Until a few months ago, I was a houseparent at the Ranch. This story is true, however they fail to mention that the child in question is no different than any of the other kids at the Ranch. Considering that they are kids, you can chalk immature threats up to not getting their way and throwing a tantrum. Because they have emotional issues, they sometimes tend to express themselves in ways that are not accepted in polite society. The key lies in knowing how to discern what is a real threat and what isn't and in calmly dealing with the situations that arise in a way that actually helps the child grow and develop. The problem with that house mom is not only that she is too young and immature to deal with the kids, but (and I know her personally) she was new and never put forth the effort to show the kids that she loved them and cared about their welfare. Because of that, the boys in her cottage hated her and were doing everything they could to get kicked out so they didn't have to live with her anymore. This threat and her subsequent predictable reaction to it was a convenient way for the boy to be removed (which is exactly what he wanted - I've talked to him since this event occurred). My husband and I love the kids that resided in this woman's cottage (thankfully she has been removed from the Ranch) and we still keep in contact with them. To have a relationship with foster kids you have to truly love them. If you don't, your time as a foster parent will end as pathetically as this woman's. It is important to note that I also know firsthand that she was not truly afraid for her life at any point. The boy in question is one of the best behaved kids at the ranch and NEVER did anything even remotely like that when I was a houseparent there. If only the Ranch treated it's employees better, perhaps the children would be able to get the care they need and deserve. Were it not the poor management and mistreatment of the couple in charge now, we would still be at the facility.