John suffered physical and emotional abuse first from his father and later from his foster parents. After being placed in the care of Jane, a family friend, it became clear that Jane's own mental health issues prevented her from adequately caring for John. When Jane expressed a desire to see John reunited with his own father, it became necessary for the court system to mandate counseling for both Jane and John. This was done in order to help her better manage John's disruptive behaviors as well as to understand that placing John with his father was clearly an unsafe situation.
With the help of the school John was attending and his therapist at the Bridge, John was able to learn how to control his severe temper tantrums and his aggression towards other students when he became frustrated. He has been able to enter into a "behavioral contract" and both his grades and his relationships with other students and teachers has dramatically improved. John has learned how to work through his past abuse, connect with his own genuine feelings and understand what triggers his destructive behaviors and Jane has learned what lies at the heart of his actions and reactions. John still longs for visitation with his father, but he is making great strides in many areas of his life. Rich Scalzo, R.Ph., Bridge Volunteer
