FACILITY AND GROUNDS...

Founded in 1978, the "Ranch" is actually three houses located in close proximity to each other in a quiet Spokane, Washington neighborhood. The program avoids an "institutional" feeling by providing a year-round, home-style environment. Six young men occupy each house, supervised full-time by dedicated house-parents and professional counselors.

One home has a recreation room with a pool table, other game tables, and large-screen TV. Another has a study center with library, games and other activities. The third house has a conference room, weight-lifting and exercise room, plus a counseling room.

 

All three homes have separate dining areas and kitchens where residents learn many life skills.

Residents participate in competitive sports on the basketball court, yard and nearby park. The forest provides miles of biking and hiking, while the Spokane River and surrounding lakes offer fishing and water recreation.

Tyler Ranch takes pride in providing a nurturing environment for boys in need of structure and self-esteem.

Tyler Ranch is licensed by the Washington State Department of Children and Family Services and is a nonprofit corporation with a governing board.

PROGRAMS... Education

Tyler Ranch's primary objective for education is to build self-esteem and self-confidence. The public school district and Tyler Ranch have developed a school program to ensure maximum accountability and assistance for each resident. Staff members call the schools almost daily and visit the schools weekly. Students bring home daily assignment sheets to ensure studies are done, behavior is acceptable, and attendance is satisfactory. Each week, our students spend a minimum of five hours in group study and receive as many hours of one-on-one tutoring as needed.

 

PROGRAMS... Therapy

Tyler Ranch has a full-time, on-site child and family therapist. Immediate crisis counseling, twice weekly scheduled individual counseling, weekly group therapy, weekly Narcotics Anonymous, and regularly scheduled family therapy are all key parts of the therapeutic model at the "Ranch." In addition residents are tested with random urinalysis.

House-parents participate with the on-site therapist in developing treatment plans and interventions. From therapeutic goals to life-skills training, each resident is provided daily training and evaluation. Developing positive adult and peer relationships aids in a resident's sense of value and enhances self-esteem. The child or adolescent's energy is redirected toward constructive goals, positive communication, and an improved self-image.

Individual treatment plans are identified with family and staff input. Progress toward treatment goals are assessed and discussed on a regular basis with the therapist.

PROGRAMS... Earning Privileges

A structured home environment facilitates a system of immediate, daily, and weekly feedback for residents. They earn daily points that, depending on the totals and averages, lead to privileges. Staff provides regular feedback and on-the-spot training each time a deviation from the rules occurs.

PROGRAMS... Special Therapeutic Recreation

Special programs are often needed to address specific problem areas for boys. Tyler Ranch offers a wide of variety therapeutic recreational activities.

  • Snowboarding

  • Ropes course

  • 5-day backpacking trip at the ocean

  • Challenging rock-climbing trips

Being close to rural areas, forests, and wilderness areas leads to an excellent variety of outdoor experiences, and urban advantages—from agreements with local public schools to a myriad of recreational activities—give the program a balance that makes it a strong therapeutic environment.


Redirecting a resident's energy toward constructive goals, positive communication, and an improved self-image is our program goal. Socialization and recreation programs are an important part of the therapeutic environment. Residents engage in activities that develop leadership, foster teamwork, and help them experience success. Recreational and socialization activities include canoeing, white-water rafting, basketball, hiking, rock climbing, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and many others. Many recreational programs help in developing self-reliance by teaching basic survival skills and problem-solving, while others teach patience, cooperation, and team dynamics.

 

STAFF...

The Tyler Ranch staff is made up of house-parents, a therapist, a tutor, and a recreation specialist. The adjunct staff includes ropes-course therapists, rock-climbing instructors, educational advisers, counselors, therapists, and psychologists. Staff members receive regular training from human services professionals on social work topics and issues facing today's youth. Seminars and workshops help provide new and updated information to these dedicated staff members. Bachelor's and master's degrees are the minimum requirements for Ranch staff.

CONTINUITY OF TREATMENT...

Tyler Ranch works in cooperation with families in identifying support services that will help maintain success at home. The school liaison and educational coordinator help  the young men return to their community school with an increased motivation in academics by monitoring progress reports and providing evaluations and recommendations. Establishing goals and specific strategies with the families of each resident eases the child's transition into the home and provides continuity so that positive behaviors can continue. This helps the young man succeed in school, in recreation, and in resolving family conflicts after returning home.

ASSESSMENT... intake

A client's history, family social summary, academic records, any psychological testing available, and any documentation of behavioral incidents are helpful for an accurate assessment. The Ranch Director, Therapist and Educational Coordinator evaluate and assess each application packet. All documentation is reviewed and the applicant's "fit" with the current Ranch population is also considered.

ASSESSMENT... outcomes

Outcomes assessment is normally conducted with clients and their families after leaving the program. Tyler Ranch families frequently contact the Ranch therapist after program completion to discuss progress. The Ranch program's success is repeatedly reflected in the young men who spent time with us. Although it is gratifying to hear from the client's parents; the greatest compliments to the effectiveness of the Ranch are the many calls and visits from past clients who have turned their lives around and have become productive citizens.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY...

Boys of ages 6 to 18 are considered for admission.

A potential resident exhibits behaviors such as irresponsibility, low self-esteem, academic underachievement, anger, and lack of respect for adult authority. A client who cannot physically participate in outdoor activities or who has an IQ below 70 and limited comprehension skills may not be admitted. Due to our dependence on public schools, a client must have adequate control over his behavior so that expulsion from school is not a predictable consequence. Our current clientele includes adolescent males from all over the United States. They come to Tyler Ranch from wilderness and group programs, and by family placement, through educational consultants.

 

ADMISSION...

A twelve-month contract is expected. Some insurance policies cover part of the treatment. Following a review of placement information, if there is a mutual interest in placement, a formal application will be provided upon request. Many parents ask about costs. The investment you will make in your child's future is $2,500.00 per month. 

The first step is to contact Tyler Ranch:

Jon W. Tyler
4921 West Rosewood
Spokane, WA  99208
509-327-6900, fax: 509-327-2859
800-368-7159 (toll free)

 
 
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