Since 1977, CRJ’s youth programs have served at-risk and delinquent youth from the metro Boston area with counseling, treatment and education in both residential and non-residential settings.
Five distinct programs serve more than 300 youths annually, referred from the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and Department of Youth Services. We provide a safe, structured and goal-oriented environment in our day-reporting center and four residences ranging from a locked detention facility to a group home with outside schooling and part-time jobs. Whether youth are serving out a court-mandated period of restriction or have been removed from the home for their own protection, our goal is to prepare them well enough to be successfully reunited with their families or guardians, placed in a foster home or live independently.
Our clients, nearly all males 13 - 18 years of age, are often resistant to the services and attention they need. Most come from families which have experienced economic strain, chronic under- or unemployment, alcohol and other substance addictions, domestic violence and other serious issues. They may suffer from conduct disorders, emotional disturbances, sexual abuse or domestic violence, attention deficit disorder, addictions, and special education or medical needs.
Staff work creatively to deliver effective services in the least restrictive, most normative but appropriate environment for these young clients, without jeopardizing their safety or the safety of others. Some components to the care and support we provide are:
Educational services or public school placement, addictions counseling and treatment, employment and vocational training, recreational activities, independent living skills, mentoring relationships, medical, dental and mental health care.
We work with youth on many levels, and are there to support them around the clock. Family support is also encouraged and facilitated as an important component in the care we provide. Our hope is that, eventually, each will find his or her way to a satisfying, responsible and productive adulthood.
Ambrose House
A 12-bed, moderately restricted group home for adolescent males referred by Dept. of Youth Services and Dept. of Social Services. Services in education, employment, substance abuse prevention, life skills and anger management are provided in a safe, structured and goal-oriented environment to prepare youth to move back home or live civil and productive lives on their own.
Somerville Transition Shelter Services
Sargent House
A 12-bed group home for adolescent males. Services include tutoring, skills-building, mentoring and a comprehensive range of counseling services geared to prepare youth for independant living.
Community Re-entry Center
CRJ introduced youth day reporting centers to Massachusetts in 1994 with Project Turnaround, a program for youth associated with the Roxbury District Court in the inner city of Boston. The concept was adopted statewide by the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) in 1998. The Community Re-entry Center serves Greater Boston youth with graduated levels of supervision, mentoring, counseling, independent living skills, and a safe, supervised gathering place.
Watson Academy
Watson Academy is the Youth Services’ comprehensive educational enrichment program. Academic programming, life skills curricula and educational activities are provided throughout the Youth Services department. Watson Academy strives to harness our youth’s energy and intellect, and empower them with the skills they need to enjoy success in school, at work and in their lives ahead.
To read the Watson Academy brochure please click here.
Director: Denis Collins
31-1/2 Dwight Street, Boston, MA 02118
Director: Howard Jardine
126 Cross Street, Somerville, MA 02145
An 18-bed, restricted detention home for adolescent males detained by the youth courts. A structured, intensively supervised environment where staff care is augmented by specialized foster parent care to provide an unusual blend of structure, accountability and family life. These wholesome, therapeutic, one-to-one relationships are short-term but impactful.
Director: Rena Alexander
577 Massachusetts Ave., Boston 02118
Community Coordinator: Jennifer Sirois
124A Cross Street, Somerville, MA 02145
Director: Marcy Rosenthal
66 Chestnut Street, Cambridge, MA 02139