Judge James V. Riddel Boys Ranch (JRBR) is the most structured community-based residential program for juvenile offenders in the State of Kansas. The program is operated by the Sedgwick County Department of Corrections, Youth Services. All services are provided on-campus, including education. The average length of stay to successfully complete the program is 140 days, followed by a period of supervised release in the community by juvenile justice case managers. The program operates continuously at their licensed capacity of 49. All admissions come directly from juvenile detention. Program services include behavior management, education including GED instruction, life skills classes, job readiness training, recreation and individual, group and family counseling. Outpatient substance abuse counseling is provided onsite by an outside contractor. The Ranch also provides a unique program teaching the juveniles to care for and ride horses on the 63-acre campus, 23 miles west of Wichita, Ks.

JRBR serves male juvenile offenders with serious behavior problems from an urban setting, ages13-17, that have been found guilty in juvenile court and ordered into state’s custody for placement outside their homes at a community-based residential program. It is usually their first out of home placement. Approximately 50% of the juveniles are in custody for misdemeanor offenses, after they have failed standard probation and intensive probation in the community. The other half are felony offenders, including those with convictions for person crimes such as aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and aggravated burglary. In most cases those with more serious felony charges were never placed onto probation. JRBR youth are typically very far behind in their education; many need outpatient substance abuse treatment, mental health care and counseling to address criminal behavior, anger management, empathy, grief and family issues.

A review of records for youth admitted to the program in calendar years 2000, 2001, and 2002, showed two very positive outcomes. The rate of successful program completion increased by 9.5 %, from 75% in 2000 to 82% in 2001. Preliminary results for 2002 show this positive trend continuing with 89% successful completions. The second very promising outcome is a 9% increase in the percentage of youth that had not reoffended one year after successfully exiting the program. The success rate rose from 76% in 2000 to 83% in 2001. Overall the data shows more youth experiencing success at completing the program and behaving lawfully when they return home to live in the community.