The cornerstone and pride of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is its nationally renown network of residential child-care campuses, an array of cottages and villas scattered throughout the state of Florida offering a stable home to needy children.
By utilizing the Boys Ranch/Live Oak, Youth Villa/Bartow, Youth Ranch/Safety Harbor and Youth Ranch-Bradenton/Sarasota, the Youth Ranches trained and devoted staff are well-equipped to nurture needy, neglected boys and girls, and provide a warm sense of security, guidance and tenderness.
Youth are cared for by "cottage parents," who help develop a strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, teamwork and respect in each boy and girl.
Eligibility requirements for residential care are as follows:
- Legal guardian and youth must be legal residents of the state of Florida.
- Youth must be between 8 and 18 years of age.
- Youth must have no other appropriate living arrangements.
- Youth must be of average or above average intelligence.
- Youth must not pose a threat to self or others.
- Youth must not be a serious, habitual offender.
- Youth must be able to physically participate in program activities.
- Youth agrees to participate in religious activities.
- Youth must perform in public school setting or another alternative educational program.
- Youth must not have alcohol or drug dependency.
- Youth must be willing to work on personal problems.
- Youth must be recommended by the local Sheriff.
Intake Coordinators
If your child is a FLORIDA RESIDENT and you want to inquire about services, please contact us at 1-800-765-2697.
Accessibility and Auxiliary Aids Plan for Clients Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
For the Youth Ranches Accessibility Plan, click here.