Jerome was referred to a Family Preservation Program in early 2018 having recently gained custody of his child after being in foster care. The child was going to be adopted by a family but Jerome decided that he wanted to be a part of her life, despite being mostly absent from her life after she was born.

Jerome experienced difficulties with substance abuse, but was willing to participate in an Outpatient Drug Treatment Program. Throughout the time he received services with Family Preservation, he was able to maintain stable employment, he was drug tested as asked by DCFS, and participated in Narcotics Anonymous and/or Alcoholics Anonymous groups.

Prior to being referred to the program, Jerome had completed a parenting program. He participated in Family Preservation services for approximately five months. IHOC Hernandez was able to assist Jerome throughout the time that he had Family Preservation services by helping him with applying and receiving benefits from Calfresh and ensuring that Julie had medi-cal coverage.

His DCFS Social Worker also assisted Jerome by submitting an Auxiliary Fund Request for Rental Assistance and referring him to a subsidized childcare program.

Now, both Jerome and his daughter’s lives have changed significantly — his daughter now has a stable home environment and she is bonded with and Jerome now has his little girl.