Trela, Tyler, and Austin

Trela and her two youngest children experienced many life changes in a short period of time:  divorce, a new home, and a change in financial circumstances.  As a result of their changed environment, Tyler (17) and Austin (15) began acting out.  Tyler was placed on probation, began acting out physically, and often disobeyed his mother.  Austin became more socially reserved, he began to withdraw from his family and friends, he refused to follow his mother’s directions, and he acted out behind his mother’s back.  Austin was also caught stealing, sneaking out at night, and fighting with his brother.  Trela felt helpless and even resorted to calling the police to help control her children.  She realized that she could be losing control of her family, and then called Adult and Child.

Trela was quickly connected with Jill, a member of Adult and Child’s Family Preservation Team based in Franklin, Indiana.  Jill helped Trela understand the boys’ point of view.  She also gave Trela the tools and confidence to establish and maintain appropriate rules for the boys, as well as rules for her.  Jill helped Trela learn how to trust the boys, allowing them to be independent and learn to make good decisions.  She also helped the boys process the changes that accompany any divorce, and the mixed emotions they each experienced.  Jill worked with the family to teach them appropriate expectations for each family member in their respective roles.  She discussed the impact of family patterns and their future goals, and she helped Trela identify those issues she is able to control.  Jill helped the family focus on each family member’s positive skills, encouraged the family to work together, and fostered positive communication among the family.

Today, Tyler is preparing for senior prom and looking forward to high school graduation.  Austin is successful in school and is very engaged in sporting events.  Trela has learned to trust her boys, and the boys have learned to respect their mother.  They are a very tight-knit family and they appreciate the time they spend together.