Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model
About This Program
Target Population: 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
Program Overview
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.
Program Goals
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
Logic Model
The program representative did not provide information about a Logic Model for Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model.
Essential Components
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
Program Delivery
Child/Adolescent Services
Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model directly provides services to children/adolescents 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 Setting
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
Manuals and Training
Prerequisite/Minimum Provider Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Social Science and training in the Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model
Manual Information
There is a manual that describes how to deliver this program.
Training Information
There is training available for this program.
Training Contact:
- Dr. Chris Burns
cburns@boysrepublic.org
phone: (909) 628-1217
Training Type/Location:
On-site or regional
Number of days/hours:
Varies
Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research
Currently, there are no published, peer-reviewed research studies for Boys Republic Peer Accountability Model.
Additional References
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.
Contact Information
- Dr. Chris Burns, PhD
- Agency/Affiliation: Boys Republic
- Website: www.boysrepublic.org
- Email: cburns@boysrepublic.org
- Phone: (909) 628-1217
- Fax: (909) 627-9222
Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed by CEBC: February 2024
Date Program Content Last Reviewed by Program Staff: March 2019
Date Program Originally Loaded onto CEBC: November 2013
