefer they not send them to Safe Harbor.
Application For Placement Inquiry
The following provide financial assistance to families