When H.O.P.E. Leads to Healing
Mateo and Mirna
Mateo was removed from his mother, Mirna's, care at five years old after years of neglect and abuse at the hands of her partners. Despite his difficult upbringing, Mateo missed his mother and his defiance and aggressive behavior resulted in his removal from multiple foster homes within the first year.
“I haven’t been happier since forever!”
Mateo, 7, after being reunified with his mother
Mateo, 7, after being reunified with his mother
As a result, Mateo was referred to the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver program at Child & Family Guidance Center. The program is designed to stabilize children with high behavioral needs who are at risk of being placed outside of the home. It is intensive and can be challenging for everyone involved, but the family-centered, wraparound approach ensures the child steadily makes progress toward stability and improved functioning.
After months of treatment and a balance of patience and nurturing support, Mateo was able to gain control over his emotions and behaviors. During this time, Mateo's team discovered that his mother had managed to turn her own life around, and they were able to help facilitate their reunification. Says Mateo, “I haven’t been happier since forever!”
After months of treatment and a balance of patience and nurturing support, Mateo was able to gain control over his emotions and behaviors. During this time, Mateo's team discovered that his mother had managed to turn her own life around, and they were able to help facilitate their reunification. Says Mateo, “I haven’t been happier since forever!”
