The goal of the Family Therapy Institute Program (FTI) is to maintain youths in their homes and community, whenever possible, through the provision of services to the family that will mobilize their strengths to deal with the troubled youths. A parallel goal is to influence the systems in those States that serve youths, such that they will more effectively meet the needs of problem youths. Following an outline of the philosophical history underlying FTI, program goals and the types of families served are described. The presentation of the current program design incudes descriptions of the physical setting, who is expected to come to FTI, setting the date and length of stay, and a 'typical stay.' Topics considered in the discussion of the program setting are the roles of city and State, other resources serving youths, and the 'climate' for juvenile justice services in the State. Aspects of family therapy are delineated, followed by discussions of the referral process and network development, drawing families into the program, the program's organizational structure, funding, the provision of temporary shelter for youths who otherwise would probably not be reunited with their families following a crisis (phase I) follow-up, and program evaluation. The presentation concludes with a consideration of future directions. Exhibits depicting various aspects of the program's organization and operation are appended.