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 an Intake Coordinator at 1-800-765-2697.

To begin the application process, click here.

Accessibility and Auxiliary Aids Plan for Clients Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

For the Youth Ranches Accessibility Plan, click here.