Impact Story: Dylan’s Journey to Healing and Stability
Dylan*, a 17-year-old male, was referred to the AFS Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) Program in 2022 after enduring a lifetime of unimaginable hardships. By the time he joined the program, Dylan had experienced 52 failed foster care placements and spent much of his life on the streets.
Dylan’s childhood was marked by instability and trauma. Growing up, he lived through homelessness, watched his mother struggle with drug addiction, and often stepped in to protect her from abusive partners. Tragically, his mother passed away from an overdose, leaving Dylan to fend for himself. Struggling to cope, Dylan turned to substance abuse and faced several misdemeanors, including theft and vandalism. At the time of his referral, Dylan was at a crossroads: join the JPD program or face the justice system.
Finding a New Home with Ms. Sheila
As part of the JPD program, Dylan was introduced to Ms. Sheila Crichton*, a single woman who is one of the program’s specially trained foster parents. During their initial FaceTime “Meet & Greet,” Dylan got to know Ms. Sheila and took a virtual tour of her suburban home. Despite their differences, both decided to give the arrangement a try.
The transition was supported by AFS’ comprehensive wraparound services, which included:
- 24/7 on-call support for Ms. Sheila.
- Three weekly in-person home visits from AFS caseworkers.
- Therapy sessions are tailored to Dylan’s unique needs.
Healing Through Support and Art
In therapy, Dylan revealed that certain phrases, like “I love you” and direct eye contact, were emotional triggers for him, tied to his painful past. Through the safe and nurturing environment provided by Ms. Sheila, as well as therapy, Dylan began to share his story and process his trauma. Remarkably, he found an outlet for healing through the art of anime, using it as a creative medium to express himself and explore his emotions.
A Brighter Future
Today, Dylan continues to live with Ms. Sheila and remains on his path to healing. While considering whether to finish school, he has made incredible progress. Recently, during a therapy session, Dylan shared a powerful statement: “I’m starting to learn what a mother is supposed to be.”
Dylan’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of the JPD program and the dedication of resource parents like Ms. Sheila. As the JPD Program Director put it: “We don’t know what the outcomes of our clients will be. All we can do is see the human behind the armor and help them begin to heal.”
Dylan’s journey is far from over, but with the support of Ms. Sheila and the AFS JPD Program, he has taken his first steps toward stability, healing, and hope for the future.
Dylan’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of the JPD program and the dedication of resource parents.
* Names changed to protect identities.