Theresa's Success

Theresa is an 18 year old female whom has an extensive history with the Department of Social Services. She was referred due to having multiple disruptions and inconsistency in her previous foster homes and on-going issues with running away, drug abuse and self-harm. Theresa has also had several hospitalizations over the past few months. There was also an issue with Theresa either not taking her medications, or attempting to overdose on her prescribed medications. Theresa has issues with school truancy and recently dropped out of school without a job or any type of plan to stabilize herself in the community. Due to Theresa’s constant tendency to run away and lack of engagement in the wraparound process (not attending and/or participating in team meetings), Theresa’s case was pending closure with Maryland Choices.

Upon Theresa’s last hospital release in May, 2011, the team (Theresa’s foster care mother, foster care grandparent, foster care social worker, CASA, DSS, & care coordinator,) was able to gather with Theresa and get to the root of her concerns. One thing that was identified was that Theresa was taking on many of her friends’ problems, instead of focusing on her own, which often left her sad and depressed. In addition, Theresa was not used to having consistent, caring role models in her life which presented attachment issues. Theresa’s voice and concerns were heard in the child and family team meetings and the team was able to develop an effective plan of care. Theresa was encouraged to take time to participate in an activity that she enjoys, so she began to volunteer at an animal hospital. Theresa was also referred to an individual therapist and drug treatment program which was very helpful in stabilizing Theresa.

Theresa continues to do well in her foster home environment and is becoming increasingly stable. She is taking her medications as prescribed and is attending her therapy appointments and drug treatment program regularly. Theresa is also enrolled in a local high school for the fall semester and hopes to graduate and work with animals. Recently, Theresa obtained a full-time job with an animal shelter where she previously volunteered. More importantly, Theresa has experienced a reduction in hospitalizations and has decreased drug use.

Theresa’s treatment team is very proud of her progress. In addition to gaining employment after graduating, Theresa looks forward to utilizing her independent living skills and obtaining her own place to live, along with transportation, after she graduates high school.