Why We Do It

Too many children and families are stuck in an ineffective care system that leaves them confused rather than improved. Boys Town is boldly charting a new course of cost-effective care that that helps at-risk children and families build brighter futures. We’re sharing the research-proven results of our Integrated Continuum of Care with other agencies so they can understand its value in helping children and families. We’re urging others to embrace the Continuum as a way to repair the current system that often is dysfunctional and ineffective.

The Need for Reform

• Approximately 702,000 children were unique victims of abuse or neglect.
• Approximately 1,770 children died as a result of abuse and/or neglect.
• Two-thirds of America’s youth deal with at least one major childhood trauma such as: physical or sexual abuse, emotional or physical neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, separation or divorce, a parent in jail or mental illness.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (2009)

Unfavorable Odds

• 51% of our youth have aggression problems.
• 42% of our youth have been physically and/or sexually abused, neglected, or abandoned.
• 64% of our youth experience school problems.
• 47% of our youth have substance abuse problems.
• 51% of our youth have been arrested.

A High Price to Pay

The price paid by society for not saving these children is staggering.