High Sky Children's Ranch is proud to be one of only twenty-one certified sites in the United States and Canada to be a member of the Teaching Family Association.

In the late 1960's, major research was conducted by several pioneers of behavioral psychology at the University of Kansas. This research defined and refined a residential treatment model known today as the Teaching-Family Model (TFA). The model continues to be effective in changing the behaviors of troubled youth.

The Teaching Family Association was founded in 1975 to ensure quality of care provided by professionals who actively pursue goals of humane, effective and individualized treatment for children and families using the common framework of the Teaching-Family Model for treatment and support.

Through research and well-evaluated clinical practice, an integrated set of procedures has emerged to help children and families learn to become self-sufficient.

The Teaching-Family Association has developed standards for certification of member agencies. Today, the model serves families; physically, emotionally and sexually abused children; delinquent youths; emotionally disturbed and autistic children and adults; medically fragile children; and adults with disabilities.