How to Refer a Child

Do you know a child or sibling group who needs help? After reviewing our Program and the Placement Requirements, you will have a better idea if Liberty Youth Ranch is the right solution. If you need more information, we are happy to speak with you.

We are experienced in working with a variety of referral sources including:

• School guidance counselors
• Teachers
• Pastors
• Therapists
• Florida’s Department of Children and Families
• Grandparents
• Single parents
• Shelters (Emergency, Youth, Homeless, Abuse)

Candidates are at-risk children between the ages of 4 thru 15 who are in need of structure, stability, and a place to call home. Although the reasons may vary, the common denominator for our children is that due to circumstances beyond their control, they are in need of a placement. They need a solid, Christian home and a chance to realize and fulfill God’s plan for their lives.

We will always remain committed to providing services to this vulnerable and important group. These children desperately need a comfortable, stable, structured, and supportive living environment, a chance to be children and safely grow into independency.

The following guidelines are used to determine placement at Liberty Youth Ranch:

• IQ of 70 or above
• Must be able to function successfully in a school setting
• Youth with mild to moderate emotional and/or behavioral problems, evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis
• No active suicidal or homicidal threats, ideation, or behavior currently or in recent history
• No current drug/alcohol dependencies
• No history of sexual offending behavior or sexual perpetration
• Youth committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice will not be eligible for admission to Liberty Youth Ranch.

If you need assistance with our admission process, please email Admissions@LibertyYouthRanch.org or call (239) 597-7070. We look forward to connecting with you.

1. Complete the Pre-Admission application – completed by a referring person or agency

2. Complete admissions packet in full – this may include (but is not limited to)

• Application for admission
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security card
• Medical insurance card
• Medical Exam (no more than 90 days old)
• Immunization Records (including PPD-TB test within last 6 months)
• Dental and Vision exam (no more than 1 year old)
• School records (including any testing and IEPs)
• IQ Test
• Psychological evaluations
• Past treatment records, including why prior placements were not adequate
• Any court, custody and/or dependency orders
• Court Ordered Case Plan

3. Participate in an Admissions Interview

4. Remainder of Admission packet completed and Admittance Date Set

• Placement agreements
• Agreement with Discipline Policy, Client’s Rights, and Grievance Policy
• Power of Attorney (if child is a “private” client)

5. Admittance to Liberty Youth Ranch