DeShaun was the only one of his four siblings to be placed in foster care, his other three siblings remained at home. He seemed to be the scapegoat for every problem the family encountered. His mother decided she could not longer handle him and he spent a brief period of time in a foster home before moving to a group home that was better equipped to meet his behavioral needs. In his first foster home, DeShaun had some conflict with another boy in the foster home and the foster father felt it would be the best thing for the other boys in the house if the newest member, who seemed to be clashing with the others, moved elsewhere. He had worked very hard to establish a comfortable and peaceful environment and did not want to rock the boat, for everyone’s sake. DeShaun is a youth who is able to advocate for himself and, during his initial adjustment period in the home, seemed to be upset with one thing or another. After a heated argument with his foster brother, during which he made some hurtful remarks, he found himself living in an all-boys level-12 group home.
In the group home, DeShaun’s behavior only got worse. He was surrounded by children who were hurt, angry, and had learned to express themselves through acts of aggression or defiance. Soon, he began to do the same. Over the course of several months, DeShaun began to benefit from the weekly counseling with his therapist and Therapeutic Behavioral Services.
One day, DeShaun contacted his social worker to inform her that he had taken it upon himself to call his prior foster father and ask to come back to the house. DeShaun was eager to tell me that his former foster father was willing to think about having him move back into the home.
Over time, his foster father became immeasurably pleased with DeShaun’s reformed behavior and the trusting relationship the two of them had developed. He left the choice of a permanent plan up to DeShaun, and ultimately legally adopted him as his son.
*In order to protect the anonymity and privacy of our families, names have been changed and photos are randomized.