Because the Eagle Ranch program has evolved so dramatically and is different from other childcare and group home operations, there are many misconceptions about exactly who we are and what we do.

The Children

Eagle Ranch is just for boys - False. We now serve up to 12 girls and are expanding to double that number with the addition of two new girls' homes.

The Ranch serves "bad" kids, those with severe mental problems, drug habits and a pattern of violence - False. We will not accept children with an I.Q. score less than 70 or a current record of drug or alcohol dependency. We also will not admit any child who poses a safety threat to the other children on our campus.

The Ranch only accepts "easy" children with few discipline problems - False. Most of our children exhibit mild to moderate emotional and behavioral problems; however, we look at all cases and determine placement on a case-by-case basis.

The Families

The parents or legal guardians of our children are "bad" people who abuse their children - False. The parents or guardians love their children, which is why they seek help from Eagle Ranch. For a myriad of reasons, they - and their children - are in a state of crisis.

The parents are typically "poor" - False. The families and children at Eagle Ranch come from a wide socioeconomic spectrum -- including wealthy, middle-class, and low income backgrounds.

The Program

The Ranch is only a custodial program that houses children - False. In addition to room and board, the Eagle Ranch program involves intensive counseling for the family and child as well as education.

The children live full-time at Eagle Ranch and are separated from their parents or guardians - False. Whenever possible, the children return home on alternating weekends and holidays to practice family skills. In addition, the Ranch involves the child with their family in counseling sessions.

Most children remain at the Ranch for many years. - False. The average stay is 18 - 24 months. The goal is for children to be able to return to their home as soon as possible, no longer needing residential care.

The Cost

The program cost is too expensive - False. Fees are based on a sliding scale related to the applicant's ability to pay.

Eagle Ranch is so affordable, there's a long waiting list - False. Due to the expanded campus and changes in its program, the Ranch is able to accommodate more children than ever before.

The Campus

The children are cramped together in dorms similar to an institution - False. Quite the opposite, the Ranch is a sprawling wooded campus of 270 acres with plenty of room to run and play. There are six individual homes for boys and two (soon to be four) homes for girls. No home ever has more than seven boys or six girls.