Frequently Asked Questions

 

The Answers


I’VE HEARD HOPE RANCH IS NAMED FOR YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Jennifer Hope. IS THIS ACCURATE? IF SO, WHY?

Actually, no. The name, Hope Ranch, is purely happenstance. Here’s how it came about:
Throughout her career, Jennifer experienced kids who began their educations so bright and full of promise, becoming sad or full of anger. She saw teens getting pregnant or into legal trouble; kids failing to graduate, or being sidelined by life events that they were powerless to control. For Jennifer, witnessing their pain and struggles made an indelible, lasting impression, and she realized what these kids were missing: Hope!

Determined to make a real difference, she knew creating positive, lifelong change for these kids - and our community - required an alternative approach. Whenever Jennifer had the chance to discuss her idea with colleagues, friends, and acquaintances - and she did it a lot! - she told them about her desire to instill hope in these kids. In fact, she expressed it so often and so passionately, that everyone simply began calling it, “the Hope Ranch.”

During a preliminary meeting, Jennifer questioned naming the organization Hope Ranch. Since “Hope” is also her last name, it could become a distraction or point of contention in the community. The members overruled…

It is the Hope Ranch,
Because Hope,
for a Better,
Brighter Future,
Is our Goal for the Kids!


WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF CARE FOR A CHILD AT HOPE RANCH?

Several factors contribute to the cost of care, including:

  • Homes for Placed Children (utilities, maintenance, insurance, etc.)

  • Each home has 2 House-Parents

  • Counseling (salaries, program maintenance, insurance, etc.)

  • Education (salaries, fees, school supplies, etc.)

  • Food, clothing, and healthcare

  • Employee Taxes and Insurance (health, liability, and worker’s compensation; Social Security, Medicare)

  • One full-time Social Worker per 12 children – collaborates with other agencies connected to the child and/or family

  • One full-time Residential Program Director

  • Transportation (vehicles, gas insurance, maintenance)

  • Dining Hall and Food Service Staff (required commercial licensing standards)

DO FAMILIES OF THE CHILDREN PLACED AT HOPE RANCH PAY FOR THE PROGRAM?

We invite and encourage families to financially support their child, just as they did while the child was living in their home. However, regardless of a family’s financial ability to contribute, no child is turned away.

DOES HOPE RANCH RECEIVE SUPPORT THROUGH GOVERNMENT FUNDING?

The only government funds accepted are placement fees. These are paid by the placing agency for foster children, as well as tuitions paid by school districts for students utilizing our behavior management programs. These funds will not cover the complete cost necessary to provide our high quality programs. Hope Ranch does not accept any other state or federal operating funds.

Our current budget is funded through contributions from individuals, churches, private foundations, gifts from estates, and income from beneficial trusts. For capital projects, we will pursue public and private grants.

HOW MANY CHILDREN CAN HOPE RANCH CARE FOR?

For Phase 1, we will serve 12 Residential Students and 48 Students in the School.
Phase two will expand to 84 Residential Students and 125 School Students.

WHERE WILL YOUR CHILDREN COME FROM?

Although we will serve children from other areas in Missouri when necessary, children from communities in and around Franklin County are the priority. The Department of Social Services Children’s Division, which handles case management for foster children, will place most of our children through contracted agencies. Some children, with the consent of their parent and/or guardian, will be privately placed when the family is in a crisis situation.

Prior to approving admission, our admission’s team will review all applications, referrals, medical history, school records, and therapy needs, as well as conducting interviews to determine if placement is safe and appropriate. Juveniles with violent tendencies, as outlined in the Safe Schools Act, and deemed unsafe by the team will not be admitted.

The Hope Ranch will also work with local school districts and the Franklin County Homeless Task Force to provide housing for homeless teens in Franklin County. All youth must meet admission criteria, be enrolled in and attending school, and have parental consent. Special scholarships will be set up to cover costs.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FAMILY OF EACH CHILD AT HOPE RANCH?

For privately placed children, families will be expected to:

  • Participate in family classes and parenting classes

  • Provide medical insurance

  • Pay for counseling services each month

  • Maintain a child’s basic needs account (i.e. haircut, hygiene, clothes)

  • For agency placed children, the family will be encouraged to contribute as they are able.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS NOT A CHRISTIAN?

All children are welcome at Hope Ranch! They don’t have to believe in Christ to receive services. We are non-denominational and welcome all religious affiliations. All we ask, is that they be respectful of others. Children will be surrounded by Christian influences and they will have opportunities to attend church with their house family, take Bible classes in school, and participate in study groups at home. Those who opt-out of church attendance, will participate in our alternative character education program.

HOW DOES THE ON-SITE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL WORK?

The on-site Hope Ranch School will operate on a year-round calendar, with small breaks throughout the year. The teacher to student ratio will be 1:12. 

Our teachers, counselors, and house-parents, will work together to help our kids build and maintain positive relationships with peers, and those in authority, through improved social skills. Each child will have an Individual Learning Plan, based on their specific strengths and needs, that aligns with state curriculum standards and local grade-level benchmarks

Students experiencing success in their current school district will be encouraged, when possible, to stay and continue.

HOW OLD ARE THE CHILDREN WHO WILL BE LIVING AT THE HOPE RANCH?
WILL THEY RETURN TO THEIR PARENTS?

Hope Ranch will care for children in residential programs between the ages of 6 and 19.
When possible, we will work in conjunction with the child’s care team to support family reunification. Once a stable home environment is established, and/or the child has successfully completed the program, s/he will return to their family.

If/when a Juvenile Judge determines that family reunification is not possible, Hope Ranch will work with the child’s care team to find a permanent family. For older youths without other residential options, they will be permitted to stay until graduation from high school and will also participate in our Transition to Independence programs.