Where are you located?
We are located in Southern Utah. More detailed information.
What type of students do we take?
Diamond Ranch Academy specializes in students who are struggling, but not court adjudicated. The program is an intervention program, and is intended to be applied long before a child enters the judicial system.
How long is the program?
The average length of stay is ten months. We have chosen to forego pressure, intimidation and manipulation, therefore, it takes that long for the lessons to be truly learned and internalized. Because each youth is unique, it is possible that additional time may be needed in order to graduate from the program.
Is there visitation?
Visitation is not only allowed, but also encouraged. On ranch visits can begin after a minimum of ten weeks. Home visits can begin when the student has reached the appropriate level at about six months.
How is parental contact handled?
Contact can be made with the student as early as two weeks, depending on the students progress. Then, contigent on therapist recommendation, family therapy conference calls will begin. Also communication via emails or post cards will begin and continue throughout the duration of the program.
We also provide consistent personal updates via our website for parents to check and see how their youth is doing. A sample of this is located at: http://www.strugglingteens.us/parent_net.php.
What do they bring?
We encourage parents to send their student with a warm jacket (suitable for regular outdoor use), sturdy footwear, and an electric razor. With the admissions process, a detailed list is provided.
Do you provide escort services?
We can help you find a suitable means of getting your child to Diamond Ranch Academy. There are professional escort services and we work closely with several of them. We would be happy to recommend one and help you with your initial contact.
What will my child do all day?
Each day is structured with school, chores, physical and recreational activities, therapy and “family” group settings. We are able to provide positive reinforcement and stimulation in the every day life of the students at Diamond Ranch.
Is your treatment guaranteed?
We guarantee the effectiveness of our treatment. If, after completing and graduating the Diamond Ranch Academy program, we offer a 30-day refresher course free of charge and a 60-day refresher course for half the usual monthly rate. It's rare that our students need this, but the offer is there for any that might. Of course transportation to and from our facility will be the responsibility of the parent.
Is this a co-ed program?
Yes and no. We believe there is great value in students interacting with the opposite sex. At certain levels in the program, youth are allowed, under very restricted and supervised circumstances, to be involved in co-ed activities such as sports, therapy groups, and on and off ranch benefits. In the evening students are separated by gender and retire to supervised cottage-like dorms. We feel this gives our students the best of both worlds and makes them better prepared to re-enter society.
