About Starr Commonwealth

In 1913 a young man named Floyd Starr – whose belief that “there’s no such thing as a bad child” continues to serve as a foundation for the organization’s strength-based approach – began Starr Commonwealth as a as a refuge for homeless, dependent, neglected and delinquent boys. In the 1950s and ‘70s, the mission expanded with the addition of services for families and youth in Ohio, and the ‘80s and ‘90s brought the development of new community-based programming throughout Michigan and Ohio.

Starr’s treatment philosophy is rooted in seeing something good in every child, which serves as the guiding principle in its strength-based approach. Starr offers a full spectrum of community-based early intervention and prevention services along with specialized residential programs such as the private therapeutic boarding school Montcalm Schools. Through the Starr Institute of Training, parents, clinicians, educators and childcare professionals now have access to Starr’s highly successful and innovative techniques aimed at bringing out the best in every child.

With nearly 100 years history in service to families and children, Starr has a long history of collaborating with the state’s juvenile justice systems and departments of human services, family services and mental health to address the needs of youth and families. Starr’s Continuum of Care serves boys and girls, from infants to young adults, in programs such as foster care, in-home mental health counseling, day treatment and residential services for delinquency, substance abuse and neglect. Continuing care programs also are provided to help youth successfully transition in their homes, schools and communities.

Starr Commonwealth is internationally recognized as a leader in transformational programs for children, families, schools and communities.