1) What is
Square
One Ranch?
Square One Ranch is a logical and promising alternative to Juvenile prison or detention for teenage boys who have been convicted of violent crimes. Our high impact, intensive program draws from proven mainstream models, but is directed toward violent youths. Square One Ranch is a private, non-detention, long-term ranch program designed to help young violent boys, ages 10-14, transform themselves into virtuous productive young men. Square One utilizes a full working cattle ranch, and will run 250-300 cows and offspring and raise draft and work horses so as to provide work, skill building tasks, and life learning opportunities for the boys. There is no better place to learn responsibility and positive values than a working ranch with strong positive mentors. The animals will also raise capital from annual sales to offset the cost of the boys ranch and program.
2) How many boys will we take?
At this time, the program is designed to house as many as 15 boys. While we will have a target number of 12, we will be prepared for more if the need arises. The Ranch will take two boys into the wilderness phase every six months.
3) Do we take private placements of boys?
No, we only take boys that have committed a violent crime and would otherwise face juvenile lock up or a transfer to adult prison.
4) Are the boys sentenced or appointed by a judge to
Square
One Ranch?
Neither. We have the unique opportunity to work with the court system to try something new for young violent offenders. After some general assessments and evaluations, and before or during their trial process, we would make an offer to that particular boy and he can decide to come to Square One Ranch. It then goes before the judge for approval. If the court agrees then we require the boy to enter a plea of guilty. The judge will then withhold adjudication and release them on probation into our custody as long as the boys are in the program. If he desires to quit the program, the judge no longer withholds adjudication, accepts the entered guilty plea, and then sentences him to prison or juvenile lock-up.
The five (5) phase program is a minimum of 3 years and 8 months. That is the shortest amount of time eligible in each phase added together. The program is designed to be a forward moving program, meaning that each boy has a certain amount of time to finish each phase. If he does finish the phase or violates a major rule, he will have to repeat all, or a portion of the previous phase. If he does not show forward progress or violates any of our “cardinal rules,” he can be recommitted (sent back) to Department of Corrections.
Square One Ranch will not take Federal or State funds. To ensure our liberty to teach Judeo-Christian values, the basis for our program, Square One Ranch has elected not to accept federal or state grants. In the future, federal land grants, agriculture related grants, etc. may be considered, provided we are confident they do not compromise or restrict our mission. Until that time, the sole funding will be from private individual and corporate donations.
7) Will the boys get an education?
In the first phase, after scholastic assessment, each boy will participate in a wonderful remediation course called Expressways to Learning. In phases 2-5 the boys will be community home schooled in order to receive or work toward their high school diploma not a G.E.D. In additional to their diploma, the boys will learn many trade skills such as carpentry or plumbing.
8) What will happen to the boys after they finish the program?
If the young man is nearing the age of 18 and has both graduated from school and the program, he will be encouraged to attend a college or university or begin working within his chosen trade. We are developing partnerships with other programs and individuals that will provide full or partial 4-year conditional scholarships. If you would like to part of this effort contact Brian Buckelew at (615) 395-4267. Each of the younger men who has successfully completed the program but not completed high school, will transition into a foster family that has not only partnered with us to change these boys’ lives, but has also been developing a relationship specifically with that young man for at least one year prior.
9) Where will we be located?
The majority of the boys we take will likely have previous gang affiliations; in order to prevent a possible confrontation at the Ranch and for security reasons, Square One Ranch will be in an undisclosed location in Middle Tennessee.
10)
Will the Ranch take kids from outside the
state of Tennessee?
No, the Ranch will not take kids from outside Tennessee. Transfer laws can be convoluted. Although, it is legal and possible, at this time we feel it presents too many problems. However, when Square One Ranch is proven successful, the model of Square One Ranch will be exported to programs in other states.
11)
How much does
it cost to keep the boys there for one year?
It costs the Ranch $136 a day to house a boy. That is the TOTAL annual cost divided by the average number of boys at the Ranch divided by 365 days. It costs the state of Tennessee $229 a day to simply house the same boy. We have tried with great difficultly to track down exactly what the $229 represents, however at this time we have been unable to do so.
12) How much do we charge for the kids to be there?
There is no charge to the boys or their families to be a part of Square One Ranch. The cost will be raised by the sale of cattle, and other farm commodities, but mostly private donations. Want to help? Contact Us!
13) Will we take both boys and girls?
No, the Ranch is designed to take only boys.
14) What kind of kids will we take?
We will take boys ages 10-14 who have been convicted of a higher-level violent crime, such as murder, assault, aggravated robbery, etc.
15) Will they be required to go to a particular church?
No, in the wilderness phase they will be required to attend “chapel” on site. Several different venues, topics, and teachers, will be used. It is designed to allow the boys to gain experience and develop both questions and insight. As each progresses through the phases, and more “off site” privileges are gained, he may choose from several church options, obviously limited to staff ability to accommodate. During the “freedom phase” (Phase 5) he may attend any church in the area he chooses.
16) Why is the ranch called Square One?
The ranch is called Square One because for these young violent teens it is the first step in starting over. Before the boys can change their behavior, they must first change their thinking. For many of these boys, this means a complete departure from their old ways of thinking and old lifestyle. It means starting over.
17)
Is
Square
One Ranch
a Boot Camp?
No, a wilderness program is often confused with a boot camp. Especially, when “criminals” are the focus. A boot camp is used to tear down attitudes and egos and use strict discipline to improve behavior. Although, a boot camp might be appropriate for some older teens, it is not appropriate for younger teens. Younger teens are usually still searching for acceptance and identity and though they may have a bad attitude, “tearing them down” may be far more negative than positive. Square One Ranch is for creating positive identities and relationships. We consider it “habilitation,” not re-habilitation. And while “discipline” generally is good, of course, a framework of values must be established before we can help them to be self disciplined. In a boot camp, one merely is made to obey a code. At Square One Ranch, we create a desire for right behavior as the young man takes ownership of these newly realized values, and then we reinforce and reward his self-discipline.