Enhanced Ranch Program

In 2006, the Santa Clara County Probation Department adopted a new model, structure, and philosophy in serving youth in two juvenile justice programs—the William F. James Boys’ Ranch and the Muriel Wright Center. The new model, the Enhanced Ranch Program (ERP), was designed to concentrate on proactive models of rehabilitation rather than reactive models of correction. The program was based on the Missouri Model, an evidence-based treatment approach that has been shown to effectively reduce subsequent delinquent behavior in juveniles.

ERP’s core components are: (1) staff development and coaching, (2) treatment, (3) family atmosphere, (4) group process, (5) small staff-to-youth ratios, (6) family participation, (7) personal enhancement opportunities, (8) extended lengths of stay for youth, (9) relationship building, (10) education, and (11) after care programs. While in treatment, youth progress along the continuum of mandated services and have the opportunity to advance from level one to level four, with increased privileges and responsibilities in the higher levels.

Santa Clara County approved $3.2 million dollars to implement the program.

ERP’s main objective is to provide therapeutic services to youth in the juvenile justice system and their families while maintaining a commitment to public safety.

The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) was commissioned by Santa Clara County Probation Department to evaluate the program. The NCCD found that ERP participants had fewer average number of behavioral incidents such as possession of contraband, disruptive conduct, and gang-related fights (4.9), as compared to participants in the old Ranch program (9.8). The ERP group had fewer probation violations during (8% ERP vs. 23% old Range program) and after completion of the program (9% ERP vs. 11% old Range program). In addition, the ERP group had fewer new arrests during (9% ERP vs. 11% old Ranch) and after completion of the program (28% ERP vs. 31% old Ranch).