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Fourteen years of trust, disappointment and hope…
Meet Lisa
Lisa was placed from the city of Buena Park via Orangewood. She was a foster child in placement who was adopted by her foster parents and lived a little over three years in the home. Once the adoption was finalized, the adoptive mother had substantiated allegations of physical and emotional abuse toward Lisa. Additionally, her adoptive father had substantiated allegations of physical and sexual abuse toward Lisa. The adoptive mother voluntarily surrendered her parental rights and the adoptive father is hoping to reunify with Lisa in the future. The family system (2003-2007) failed, the parents divorced, the father was sentenced to jail and Lisa was placed into a foster home visibly affected by the threads of security unraveling in a few short years.
Lisa has transitioned remarkably into her current placement. She arrived withdrawn, non communicative and detached. She has blossomed into a teenager who enjoys engaging in family cooking sessions, computer games, family celebrations, walking to the neighborhood park with her foster siblings and being a member of the foster family. Additionally, Lisa attended two summer camps and brought back good memories of new experiences and friendships. She is surrounded by older siblings who tease and mentor Lisa as she transitions through the teen years. Lisa continues to enjoy solitary activities such as reading a good book (especially gothic novels), playing a solitaire game of cards and reflecting.
Lisa has been able to make the transition because of the support and consistency of her CASA worker, county and FFA social workers, her therapist and her foster mother whose humor and flexibility have brought a smile to Lisa’s face once again.
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