Turn-About Ranch continues to ensure a safe environment for students and staff despite COVID-19 and social unrest.  As much of the country begins to lift restrictions, Turn-About Ranch remains committed to preventing COVID-19 from infecting its program and community.  New admissions have continued throughout the COVID-19 crisis with increased attention to risk and safety protocols.  Students and staff have been diligently following CDC and Utah’s Department of Health recommendations.

Turn-About Ranch has stayed ahead of mandated safety measures throughout the pandemic; requiring quarantining before admission as well as providing additional quarantine measures upon arrival, limiting travel and exposure of employees, establishing contingency plans in case of infection, and continued training.  “Our primary concern is for the welfare and safety of our students and staff,” explained Executive Director Michelle Lindsay, at a recent staff training.  “If we all do our part, we can protect our students and community from this terrible illness.”  Staff and students continue to wear masks, social distance, and take precautions when necessary.

When asked about how the coronavirus has impacted her treatment at Turn-About Ranch, one student said, “It’s a little annoying sometimes, but I think we have it pretty good here!  Even the kids who live in Escalante (the local town) have been stuck at home while we’ve been able to go to our school and work on the ranch and do things we enjoy!  I’m glad I’m here instead of having to be in the middle of the virus and all the riots and stuff my family has had to deal with back home.”  Similar remarks were given from other students, indicating a willingness to follow new protocols and a sense of safety needed to heal and make needed changes to their lives.  “I know I am where I need to be and am glad to be safe from all that is going on in the world,” said another student.

As restrictions ease and the nation begins to resume the “new normal,” Turn-About Ranch leadership will continue to be diligent while offering as many opportunities for real change and growth for their students.  “We have a ‘million-acre school.’” said Lindsay.  “Surrounded by National Forests and Monuments and Wilderness, we have plenty of room to work with our students and not put them at risk for COVID or any other threats found in the rest of the country.  We are blessed to be able to offer meaningful treatment for troubled teens in a safe environment.”

About Turn-About Ranch

Turn-About Ranch is a wilderness therapy and residential treatment program located in the heart of Southern Utah’s canyon country. Students experience life on a real working ranch while undergoing treatment to improve their life back home. Surrounded by multiple national parks and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Turn-About Ranch is the ideal location for youth of today to have the space they need to find healing and purpose.