STEPHEN

Stephanie son have many options when

After being abused and neglected, Stephen went into foster care and a local youth shelter. He began to act out after visits from his mother. To some, it looked as if his mother was causing Stephen’s behavior issues.

But actually the opposite was true. He wanted to be with his mom, so he had a hard time when her visits ended. But there was more than that — Stephanie had to learn a new way to be a parent. When Stephen acted up in school, Stephanie felt people were judging her and her ability to be a mother.

With the help of Youth Villages Family Intervention Specialist Audrey Fortenberry, Stephanie established rules in the home, rewards and consequences and more structure. She helped Stephen use coping skills to overcome his physical and verbal aggression.

“If it wasn’t for Youth Villages, Stephen would still be at the shelter,” Stephanie said. “And I wouldn’t have him.”