Tyrell's Story "You still have to do the digging."

At 13, Tyrell has already been in the system. More importantly, he's already out of it. His is a story of multiple placements and court dependency that started young. Today, his future is bright. But for a long time, it was hard to imagine where he would end up.

Tyrell's troubles began at age six. Abused and neglected by his mother, Tanya, a drug user, he was diagnosed with ADHD, depression and severe post traumatic stress disorder following a fire in his home. He exhibited self-destructive behaviors, poor impulse control and sexual acting out. Immature and aggressive, he ran away and fought constantly.

Tyrell was removed from his home and placed in residential treatment, digressing from group homes to Level 14 facilities. His mother refused to allow medication and Tyrell couldn't fit in. He scored at the lowest level on a behavior rating scale, and his fighting and inability to follow directions prevented him from graduating to less restrictive settings. Attempts to return home didn't last, as he continued to battle his mother and siblings. Tyrell bounced among the Children's Shelter, a psychiatric hospital and a series of foster homes.

When he was 11, Tyrell was referred to the Wraparound program at EMQ Children & Family Services. His team included group home and social workers, mentors, family and behavior specialists and teachers, as well as his mother and other relatives. The Wraparound psychiatrist convinced Tanya to allow medication for her son. "This medicine is like a shovel," explained the doctor to Tyrell, "but you still have to do the digging."

With his family and Wraparound supporting him, Tyrell began digging.

The team focused on his strengths, encouraging his athletic skills. Tyrell attended a homework club and spent time with a mentor on weekends. He took anger management and group therapy classes, learned to express himself, and with the help of incentives he improved his behavior from zero to six, where it remained.

Tanya's goal was to get her son home. But she was uncertain whether she could make it work. Still, she plunged in. Despite her skepticism about Wraparound, she agreed to begin family therapy and underwent court-ordered drug testing. Tyrell began visiting more often, and his relationships with his mother and siblings improved.

So did his schoolwork. Tyrell has made excellent progress. With each success, Tanya offers more positive reinforcement. "Her language toward him changed dramatically," says Tyrell's facilitator. At 13, Tyrell finally returned home.

Today, life continues to be good. Tyrell requires no medication and little support from Wraparound. In September, his court dependence is expected to end - a significant achievement. Involved in athletics and helping out around the house, Tyrell is a source of pride to his family, and shines with self-assurance.

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Confidentiality of EMQ children and families has been preserved
through the use of models. Some stories may be composites of multiple cases.