Waltham House is the first residential group home designed specifically for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender questioning youth in New England, and one of only three of its kind in the nation. The program was designed to provide a safe and supportive group home living environment for up to 12 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth ages 14-18. They also work with youth who may be questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Many young people have previously experienced difficulty (at home or in placement) due to their gender expression or sexuality identities. Waltham House offers residents a safe environment to live while they prepare for family reunification, independent living and future self-sufficiency.

The program offers a multi-disciplinary team approach to treatment plan development and implementation, individual and creative stabilization services and interventions in a highly structured therapeutic milieu, as well as individual, group and family therapy and case management by Masters level clinicians. In addition, there are psycho-educational groups on topics such as trauma, self-esteem, substance abuse, anger management, healthy sexual development, body image, HIV/STD prevention and tobacco cessation. Staff offers family outreach and support services, mentoring, tutoring and vocational training, as well as life skills development. There are also numerous opportunities for residents to attend community-based activities such as sports, after-school programs including peer education programs and Gay/Straight Alliances (GSA's), social/support groups, and community service projects.

Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, the program offers 24-hour staffing, and is housed in a large, comfortable, federal-style home with an expansive tree-lined backyard in a Boston-suburban neighborhood. Waltham House opened in October 2002 and was founded on the principles of responsibility, respect and pride, with the belief that all youth deserve to live in an environment in which they feel safe, respected, supported and cared for. The agency is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the program is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

[This information came from The Home for Little Wanderers website.]