Founded by Fr Thomas Dunlea in 1939Auspiced and conducted by the Salesians of Don Bosco since 1952.

Brief History
Fr Thomas Dunlea (1894-1970) founded Boys' Town at Engadine, in 1939. His immediate source of inspiration was the movie about Fr Edward Flanagan (1886-1948) who founded the original Boys' Town in 1917 at Omaha, Nebraska, USA. Both Fr Flanagan and Fr Dunlea drew inspiration from St John Bosco (1815-1888), whose work with disadvantaged youth began in Turin, Italy, but had since spread world wide. St John Bosco is the Founder of the Salesian Society of Priests and Brothers who, since 1952, have been responsible for the work of Boys' Town.Boys' Town has undergone many changes over time as it has continued to respond to changes in society and the emerging needs of youth and families. Today it is a comprehensive service to adolescent boys and their families who are at risk of family breakdown, but who want to restore their relationships. Boys' Town provides family and individual therapy, academic and life skills education, and residential care for the boys. Family restoration is the focus of the Boys' Town program. Boys' Town is also an out of home care service and boys live-in from Monday to Friday, thus allowing the boy and his family some space to bring about necessary changes. Boys' Town works in partnership with families to help bring about this change.

Founding Philosophy
The philosophy of Boys' Town is based on the belief that every person is unique and specially valued in the eyes of God. Its inspiration is derived from its Founder, Father Thomas Dunlea, who believed in the worth of every individual regardless of race, creed or socio-economic status. He believed that there was no such thing as a 'bad' boy; circumstances lead them into difficulties, and different, more positive circumstances could redress this.
The practical method of working effectively with young people follows the Salesian tradition of Don Bosco who believed in prevention, kindly presence and an atmosphere characterised by acceptance and warmth. Over time at Boys' Town, this approach has been adapted to include specific therapeutic intervention in the lives of boys and their families.

Salesian Approach & Style
The Salesian 'Preventive System' lies at the heart of Boys' Town, influencing, animating and directing all interactions with the boys.
The Salesian approach known as the 'Preventive System' was originally developed by Don Bosco in his work with young people at risk during the 19th Century Industrial Revolution in Italy and has been evolving ever since by the Salesians in their numerous works around the globe.In English, the word 'preventive' has negative connotations. It has overtones of stopping things from happening. In Italian - the word is very positive - it means 'standing beside someone to speak on their behalf, to be their defender, to encourage them, to have empathy for them, to help them grow.'
Crucial to this way of working with the young is the encouraging presence an active involvement of all staff in the lives of the young people. Don Bosco encouraged his workers always to have the interests of the young at heart, to love what the young love, to be a friend to the young rather than a master whom they fear.
"The preventive system must be our characteristic: never harsh punishments; never words that humiliate; never sharp reprimands in the presence of others. Let our words be gentle, patient and loving; no sarcastic remarks; never strike anyone, even lightly. Let every Salesian make himself the friend of all and never harbour thoughts of getting even. Let him be quick to forgive and never rake up the past. Kindness in speaking, in working, in giving advice will win over everyone". (An extract from a letter of Don Bosco to Don Costamagna, 10/8/1885).
The Salesian approach promotes an atmosphere of kindness, tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness. It is based on a fundamental belief and hope in the ability of all young people to change.

Model of Service Delivery
Boys' Town is a voluntary service for families at risk of family breakdown,but who are committed to improving their relationships. Boys' Town provides intensive life skills, therapeutic and educational services in an out of home care setting. These services are provided Monday to Friday, in three Independent Living Learning Centres (ILLC), each with a maximum of 8 boys.
Each staff team works in partnership with each family and the boy to assist them achieve the specific goals which will lead to family restoration within 6 - 12 months.
Each ILLC is staffed by:
• 1 Family Therapist • 2 Residential Carers
• 1 Teacher • 1 Life Skills & Social Educator
A dedicated team of administration and ancillary staff provides the
necessary infrastructure within which a professional service can be
delivered to Boys' Town's clients.
The staff of each ILLC work as a team to provide a 24 program which meets the specific stated goals of each boy and his family. The program of each ILLC must simultaneously satisfy the requirements of the Children's Guardian and Department of Community Services regarding standards of out-of-home care, and the criteria of the Board of Studies with respect to the achievement of quality educational outcomes by each boy. The development and implementation of effective Individual Education Plans for each boy, in line with the needs and goals agreed to in their Care Plans, and in keeping with Boys' Town's philosophies, policies and practices will satisfy the requirements of all relevant bodies.
Each ILLC builds into its program a variety of educational, recreational and social development experiences which address the needs and interests of the boys. All boys participate in weekly individual therapy with their Family Services worker while their parents participate fortnightly in the therapy program.
Boys' Town takes full advantage of its location close to the Royal national Park and camps, excursions and adventure are integral to the program. The boys also learn to use public transport to access many places of special and/or historical interest in the greater Sydney area. Special excursions and camps are planned which compliment the themes being developed in each unit's program.

For more information please contact Boys' Town on 95208555 or visit the Boys' Town website www.boystown.net.au