Emily’s Story

At just nine years old, Emily* entered the Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) program after experiencing a series of unstable placements. Although she couldn’t recall all of them, Emily remembered at least six different homes before her kinship arrangement broke down, which lead to her placement in residential care.  

With her traumatic history, lack of stability and few secure attachments, it’s unsurprising that when Emily entered TFCO she exhibited a range of complex behaviours including defiance, verbal aggression, property damage, school refusal, and soiling.  

The youngest of five siblings, Emily’s mother had not parented for nearly two decades, presenting a significant challenge to reunification.  

The TFCO team worked intensively with both Emily and her mother, focusing on rebuilding their relationship, improving communication, and enhancing her mother’s parenting capacity. 

Over time, Emily’s progress was remarkable. She transitioned to full-time schooling and, most significantly, was able to return home to her mother. This milestone led to the revocation of her Long-Term Child Protection Order, marking a successful reunification. 

Two years on, Emily remains at home and continues to attend school full-time. Her stability and growth are a testament to the effectiveness of TFCO’s structured support and the resilience of both Emily and her mother. 

Reflecting on the transformation and the impact TFCO had on her family, Emily’s mum shared

*Names have been changed for privacy