Research results shows positive results – that after only 6-months of involvement in Relief Nursery services parents significantly improved both their overall family functioning and the quality of parent-child interactions.
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Overall, after 6 months in the program:
78% had positive family functioning
78% were demonstrating positive parent-child interactions
Joey’s Story … “Joey” is a 2 year-old with a wide smile who loves to give hugs. Joey had been in our program about a year before he was moved into foster care last fall, out of a severely abusive situation. Even though going into foster care improves the safety and physical well being of children, the transition is emotionally traumatic. Coming to class at MountainStar and riding the bus back and forth was the only familiar aspect of his life left. For him to know that no matter where he was, the bus would find him, was something he could count on while he adjusted to his new home, and according to his foster mother, really helped with his transition. He knows when it’s time for the bus, waiting at the window for it to come, and he always gives the driver a hug when he gets in.
Ruthie’s Story …“Ruthie” started in our program just before her first birthday, under weight and withdrawn. She spent her days alone in a play pen or crib while her teen mom was in the next room with friends, occasionally picking Ruthie up to give her a bottle or change a diaper. Her parents loved her but didn’t understand the attention a baby needs to thrive and feel safe. They also struggled with unemployment, unstable housing, a lack of education and drug use. When Ruthie started, she couldn’t be separated from her coat as it was the only thing that she knew was hers and her sole source of comfort. Her teachers walked, rocked and soothed her and she gradually learned to trust her teachers. Over time she ventured on to the floor to play with toys then to interact with other children. Her teacher made extra home visits to help mom learn how to play with Ruthie and educate her on safe parenting. Today Ruthie is a gregarious 2 ½ year old who loves to come to class, play dress-up, and ride bikes.
Brian’s Story … “Brian’s” family was referred to MountainStar by Child Welfare. His mother had lost custody of her first child do to neglect issues and Brian, her second child, was removed from her care shortly after his birth for the same issues. Brian was reunited with his mother last fall and was enrolled in MountainStar’s therapeutic classroom. Shortly after Brian began the family’s only vehicle broke down and Brian was not able to continue coming to class. Because of our transportation program we were able to bring Brian to MountainStar and return him home. Brian is very small for his age and has not been gaining weight in a desirable manner. Because of his family’s history, staff are very concerned that Brian is failing to thrive. It is critical that he attend class two times a week so his weight can be monitored and staff can ensure that he is eating properly. Without the transportation program, MountainStar could not have provided services to this high risk child.
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