Custodians & Other Providers

Eligibility Criteria for Residential Treatment:

• North Dakota Residency: The child must be a current or intended resident of North Dakota.
• Age Range: Our residential programs are for children and adolescents ages 10 to 17.
• Need for Intensive Support: Residential treatment is best suited for children whose mental health needs are not fully met by outpatient care or who require a higher level of support.

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch offers two levels of residential care to meet the varying needs of youth, both designed to provide intensive support in a secure setting:

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF)	Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP)
For children needing the highest level of care, this program offers a highly structured, intensive psychiatric environment, ideal for children who require continuous oversight. Meals, Shelter, and Basic Needs In-depth Psychiatric Care Individual Therapy Group Therapy Family Therapy Crisis Management On-Site Education   Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo locations	Our Qualified Residential Treatment Programs provide a safe and supportive living environment for children who can thrive with a lower level of structure and additional supportive services. Meals, Shelter, and Basic Needs Individual Therapy Group Therapy Family Therapy Life Skills Development Transition Support On-Site Education (Optional)   Minot location

In addition, children in both PRTF and QRTP programs receive medical care, wellness and recreational services, and robust spiritual life programming.

Specific Eligibility Criteria for PRTF:

To qualify for a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, one of the following must have occurred in the last 90 days:

• The child has been admitted to the emergency room for a psychiatric condition or crisis.
• The child has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
• The child has been seen by a behavioral health clinician.
• A behavioral health clinician or doctor has assessed the child and determined that a referral for residential treatment is necessary.

Note: In North Dakota, a centralized admissions process determines the appropriate level of care for each child. QRTP is traditionally for youth in the foster care system, but the state does have limited Voluntary Treatment Program funds for private placements.

What is My Responsibility as a Custodian?

1. Complete Universal Application (SFN 824).
2. Gather medical and school records.
3. Complete Releases of Information.
4. Submit LOC to Maximus.
5. Inform the Ranch when a Maximus decision is made.
6. If the LOC is approved, contact the Ranch to schedule an admit date.
7. Upon admission, submit School District Notification Form (SFN 18119) to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.