Yolanda Case Study
DEFIANT TEEN CASE
Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Confucius
This was a Hispanic family with a cocaine-addicted daughter, that we will call Yolanda. She was involved with the wrong crowd in high school. They were undoubtedly negative role models. They were peer group gangs who sell drugs, and were sexually permissive. This teenager gave birth to a drug-addicted baby, from an unknown father.
Our young mother had a defiant attitude problem, when we first met her after taking on this case. The 17-year old mother of this infant child had a “big chip on her shoulder.” Yolanda believed that she had certain “rights in America,” such as, her right to have free sex, her right to do drugs, her right to a free attorney, and her …show more content…
Yolanda had a choice: If she did not get her stuff together, these grandparents would adopt her baby and kick her butt out of their home. (Tough love was required in this situation).
Finally, after many months of false starts and hassles, Yolanda began to yield some positive action. She completed most case plan tasks and started to listen to us Guardians. She was also able to get a part-time job to support her child. Her drug abuse problem took many more months of therapy services, before she overcame her addiction.
In about one year, Yolanda reunified with her child. She became a “responsible parent.” That was a clear success story for the child and for us Guardians. We give credit primarily to God’s grace, and Yolanda’s family. (We were merely instruments of His mercy and love).
LESSONS LEARNED:
Many teen parents do not have a clue about parenting. They are usually immature, and need a lot of “hand-holding.” Referral services on parenting is essential. However, a positive attitude is also necessary. Wherever possible involve the entire family, who can also provide backup
Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Confucius
This was a Hispanic family with a cocaine-addicted daughter, that we will call Yolanda. She was involved with the wrong crowd in high school. They were undoubtedly negative role models. They were peer group gangs who sell drugs, and were sexually permissive. This teenager gave birth to a drug-addicted baby, from an unknown father.
Our young mother had a defiant attitude problem, when we first met her after taking on this case. The 17-year old mother of this infant child had a “big chip on her shoulder.” Yolanda believed that she had certain “rights in America,” such as, her right to have free sex, her right to do drugs, her right to a free attorney, and her …show more content…
Yolanda had a choice: If she did not get her stuff together, these grandparents would adopt her baby and kick her butt out of their home. (Tough love was required in this situation).
Finally, after many months of false starts and hassles, Yolanda began to yield some positive action. She completed most case plan tasks and started to listen to us Guardians. She was also able to get a part-time job to support her child. Her drug abuse problem took many more months of therapy services, before she overcame her addiction.
In about one year, Yolanda reunified with her child. She became a “responsible parent.” That was a clear success story for the child and for us Guardians. We give credit primarily to God’s grace, and Yolanda’s family. (We were merely instruments of His mercy and love).
LESSONS LEARNED:
Many teen parents do not have a clue about parenting. They are usually immature, and need a lot of “hand-holding.” Referral services on parenting is essential. However, a positive attitude is also necessary. Wherever possible involve the entire family, who can also provide backup