Update on Children Removed from Ranch for Kids in Rexford
27 children were removed by court order on Tuesday from the Ranch for Kids in Rexford, Montana and taken to a safe place where they could be interviewed by personnel from Montana Department of Health and Human Services.
Spokesman Jon Ebelt provided an update on their care from his office in Helena.
“We’re certainly pleased to report that we now have been able to make contact with all the parents of the children,” said Ebelt. “Some of the children have gone home with their parents already, and there are some children who are remaining in Montana. For those who remain, we’re taking a careful approach to ensure that the care moving forward for these children that are still in our care is calm, informed and safe, so we’re making sure we have the right and proper care.”
Ebelt provided contact information for anyone else who may have been affected by the Ranch for Kids.
“We have that toll-free number for parents and other people to reach us about Ranch for Kids,” he said. “We still encourage people to call the toll-free number at 1-888-200-8002 and there’s also a way for you to leave a recorded message.”
The Lincoln County District Court ordered the children to be removed due to ‘allegations of egregious physical and psychological child abuse and neglect’. The Ranch for Kids was founded in 1994, according to their Facebook page. The page states that "The Ranch for Kids serves as a bridge of hope and healing for hurting families. Based in the serene backdrop of Northwestern Montana, our program offers an effective, compassionate treatment program for children of all ages challenged by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Reactive Attachment Disorder."