Finding the right residential treatment program for your child can be overwhelming. The Admissions Team at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch can help you navigate the process and assist you in gathering the information and support you need during this difficult time.
Understanding the Initial Steps
Once you’ve determined that residential treatment is right for your child, the first step is to gather essential documents for what is known as the Universal Application. These documents include:
- Medical, psychiatric, therapy, and educational records. Having these documents readily available can significantly expedite the process.
- Comprehensive information regarding your child's care. You'll be required to provide details of your child’s symptoms, behaviors, and information about other providers involved in your child's care. This includes names and phone numbers of the child's primary support system, which could include parents, siblings, grandparents, and case managers.
- Historical placement information: Details concerning previous placements in facilities, hospitalizations, foster care placements, and any recent discharges.
- Assessment and progress notes: You will be asked to compile any assessments, IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), medication lists, diagnoses, specialist evaluations, and therapeutic intervention progress notes.
If you want the Ranch’s admissions team to assist you in gathering this information, we’ll ask you to sign a Release of Information form, which allows us to collect the necessary records directly from providers involved in your child’s care.
The Role of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health Navigator and the Maximus Assessment
Once your application is complete, we will send it to a state Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN), who will review it to determine if residential treatment is suitable. The BHN will then forward it to Maximus, the state’s third-party reviewer. Maximus typically has seven days to complete a thorough assessment and interview to make the final determination, during which time they may request additional information.
Receiving the Final Decision
Approved Applications
If your child is approved for residential treatment, you will receive an email detailing Maximus’s decision. If approved, we will work with you to arrange for your child’s admission to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.
For Denied Applications
Not all applications are approved. In such instances, our team will assist you in finding alternative resources and community-based services to meet your child’s needs.
You are Not Alone
The pathway to securing a spot in a residential treatment program can be overwhelming. The Ranch’s admissions team can assist you every step of the way. To contact Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, go to https://DakotaRanch.org/residential-treatment or call 701-354-4181.