Callen was a small boy carrying far more fear than he could explain. He was seven years old when he entered our Intensive In-Home program, and domestic violence and trauma had left him terrified of men, including his father, his grandfather, and even his male therapist. He was living with his great grandparents since DSS had been involved for a year without much progress toward reunification. His great grandparents loved him deeply, but they were exhausted and worried for his future.

His parents were struggling too. Their history with substance use and conflict made it hard for them to trust the process. When services began, they were distant and unsure. The first Child and Family Team (CFT) meeting showed how fragile things were. Callen’s father became overwhelmed and upset, and the meeting fell apart before he was able to calm down. Everyone felt how much healing this family needed.

Our Intensive In-Home team began working with Callen several times a week, visiting him at school and at home. Those early weeks were tough, but slowly he began to warm up. As he built trust with his therapist, his fear of men started to soften. His parents also began to realize that the team was not working against them. Month by month, the defensive walls they carried into treatment began to lower.

Around the three month mark, the shift became clear. At their third CFT meeting, the progress in the family stood out. Soon after, the court granted Callen’s parents visitation because they were actively participating in treatment. Visits began small, then grew into overnights as the family continued to show commitment. Callen started reconnecting with his father, his grandfather, and the men he was once so afraid of.

When the final CFT meeting arrived, DSS felt confident enough to move toward reunification. Callen returned to his parents while continuing therapy through Family Centered Treatment. It was a huge step forward for the entire family.

Callen’s teachers began noticing the change too. His behavior improved, his grades rose, and he used new skills like mindfulness and the stop, think, and do method to help him make thoughtful choices. His great grandparents were relieved as well. After so long of trying to hold things together, they finally felt free to be grandparents again, and even began traveling again.

Although Callen’s parents now live apart, they share visitation and continue to work toward giving him stability. Their journey has been difficult, but they showed up for him and stayed engaged through the entire process.

When it was time to say goodbye, Callen told the therapists he would miss them. He talked about how much he loves video games and said he hopes he will grow up to be a good person. Everyone who watched him heal believes he is already well on his way.