Replacing youth prisons and punishment with ranches and rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders.

Our mission is to establish 1,000+ acre ranches in all 50 states, replacing youth prisons with safe, loving, and healthy environments where young, nonviolent offenders can heal, grow, and learn the skills needed to build prosperous, bright, and happy futures.

Why Ranches?

The programs and services at Phoenix Ranches are rooted in time-tested practices that have been utilized worldwide for generations, consistently demonstrating lower recidivism rates. Techniques such as animal husbandry, farming, gardening, and trade skill training, combined with Montessori-style classroom settings and activities that promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, are far from new concepts.

Ranch environments uniquely integrate these proven methods within a safe, loving, and nurturing atmosphere that fosters growth and recovery, paving the way for a bright, fulfilling, and prosperous future.

While Phoenix Ranches aims to transform youth rehabilitation, youth prisons will continue to exist, serving a specific purpose. They will accommodate about 30% of youth prison populations, primarily for violent offenders and those who are unable or unsuited for life at Phoenix Ranches. Unfortunately, not every young person will thrive in our program; some may face expulsion and be redirected to youth prisons. This acknowledges a reality: some individuals may struggle to adapt to a law-abiding society.

However, we firmly believe that children who commit status offenses—such as running away, substance use, or behavioral challenges—deserve a second chance. Traditional juvenile detention centers often exacerbate the root causes of these behaviors, such as trauma. At Phoenix Ranches, we are committed to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth, giving every child the opportunity to rise from their challenges and become a positive force in society.

At the heart of the challenges our youth face lies trauma.

PTSD​

Unresolved trauma in youth can lead to PTSD, causing symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. These can make it difficult to manage emotions and behavior, often leading to risky actions like substance abuse or acting out. Untreated PTSD hinders relationships, school performance, and daily life, increasing the risk of homelessness. Without proper treatment, PTSD can create a cycle of mental health struggles and instability. Early intervention, rather than juvenile detention, is crucial to breaking this cycle and preventing long-term effects.​

Homelessness

Research clearly shows a strong link between trauma and youth homelessness. Many young people experiencing homelessness have faced multiple traumatic events, and factors like parental incarceration and substance abuse can further increase the risk. Unresolved trauma significantly raises the likelihood of youth becoming homeless, highlighting the need for effective intervention and support.

Trauma

The number one cause of youth acting out is often trauma, which can stem from factors like:
● Abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
● Neglect
● Exposure to violence (domestic or community)
● Family substance abuse
● Mental health issues (depression, anxiety, etc.)
Trauma can deeply affect a young person’s behavior and emotional development, often leading to acting out as a way to cope. Addressing these issues with therapy, support, and a stable environment can help mitigate these behaviors.

Youth Incarceration

Trauma deeply affects a young person’s behavior, often leading to emotional struggles and poor coping mechanisms. Experiences like abuse, neglect, or violence can result in anger, trust issues, and outbursts, causing conflicts at home and school. Without proper support, these behaviors can escalate, resulting in legal trouble and youth incarceration. In many cases, the trauma itself is a key driver of the actions that lead to detention or correctional placement.

Substance Abuse Addiction

Exposure to trauma significantly increases the risk of adolescents developing substance use disorders. Studies have found that between 25% and 76% of teens with a history of trauma later develop substance use issues. Additionally, research indicates that adolescents who have experienced physical or sexual abuse are three times more likely to engage in substance abuse compared to their non-traumatized peers. This underscores the strong link between traumatic experiences and the likelihood of teens turning to substances as a coping mechanism.

Trauma in youth often leads to PTSD, with symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness, which can make it difficult for them to cope with daily life. This untreated trauma can contribute to behaviors like acting out, leading to youth incarceration. Once incarcerated, many of these young people face further trauma, which exacerbates their PTSD and increases the risk of substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Over time, this creates a vicious cycle—trauma leads to PTSD, which fuels incarceration, homelessness, and addiction, with each experience deepening the impact of the trauma. Without addressing the root cause of trauma, this cycle can continue, hindering their ability to heal and reintegrate into society.

Our roadmap begins with the launch of the Phoenix Ranch Service Animal Training Program—a mission-driven initiative that creates meaningful career pathways for military veterans as they transition back into civilian life. By partnering with local humane societies, we adopt dogs and guide them through a transformative journey—from shelter to service. These animals will graduate as emotional support companions, fully trained service dogs, and everything in between—each one given a renewed purpose and a life filled with love.

A Message From The Founder

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