Idaho Youth Ranch to build 64-bed facility in Caldwell for state's vulnerable kids

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Youth Ranch is set to break ground on a new long-term 64-bed facility in Caldwell to help the state's most vulnerable children.

The new facility will be a residential building for vulnerable kids who would otherwise be sent out of state. It will serve more than 100 kids per year.

Children will be supported by relationships with caring adults, 24-hour nursing, psychiatric care, proven therapeutic treatment models, and a year-round school.

"Designed and modeled after leading national facilities, the center will include medication reduction, nutrition, and physical fitness in a secure environment with 24-hour supervision," a spokesperson said. "All of this care is in support of one goal: helping kids heal and return to their families and communities in a safe and supported manner."

The Idaho Youth Ranch expects construction to take about 18 months and open in the fall or winter of 2022.

The nonprofit's Capital Campaign raised $18 million since they launched the quiet portion of the campaign in June of 2020. Now, they have gone public to raise an additional $4M, and this is being accelerated by a $2M matching gift from the Tomlinson Family Foundation, JR Simplot Company Foundation, and Duane & Lori Stueckle.

“Right now, we have about 120 Idaho kids on Medicaid who have been sent out of state because there are almost no options to get help in Idaho. They are joined by many more youth on insurance or private, whose families have had to look outside of Idaho for help. Many of these are kids who have experienced loss, trauma, abuse, or adversity,” said Scott Curtis, CEO of Idaho Youth Ranch. “Idaho Youth Ranch has a legacy of helping Idaho’s most vulnerable kids and families transform childhood trauma into hope, healing, and resilience. That’s what we’ve done for nearly 70 years. Now, we can lead the region in care for our kids in a place that feels like home. The campus is everything great about Idaho, where young people will live in a beautiful setting and, rather than feeling punished for their trauma, feel supported.”

Idaho Youth Ranch officials will break ground on the new building on Thursday at 10 a.m. at 28371 El Paso Road in Caldwell.

To learn more, visit the Idaho Youth Ranch website.