ST. GEORGE — In the wake of the recent decision by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to deny renewal of state licenses for Diamond Ranch Academy, the youth treatment facility issued a statement announcing their closure citing “unfair treatment” by state officials.
Diamond Ranch Academy Executive Director Ricky Diaz released a statement to St. George News after Utah officials denied the renewal of two licenses for operation in the state. A professional review panel found fault by the treatment center for the death of 17-year-old Taylor Goodridge in December 2022, as previously reported.
“The decision to cease operations has been spurned by unfair treatment from the State of Utah which has consistently demonstrated its lack of concern for the safety, well-being, and treatment of youth in programs,” the statement said. “Additionally, the Utah State Department of Health Services and CPS failed to provide due process to DRA and have made false allegations against DRA’s assistant medical director and DRA which will be refuted in court.”
Diaz wrote in the statement that, since opening in 1999, the youth treatment center “has been committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for students in need of therapeutic intervention and academic excellence.”
The statement gives appreciation to their “highly qualified staff” and “the parents and guardians who entrusted us with the well-being and growth of their children.”
In conclusion of the statement, Diaz stated “Diamond Ranch Academy would like to reflect on the positive impact it has made over the past two decades” and that they are “confident that the seeds of resilience, growth, and healing that were sown within these walls will continue to flourish in new and promising avenues.”
The state department has ordered the troubled teen treatment facility to close operations and discharge all clients by August 14 unless Diamond Ranch Academy appeals the decision within 15 days of July 11.
Even with the closure, Diamond Ranch Academy will still be active with legal woes due to a current civil lawsuit filed by the parents of Taylor Goodridge.
The facility, which operated as a school as well as a residential treatment facility, had approximately 150 student clients enrolled in academic classes and athletic teams in the 1A Division for Utah High School Activities Association. The Diamond Ranch Academy Diamondbacks included teams for basketball, baseball, golf soccer, wrestling, volleyball and cheer and dance. They had a football team until their last season of 2016-2017 season.
They had championship and award-winning programs in mathematics, art and drama within the academic programs of the past.
The conditional license for the treatment center will expire on July 31. This is a developing story.
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