The therapist met the mother at the Cook County Jail after presenting information about EICIP services. The mother approached the therapist after the presentation and asked for help with her son and eldest daughter. As a result, Bobby was engaged and received family therapy, mentoring, and case management services. Bobby’s mother was also referred to the adult substance abuse treatment program upon her release from jail. She successfully completed the program and continues to maintain a substance free lifestyle.

Bobby has come a long way by dealing with his stressors related to his mom returning back to his life from incarceration and his dad becoming actively involved as well. Bobby had to adjust to moms rules and expectations which were much different than his grandparents. He also had to adjust to the physical transition from being with his grandparents to living with his mom and dad. This included financial struggles, sharing a room with his sister, and his parents being more actively involved in his education.

At the time of referral, Bobby had behavioral and academic challenges in the home and in school. Bobby is still struggling in the area of reading comprehension, however has made significant improvement per this writers observation, teacher report, and parent report. With regard to behavior, Bobby has made great strides and most of his needs are in the area of academics. Much of this success can be attributed to the parents involvement and the overall stability of the family and the support and encouragement they have received as a family unit. Bobby is also involved in a dance program which he really enjoys. That program keeps Bobby occupied and provides him with a structured, supervised activity. Bobby knows that he needs to complete his schoolwork in a timely manner and maintain his grades, otherwise his mother will limit his participation. The successes are not Bobby’s alone but the family and the community as a whole.