In March of 2005 Boys' Haven embarked on a journey. We partnered with Girls and Boys Town and adopted their treatment model called the Psycho-educational Treatment Model. We later adopted the name STEPS for Boys' Haven's model. STEPS stands for Steps Toward Effective Problem Solving. The STEPS program gives the clients the opportunity to learn and apply over one hundred and twenty different social and life skills that help them be more successful. The core premise of the program is that the kids are taught new effective behaviors and coping skills to replace old ineffective behaviors and coping skills. Clients actively role play scenarios with staff that they will encounter in their daily lives so when the events occur they will be prepared to make the right decision and be equipped with the right coping skills, social skills and strategies to be successful.

After one year of effort the results are very positive. Aggressive behavior is dramatically down, running away has decreased and the kids' self esteem and decision making skills and coping skills has definitely increased. The kids are better able to control their own behaviors and impulses. One client states "I used to get so mad over the smallest things and end up doing something I shouldn't, but now I close my eyes and relax. If that doesn't help staff help me write in my journal. I still get mad from time to time but now I can control myself and make better decisions". Many kids have been able to gain employment in the community after working the STEPS program. With the skills they have learned they are more effective students, employees and friends. Another client states "right now I make pizzas three days a week, but I want to go to college some day. I never tried to get a job before because I didn't know how to get one. But staff have taught me how to fill out an application, how to interview and how to handle conflict at work".

Each day residents receive over 50 teaching interactions from various staff on how to follow directions, how to handle conflict, how to handle peer pressure and accept no for an answer; to name a few social skills that are regularly taught. The kids have also elected house leaders. With staff guidance these house leaders offer support, leadership and encouragement to their peers. They help plan activities and oversee chores. This program is very challenging and intensive, but we have seen great results and expect greater results in the future. By replacing old behaviors with new effective behaviors the kids' lives are changing. We give credit to the STEPS model, the clients who are working the model and the many staff that have taken the role of teacher to teach these kids to be successful.