IS MUSTARD SEED RANCH THE RIGHT FIT?

At Mustard Seed Ranch, we provide more than a place to live—we offer a Christ-centered home where children can be rooted in truth, restored through love, and renewed with purpose. Our program is voluntary and long-term, created for children who are ready to grow in a stable, nurturing environment anchored in faith and family.

General Admission Criteria

To ensure each child can thrive in our care, the following must be true:

Age: 5–17

Placement: Voluntary; legal guardian retains custody

Minimum IQ: 70

Setting: Able to function in a structured, family-style home

Support System: Must have a home to return to during breaks

Evaluation: Pre-admission psychological evaluation is required

Willingness: Child and guardian must be committed to MSR’s full care model (spiritual, relational, and therapeutic)

Our admissions process is thoughtful and thorough.
Every child’s story matters, and we consider each placement with care.

Children Who May Thrive at MSR:

Our program is well-suited for children who:

  • Have experienced mild to moderate emotional or behavioral challenges

  • Come from traumatic or unstable environments and need consistency

  • Struggle with school engagement, peer influence, or decision-making

  • Need help building healthy relationships with caregivers or authority figures

  • Are open to change and respond well to guidance, mentorship, and routine

  • Need a structured home environment while families navigate stress, conflict, or transition

When MSR May Not Be The Right Fit:

While we desire to serve as many children as possible, our program is not currently equipped to support children who:

  • Are actively dependent on substances

  • Have experienced recent suicidal episodes or psychosis

  • Display sexually aggressive behavior or pose a risk to others

  • Exhibit persistent violence toward others, animals, or property

  • Are currently self-harming without therapeutic stabilization

  • Require 24/7 medical care or specialized services

  • Have severe cognitive or physical disabilities that prevent participation in daily routines

  • Demonstrate chronic elopement/running away behaviors with safety risks

These guidelines help ensure that every child placed at MSR can be cared for safely and meaningfully within the structure of our family-style program.

Every child is made in the image of God—deeply loved, wonderfully made, and created for a purpose. These guidelines are not meant to define worth but to ensure we can meet each child’s needs with the care and structure they deserve.

If a child’s needs are beyond what MSR can provide, we’re committed to helping families find alternate referrals or community-based resources that offer the right support.

Referrals and Admissions

We welcome referrals from:

  • Families and legal guardians

  • Churches and faith communities

  • Schools and educators

  • Counselors, therapists, and healthcare providers

  • Other nonprofit and community organizations

If you know a child who could benefit from a Christ-centered, healing home environment, we invite you to reach out.