ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Admission criteria:  The Ranch accepts youth who are demonstrating behaviors which are life-controlling and/or life-threatening.  Lying, stealing, disrespect of authority, severe acting out of anger, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and truancy are some examples of behaviors The Ranch is designed to treat.  The Ranch serves only male youth who are between the ages of 13-17.  Geographically, The Ranch serves youth from all fifty-one states.  Youth do not have to come on a volunteer basis; however, the adjustment to placement is smoother when they do. 

Program description:

The goal of The Boys’ Ranch is to provide at-risk youth with the tools needed to live a productive life.  A very structured environment under the direction of a caring, supportive staff is the environment in which youth will be held accountable for the past negative choices they have made. Youth will be encouraged to evaluate the decisions which have brought them to this point. Under the direction and instruction of the staff, another value system will be made known to them.  Youth will be encouraged and guided to act upon this new knowledge by demonstrating positive behaviors as they shed the old. When they fail, youth will be held accountable for their wrong choices. Youth will then be encouraged to examine the character flaws which brought about the negative incident. The staff will help the youth realize what gifts and talents are operative in their life and how they can use and develop these into life long strengths. The residents will be instructed regarding the proper methods of making character changes that will lead to the development of self-discipline and maturity in their life.

• Character development is the core of our program and the key to any long- term change. Our goal is to instill in each youth the character of respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, self-control, courage, and punctuality.
• Life-skill development is an integral part of the program. Various skills are enhanced through practically participating in cooking, purchasing, health care, and money management and general duties necessary for independent living.
• An on-campus school provides youth with a positive learning environment where they can excel academically.  The school is an approved Alternative Educational School with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  The school also provides GED instruction for those youth who meet the requirements. Youth with an IEP requiring learning or emotional support is provided by a certified special education teacher from The Southern Fulton School District.
• Vocational instruction teaches the youth proper work ethics and skills.  This is an important part of the program and is accomplished through our on-campus vocational program. It is designed to help the resident learn responsibility as they follow through and complete given assignments. The vocational program is also designed to help youth develop proper work ethics. This will enable them to become successful once they enter the workforce. 
  
  Residents will acquire hands on experience in construction by participating in the many different building projects done at the ranch. Youth will also construct practical wood- crafts and furniture in the on-campus carpentry shop.
  
  Automotive repair is also taught through the vocational program.
• Group meetings are held daily in an atmosphere of mutual respect and honoring of one another. During this time youth can freely talk about their problems with solutions being offered by the other peers and staff.
• Counseling Sessions are held on an individual, group and family basis utilizing:
  • Transactional Analysis
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Reality Therapy
  • Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Youth are seen at a minimum of one hour per week by our on-staff professional counselors.
• Efforts to begin family counseling will start immediately upon youth’s arrival.  If families cannot travel to our facility, then efforts will be made to conduct counseling sessions at a more convenient location.
• Equine program helps build character and develop life skills as residents are taught how to train problem horses by using the “Training with Trust” techniques.
• Length of program is six months or may be extended if youth has not accomplished their goals.

SHORT-TERM GOALS AND METHODS OF MEASUREMENT

Short and long term goals are ultimately attained by the development of character in the youth’s life.  Character development is our primary focus and will yield the fruit of right behavior and sound relationships.

GOALS

1. Youth will learn to live with others solving problems and mending relationships by applying positive character.
   1. a.   This can be measured by the resident’s attitude and willingness to cooperate with staff and peers as recorded in violation reports, logs, grades, and other documents.
   2. b.  Open communication with staff and within group settings will illustrate growth in this area.  This would be observed in-group and individual counseling sessions.
   3. c.   The content of the resident’s conversations will reveal growth. Honest dialogue concerning strengths, failures, lifestyle values, beliefs, hopes, plans, and fears will all indicate progress in meeting this goal.
2. Residents will have a reduction in impulsive behavior, such as aggression, reckless speech, disrespect towards authority, stealing, and other similar behavior.
   1. a.   The development of focused, consistent peer and staff interactions will indicate this goal is being reached.  Violation reports and weekly progress summaries will provide measurement.
   2. b.  Youth progressing in academic and vocational instruction will also indicate they are meeting short-term goals.  Academic and vocational progress reports will provide measurement in these areas.
3. Youth will begin to mend relationships with family.
   1. Positive, honest communication during family counseling and visitation will illustrate maturity in this area.
   2. Respect and honoring of authority will express progress towards the attainment of this goal. 

LONG-TERM GOALS

1. Development of positive internalized character.
2. Maintain continued freedom from chemical addiction or other life-controlling problem(s) that brought them to our facility.
3. The re-establishment of the primary relationships of the youth with their family.
4. Entry in the work force as a gainfully employed and self-supporting person with reasonable control of his resources.
5. Entry into an academic or career related study situation.
6. To be a citizen capable of service to others and active in his community.