HARRINGTON House

Harrington House is a 1:3 group home designed to provide a safe and supportive living environment for youth who are transitioning to a less restrictive setting. The co-ed program serves youth ages 8 to 15 and has capacity for up to 16 children. While providing a structured, home-like living environment, children engage with the community through school attendance, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

The program is located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. Children are able to live in a comfortable, safe, home with an expansive tree-line backyard and 24-hour staffing.

Children referred to Harrington House often have experienced traumatic events, disrupted attachments with caregivers, or have not had the opportunity to form initial healthy attachments. While living at Harrington House children are able to receive important services to stabilize their lives, encourage growth and help them heal. Treatment and services at Harrington House are individualized for each child. A child’s treatment plan can include the following:


1. Family-Driven Care

      • Involvement of families in all aspects of care and treatment 
      • Assistance in identifying and addressing obstacles to living in a family setting 
      • Engagement of families in family therapy, parent councils, and/or participation in treatment planning 
      • Utilization of home resources, whenever possible 
      • Participation of families in special activities and monthly dinners at the house 
      • Mentorship program available for those children without biological or identified family involvement

2. Clinical Services

      • Intensive services individualized to each child and family’s situation 
      • Availability of high-level therapeutic care: individual therapy, group therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, psychiatric consultation, behavior and crisis support, oversight of case management 
      • Integration of out-of-home and in-home services

3. Educational Assistance

      • Children either attend local public or private schools in the area or in their former neighborhoods, depending on their academic needs
      • Additional academic support provided through a weekly tutoring program for all children 
      • Regular communication and partnership with the children’s schools and teachers

4. Community Involvement

      • Involvement in many recreational and educational community activities 
      • Assist children to develop skills they need to safely and successfully enter the greater community