For Leo, Windwood was just another residence on a never-ending journey of temporary placements. At age 14, Leo had already spent over half of his life in protective custody. No matter where he was placed, Leo would disappear for hours at a time. Running was his way of chasing after what he could never quite grasp: a place to feel safe, and people to call family.
Upon arriving at Windwood, Leo exhibited combative behavior. While he didn’t start fights, he was quick to jump in hoping his engagement would earn him the attention he craved. Thanks to his Windwood support team, including his therapist, residential caregivers and nursing staff, Leo learned to take control of his behaviors. He avoided conflict, and began to focus on building healthy relationships.
Several months into his treatment program, Leo received life-changing news. A couple was preparing to offer a child a second chance at a family. That child was Leo. Together, he and his adoptive parents began the Transition Program for Youth that supports a foster family in actively engaging in the child’s therapeutic treatment eight to ten weeks prior to the child’s discharge. Foster families can have conversations, visits, and receive transitional support to enable the child to apply their treatment-acquired skills to build meaningful, lasting relationships with their new family. This gave Leo’s new parents the opportunity to better understand his behaviors and develop strategies to ease Leo’s upcoming transition into his new home.
Having already begun a supportive, caring relationship with his new family, Leo had new hope. He finished strong in his treatment program, learning constructive ways to positively seek attention. He showed off his Lego-building skills to volunteers. He began performing random acts of kindness for his peers, developed a love for reading, and started carrying a book with him at all times.
Most importantly, Leo finally found a safe place to call home, with people who are now his family.
