Olivia and her four older siblings were placed into foster care two years ago when she was found to be cocaine positive at birth. STOPP® began providing services during the last few weeks prior to the children’s’ return to the family home. Mother had just given birth to twins several weeks before, bringing the total number of children to seven.
Father’s OTR truck driving job took him away from home five days per week leaving mother along to care for the newborn twins and the returning five children, three of whom have special needs. STOPP® assisted mother in enrolling the five children in their respective schools and got all of them (including mom) to all their medical and mental health appointments. STOPP® provided support, encouragement and transportation to assist mother in the daily job caring for five children and two newborns. There was never one missed appointment or school day.
The family had minimal family/friend resources to assist mother. We addressed this through collaboration with Family Group Decision Making. We provided support and encouragement and got mother engaged in the LCOCYS-sponsored Family Reunification Parent Support Group meetings.
JustCare® followed STOPP® by continuing to assist, monitor and support the family in this successful reunification effort.
Thank you to Karen Votta, Lehigh JusticeWorks for doing whatever it takes to achieve a positive outcome!