“Tyler’s situation shows the power of never giving up,” Joshua Fantroy, Crisis Intervention Specialist, explained.  “He has a grandmother who loves and adopted him, and a father who wants to be part of his life.  He just needed a little help.” 

Tyler’s grandmother took him in when he was no longer able to live with his parents.  His mother’s drug use and his father’s inability to provide financially meant he could no longer stay with them.

Tyler’s grandmother was clearly at the end of her rope, telling Joshua, “He skips school, sent an inappropriate email to a teacher, and stays out all night!”
Realizing that Tyler needed some direction and accountability, the Crisis Intervention Team started with a referral to a Deputy Juvenile Officer.  Tyler’s use of marijuana, his truancy from school, and breaking curfew were not acceptable.  Tricia Taddeucci, Educational Advocate of the Crisis Team, developed an individualized education plan.  Tyler went from having suspensions in school to actually obtaining credits for graduation.  Finally, connections with a mental health provider were made and the whole family benefitted.

“I thought I was losing my mind,” grandma said, “but now I feel in control.  Joshua helped steer us toward the resources we needed.”

Now grandma and Tyler seem to be able to communicate more effectively, Joshua said.  “They have acquired better coping skills.  We are happy we could be the sounding board Tyler and the rest of his family needed.”