When three young sisters— Amelia*(6), Ariana*(5), and Arya*(3)—came into foster care, they didn’t have much. Just a few clothes, toys, and each other. Their mom was facing a difficult situation. She was trapped in an unhealthy relationship and struggling with untreated mental health challenges. The older girls hadn’t been attending school regularly, and all of their medical care had been neglected.
At Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS), we know how important it is to keep families together, especially in tough times. That’s why, when the girls came into care, their caseworker reached out to family first. Their grandfather and his wife didn’t hesitate for a moment. They welcomed the girls into their home. It was the fresh start they needed, and the girls finally had a safe, stable place to begin their journey of healing.
Right away, LCFS stepped in to ensure the girls had what they needed. Family Support/ Emergency Funds were used to purchase clothing, beds and food. The older girls began school right away, and their caseworker arranged for their first doctors’ visits. The girls were starting to feel safe and cared for again.
The youngest sister, however, needed more specialized attention. She had significant developmental delays which required a proper diagnosis and treatment. The care she needed wasn’t available locally, so our staff went above and beyond, driving over an hour to ensure she was seen by the right specialists. After her evaluation, LCFS began her on a treatment plan that would help her make progress.
MarLee, child welfare supervisor, shared, “The girls have really blossomed. The love and support they’ve received has helped them grow in ways we couldn’t have imagined. They’re all thriving, and it’s amazing to see.”
*Names and images changed for privacy.