Daniel responded positively to the safety and structure of his residential treatment program. He developed relationships with his peers and reacted well to redirection, though often, as do many adolescents, he tested limits before complying.

After a year, Daniel was ready for discharge from his residential treatment program, but locating a foster care resource was proving difficult. Daniel was now 14 and had, on paper, an intimidating history of mental health issues. Even if foster parents were willing to accept an older child, they were reluctant to consider anyone with Daniel's history.

At this point Daniel was referred to Allendale’s Specialized Foster Care Program. The program focuses on three vital elements in placing special-needs adolescents: information sharing and training around the child’s special needs, relationship development, and provision of clinical support services.

Although Daniel’s future foster family had indicated that they might prefer a younger child, they were willing to meet with Allendale’s clinical staff to learn more about Daniel and his special needs. Discussions with Daniel’s individual therapist and residential case manager provided significant insight into Daniel’s family history and resulting behaviors, allaying many of the potential foster parents’ fears.

Daniel also had to combat his fears about what it would be like to live in a home again with a mother, father, and siblings. His experiences, after all, had not been positive.

With much trepidation Daniel and his potential family began their visits—initially on his residential campus, and then later in the foster home. With each visit Daniel became more comfortable with being part of a family, and his new family, in turn, discovered that hidden inside of the adolescent body was a young boy who desperately wanted to belong. After several visits both Daniel and his foster family decided that they would take a chance on foster care.

On to Daniel’s Results