Adam’s mother and grandmother were heavily involved in the use of alcohol, crack and cocaine which caused much damage in the household, including loss of jobs, financial instability, incarcerations, and near homelessness. Addictions and mental health issues were present in the extended family system which resulted in a constantly chaotic and unstable environment for the small child.
Adam’s mother started and quit numerous treatments including in-patient, partial hospitalization and out-patient settings, always excusing herself for reasons she told herself were sensible, but in reality were designed to allow her to return to drug use. Adam’s grandmother refused to embrace any treatment. The situation appeared to be moving towards placement of the child, when circumstances occurred which caused the grandmother to move out of the family home. This event started a chain reaction in the mother’s life which ultimately cleared the way for the child’s mother to begin to get clean and sober.
Adam’s mother began to maintain her mental health and D&A treatment services. She accepted and embraced the services of this provider who constantly offered unconditional positive regard balanced with reality therapy using a confrontational approach.
She began to really focus on and care for her son, obtained a new job, started saving money, began a budget to pay back old debts, and saved her relationship with her boyfriend. Her attendance at NA meetings worked wonders in combination with her other services, which she finally realized were giving her a drug-free future which she previously could not imagine. She managed to keep extended family members rallying around her to keep the child in the home.
STOPP® and JustCare® intervention over a period of 8 months was a major contributor in the process of helping this family achieve stability and safety within the family home, preventing a placement, and helping them establish a solid start towards a bright and drug-free future.
Thank you to Karen Votta, Lehigh County JusticeWorks for doing whatever it takes to achieve a positive outcome!