Amber is a 12-year-old girl who entered foster care in early 2024 due to neglect. She and her older brother, Deonne, who is 16, live with an aunt who has struggled to meet their needs. Community Care Resources is searching for a home that will accept both Amber and Deone together.
Amber is very independent and often spends her time reading in her room. She performs well academically and has a few friends at school. She enjoys playing video games and participates in a sewing club in her free time. If given the choice, she would eat a Big Mac for every meal, with mac and cheese as a close second favorite. She is not shy about expressing her dislike for vegetables.
Like many children in foster care, Amber faces food insecurity; she has been known to steal food, hide food in her room, and eat as a way to comfort herself.
While Amber's strengths are evident, she also encounters challenges, particularly in managing her anger. Outbursts are common when she feels frustrated and unheard. She is easily upset when things don't go her way and will lash out verbally. The aunt reports that Deone often successfully de-escalates a heightened situation. He has a unique way of supporting Amber.
Amber is aware of her emotional struggles and actively participates in weekly therapy, showing a willingness to grow. Support from her therapist, along with a referral for psychiatry, is a vital part of her journey toward emotional regulation.
Despite some hurdles, Amber performs well in school and has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to support her speech development. Teachers and school staff recognize her potential and work collaboratively to ensure she continues to thrive academically. Moving to a new foster home may require a new school for Amber, so she must have foster parents available to advocate for her while encouraging new relationships with peers.
CCR foster parents require a flexible schedule to meet the needs of kids like Amber.
Deone recently got his driver's permit and does well in school. He is known to be shy and reserved at first but will open up when he feels comfortable. He enjoys participating in the school band, Dungeon and Dragons, and watching YouTube videos learning how to fix cars.
Depression is a struggle for Deone. He spends most of his time in his room when at home. He has refused therapy in the past but recently expressed interest in speaking with a psychiatrist. He struggles with maintaining personal hygiene but has improved while residing with his aunt.
Deone does well in school and has no educational concerns. He performs most subjects at or below grade level. He does not have an IEP.
Debbie is Amber and Deone's biological mother. The three have weekly unsupervised visits with Debbie. The visits are generally positive, and the kids seem to enjoy spending time with Debbie. Despite their challenges and unstable history, the siblings look forward to the visits with Debbie.
A foster family must be able to work with the mother and support the permanency goal of reunification. It is preferred that a foster home accept the placement of both Deone and Amber. A nurturing environment that will allow both kids to get on a promising path of healing is desired. This is a long-term placement, as Debbie has some difficult work ahead of her. She desperately wants to reunite with her children and is working toward that goal.
*CCR did not have a foster home available in the right location to accept Amber and Deone's placement, so the referring county continued its search. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent with CCR, we would love to speak with you.
All names have been changed to protect the privacy of the family.
