On the Road to Success

Tony, age 15, is an articulate, impressive young man who resides in one of AFI’s affiliate group homes. He is working hard towards his goals of going back home, staying in school, staying out of trouble, and earning and keeping trust. When recently asked his opinion on the helpfulness of the treatment program, Tony stated: “At other group homes I’ve been at, they just monitor us, but here, they teach us and show us how we can improve and how things will help us in our future.”

During a recent home visit, Tony recognized an opportunity to apply his advanced communication and problem-solving skills when a potentially violent confrontation broke out in his front yard. At least one onlooker thought the police should be called. However, Tony suggested they try a different approach. He managed to convince those involved to stop their aggressive confrontation and sit down together and resolve the issue in a group problem-solving session. Tony then used his family conference leadership skills he learned at the group home to facilitate this impromptu mediation meeting which resulted in an amicable outcome for everyone.

We congratulate Tony for not only doing well in the group home, but applying and sharing his skills at home and school as well. Way to go, Tony!

New Homes, New Hope

A True Story that was written up in the ASU magazine "Appalachian Today." To read this True Story about some children in Professional Parenting's Adoption Plus program, click here.