We Think the World of Kids

Starr Albion

Juvenile Justice Youth
This non-secure program uses a strength-based, youth-empowerment model to serve 12-18 year-old adjudicated male youth and their families in Michigan.  Here students develop interpersonal problem-solving and co-operative living skills in a therapeutic group-focused environment while an on-campus school, staffed by the local school district, meets the varied educational needs of each student.  Family involvement in treatment is strongly encouraged.


Sexually Reactive Youth
This non-secure program uses strength-based, peer group empowerment model to address the issues of moderate to high-risk offenders, 12-18 year-old adjudicated male youth.  The goal is to move adolescent sex offender treatment beyond behavior modification to distinct value change, where students can develop productive, healthy and contributing lifestyles.  Family involvement in treatment is strongly encouraged.


Substance Abuse
This non-secure program is designed to meet the social, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of boys between the ages of 12–18 years of age who present substance abuse issues in their homes, schools and community. Youth placed in the residential substance abuse program have experienced court involvement, are adjudicated delinquents, and require a higher level of structure and security than most community-based programs can adequately provide. Our community-based substance abuse program provides intensive therapy to address the committing offense, victim therapy, problem solving and substance abuse issues.  The primary goal of treatment is to help the youth address issues related to their substance abuse by building upon and redirecting their strengths into constructive behaviors, to learn how to cope successfully with life’s challenges, to be responsible for their actions and to successfully re-enter or remain in their homes, schools and communities.

Starr Commonwealth Substance Abuse Treatment Program offers traditional group, family and individual counseling along with the ability to directly link youth successfully completing the residential phase of treatment with the community-based equivalent upon return to the community. 


Montcalm Schools for Boys and Girls
Montcalm Schools offers an alternative education option to military schools and revolving door boarding schools. It is a private therapeutic school and residential treatment center for 12 to 18 year-old youth and is able to accept international students.

This year-round, residential education program is built on the proven tenets of Starr Commonwealth.  It's also built on 350 beautiful, peaceful acres in Albion, Michigan where everything is designed to foster health and growth.  After an average stay at Montcalm Schools, 85 percent of students move successfully back into their homes, their schools and their communities.


Montcalm Outside In^(sm)
Montcalm’s Outside In program focuses on specialized skills for children with social disorders associated with diagnoses such as Aspergers, Bipolar, and ADHD.  It is a private residential school for youth 12-21 years of age, low student to teacher ratio and year-round.  Its unique staffing model includes an occupational therapist who work with the student to address fine and gross motor skill delays.


Montcalm Crossroads Structured Transitional Living
Crossroads structured transitional living program is designed to help students make the transition from cottage life to a more independent living environment.  These teens have typically exited a traditional residential treatment program and may be transitioning back into the community, going to college or simply returning home. Youth live in on-campus apartments in a home-like setting where they have the chance to learn, with supervision, the realities of budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning and managing time.  Students are likely to have a job on or off campus and several are enrolled in entry-level college classes.  


Montcalm Accel 
The Accel program is a 60-day program for youth 12-18, designed to improve a student's academic standing within a therapeutic group structure.  All students participate in a full academic day, from 8:00am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday.  Students participate in five group meetings per week, during which time they are given assignments to help them achieve their treatment goals.  If needed, the Dean of Students, in collaboration with parents and the student’s previous school, may develop individual academic plans.