Level 1 -- "Turtle"

The turtle has a hard defensive shell.  It’s curious and has to poke its head out of the shell to look around and move.  The turtle is enduring and persistent.

Students are introduced to the routines, guidelines, and community functioning of Hope Ranch life.  The student’s initial task is to accept her placement in the program, exhibit motivation for change, and recognize knowledge and skills available to her in confronting problems.  Staff will collaborate with the student and her family to identify goals for treatment.

Spiritually, students begin the process of exploration and a heightened awareness of spirituality.  Various techniques, including biblical texts, are introduced to reinforce healthy mental and emotional habits and to change punitive images of authority.  In readings, students are introduced to the life story of  Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication.