Argus House is a community based group home for at-risk adolescent males between the ages of 13 and 18 administered by the Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Services Unit. Our residents are under court supervision for delinquency or as CHINS (child in need of supervision) cases. These are young men who need a supportive residential placement that emphasizes personal accountability, competency development, and service to the community.

Description:
In order to achieve the objectives stated above,the program includes: daily house meetings, peer groups, and study hall; weekly group family therapy sessions; anger management and social skills classes, therapeutic recreation, and a monthly community service project. In addition to family therapy, parents are required to attend a weekly parent group and pay a monthly assessment.

FOCUS ON GOALS

Each resident is assigned an individual case manager who meets with him weekly to set goals, review progress on the service plan, and discuss any presenting issue. The case manager maintains regular contact with school personnel, parents, and probation officers.

The Level System at Argus House requires residents to complete certain tasks and to learn new skills before they change levels. In addition to standard goals, the residents set three personal goals for each of the five levels.

As his own advocate, the resident must prepare a "level package" based on five competency areas: Education, Family, Social, Leadership, and Community. A resident presents this package to peers and staff when he feels he has completed the requirements to advance to the next level.

Residents are expected to leave Argus House with measurable achievements, leadership and self-advocacy skills, and a record of service to the community.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Each week a resident is assigned as Group Leader. This individual's job is to keep the group on schedule and on task. This job requires the resident to coordinate and supervise daily chores, and the responsibility is rotated weekly to ensure that all residents learn to lead their peers. Three or four residents participate in the Resident Leadership Committee. These are upper level residents who assist the staff in decision making, implementing the program, and recommending level changes and consequences.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

In order to effect lasting change in the lives of the residents that we serve, Argus House requires a high level of parental involvement. Participation in a weekly parent group and separate family counseling is mandatory for parents. All counseling services are provided "in-house".

PARENT GROUP

At each meeting parents discuss specific topics and whatever concerns they have about their sons' progress. This group provides parents with an opportunity to discuss personal issues and problems with their son in a supportive and caring group environment. A multi-family group takes place monthly.

AFTERCARE

Argus House provides a three-month aftercare component, which is individualized to the needs of the program graduate. Typically, it involves several meetings per week with the Argus House Aftercare Counselor, as well as regular communication with parents, schools, and employers to assure that the individual is continuing to do well. Argus House Aftercare is a required part of the program and its completion is incorporated into the graduate's rules of probation.

History:
Argus House was established in 1977, and has operated continuously since then. Until 1991, the group home occupied the Jesse building, a lawyers office, which was demolished when the new Arlington Court House and Detention Facility were built. The group home is currently located in a modern facility in the Rosslyn Section of Arlington.

Contact person: Chris Edmonds, Argus House Manager, (703) 228-0422, (email)
Main office number: (703) 228-3944
Office fax number: (703) 522-4751

Address:

Argus House 1527 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22209 (See a map)

Directions:

From I-395 North take exit 8-A (Route 27 West/Washington Blvd)toward Columbia Pike. Follow Washington Blvd to Route 50/Arlington Blvd. east toward Washington. Take N. Rolfe St. ramp toward N. Rhodes St/N Queen St. Take a left on. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Rosslyn,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5 minutes

Overall Experience   
Argus house made a huge impact in my life..

i attended Argus house sometime in 2001-2002 and i have to thank the peers and mostly the staff, they have changed my life for the better and will never be forgotten in my heart, i owe them everything! they have never given up on me and were always there when mostly needed, i thank the courts my P.O. for making it happen for me, i have given up the bad and left argus house with my head held high, my diploma trully belongs to those who were involved in my life, argus house i use to think was like a minimun prison but it became my 2nd home and people became to be known as my family. with success and proven leadership i made it out in 6 months, thank you so much i owe you everything, i wouldnt have done it if it werent for argus house! its not the house that made the change but the people inside of it.. you guys will never be forgotten, theres always a place for you inside my heart.. posted on June 8, 2006

Overall Experience   
A supportive environment, motivated kids, and good resources combine to provide a rewarding and socially benefitting experience.

Argus House provides a structured environment and a caring staff to help these kids succeed. The skills that the kids develop in the program help them to become better students, better people, and a delight to work with. These kids are breaking down their own stereotypes and soaking up all that the staff and volunteers are able to give. It's a place where you truly do make a difference. posted by jhakken on July 22, 2005