Programs & Services
Learn more about how we provide troubled young men with the support they need to overcome a traumatic background and embrace a stable, successful future.
seeking help for a lost boy
admission TO THE RANCH
The Boys Ranch serves troubled young men between 12-17 years old who are in need of a safe, stable environment in which to recover physically, emotionally, and academically.
Currently most boys at the Ranch have been privately placed. A small percentage are placed by the Court system. We encourage a minimum stay of one year. Upon admission, a service plan is designed to address the specific need of each boy. Our goal is reunite each boy with his family if and when possible. The Boys Ranch welcomes referrals from school counselors, ministers, law enforcement officers, parents, grandparents and others.
Those who are accepted may be required to have the following information before admission, but must obtain it within at least 30 days of admission: psychological evaluation; school and/or training transcript; medical and dental records; social history information; social security number; custody order; immunization records; and medical insurance or Medicaid cards.
Information for Parents
how the ranch can help your son
The Boys Ranch is a Type IV Residential Facility licensed to work with at-risk young men ages 12-17. Hundreds of boys have found a secure, caring place at the Ranch since it opened its doors in 1979.
Our residential facilities are based on the family living model. Young men live with others who are facing similar challenges, along with a team of Resident Supervisors. This environment helps troubled youth come to terms with their difficult pasts and support their peers in their own journey of self-reflection. As they heal, form new relationships, and build skills and self-confidence, they begin a process of positive change that will last a lifetime.
Making the decision to place your child at the Ranch is a big commitment. Parents usually reach out to us for help after all other options have failed, and we understand that you have a lot of questions. Our staff is available and willing to provide any information you might need to make an informed choice. We want you to be comfortable with the decision to place your child at the Ranch.
Lighthouse Ranch for Boys offers a revolving door admissions program, meaning teens can come to the program at any time in the calendar year. While we accept new residents 365 days a year, space is limited.
Your son may be placed at the Boys Ranch in one of two ways:
The first way is to be appointed through the court system. If your son has committed a crime and is currently involved with the county, parish, or state court system(s), you may have some influence on where your son will ultimately be placed by making a request to the social worker or public defender assigned to your son's case. If given the opportunity, you might be able to speak directly to the judge to request that he be placed at Lighthouse Ranch for Boys.
The second way is through voluntary enrollment. If your son is not yet involved in the court system, but you are concerned that he is on the wrong path and in need of direction, you may choose to place him at the Boys Ranch voluntarily.
information For Professionals
referring at-risk young men to the ranch
Lighthouse Ranch for Boys is a community-based residential treatment facility and program for boys 12 through 17 years of age. Besides being one of the most competitively-priced youth residential care centers in the state of Louisiana, the Ranch offers dozens of unique, value-added programs that will enhance residents' experience and give them more opportunities for success.
The Ranch employs an evidence-based, healthy lifestyle program that focuses on promoting alternatives to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse and improving long-term outcomes for at-risk boys.
The Lighthouse Ranch for Boys is:
- Recognized by the State of Louisiana USA as a nonprofit corporation;
- Recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning all gifts are tax deductible;
- Recognized by the LA Dept. of Children and Family Services as a Type IV Child Residential Facility and QRTP Qualified Residential Treatment Program.
Vo-Tech Program
teaching valuable skills through hands-on experience
To better equip Ranch boys with marketable skills for future success, our administration and staff are working to implement a vocational skills training program and provide space for real-world instruction and practice. The first phase of this plan involves raising the necessary funds to construct a new Vo-Tech building complete with classrooms and a dedicated workshop area. In addition to meeting the financial requirements of our building plan, the Boys Ranch will need various tools that our boys can use to learn woodworking, metalworking, plumbing, small engine repair, and other valuable skills. To learn more about the many ways you can help support this project and other improvements at the Boys Ranch, please visit our donate page.
educational Certifications & Achievements
Education Program
- Participates in the California Achievement Testing placement program
- Participates in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) College Board/College Admissions testing
- Offers residents a choice of four high school diplomas: Vocational, General, Honors, and College Preparatory
- Places strong emphasis on academic excellence, vocational diversity, character building, and health & fitness