Sara is a child who witnessed extreme family violence. Her mother abandoned the family and Sara was forced to watch helplessly when her father tried to commit suicide. Both parents were imprisoned later for crimes they had committed. Sara was placed with relatives and enrolled at Children’s House when she was 3 and a half years old.

Sara was very distrustful of adults and wanted nothing to do with the other children at the center. Most of the time she would play by herself with a sad expression on her face. She would smile on occasion, but didn’t show much enthusiasm. When she did come out of her shell. she would lash out with words and fists at her classmates and the staff. Sara’s customized treatment plan included therapy for severe depression and withdrawal, working to increase her attention span and helping her to learn how to build healthy relationships. Children’s House began to establish a trusting, supporting bond with Sara by creating a structured, stable, nurturing environment.

Over the next year and a half of intensive treatment, Sara started having a positive reaction to her surroundings, classmates and staff. She still attends Children’s House but her outbursts brought on by frustration and anger are becoming less frequent and when she does have an outburst, the staff have a much easier time calming her down when she isn’t able to gain control of her emotions herself. Most of all, Sara has learned to truly smile again. She has learned to trust again. She has hope in her heart and the promise of a bright future.