Boys and Girls Republic Joins LCFS of Michigan

Lutheran Child & Family Service (LCFS) of Michigan and Boys & Girls Republic (BGR), Farmington Hills, MI announced that they have signed a definitive agreement that will combine their operations. LCFS of Michigan will serve as the surviving corporation and will continue operations as Lutheran Child & Family Service of Michigan, Inc. LCFS of Michigan will adopt and maintain use of the name “ Boys & Girls Republic ” with respect to programs and services conducted on the campus located at 28000 West Nine Mile Road in Farmington Hills .

According to Dr. Robert G. Miles, President/CEO of LCFS of Michigan, “The merger is a wonderful chance for two organizations with tremendously rich histories to come together and expand their capacities to serve children and families.  We will do this through a network of residential services, which has been Boys & Girls Republic ’s strength, and Family Preservation and Families First programs, which are among LCFS’ areas of expertise.   It is our goal that the merger of the two agencies will create a system of care which includes strengthening the child and the family.  Historically, we have worked within a system that fixes the child, but does not address the needs of the family. Now is our time to change this so that both children and families improve their lives and their futures.” 

 History of Boys and Girls Republic

Founded in Detroit and incorporated in the state of Michigan in 1890 as the Home of Industry, BGR was the first institution to separate the youthful offender from the adult rehabilitative system.  In 1907, the agency moved to its current setting in Farmington Hills .  In 118 years of service, BGR has been in the vanguard of dealing with troubled youth.

Historically, BGR has successfully worked with young people that other agencies rejected because of the difficulty of their problems.  By the mid-1930's, the courts began to commit more delinquent youth to our facility.  By the 1950's, not only were the youth delinquent, but many were manifesting fairly serious emotional difficulties.  As the years have passed, the needs of youth have become greater because they have more stresses with fewer options.  BGR continues to adapt successfully to the needs of youth and to accommodate the social service needs of our constantly changing society.  BGR remains committed to its mission to assist at-risk youth, families and individuals by providing therapeutic, educational and informational services to change behaviors and improve lives.  

In 1994, to meet growing community needs, a residential program for girls was opened and the agency name was subsequently changed from Boys Republic to Boys and Girls Republic .  Throughout its history, BGR has served at-risk young people primarily through its residential program.  Youth come to BGR for intervention and treatment that will lead to their returning home as productive citizens, reunited with their families.  Therefore, BGR also serves the families of these young people, providing intensive counseling and activities to promote family reunification whenever appropriate.  When family reunification is not possible, BGR counseling staff assist the youth in finding an appropriate living situation in the community and provide support once he/she has left placement. 

Additionally, BGR provides an Adventure Program/Challenge Ropes Course.  Community, school and corporate groups, as well as, BGR’s residents participate in custom designed programs.  Each Adventure Course Program is established with specific goals for the group involved, ranging from an increase in decision-making skills and teamwork to development of leadership and communication skills.

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