In-Home Family Services

Boys Town is a little different than other organizations because, really, when we enter a family's home, it's non-judgmental, and we meet the family where they are at. And we understand that the situation is difficult, stressful, there may have been abuse or neglect with the children. But really, we have to understand that parents are likely to have experienced the same thing. They don't have the supports, the resources to navigate stressful situations. Situations that you or I would navigate somewhat with ease. Well, every day is different. It's one of the things that I like about our job here.

But typically, we go into family's homes and work with them to meet their goals. So that's anything from supervising their family interactions with their children, teaching them parenting skills. Robin was referred for services in October of 2011. She was involved in a domestic violence relationship. The children were removed, and then they were placed with her mother. You know, some lady I didn't even know, didn't know my kids, didn't know my situation, had no clue of what kind of person I was, was going to come and tell me, you know, what to do or what I needed to do for my kids. And I just, I didn't like her, but, you know, she's pretty awesome.

I want to keep her around. So... Robin was very resistive to services when we came in. She was understandably very angry about everything that had happened. It's kind of like a mother that nags at you, you know, you really, really care about them, and they just, they won't leave you alone until you get it right. Robin does a very good job. She's always bonded with each of the children.

Their faces light up when they see mom, and they don't want to leave at the end of visits. She's let me cry to her, and I've kind of yelled at her a few times, and she's just so calm and just listens, and then she gives me her input. It's just nice to have someone like that around, just because I do want people to know, like, Boys Town's awesome. Everyone should have a Lacey. All of our family consultants are trained in the Common Sense Parenting training, so they're able to pull pieces of that curriculum into the home, whether it's, you know, using the time out, or teaching their kids different skills. It's really providing, adding tools to the tool belt of these parents, so, and just building on those skills. We help serve families that have been referred to us, either for abuse, neglect, domestic violence, a whole range of behaviors.

This family that we're going to meet with today, this is a single mother. There's a just one phenomenal person that is working and fighting against all these people telling her she can't do it, she can't do it. The small things, helping her take her to her doctor's appointment, taking her to the grocery store, has been what has made the difference with her.

It was hard, but I did it. I went through some pretty hard times, but I always thought about the kids first, so that's what helped me. A lot of support from everybody. Boys Town and my worker helped me do it. They went from nothing to a home environment that was safe. I think she's making some pretty good progress. I would never give my kids up for anything, ever in my life.

The Boys Town model, it's a lot different than other models because it's geared towards family and helping families out. Seeing the success stories, seeing people do well, and just hearing the small words thank you. Do you hear that a lot? Yes.