Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch
Missouri faith-based reform school closed in 2020 after state removal of residents and abuse reports.
Missouri · Opened 2006 · Closed 2020
Overview
Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch was a faith-based reform boarding school in Humansville, Missouri, that opened in 2006. Former students and reporting have described physical, sexual, and psychological abuse inside a program that emphasized religious obedience and operated with limited state oversight of faith-based facilities.
What happened
Allegations of abuse surfaced for years. In August 2020, child protective services removed at least 24 residents during a multi-agency investigation. Former residents later described restraints, beatings, and other punishments. Reporting by The Kansas City Star and AP documented how faith-based exemptions helped delay oversight.
Outcome / status
Owners Boyd and Stephanie Householder told reporters the ranch was closed for good in September 2020. AP later reported they were charged with more than 100 counts alleging abuse of residents. Charges are not convictions; check court records for case status. Missouri later expanded oversight of certain faith-based boarding schools after these scandals.