​I recently came across an article from the Chicago Tribune about how the government is removing severely obese children from their homes.

These removals aren’t happening because these children are being abused or because their behavior threatens others. Rather, these boys and girls are being taken from their families because a doctor says they’re too fat.

Boys Town has a better answer. We believe that in most situations, the best place for a child is with his or her family. Even when there are problems, kids and parents should stay together whenever possible as they work toward finding solutions.

This is the idea behind Boys Town’s In-Home Family Services^SM (IHFS). In this program, families remain intact and get the help they need right in their own homes, before a problem turns into a crisis that leads to a child being removed.

At the core of our IHFS program are highly trained Family Consultants. These professionals work directly with moms and dads, teaching skills that empower them to create a safe, nurturing home. They also help to ensure the child’s needs are met, and that the family has an effective plan to follow. In this example, Consultants would help develop healthier meal choices, consistent meal times and add prayer before meals as interventions. By changing the behavior of the entire family, Family Consultants give everyone a greater opportunity for success.

Boys Town wants to keep children in their homes or to reunite them with their family, if separation is necessary, whenever possible. Learn more about how IHFS can help a family you know or how your support can bring healing to a family.