Providing Hope During a Time of Transition
By: Courtney Doyle, LMHC, Assistant Executive Director, Community Based Services
In May of 2018 Tiffany arrived at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie (CHP) in the Group Emergency Foster Care Program after being removed from her biological family. Although she was only fourteen years old at the time, Tiffany was outgoing, strong-willed and knew how to advocate for herself. During her time at the Children’s Home she began to form relationships with a variety of people, including other adolescents in the program and various staff members. Tiffany was well-liked by everyone and was renowned for her vivacious personality. Tiffany’s family had a history of being involved in the system, and reuniting with her biological mother would be a long journey. There were numerous attempts at reunification during her two-year stay at the Children’s Home. Tiffany and her mother appeared to be on the verge of reuniting several times, only for something to get in the way. Nevertheless, they remained resilient and after months of gradual visits, Tiffany was able to return home to her mother.
Tiffany made the transition back home just as the Children’s Home started a new program in their Community Based Services Department. This program, Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) was the perfect fit to help support Tiffany in transitioning back to living with her family in the community. The CFTSS program includes clinical components such as individual and family therapy. This program gives youth the power to improve their health, well-being and quality of life. These services strengthen families and help them make informed decisions about their care. Tiffany was receptive to the thought of a familiar face visiting her house to help her and her family during this transitional period, and was quickly enrolled into the program. Tiffany continued to participate in CFTSS and used the program for support over several months.
Tiffany and her mother began to experience moments of conflict, and despite her best efforts to keep the family together, Tiffany felt it was better to leave the house and live with her boyfriend and his family. One of the advantages of the CFTSS program is that the services can follow the client through any transition, ensuring continuity of care. Tiffany has been working with the same practitioner since she began receiving services in October of 2019.
“When I think of the Children’s Home a lot of good memories come up. It was very hard at first, but certain staff were very supportive and made me feel loved when I needed it the most. I now look back at my time there and think of the staff as family.”
Her practitioner, Rebecca, reflects on the work they have done together. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tiffany in a variety of capacities, and I’ve seen her develop into the curious, brave, and strong young woman she is today. Being able to work with Tiffany where she is most comfortable — at home or in the community — has positively impacted her willingness to participate in program services. With the help of this program, she has learned to adapt, build self-awareness and resilience, and learn from these experiences in order to continue working toward her goals.”
“My work with Rebecca has changed my life. I feel like if I didn’t have Rebecca I would not be where I am today. She has stuck by my side through so many transitions and has helped me be able to survive living in the community on my own.”
Currently, Tiffany is eighteen years old and living independently. She is actively looking for employment and is successfully navigating her community resources to accomplish her goals.
For more information about the Community Based Services programs at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie please email us.
