 |
 |
         |
 |
|
Former Crittenton Client Testifies at US Senate Caucus Above, left to right: Former Crittenton Services (Wheeling) client "Madison," left, and National Crittenton Foundation President Jeannette Pai-Espinosa, testifying at the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth "Call to Action" held in Washington, DC. WHEELING - After a true transformation from broken to restored, lost to found, and hopeless to hopeful, a former client of Crittenton Services, Inc. was recently chosen to speak during a Senate Caucus on Foster Youth - "Call to Action" held in Washington, DC. When "Madison" was a resident at Crittenton she expressed a strong interest in sharing her personal story with others. She has since completed the program at Crittenton, and moved to Florida to live with her grandmother and child. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to be chosen to speak in Washington, DC based on her history with residential living and her triumph in treatment. She has expressed to Crittenton staff that had it not been for her time in treatment she would be a homeless, drug addict living on the streets. According to Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, one of the goals of the Caucus on Foster Youth was to hear directly from youth in foster care about the policies that affect them. He said these children tell about key improvements that have been very helpful, but there are still gaps in services and persistent problems that a combination of policy changes and citizen involvement can ease. This "Call to Action" is another step forward in the discussion on how to improve the quality of life for foster youth, Grassley said. The Call to Action addressed issues associated with group homes, congregate care, an over-reliance on psychotropic medications, sibling connection, youth engagement, mentoring, pregnant and parenting teens, family preservation activities and child welfare financing. Because "Madison" has turned her life around, she is most grateful for her Crittenton experience. This is why she had the special chance of attesting to why Crittenton's residential care treatment program works, and works well. One of the strongest influences in the life of this young lady, "Madison," was her therapist at Crittenton, Erin Burke. Because of Burke's dedication to "Madison," and to all of the respected clients in the good care at Crittenton, Burke was chosen to meet "Madison" in Washington, DC on August 11 and 12 for a caucus meeting in which representatives of United States senators gathered to hear personal stories from a handful of selected teenagers who have lived in foster care facilities, as well as residential treatment programs. Burke remembers the "Madison" who arrived at Crittenton. She says "Madison" was very guarded, and tended to downplay any serious issues in her life, other than the fact she failed to attend school. Yet, Burke knew the teen's problems were much deeper. Not long after, because of caring staff, effective therapy, and daily support, "Madison" started to open up and see the many positive possibilities ahead of her. "She started looking at her relationship choices and figured out what strengths she had, and what she needed to be healthy and happy," Burke said. "She truly transformed." Burke said those attending the forum in DC were very surprised to learn about the multitude of services Crittenton offers to all clients. She also met some people who were under the wrong impression that kids waste away in residential facilities, or that such programs are unsafe and clients get ignored - something that could not be further from the truth at Crittenton - and "Madison" testified to this. "What I liked about 'Madison's' presentation was that it was sincere, authentic and it came from the heart. She was addicted to crystal meth and pregnant when she came to our care - guarded, and dishonest, but she felt like staff was here for her. She learned healthy support and how to trust in therapy, and she learned to be a better parent," Burke said. "Madison" came to Crittenton at a tender age. Today she is only 16-years old, yet she feels the urge to help others her own age, and would like to continue speaking - next time to girls currently in the care of Crittenton Services about the options available for them to lead a better life. "Madison" is working for her GED, holds two part-time jobs, and wants to pursue a career in the medical field. "She's so genuine and nice, and she's not self- conscious," Burke said. "She was not nervous during her talk in Washington, DC, and she received great respect at the end. People were coming up to her and thanking her. She talked about how she didn't want to come to placement, but Crittenton made her feel safe from the start to take advantage of the services and start working on herself." Burke noted that it was so empowering and inspiring to witness one of Crittenton's former residents share her treatment success story within the right forum to those who desperately need to hear her voice. "How eloquently and articulately this young mom moved the room with the power of her words and the conviction of her actions," Burke added. "I feel truly grateful to have shared in her moment and lucky enough to have witnessed her transformation - to see the moment where she chose herself and she chose life." Not only did Burke get the rare chance to witness a former client speak publicly about her triumphs, she also got to spend time showing "Madison" around the nation's capital. The two toured art museums, saw famous monuments and made memories to last a lifetime. Burke, MA, LPC, has over 9 years experience working with families and abused/neglected children in a behavioral health setting. She has provided social work/ counseling services in the states of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from West Liberty State College, a Master of Counseling degree from West Virginia University, and is licensed in the state of West Virginia as a Professional Counselor. She currently serves as the Clinical Team Leader for the Residential Program of Crittenton Services providing individual, family and group therapy to adolescent females. |
|
|
