Boys are still troubled but how they get help has changed. With that, comes to an end of the 105-year-old era for Connecticut Junior Republic.
The residential program in Litchfield helps troubled teenage boys will close its doors on April 2.
More than 100 jobs will be lost.
Demand for Connecticut Junior Republic’s services has shrunk significantly since the state shifted its emphasis away from residential programs to community-based services in recent years, officials from the program said.
CJR's number of beds was cut in 2008 from 84 to 60 in response to shrinking demand. Only 38 teenage boys live on campus today.
"Philosophical reasons caused the decisions more than financial decisions," said Hedy Barton, CJR's director of development. "There is an increasing trend to place at-risk boys in community homes.
The organization plans to meet to discuss alternative programs for the boys still in its care, and the organization will keep operating day programs for three boys who did not live on campus.
