Jessica's Story
Jessica came into Children’s Division care in 2002 at the age of four due to physical abuse and drug use by her biological mother. Children’s Division worked with her family until the fall of 2004, hoping Jessica’s biological mother could make the necessary changes in her life so that Jessica could return home. During that time Jessica was placed in several foster homes and eventually in a residential facility. Jessica was placed in a special education classroom in first grade due to behavior problems. In spite of the traumatic changes in her life, Jessica had always been a good student academically and was able to keep up with her school work.
In the fall of 2004 it was decided that the family situation could not be resolved in a way that Jessica could safely return home. Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) was ordered by the court and at this time the case was transferred to Edgewood Children’s Center’s Family & Community Services Program.
Jessica’s case manager at Edgewood continued to provide services, as court ordered, to Jessica’s mother. The case manager coordinated supervised visitation and prepared the family for the TPR and adoption, at the same time assuring the needed care and services for Jessica, including counseling, psychiatric services, and school intervention.
A family member came forward to care for Jessica and she was placed with them. Edgewood was hopeful that the plan of guardianship would be the final outcome. While placed with the relatives Jessica’s behaviors began to improve, however there were still major challenges for her to overcome. Unfortunately the family had some personal issues and after much thought decided they could not raise Jessica to adulthood.
The plan changed to adoption and Jessica was able to remain in the relatives' home until an adoptive family was chosen. A family in the community had been assisting the relatives by providing respite care for Jessica. When they discovered that Edgewood was looking for an adoptive home, they asked to be considered. The family went through the required STARS and Spaulding trainings, and an adoptive home study was completed. They were chosen to be Jessica’s forever family.
Jessica lives with her adoptive family now and the adoption has been finalized. Jessica’s life is so different now—she is growing and maturing and doing very well in all areas of her life. She no longer requires special education services and is on the honor roll at school. Jessica attends church with her family and sings in the children’s choir. She rides her bike and plays with her new cousins and feels very much a part of the extended family with sisters, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Her new parents love having Jessica as their daughter, and Jessica loves being part of a forever family.
Return to Success Stories