"Woodland Hills is unique as a model of best practices in peer group treatment. Behavioral scientists have described the process by which antisocial youth train one another in delinquency. Woodland Hills turns this around by creating groups which teach pro-social values of caring for one another. I know of no other program that has made more contributions to the treatment of troubled youth than Woodland Hills."

Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D.
Past President of Reclaiming Youth International
Co-Author of "Positive Peer Culture"

> Peer Empowerment Philosophy

Guiding Youth to Become Partners in Caring

Woodland Hills offers a continuum of care for adolescent males and females by providing quality programs which emphasize a strength-based, peer empowerment philosophy. Utilizing the principles of positive peer culture, youth are guided to become partners in caring. Woodland Hills believes in kids helping kids. Peer empowerment is a powerful tool to help youth learn new value systems and develop inherent strengths so that they can be successful in their lives. Through participation in any of Woodland Hills' five programs, youth develop a greater commitment to education and learning and participate in cultural activities to enrich their social competencies, service-learning activities to appreciate their community, and programming to lead healthier lifestyles. Our programs promote behavioral, emotional and physical health and guide youth toward breaking down barriers and building up their self-esteem so that they may realize a brighter tomorrow.

Woodland Hills Promotes

  • Focusing on young peoples' assets and strengths
  • Building genuine relationships with youth and families
  • Facilitating young peoples’ service to others and their communities
  • Respecting children’s right to self-determination
  • Believing that change is possible
  • Believing that all people and all communities have resources
  • Embracing empowerment as a process and goal