Parent & Family Support

Diamond Ranch offers parent workshops to educate parents about the program and empower them with parenting skills.

For the parents of newly admitted students, these workshops are offered every other month.

A parent seminar is offered twice a year where parents receive training and interact with their student in a therapeutic setting.

At the appropriate level in the program, monthly parent visits are encouraged to assist with improving relationships and preparing for the student's return home.

A full-time Parent Support Coordinator is available to assist parents as needed throughout the program.   

With parental involvement being a huge key to our success, we at Diamond Ranch Academy are constantly working to keep parents informed and aware. We understand that for change to occur, the parents must progress with their children. One of the many services we offer are parent workshops where parents can meet the staff, ask questions and better understand the DRA experience. Here is a video from Parent Survival 101, a workshop for parents with children who are new in the program.

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Parent Feedback and comments from Our free Workshops
"Parent Survival 101" for Families New to Diamond Ranch Academy

The following comments were taken from thank you cards and parent feedback forms after our parent seminars.  Where names or initials are known they are used.

"The [parent seminar] group therapy was great - you know you are not alone.. I didn't know what to expect from the workshop, I found it very informative and found great connections with other parents... I highly recommend it!  All of my needs were met.  Everyone was very knowledgeable, comforting and compassionate." - Susan V. (Parent)

"The group therapy with the other parents impacted me the most, along with meeting and asking questions of the students.  I am thrilled that I made the trip, met other parents, and participated in the workshop.  The workshop helped me to further realize I made the right decision by placing my son at DRA.  Now I'm walking away with the knowledge that the staff at DRA really care about all of the children at the ranch. When Kade teared up during group when he spoke about what an honor it is to work with our kids it brought joy to my heart. Thanks DRA!" - parent

"If you are holding onto some guilt, give yourself permission to let go of that a little bit. It does not serve us here anymore!"

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"The workshop gave us the understanding that the staff gets it!  The level of confidence we have is even higher than it already was.  The lines of communication have opened in greater ways simply because I gained a better level of understanding of how the Ranch operates.  I would absolutely recommend it to other parents."  - parent

"I wanted to thank you for the fabulous class you put together for us stressed out parents last month.  We almost didn't attend for several reasons and basically, we figured we could find out all we needed to know in the parent manual or with emails and phone calls. 

I am so glad we changed our mind!  This was so much more than the DRA information class that I thought it was going to be. 

My husband and I got so much out of all the different sessions you all had planned out for us.  Ephraims "Pitfall" sessions were full of information and wisdom.  I loved the yarn circle cry-fest that it was.   We are both still wearing our blue yarn on our wrists and every time I look at mine I am reminded of all the great parents we met that weekend - it is a wonder how fiercely we love our kids. 

I think the thing that surprised us the most (it shouldn't have, but it did!) was how we realized that while [our son] is working on changing some things in his life, we need to be working on change back home!  Please thank all the kids who spoke on the panel again for us.  It was so helpful for us as parents to hear things from their point of view.

Again, thank you so much for everything."    - Laura Hamill

"Everything I needed was covered, very clearly too.  It's important for us to be a part of this whole thing if we expect it to work.  I am confident that DRA is the right place for my son and am so thankful for everyone's dedication."  - parent

"I like the Two steps forward One step back. That's authentic to me, that means we are going to have some struggles and we are going to make mistakes but we are moving in a positive direction. "

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"Parent therapy with the yarn and ball - I realized I am not alone in my struggles with my son and that we as parents need to adjust as well.  The pace is excellent and you go away feeling like part of an extended family with the Ranch and fellow parents.  Thank you to the entire staff for being there for my son & my family at home as well."  - parent

"Listening to Ephraim, the clinical director, he's good at what he does.  It was better than I expected!  I found out that we are not alone or the only ones going through this.  Have you thought about doing it for two days?  Thank you for doing the workshop!   It was so helpful - DRA has a great staff! And very helpful!" - parent

"We believe in you as parents, we believe in your ability to do this. In order for students to have a successful experience at DRA, parents and staff must work together."

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"It was good to know in the family therapy that I am not the only person that was going through this. I also enjoyed meeting the teenagers at the end of the program and also the staff members that interact with our children.  I left feeling a lot better and more comfortable with my decision.  Thanks for making us feel so comfortable and letting us know how much you care about our children." - parent

"It was reinforcement of how we can keep encouraging and make the most of the program.  It was so good to see other parents and feel the camaraderie.  It was much more than I expected.  It leaves a very positive feeling about our decision to send our son to DRA.  I feel now like he is luch instead of doomed to fail!  It was especially helpful to see and hear the students.  They are your best illustration of how the program works."  - parent

Keeping Parents Regularly Updated

One of our top priorities is keeping parents updated on the what's happening here at Diamond Ranch Academy. Parents and family members can log on to our blog's and see up-to-date information and pictures from some of the great activities kids are participating in. Take a minute and see what we've been up to lately.