Admissions

Admissions and Eligibility

School, church and other public or private officials, including the Department of Human Resources, can make referrals. Once the decision is made to place a child in a Ranch, placement may depend on the space available at the time of the request. Selection is completely nondiscriminatory.

At a minimum, candidates for the Boys and Girls Ranches must meet the eligibility requirements stated below. Before acceptance into care at a Ranch, a family history will be taken, interviews compiled, and pertinent information gathered from local school officials, ministers, friends, etc.

Making a Referral

Any Custodian may refer a child to live at the Ranches. If you would like to do this, please call us at 1-800-548-4256 and speak with one of our social workers. Our social workers will then contact the Ranch. All paperwork must be completed before a child may come to the Ranches.

You can also contact us to request more information by completing the online form below.

Contact the Ranch Social Services Department

Print an Admissions Application

Note: If you are a Department of Human Resources representative and if the child is accompanied by a current Comprehensive Family Assessment (CFA) please use the following form.

Print a DHR Admissions Application

Eligibility Requirements

• The legal guardian and the child must be legal residents of the state of Alabama. At the time of admission, the child may not be younger than 6 years old and not older than 18.
• There must be no other appropriate living arrangements for the child.
• The child cannot be an adjudicated delinquent.
• He or she must be physically capable of participating in program activities.
• The child cannot have severe behavioral problems.
• The child must have the potential to perform in school.
• No alcohol or drug dependency is allowed.
• The child must have both willingness and motivation to work on personal issues.

If you believe your child would benefit from our program, the first step is submitting a completed application.

Required Documents at Time of Admission

• Current physical exam
• A copy of their Social Security Card
• A copy of their birth certificate
• Immunization records
• A copy of school records
• Any custody or legal papers (if applicable)