A silent epidemic: McKenzie County confronts harrowing reality of youth sex trafficking
By M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
In a unanimous decision that shone a spotlight on a devastating, but often hidden crisis, the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners recently approved a crucial $500,000 in funding for Home on the Range’s Badlands Learning Center, acknowledging the alarming prevalence of traumatized and trafficked youth right within their own communities.
The decision, following a compelling presentation by Executive Director Laura Feldmann, underscores the critical need for therapeutic programs addressing the realities of traumatized young people in the state.
According to their website, Home on the Range, is a therapeutic working ranch that was established in 1950, by a Catholic priest. Its role is to provide “a safe haven for boys and girls aged 12 to 17, who have experienced physical or emotional trauma.”
The facility, licensed as a Qualified Residential Treatment Program and nationally accredited, offers a blend of education, therapy, spiritual guidance, and work and recreational activities. “Under the guidance of the Catholic Church, [we] provide a safe home for all youth who have experienced physical or emotional trauma, where every act is done with love to help them discover the dignity of the human person and learn the skills to manage life’s challenges,” states their mission.
In her presentation, Feldmann painted a stark picture of the complex trauma faced by the youth they serve. She highlighted the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), noting a grim statistic: girls in their program have an average ACE score of 8.2, and boys 5.2. “When I’m talking about significant trauma, I’m talking about significant trauma with these kids,” Feldmann emphasized.
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