Kelly Greene
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Tragically, we often hear stories about the neglect and abuse to which many children are subjected on a daily basis. This epidemic runs rampant in Florida and throughout the country, as well. These stories are heart-wrenching, leaving many people to wonder what is being done in order to help these victims.
Efforts from the federal government recently can be seen in the form of a bill that has already passed in the U.S. House this June and is waiting for consideration in the Senate. The bill is called the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 5456). This act was initiated to prevent the removal of abused or neglected children from their families by providing mental and health services. The bill was incorporated with the intent of not separating the kids from the parents and keep them out of the child-welfare system.
If passed through the Senate, this new legislation will provide financial support for facilities, such as, foster care or qualified residential treatment programs. These organizations are locked-down facilities staffed with medical professionals, designed to care for children with significant behavioral and emotional needs. An important drawback of this proposal is the exclusion of residential group homes, like the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch (FSYR), that will no longer receive federal reimbursements due to stipulations included in the Title IVE waivers.
The Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch (FSYR) was founded, in 1957, by a small group of Florida sheriffs that had the desire to fill the need for a residential care facility. They now have organizations located in Live Oak, Bartow, Safety Harbor, and Bradenton, which are considered residential programs. Sarasota, Barbarville, Inglis and Yankeetown offer summer camping locations and youth outreach programs.
According to Bill Frye, president of FSYR, these residential facilities rely on the sizable donations of private donors and will continue to operate even if this bill is approved by the Senate in 2019. Frye does have significant concerns regarding the harrowing prospect of children being left in an unsafe environment. That may occur if placement in residential group homes is discouraged, through the lack of government funding. In most cases, the children do not need to be placed in a locked down facility and are benefitted best by the services that are provided in an accredited group home.
The FSYR is known for providing young men and women with the ability to face the future with a sense of direction, ability and hope. As a result, instilling these character qualities will prevent delinquency and aid in the development of lawful, resilient and productive citizens.
Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart has served for the past three years as president of board of directors for the FSYR. Stewart received this position on the board out of 67 other sheriffs that were potential candidates.
“There are over 200 kids in this residential program that serves residents with home-style living environments, counseling, extra-curricular activities, day camps, etc., which provides the kids with a safe alternative to being on the street,” said Stewart. “The kids are not court-ordered, so they have to want to be here; there are no fences, the only fences are for the cows!”
Stewart went on to explain that at the ranch locations, there are a maximum of eight youth that live in a house, accompanied by two house parents, creating a home-like living environment. The residents, after turning 18, are allowed to stay and FSYR will help to pay for college expenses.
In order to help support FSYR, citizens can shop at their thrift store in Live Oak or make a tax deductible donation of anything ranging from books to cars. Donations can also be made by visiting their website at www.youthranches.org, click “Donate Now”.
For more information concerning the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch, visit the physical location, in Live Oak, at 2486 Cecil Webb Place or call (386) 842-5501 or toll free at 1 (800) 765-3797. Another option would be to contact, Ben Stewart at (850) 973-4151 or visit the local Madison County Sheriff's Dept., at 239 Pickney St.