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Are you a licensed facility?
Academy Ranches is fully licensed in the State of Idaho by the Department of Health and Welfare as a Children’s Residential Care Facility and complies with all state laws and regulations.
Do you take boys and girls?
No. Academy Ranches is licensed only to accept boys into the program.
How long does the program take to complete?
The Academy Ranches program is designed to take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete. How long each youth will take to complete the program depends on their level of commitment to change and the obstacles needed to be overcome. At Academy Ranches, we will encourage, invite, mentor, guide, coach, facilitate, but never force change. This approach may take longer, but it provides better and longer-lasting results.
Does Academy Ranches use any punitive techniques with the youth?
No! Academy Ranches will use a “point and level system” to encourage students to make good choices on their own. Youth will earn points for various activities throughout each day—the better their cooperation, the more points they earn. By consistently building up points over a sustained period of time, students will earn higher levels and increased privileges. This system will be explained to students during the orientation process and a copy of the rules (referred to as program structure) will be available in each residence. Students will never be forced to participate or cooperate so long as they do not pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. Students will be encouraged and supported to make good choices, then experience the natural rewards of increased happiness and self-confidence that inevitably follow.
How will I know when my child is ready to come home?
The thought of having their child come home can produce varying and conflicting emotions within parents. Most parents miss their children very much while at the same time are very anxious remembering what life was like when their child was at home and out of control.
Academy Ranches will have a clear set of guidelines for program graduation that will be explained to both the youth and their parents. In addition, parents will be in contact with their child and therapist during scheduled family telephone sessions. Parents will also receive monthly progress reports detailing their child’s progress in all areas of the program. Students are also permitted weekly phone calls to their families. We encourage students to maintain contact with their family through written communication as often as desired. Over time, parents generally notice a change in their child’s attitude, emotions, and outlook on life. Towards the end of treatment, a therapeutic home pass can be arranged to give the student and their parents a small idea of what life will be like after they complete their program. Working closely with the student’s primary therapist, parents are an integral part of after care planning and play a vital role in the student’s ultimate success after treatment.
What is your religious affiliation?
Academy Ranches does not have a specific religious affiliation. We will however provide our students opportunities through weekly onsite religious services to strengthen religious beliefs that they may already have.
How often do the therapists see the kids?
Upon admission, the clinical staff conducts an assessment to determine the therapeutic needs of the youth. An Individual Treatment Plan is developed with parental input and recommendations from the clinical staff. In addition, students will participate in weekly group and other therapeutic interventions as determined by the Individual Treatment Plan.
What are the qualifications of the staff?
Each staff member is carefully screened and must pass a background investigation conducted by the State of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Criminal History Unit. Other qualifications depend on the position within the program. All teachers will be certified by the State Board of Education and each therapist will be licensed by the Idaho Board of Licensing.
Are there any youth Academy Ranches does not accept?
Yes. Each application will be carefully screened to ensure that Academy Ranches can provide the quality of care required to meet that child’s needs. Our admission criteria prohibit Academy Ranches from admitting any youth who are actively suicidal, who are experiencing psychosis or other serious mental illness, who have an on-going medical condition that would prohibit them from participating in the program, who are adjudicated, or who have a history of serious physical violence or sexual perpetration. If you have any questions about our admission criteria, please contact one of our admissions staff.
What about my child's medical needs?
Under the direction of a licensed physician and registered nurse, Academy Ranches will provide ongoing medical care as needed by each youth. These services can include routine exams, emergency care, dental and vision care, and medications. All medical services will be billed to the parent’s health insurance at the time services are performed.
Is my child supervised?
Academy Ranches is a “staff secure” program, meaning the students will be under 24-hour supervision. It is our policy that students are not left alone or unsupervised. It is our commitment to the parent’s to provide the peace of mind that their child is safe.
Does insurance cover any of the cost?
Unfortunately most insurance plans do not cover the cost of residential treatment programs, but it depends on the individual plan. It is the responsibility of the parents to determine insurance coverage prior to admission.
Do you offer financing or scholarship programs?
Scholarships will be available from time to time and, if needed, our admissions staff can refer you to several providers of student loans to help offset the expense associated with residential treatment.
When can we send our child?
Academy Ranches has an open enrollment policy. Admissions are based on space availability and can occur any day of the week. Our admissions staff can provide further help in scheduling admissions.
Can I come visit the facilities before I enroll my child?
Yes! In fact we encourage it. Please contact our admissions staff to schedule a tour.
Can you recommend a transport service?
Yes. We will be able to suggest several companies that can provide transport directly from home or from another program. We can also provide limited transport services based on availability
What clothes and equipment do we need to send?
A list of approved personal items will be provided in the admissions package.
Will my child get school credits? Are the academics accredited?
Yes. Academy Ranches offers academic credit through Brigham Young University’s Independent Study program, which is accredited through NAAS and credits are fully transferable to any school district or college. Keystone Leadership Academy, which is responsible for the education program, is in the process of receiving NAAS accreditation. A course of study including high school graduation, GED completion, SAT or ACT preparation, and college courses are available to each student and the cost will be included in the monthly tuition.
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