DCFS makes several attempts to find a foster home for Patrick, but potential foster parents are intimidated by his size and his past behavior.

After several years at the residential treatment center, Patrick enters Allendale’s Specialized Foster Program. As Allendale works mainly with adolescents, our licensed foster parents know they will be providing care for older children with special needs.

Allendale’s staff reviews its list of licensed homes to find a family who can meet Patrick’s needs—and who won’t be intimidated by his size. The foster care and residential clinical teams meet with the family to discuss Patrick’s case.

The teams and the family develop a plan: the family will visit Patrick regularly at the residential center. Over the course of several weeks, they develop a relationship. Not only does the family assess Patrick, but Patrick assesses the family. Together, they decide to move forward with the foster care process—Patrick wants to be placed with them.

On to Patrick’s Results