However, an investigation by the board previously responsible for program oversight, the Private Alternative Adolescent Residential or Outdoor Program (PAARP) Board, found "reasonable cause" that Ranch for Kids "failed to meet accepted standards of practice." In the notice to the program, the board cited disciplinary measures that included 5- to 22-mile "therapy walks," removing mattresses from participants who wet their bed, and withholding phone calls from parents.

Despite the board's proposed action against Ranch for Kids, the program still received its annual license renewal under the same board. On July 1, the oversight of private alternative residential programs was moved to the state health department.

The labor department started to share information about programs with the health department, including one open complaint about Ranch for Kids, when the two departments began meeting in May to plan transitioning oversight of PAARP facilities. However, the children were removed as the result of a tip to the department's child abuse and neglect hotline made in June.

Johnston said DPHHS was unable to take action against programs until they became responsible for their oversight. Johnston said that prior to July 1, DPHHS was only able to investigate individual complaints reported to the department's child abuse and neglect hotline.