Frank struggled with marijuana use, compulsive lying, stealing and fighting. The staff at Ettie Lee attempted to enroll Frank in Ettie Lee's Charter School, but he was in two fights in the first two days of class. He was then enrolled in our local public school where he was suspended for three days on his first day of class. Frank was constantly struggling with other peers in the home as well.
Through consistent accountability and a great deal of family therapy, individual therapy, and staff support, Frank slowly began to open up and turn his behavior around. Frank cam from a very impoverished family and went without for most of his life. Many of his compulsive behaviors were based on survival instincts. The more Ettie Lee staffers helped Frank feel safe, supported and provided for, his negative behaviors decreased. The staff insisted Frank take responsibility for his actions and strive to make amends with his peers. He began to develop positive relationships. In July (2009), his behavior had improved so much he was once again able to attend Ettie Lee's Charter School. He has since received his first high school credits. Frank also earned his own room at the Robertson Memorial Home and stated so proudly that this was the first time he had ever had his own bedroom. He also takes pride in assisting our maintenance staff with such projects as painting, gardening and cleaning the rain gutters.
Since his initial placement into our care, Frank has had a lot of other "firsts" such as: going to the mall, receiving a birthday cake and having people sing Happy Birthday to him, dress clothes and nice shoes, and receiving his very own hand-made quilt.
Frank has come a long way. Frank has been able to experience feeling safe and being cared for and has learned to take responsibility for himself and his actions. Initially Frank would respond with "I didn't do it, it wasn't me!" This occurred even if he did something right in front of you. Now Frank states, "My Bad!" and searches for ways to correct his behavior. Frank still struggles but has learned quite a few coping skills while he has been with us and is making great strides in working his program.
"I'm going to use my wise-mind skills" (language used in Ettie Lee treatment plan) and "I'm a man, I don't need to participate in childish behavior."
The Robertson Memorial Home staff have laughed, cried, and supported Frank through a lot of ups and downs but are all very proud of the accomplishments Frank has made.
* to protect the child's confidentiality we are not using the child's name
