Legacy’s Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) program is a community-based residential treatment program for youth who are unable to live with family due to issues of trauma. Safe, stable homes are provided by community residents, while Legacy Treatment Services provides services and supports. These include therapy, psychiatric services, family involvement, after-school programming, and 24-hour emergency assistance.
One youth, Dante, was admitted to Legacy’s Foster Care Program in August of 2021. Dante initially struggled with adjusting to program rules and trusting the staff. He was inconsistent with following requests given by adults and questioned their intentions. Dante had issues with maintaining basic hygiene tasks and needed to be continually reminded to complete them. He also had difficulty expressing emotions related to past trauma.
Over time, Dante was able to develop a positive, trusting relationship with a treatment home parent who was a good fit for his needs. He became increasingly more engaged in sessions and improved his ability to identify and express feelings of past grief and loss. Dante also showed growth with building peer relationships. This past year, he joined the school football team and built a friendship with his roommate.
Dante successfully discharged from Legacy’s Therapeutic Foster Care program at the end of June 2023. He now lives safely with his aunt and is anticipating the start of a new and engaging school year. In addition to his family supports, he has also maintained contact with his former roommate, as well as his previous treatment home parent, proving that the bonds built through Legacy’s programs truly do benefit the wellbeing of consumers for the long haul.