May 14, 2021
Turn-About Ranch Responds to New Utah Legislation: SB127
Senate Bill 127, sponsored by Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, was recently passed in the state of Utah. The legislation increases oversight and safety regulations for Utah’s therapeutic schools and programs for teens. While recent media has highlighted the high profile celebrities and their support of the bill, there has been minimal mention of the reaction of the actual programs these new laws affect. The truth is, most Utah programs are in full support of these new laws that went into effect on May 5, 2021. Turn-About Ranch is no exception.
Turn-About Ranch provided the following statement regarding the new legislation to AllKindsofTherapy.com:
“We have read and agree with SB127. We fully support the law. We would have been there to sign alongside Paris [Hilton] had we been invited. Most requirements of the new law are standards already being met by [Turn-About Ranch] and other reputable programs in the State.”
“We have read and agree with SB127. We fully support the law.”
Turn-About Ranch is a member of the National Association for Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), which is the largest not-for-profit association of its kind. NATSAP and its members have worked with legislators in support of updating Utah State standards of care. The majority of Utah programs are members of NATSAP which requires its members to agree and abide by extremely high “Principles of Good Practice” which includes requirements established by national accreditation bodies.
NATSAP also requires its members to be nationally accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO) or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Turn-About Ranch is currently accredited through CARF and has been since 2010. Accreditation requires site visits, and in-depth auditing of all aspects of the facility. Once awarded the accreditation, “the organization has met annual conformance requirements for quality standards that enhance the lives of persons served,”. These requirements are above and beyond what has been required by Utah, even with the new legislation in place.
Turn-About Ranch continued its statement regarding the new laws: “If the law operates to increase public confidence in Utah’s quality youth programs, it can only be a good thing.”
One aspect of the new law requires reporting of the use of all restraints. Our program is designed to avoid the use of restraints. We use restraints very infrequently, and for situations indicating risk for immediate harm to a student or staff. We welcome the oversight and updated professional standards, including planned and unannounced visits from the DHS.”
“We welcome the oversight and updated professional standards, including planned and unannounced visits from the DHS.”
Turn-About Ranch has been helping struggling teens and their families since 1989 and has maintained an exceptional record with the state of Utah as well as CARF. Michelle Lindsay, Executive Director at Turn-About Ranch, added,
“Today’s climate of ‘canceling’ programs like Turn-About Ranch has skewed public perception of the amazing service we provide for families in need. What else is there for families if these programs are not available? We encourage families to do their research, ask questions, become educated consumers and talk to real people about these programs before making a decision. I am proud to work at Turn-About Ranch and know we provide quality care for every person we have the opportunity to serve.”