April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. At Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, breaking the cycle of abuse is a key goal in all of our programs. Our programs are designed to help youth and families heal from trauma, build resiliency, and establish strong foundations for their futures. We believe that child abuse is preventable. However, preventing abuse starts with all of us – organizations, individuals, and communities coming together to support our youth and families. 

By providing a safe and nurturing environment for youth in foster care, teaching healthy parenting skills to families, and empowering individuals to build healthy futures, we can help break and prevent the cycle of abuse. 

Specialized Care 

All of the youth in our Specialized Care program have experienced some level of trauma. Many have never had healthy relationships with the adults in their lives.  

According to research done by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, supportive relationships are crucial for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. In our Specialized Care program, our staff takes time to build genuine, caring, and supportive relationships with our youth. This ultimately helps them learn to trust and lean into the program. Throughout their time in the Specialized Care program, our youth work to build resiliency and heal from trauma. And ultimately have a brighter future! 

Transitional Living 

While our Transitional Living program is less structured than our Specialized Care program, both programs share many of the same goals.  

Our Transitional Living program provides a safe and supportive environment for youth to heal from trauma, build resiliency, and enjoy being kids! Like the youth in our Specialized Care program, many of our Transitional Living youth have experienced trauma and/or abuse.  However, through the Transitional Living program, they learn to build healthy relationships with their peers and the adults in their lives. They learn to set boundaries and advocate for themselves.  

In addition to working through various relationships, youth also work towards planning for the future: finishing school, getting a drivers license, joining clubs that interest them, getting their first job etc. When youth leave the Transitional Living program, they are better equipped for the future and prepared to end the cycles of abuse and/or trauma that they have experienced themselves.  

Stabilization Services 

Our Stabilization Services programs are for families in crisis. These families are experiencing some level of instability in the home. This could be financial struggles, mental health issues, unexpected pregnancy, etc. According to Prevent Child Abuse America, early intervention and support for families can reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. A family in crisis does not automatically mean abuse will occur; it simply means that there is an increased vulnerability.  

The ultimate goal of Stabilization Services is to keep families together, help them heal, and build resiliency through whatever crisis they are experiencing.  

Child abuse has far-reaching consequences that can last a lifetime. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and developmental delays. This can negatively impact a child’s ability to succeed in school, form healthy relationships, and become a healthy adult. By preventing child abuse, we can protect children’s well-being and strengthen families and communities. 

Together, we can help youth and families in our communities heal from trauma, build resiliency, and break the cycle of abuse and neglect.