Sarah is 15 years old. She is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Oppositional Deficit Disorder and Mood disorder. She has 2 younger siblings; Beth age 13, and Jake age 11. Their father has long standing addiction and mental health issues. He lives in Tennessee. The children live with their mother. Their mother works full time. Sarah has been involved with Juvenile Probation off and on since she was 12 years old. Prior to Family Based Mental Health Services, she was in danger of placement due to physical aggression at school and towards her siblings at home, along with pending drug charges, vandalism and theft from a convenience store. Sarah had been assessed at crisis intervention on two occasions due to suicidal threats and ideation. She was hospitalized once and has attended a partial hospitalization program.
When Sarah was younger, she had a TSS at school and a Mobile Therapist. She also attended outpatient therapy at various times. While in Family Based Mental Health Services, Sarah’s aggression has minimized to mostly verbal and slamming her bedroom door. The family has been linked to community supports to provide recreation and supervision to the children in the after school hours.
Sarah’s relationship has improved with her siblings and her mother. She also has developed a good relationship with her basketball coach at the YMCA. Sarah’s grades and behaviors have improved. Sarah has started taking pride in her appearance and no longer has hygiene issues. Their mother has learned new ways to support Sarah and her siblings. All the children have gained coping skills and support from the community. Sarah will be off probation and has no additional legal issues. Sibling conflicts have decreased from several daily to once per week. Sarah will continue MH case management and will be discharged to outpatient therapy.