Canyon Acres Children and Family Successes…

A Success Story of Canyon Acres Foster Care & Adoption Programs

Milton

Milton has been in Canyon Acres Wrap Around program for almost a year. When he was first referred to Canyon Acres, Milton was living with his biological brother and their aunt, who had three children of her own. His parents were not in the country and there was little parental guidance. Although the aunt was dedicated and working hard to care for all the children, she could not provide the structure and supervision Milton needed. As a result Milton missed a lot of school and, at age 17, did not have one high school credit. He also developed a bad habit of coming home late and being disobedient to his aunt. He was heading down the wrong path, going nowhere.

In an effort to give Milton the help he needed and the structure he was missing, Milton was placed in a foster home where clear guidelines were instilled. Canyon Acres Wrap Around team worked with his foster parents, the school counselor and teachers, an Independent Liaison Partner (ILP) and his Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to support Milton. Milton also attended anger management therapy to deal with some of his struggles, those seeded in his background of abuse and neglect.

One of the first results of this team effort was that Milton’s school attendance improved dramatically. He began to realize that he needed a new plan for his life. Milton wanted to attend a Military Academy that would give him the structure he needed. It was not easy to pass the entrance exams, but Milton was determined. He passed on his first try.

With the help of his Wrap Around team, Milton began thriving at the academy, maturing and becoming a responsible young man. He has made huge strides in taking responsibility for himself and he is doing really well in school now. He is hoping to join the National Guard or Coast Guard upon graduation. With the help of his supportive Canyon Acres team, Milton has a plan for the future and a real desire to improve his life for the better. What once was a path of disrespect and waste has turned to a path of honor and responsibility.

Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.