Carlos’ Story
Can you imagine life without a family? No matter how annoying your siblings or in-laws may seem sometimes, life without them would be difficult. Families are an essential part of development for children and teens, but too many children end up living in a children’s home.
Carlos’ story illustrates not only the importance of family but also the efforts children’s homes go through to help children reintegrate with their biological families.
A Safe Haven
When Carlos was a baby, his mother passed away. His father later remarried but this new family environment was not healthy. When he was 11, officials removed Carlos from his house and brought him to a children’s home in Baja California, Mexico. When Carlos first arrived, he struggled with communication, anxiety, seizures, and isolation. He also has autism, which made it harder to manage the negative feelings he already felt. It was a difficult transition into the home.
Unfortunately, many children who grow up or are placed in institutional care face similar issues. According to UNICEF, the primary reasons children end up in institutions are poverty, family problems, migration, and divorce. These experiences, along with serious issues like drug use, sexual exploitation, and slavery can leave a harmful impact on children. Support from donors makes it possible for homes to employ both therapists and social workers. Working in tandem, they help children and families heal.
Transformation and Growth
Even with his difficult arrival, the staff at the home were not about to give up on Carlos. They worked to provide him with a safe and structured environment. Through therapy sessions, he learned to express his emotions, manage his anxiety, and develop tools to improve his interaction with others.
Over time, he began to feel more confident and secure, and he made friends for the first time in his life. The team at the home provided therapy, and—more importantly—a home where he was understood, valued, and loved. Carlos’ behavior began to change gradually; he had seizures less frequently, and he started participating in group activities.
These emotional breakthroughs helped Carlos prepare for a reunion with his biological family.
Reuniting with Family
The ultimate goal for every child in institutional care is to be placed in a secure and loving family. Because of this, the team at the home labored to connect him to his biological father. The home staff and social workers worked with Carlos’ family for several months to prepare them for his safe return. His family received therapy and close monitoring to make sure Carlos had the support he needed for a safe transition.
Families that aren’t equipped to provide a safe and loving environment pose a risk to children who are brought back. When families work to build a home full of love and trust, they help children gain higher self-esteem, better performance in school, and lower risk of depression and drug use later in life.
A Lasting Impact
Carlos’ happiness and feelings of belonging started at the children’s home but they continued after being reunited with his biological family. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School conducted an 80+ year study on happiness and relationships. He says, “The joy of relationships like family is a powerful thing. The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health.”
A member of our Thrive team shares: “His story is a reminder of the impact that a loving environment and psychological support can have on a child’s life. Thanks to the joint work of therapy and administrative staff, Carlos was able to find security, affection, and a way back home with a new chance at happiness.”
Be Part of the Change
Your contributions make it possible for children like Carlos to find happiness with their families. Become a monthly donor today and support initiatives including therapy and family placement for children in need.