Clinical Social Services

The Youth Ranches provides clinical social services to children and families by trained counselors. These services include individual and group counseling with youth to assist in resolving the personal difficulties which precipitated placement at the Ranch and attending to the ongoing adjustment to living in an out-of-home environment. Services include regular involvement with family members in preparing for successful discharge and supporting healthy post-placement family relationships. The clinical staff is one part of a strong collaborative team effort that includes cottage parents, youth care specialists, unit directors, teachers and Ranch general staff.

Family Life Education

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is active in assisting parents to be better equipped to relate to their children and other family members.

Family Life Education, a key component in this process, involves parental participation in meetings, facilitated by our agency's Family Case Managers. Family Life Education meetings are a requirement for parents of youth residing in one of our agency's programs. Parents of youth awaiting placement are also invited to attend.

Through utilization of a comprehensive curriculum, Family Life Education is presented on our campuses, in community settings, via parent retreat weekends, as well as in individualized home study, for those unable to attend group meetings.