Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches

Residential ProgramsThe agency operated three residential group care facilities serving 77 youth from across the state of Florida. The Boys Ranch in Live Oak provides care in cottages in a campus setting and operates a working farm and an on-campus private school, providing youth with opportunities to learn vocational skills and improve their academic performance. The Youth Villa in Bartow provided two scholarship houses for young adults in independent living who were enrolled in college or vocational programs. Safety Harbor campus provided residential care for youth who were part of sibling groups removed from their homes. The residential program provides a safe, nurturing environment for these youth until they can be reunified with family members or placed with a foster home or adoptive family. This summer, the Safety Harbor Campus partnered with the City of Safety Harbor Parks and Rec department to provide day camp programming to 700 youth. All of the residential programs provide youth the opportunity to participate in work programs, to attend an on-campus learning center or community school, to engage in recreational activities, and participate in chapel services in accordance with the Organization's philosophy of "work, study, play, and pray.

Community Based CounselingThe agency provides four Family Case Managers who answer inquiry calls and requests for service from the Organization's residential programs. The agency provided these services to 220 families. When parents call they are often frustrated and seeking help dealing with their child's behavior issues. Family Case Managers listen to the parents, provide counseling, and offer the appropriate assistance. When a youth's problems are too severe for the Organization's voluntary program, the parents are offered referrals to other programs and community resources. When the youth is a good candidate for the program, the Family Case Managers assist the parents with the application and interview process until the youth can be placed. When youth are in residential placement, the Organization's Therapists and Unit Directors offer monthly family supportive counseling as the youth works on his or her goals. When youth discharge from the program, the Family Case Manager can provide aftercare at the family's request.

Camping ProgramsCamping Services consists of three residential camp programs and a mobile day camp program. While still operating under significant staff shortages, all three summer camp locations were open and providing services. The camping programs provided residential camp experiences to 1,118 youth, mobile day camp services to 1,115 youth, and other school year and leadership services to 235 youth. The residential camp programs are: Youth Camp in Pierson, FL, Caruth Camp in Inglis, FL, and Camp Sorensen in Hilliard, FL. Each residential camp provides a traditional summer camp experience free of charge to girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 15 who otherwise may never attend camp. Activities offered include arts and crafts, archery, swimming, canoeing, environmental education, challenge course, high ropes, group building, and team sports. The theme of summer camp is "Law Officers are Your Friends", and each group is assigned a Deputy Sheriff who participates in activities with the campers, giving them an opportunity to have a fun and positive experience with law enforcement. Camping Services also provides a mobile camp program known as Harmony in the Streets, which operates day camp sessions in various community centers, schools, and low-income housing areas for up to 60 youth between the ages of 6 and 12. This program brings the camp experience to the campers in their community and offers arts and crafts, team sports, challenge course, group building, archery, environmental education, and water games and includes participation from the local Sheriff's Office. During the school year both camps offer leadership and team building retreats to community groups.