A Bold Idea That Changed Everything
Fifty years ago, Boys Town took a leap of faith—and changed the face of child care forever.
In a time when large institutional orphanages were still the norm, Boys Town dared to imagine something radically different: a home. Not just a roof and four walls, but a place where hurt could begin to heal, trust could be rebuilt and love could be found again. That vision became the Family Home Program, and it marked one of the most important turning points in our history.
Since 1974, this groundbreaking program has been more than a model of care—it’s been a lifeline for thousands of children across the country. And in this golden anniversary year, we’re not just celebrating the past. We’re honoring a legacy of compassion, courage and innovation that continues to shape the future.
This is the story of how a bold new idea took root at Boys Town and grew into a nationally recognized program that redefined what it means to truly care for a child. It’s also the beginning of a celebration—one that invites supporters like you to help ensure the next 50 years are just as powerful.
So how did it all begin? What inspired Boys Town to break the mold, and how did this quiet revolution in youth care unfold?
The Need for Change
By the 1970s, child welfare in the U.S. was undergoing a transformation. Large institutional orphanages were giving way to more family-centered care models. Research in psychology and child development reinforced what Father Edward Flanagan, Boys Town’s founder, had long believed—children thrive in stable, nurturing relationships.
While Boys Town had always provided a caring environment, its traditional dormitory-style model reflected early 20th-century institutional care. Monsignor Robert P. Hupp, who became Boys Town’s third national executive director in 1973, saw firsthand the struggles of the youth in his care. Many were “social orphans”—children who had been displaced due to abuse, poverty, addiction or other social crises. Helping them required more than just providing food and shelter; it demanded a bold new approach.
At that time, research had identified the need for care in a family-style setting, which aligned with Father Flanagan’s original vision. This research set Boys Town on a journey to find a model of care that would create a true family environment for its children.
The Birth of the Family Home Program
Boys Town leaders searched nationwide for a program that would bring a true “family concept” to youth care. This search eventually led them to the Teaching-Family Model, developed at the University of Kansas’ Achievement Place. This model emphasized skill-building, positive reinforcement and structured family-style living.
In 1974, Boys Town hired its first Family-Teachers—a married couple who moved into a converted cottage with a small group of youth. Over the next year, additional Family-Teachers were trained, and more dormitories were converted into Family Homes. By the end of 1979, the last of the traditional dormitories had closed, marking a complete shift to the Family Home Program.
The transition was not without challenges. Implementing the Teaching-Family Model in a large community like Boys Town was considered nearly impossible by some. The shift required training new staff, developing formal teaching materials and adjusting to a model of care that emphasized long-term, relationship-based care. Some staff resisted the change, and there were even discussions about whether Boys Town should abandon its village structure in favor of smaller, community-based homes. However, Boys Town leadership remained steadfast in their commitment to transforming Boys Town into a true community of families.
A Legacy of Care and Innovation
The Family Home Program revolutionized Boys Town’s approach, ensuring that every child received individualized attention and long-term support. Father Flanagan’s words still resonate:
“There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking.”
Though he passed away decades before the Family Home Program was created, his philosophy shaped its foundation. Boys Town combined compassion with effective childcare techniques, focusing on teaching essential life skills and fostering healthy relationships.
Each Family Home housed 8 to 10 youth from diverse backgrounds. Family-Teachers not only provided supervision but also taught social skills, self-regulation and personal responsibility. Daily family meetings and structured motivation systems reinforced positive behavior and accountability, helping youth learn to make responsible choices.
The transition was not easy, but the impact was undeniable. Children in family-style homes developed stronger social skills, achieved greater academic success and experienced emotional healing. The program’s success eventually led to the evolution of the Boys Town Model, which now serves as the foundation for all Boys Town programs.
The Ongoing Impact
Today, 50 years later, the Family Home Program remains at the heart of Boys Town’s mission. The program has not only transformed Boys Town but has also influenced child welfare practices across the country. The commitment to providing a loving, structured home continues to shape the lives of thousands of children who find refuge at Boys Town.
The foundation that Father Flanagan laid proved to be the perfect environment for this program to thrive. His vision, combined with Monsignor Hupp’s leadership and the groundbreaking Teaching-Family Model, created a blueprint for residential youth care that endures to this day.
See the Family Home Program in Its Early Days
To see what that shift looked like in real life, watch this brief clip from a Boys Town film made in the 1970s. You'll hear from one of the first Family-Teaching couples and meet the youth who called their house “home.” It’s a moving look at the heart of a bold idea that changed everything.
