Idaho Youth Ranch is a nonprofit organization founded in 1953 that works to support vulnerable children and families across Idaho. Its mission centers on providing accessible, trauma-informed programs to nurture hope, healing, and resilience among youth. The organization has grown from its origins as a ranch-based refuge into a state-wide multi-service agency, combining therapeutic, residential, adoption, and support services for at-risk youth. Innovative Approaches Tailored to Different Needs The services provided span a broad spectrum tailored to meet varying needs. These include outpatient and family therapy, residential care for youth ages 11–17 through the Residential Center for Healing & Resilience (RCHR), crisis shelter via Hays House for runaway or homeless youth, emergency shelter, adoption services, and job-readiness training for teens and young adults. IYR also offers unique therapeutic approaches such as equine-assisted psychotherapy. For young people who need support entering adulthood, the YouthWorks job-training program gives hands-on work experience combined with career readiness education for ages 14–24. Support Designed for Youth The population served includes children and adolescents (roughly ages 9–24) who face trauma, behavioral challenges, family conflict, homelessness, abandonment or neglect, mental health issues, or unstable home environments. IYR also serves families seeking adoption or parents needing crisis counseling. The organization is recognized for its quality — its outpatient counseling centers, equine-therapy, shelter, and adoption programs hold accreditation from The Joint Commission, reflecting a commitment to safe, evidence-based care. As a nonprofit, IYR sustains its programs through a statewide network of thrift stores, donations, and community support — enabling long-term, flexible help rather than short-term, one-off intervention.
