Amanda (age 17) came to us in 2001 as a 2 week voluntary placement which has become a 3 1/2 year court ordered placement. I remember the day she came, all dark and gothic looking. She said that's how she felt…alone. She would eat and eat until she realized food would be available to her, Amanda would talk about how abuse was sometimes painful and physical, being locked in her room without adequate food or access to the bathroom during the day and how out of jealousy her hair was cut off in chunks above her ears. She doesn't have any other siblings and gave it her all to return home, but has realized that's not an option. Her parents have never bonded with her.

Today, Amanda has formed a relationship with our family. She hardly ever wears dark clothing anymore and is very happy, loving, and sensitive, but she wants to be reminded very regularly, she counts. She touches everyone she meets. Last year, she was successfully nominated for the individual achievement award in our county, which she is very proud of. Amanda refers to the social worker who placed her here as her Guardian Angel! We are so very proud of her and all she has become. She will be successful in life and can always depend on us for support.