Chelsea has a history of multiple foster placements, and moved between her two parents, for many of her 8 years. Her mother has ongoing drug and alcohol issues, with the most recent episode involving an inpatient admission followed by a stay in a halfway home. 60-day STOPP® intervention was implemented, followed by JustCare® Intensive services, to assist Chelsea’s adult sister and her partner to move home and assume all responsibilities relating to the care and needs of Chelsea.
Chelsea’s sister was glad for the opportunity to keep Chelsea out of another foster placement, and was open to JusticeWorks services, utilizing this worker very well. She called us a “team” because she knew I was working diligently with her to do what had to be done prior to the court date in which the child would be probably be placed if we did not meet all the requirements.
Together, we got Chelsea to all her weekly mental health appointments, ended the school truancy issues, implemented more household structure and rules, got the child off her pacifier, and maintained her significant medication regimen. With the help of the LCOCYS caseworker, we resolved difficult issues with DPW and Medical Assistance, and successfully navigated the Kinship Caregiver application process.
The little family moved into their own apartment and have become independent of their mother, who left the halfway home early, returned to the original family home, and to her previous drug and alcohol use. The adult sister strikes a balance in the family dynamic, supervising weekly visits between the child and their mother, who abides by the established ground rules and knows that to be allowed to visit with the child, she must be clean and sober that day.
It has been a pleasure to assist this family in establishing themselves and helping them to keep Chelsea out of foster care, and with family who loves her and who can keep her safe.
Thanks again to Karen Votta, Lehigh County JusticeWorks for doing whatever it takes to achieve a positive outcome!