Robin Family of 3

The family consists of maternal grandmother, Odila (female, age 65), child in care, Valerie (female, age 15), and child in care, Damian (male, age 13). The family was referred to Aviva’s FFA, porting over from LA county RFA, in order for Valerie to receive intensive services foster care treatment (ISFC). Valerie was referred to ISFC services due to an extensive history of self-harm, so severe that she was hospitalized multiple times within a year, and she was having frequent medical visits to monitor the injuries. When Valerie started services with Aviva, she was being hospitalized every few months for self-harm and suicidal ideation. After receiving ISFC for a few months (multiple services each week), Valerie stopped self-harming and began working on improving the relationship with her grandmother and healing from her past. Valerie is very talented in painting/drawing, she is extremely creative, and she loves learning new ways of expressing herself through art. Unfortunately, the family faces multiple barriers on daily basis (low income, lack of a support system, extensive history with DCFS (parents), lack of reliable transportation, and harassment by the biological mother (who suffers from mental health and substance abuse problems). Odila is the only caretaker for both, Valerie and Damian, and she depends on government assistance to provide care for both youths. However, throughout all the ups and downs, Odila remains committed to help Valerie and her brother overcome their past by addressing their mental and emotional needs.