Jenson* (12 years old) and Haley* (10) are brother and sister. They live with their mom and their two older siblings in a duplex not far from school.  Their mom works during the days and helps them with their homework at night. As with any family, sometimes they argue. But above it all, they love and support each other. They help each other through challenges and celebrate accomplishments. But it wasn’t always this way.

When Jenson was four and Haley was two, they and their siblings were removed from the custody of their mother, who was struggling with drug addiction. Jenson and Haley were placed with one foster family, while their two older siblings were placed with a different foster family.  Jenson and Haley’s mom came close to reuniting with her children more than once, but it never went through. It exacted a heavy social and emotional toll on the siblings, as did their moves between different foster homes.

Things changed when Haley and Jenson moved into a home with resource parents who were working with Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. These new resource parents were devoted to helping Haley and Jenson realize their goal of reuniting with their mom. With help from Stanford Sierra social workers, the resource parent established and maintained a connection with Jenson and Haley’s mom, who had already regained custody of her two older children. Working together as a team, Jenson, Haley, their mom, their resource parents, and Stanford Sierra staff worked with the county to create a reunification plan.

The plan worked. Today, Jenson, Haley, their two older siblings, and their mom are a family once again. They continue to focus on their strengths when faced with challenges. And they continue to receive support and advocacy from Stanford Sierra, who believes it’s never too late to make a difference because every young person needs and deserves a family of their own. 

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​