Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch

TC. We often give an estimate of 3-6 months; however, each youth has such specific needs and family engagement dictates a great deal of the treatment plan that some kids may leave within two weeks, or the youth may stay until age 18 and are eligible for independent living due to having nowhere else to go or lack of family support. Youth live in a group setting, which is often the biggest adjustment, and complete school, chores, meals, campus activities, and some therapies as a group.

We do our best to provide opportunities for them, such as work crews, social parties, and camp-like programming to increase engagement and give them the social interactions they desperately need. The school runs year-round with several week-long school breaks, at which time the recreation department sets up trips like camping, hiking, paddleboarding, biking, sledding, ice skating, trail rides, etc. Many youths struggle during the breaks due to lack of routine and increased free time, so many units make their own trips and passes to historical sites, museums, movie theaters, the zoo, etc. Quite frankly, there is no such thing as a typical day at YBGR. 

TC. One of my favorite components of the ITGS training was creating each of the game pieces we made. It’s special to be able to show kids that they don’t need specialized equipment to have fun. There’s a spiritual aspect of collecting from the Earth, being thankful for the bounty, then returning what is not used back to her. As far as games go, Family Lacrosse is an incredible way to incorporate all people of all skills levels. There’s often a disparity of skill with our clients, resulting in some more athletic youth competing with youth attempting to manage coordination deficits, social skills, along with the rules of the game. Family Lacrosse allows the more athletic youth to do greater movement and those with more developmental skills to participate to their level. It’s fun and safe for everyone who’s willing to engage. 

TC. As I am not of Native heritage, I often let my youth lead the way. If they feel comfortable, we will investigate their culture by asking questions of cultural leaders, finding videos on how to do dances or make ceremonial clothing, or seeking spiritual avenues in whatever way they experience connection. The greatest honor I can do is recognize that I am wholly disconnected from the experience of my youth. I have my own life history and story that clouds my vision of what culture is to another person. I enter all my sessions with curiosity about who my clients are in that day and moment and let them decide to what level we will explore their identity in those moments. 

TC. Due to high variability, sessions differ greatly. Each session has the structure of check-in, activity, processing, and wrap-up. The same youth may be highly engaged and willing to try new strategies one week and on suicide precautions with little opportunity to leave the unit or supplies to engage with the following week. Depending on the youth, they may be able to self-direct the whole session, showing greater initiation and self-actualization, or each step will be directed for them to promote perceived mastery. Youth are encouraged to direct their own needs as much as possible by looking inwards to identify their social and emotional capacity for the day.

TC. My role initially is to allow time and space for youth to acknowledge what level of functioning at which they’re performing. Youth enter the facility under the impression they need to be “fixed,” resulting in emotional distress and greater barriers to gaining rapport. Articulating the value is much more effective when I can provide enjoyable and challenging treatment sessions for youth based on their preferences and skill set. Youth often report their perceived success and skill acquisition to family and friends, resulting in an understanding of the value of occupational therapy with minimal advocacy on the part of the practitioner. Using assessment results in family meetings to address the perspective of the youth assists in buy-in from caregivers and understanding of their youth’s experience in the world. 

TC. From an OT perspective, YBGR is a clinician’s dream. All staff are expected to promote healthy lifestyle and self-discovery in the safest way. The community works collaboratively to provide opportunity that may otherwise be missed by our clients. I have an extraordinary amount of freedom to provide services in the most holistic way I see fit and am supported by our leadership team, as well as challenged to seek new and more creative ways to provide services to youth who are in crisis. The youth are at the center of all our services and the facility is always referring to our Mission: Caring People Preparing Youth for Life.