Independent Living (Hutch House)

The Village Ranch Independent Living Program accepts male residents between the ages of 15-19 who are ordered by the Court into the program through adjudication, voluntary placement, or Child in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS).

Residents must have an IQ above 66, not engage in consistent aggressive behaviors, and not currently be struggling with significant mental health issues. The length of stay depends on the resident’s progress in achieving independent living skills and education goals. All residents will attend the Hutchinson Public School District with the option of post-secondary education at Ridgewater Community College. If the resident has no interest in further education or has already obtained a GED, he will focus on learning and applying skills toward finding employment.

Many residents come from environments that lack structure and positive role modeling. The Village Ranch Independent Living Program prides itself on having a multi-disciplinary team willing to adapt the support, structure and therapy necessary for each resident.

Therapy includes identifying strength areas and then building on those strength areas in their lives to limit the risk of detrimental behavior. All residents participate in individual, group and family therapy as necessary. Staff will address behaviors in a nurturing, yet aggressive manner focused on empathy, accountability and building strengths and support systems.

Independent Living Skills areas addressed include money management/consumer awareness, food management, personal appearance and hygiene, health, housekeeping, housing, transportation, educational planning, job seeking and maintenance skills, emergency and safety skills, knowledge of community resources, interpersonal skills, legal skills, and pregnancy prevention/parenting and child care.