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BRENDAN (4/94) has made some huge gains over the past year. This lovable young teen has not only succeeded in transitioning into his new therapeutic foster home last winter, he has also successfully integrated into his new school this fall, where he has mainstream classes with some academic and behavioral supports. Structure, consistency, encouragement, and praise all help Brendan feel secure. Rules, expectations, and limits help him to stay on track and to feel safe. To help Brendan remember those rules, expectations, and limits, a good exercise for him is to write them down. Brendan loves music and is having fun learning to play guitar. He’s a big fan of video games and playing them are on the top of his list of favorite things to do. Brendan, who is not yet legally free, came into foster care in June 2005.

To give Brendan a boost forward when he came into foster care, he participated for two year in a group treatment program, where the structure, daily routine, therapeutic child care, and counseling support helped him to make important behavioral modifications and learn new skills. Medication therapy, too, has been important in helping him experience better inner controls to curb his impulsiveness.

These days, Brendan is responding well to gentle reminders and redirection when he needs help to get back on track, and he complies with time-outs when he needs some space to regroup. He has been able to strengthen his boundaries and increase his knowledge of personal safety skills. And in school, he is making improvement in all areas, both behaviorally and academically.

Brendan will be counting on his adoptive family to honor the significant connection he feels to birth family members, including both of his parents and an uncle.

Couples or singles who are experienced with teenagers, such as teachers, counselors, etc., or parent(s) whose children are grown, could be a great permanent family for Brendan. He really needs strong parent(s) who will interact with him with patience and kindness, yet firmness, and who will see that he has the structure, daily routine, and parental time, attention, and oversight he needs to do well. Having a safety plan in place with attentive supervision will help him continue to strengthen his boundaries. He also needs his adoptive parent(s) to be good school and educational advocates who can interact and work cooperatively with his school program.

It would be an act of love and acceptance for his new folk(s) to participate with Brendan in family counseling during his transition into his adoptive home. It will also help to underscore for him that his new parent(s) value counseling in helping family members resolve issues and to achieve personal growth and development.


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