Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model

Adolescents aged 14-18 in need of residential placement, who have fallen into trouble in the community with behavior characterized by substance abuse problems, delinquent behaviors, school failure, family problems, negative peer associations, and by an inability to make positive decisions

For children/adolescents ages: 14 - 18

For parents/caregivers of children ages: 14 - 18

The Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model teaches youth to be accountable for their behaviors through daily group therapy sessions, daily work experience, a comprehensive high school and vocational program, and a student government. Through this structured program, youth should develop the self-esteem and skills to be responsible and self-reliant adults. The main precepts for the development of Boys Republic in 1907 still hold true today; youth can learn to be accountable for their behavior by governing themselves, by developing a sense of responsibility, and, in addition, by developing a strong work ethic. The program can be done in a residential community program, a day treatment program, or a correctional facility.

Chris Burns
Boys Republic

• http://www.boysrepublic.org
• Email: cburns@boysrepublic.org
• Phone: (909) 628-1217

The primary goals of the Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model are:

• Develop prosocial and nondelinquent behaviors and values in our youth
• Transition youth to stable family living arrangements or positive independent living arrangements
• Reduce and eliminate the use of substances and alcohol
• Develop positive peer group associations
• Improve family relationships
• Help youth attain appropriate grade level and achievement levels
• Eliminate the need for future out-of-home placement
• Eliminate and or reduce the severity and frequency of law enforcement contracts
• Teach a positive and responsible attitude toward work

The essential components of the Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model include:

• Providing a safe environment for youth to develop prosocial and conventional behaviors and values
• Hiring staff members that are optimistic, enthusiastic, experienced, and well-trained on the Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model
• Following a daily structure that includes education, work experience, activities, and group treatment with 8-12 youth per group

Child/Adolescent Services

Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model directly provides services to children and addresses the following:

• Drug and alcohol abuse, delinquent behaviors, low self-esteem and poor social skills, poor school performance, and poor family relationships

Parent/Caregiver Services

Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model directly provides services to parents/caregivers and addresses the following:

• Family therapy sessions are held on site or at the family's home. Apartments are available on campus and in the residences for families to spend weekends and participate in family therapy sessions. Parenting classes are also available.

Recommended Intensity

Residential program – 24 hours a day; Nonresidential program - 5-6 days per week - 9 hours per day

Recommended Duration

6 to 9 months

Delivery Settings

This program is typically conducted in a(n):

• Group or Residential Care

Homework

This program does not include a homework component.

Resources Needed to Run Program

The typical resources for implementing the program are:

Trained staff, classrooms, school component, vocational training environments, student government implementation, transportation, and residential living

Prerequisite/Minimum Provider Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Social Science and training in the Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model

Manual Information

There is not a manual that describes how to deliver this program.

Training Information

There is training available for this program.

Training Contact

Training Type/Location:

On-site or regional

Number of days/hours:

Varies

• There are currently no published, peer-reviewed research studies on outcomes with the appropriate target population for the topic area(s) in which Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model has been reviewed.

• Empey, L. T. (1984). Boys Republic Training Manual: Adolescent problems and the use of group techniques. Boys Republic.

• Empey, L. T., & Erickson, M. L. (1972). The Provo Experiment: Evaluating community control of delinquency. Lexington Books.

• Lundman, R. J. (2001). Prevention control of juvenile delinquency. Oxford University Press.