How A Child Can Qualify For Social Security Benefits Due To Child Abuse

Every parent fears that their child will be a victim of abuse. After being abused children can need years of treatment and medical care to help them heal. During that time parents often struggle to give their kids the emotional support and time they need while also trying to make sure that the bills get paid and the costs of treatment are covered. Children who have been abused can qualify for Supplemental Security Income to help parents cover some of those costs and make it a little easier for them to make sure that their child gets the help that they need.

When is it time to ask for help?

A Parent's Guide to Teenage Behavior

It can be hard for a kid to admit when things aren’t okay. If your teen is displaying negative patterns of behavior, they may be trying to communicate through their actions, instead. Research shows that upsetting experiences and stress are often the culprits behind behavioral issues in teens, and just because you can’t always see an underlying cause, doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong. This guide offers some helpful ways to identify problematic behaviors, understand the effects of highly stressful situations, and help your child cope and move past their experiences in a healthy and proactive way. This assessment is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

Fun Fact: “Warren was a traveling musician in his early 20’s”

Originally from Montana, Warren got involved in volunteering with Idaho Youth Ranch when he began winding down from as a traveling sales representative. “I needed something to do, hopefully something beneficial to the community.”

Fun Fact: “My passion is dogs, I have 7 dogs who all started out as foster dogs.”

Jeannie has served with Idaho Youth Ranch since 1983 and has contributed to the growth and expansion of the organization in many ways throughout her years. Born and raised in Nampa, Idaho she attended the University of Idaho and has lived in Eugene, Oregon for some time.

Fun Fact: “I was born with the name Richard and had a name change at the age of one.”

Domenic has been serving with Idaho Youth Ranch since March 2017. Originally from Chico California, he moved to Boise to attend Boise State to study General Business and is currently minoring in International Business, Marketing, and Human Resources. Domenic volunteers his time assisting the HR department in maintaining job postings, employee discount cards, and application processes.  

Fun Fact: Hazen is our longest serving youth at the Idaho Youth Ranch

Idaho Youth Ranch welcomed Hazen a little over four years ago when he joined as a way to complete his service hours for school. “It was my first volunteering opportunity that I started towards the end of 8th grade.”

While there’s some debate about the reality of technology addictions, unhealthy use of technology has been linked to physical, social, and psychological problems. These include: an increased risk of childhood obesity, depression, cyberbullying, lack of sleep, and poor performance in school.

“I didn’t want to do it, but living in that environment, I just didn’t think I had any other option.”

Jake was a smart, vibrant teenage boy who had the world going for him. He had friends and good grades and got along well with others. No one on the outside looking in would have guessed that he was at risk for suicide.

5 Common Misconceptions About Teens Mental Health

It is a common misconception that mental health is only relevant to adults. Kids and teens are often left out of the conversation and their needs are frequently written off or dismissed as unimportant. 

Research shows that a person’s mental state can affect every aspect of their life, but when it comes to conversations about mental health and illness, public opinion and scientific fact can be very confusing.

We are honored to announce that Idaho Youth Ranch was nominated and selected as the recipients of a $10,000 grant from The CarMax Foundation. We are so honored and grateful to receive this generous grant that will help provide support and healing to Idaho’s most vulnerable children.