Since 1986 that same care has been extended to girls. Most often a parent or relative has determined that a child would be better off living at Boysville than in his or her current situation in the family's home. In about half of the cases, a child is referred through a social services agency. About one in four of our children is placed by Child Protective Services or the court system. A minimum of six months in our Cottage Program is recommended.
Many children leave after a year to return to their own families.
Some remain with us through high school. Of course, a child who has been placed by his or her parents may leave at any time at their request. While Boysville is, and always has been, a non-sectarian home for children, we believe that spiritual development is vital to healing the wounds of abuse and neglect. Our children attend church and Sunday School with their cottage family each week. Also, prayers are spoken at every meal and devotions are given every morning.