Child Profile FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

It is unfortunate that Cal Farley’s cannot help every single family or child seeking assistance. Our residential programs at Boys Ranch and Girlstown, U.S.A. are basic care environments that require potential candidates for placement to meet certain standards. The following information should help you determine whether or not the child you are seeking help for at Cal Farley’s would be an appropriate candidate.

1. What type of child would be considered as a potential candidate for placement?

Children appropriate for our care:
• Family discord
• School problems (not on grade level, struggling academically, not performing to potential, behavioral issues in the classroom resulting in in-school or out-of-school suspension)
• Verbal aggression and minor physical aggression
• Anger and defiance
• Experimenting with alcohol/drugs
• Sneaking out of home, running away for short periods of time
• Minor legal issues (truancy, shoplifting, no tolerance issues through school)
• Emotional issues which are mild in nature (mild depression, ADHD)
• Parents cannot provide required supervision due to family circumstance
• Personal boundary issues, sexual activity

2. What type of child would not be considered for placement?

Children not appropriate for our care:
• Sexually predatory, accused/charged with sexual offense
• Violent behavior, homicidal/making terroristic threats
• Actively suicidal/self mutilation
• Serious mental health issues (thought disorder, severe depression, BiPolar Disorder which is not stabilized with medication)
• Females who are pregnant
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders, mental retardation
• Neurological impairment
• Needs treatment for significant drug use/addiction
• Cannot function in regular school due to intellectual capacity or behavioral issues

Even though the child may fit the appropriate candidate profile, the applicant telephone interview and other subsequent campus requirements will determine if a child is, or is not, placed at Boys Ranch or Girlstown, U.S.A.

Return to: 5 Steps to Getting a Child into Care at Cal Farley’s