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Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch announced it is expanding its Minot residential programs to meet the needs of younger children. The only residential treatment facility that serves younger children in North Dakota is closing its doors and the Ranch is stepping up to fill that need.
The expanded license approved by the North Dakota Department of Human Services will allow the Ranch to provide Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) services on its Minot campus to 26 children ages 5-17, compared to its previous license for 16 children, ages 10-17. This change will result in a gain of two PRTF beds in the state. Ranch campuses in Fargo and Bismarck will continue to serve 10-17 year olds.
PRTFs are secure facilities that provide 24-hour, intensive, inpatient mental health care for youth. They provide the highest level of psychiatric care available for children who have chronic psychiatric and behavioral health issues and require more structure and support than outpatient therapy can provide, according to the Ranch.
Cornelsen Cottage will house 5-11-year-olds in PRTF care. The cottage is designed for younger kids, with sensory rooms and an attached playground and outdoor space.
Dakota Memorial School (DMS), the Ranch's on-campus school, already educates students in Grades 1-12 on its Minot campus, and is well situated to meet the needs of the younger students. DMS requested approval from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction to add kindergarten services to its Minot elementary program.
Dr. Wayne Martinsen, psychiatrist, will lead the clinical work done to meet the psychiatric, emotional and physical needs of this younger group of children. The Ranch will begin to welcome these younger children before the start of the fall 2026 school year.
"We are passionate at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch about doing all we can to meet the behavioral health and educational needs of the precious children that need residential care," said Ranch CEO and President Joy Ryan. "We are committed to serving this new population well, with best practice, safety and compassion."