Success Stories
"Jeff," a six-year old boy who lives at home with his parents and his three year old sibling, was referred to SVFC partial hospitalization program by his Kindergarten teacher. The teacher reported that Jeff was aggressive, often threatening harm and hitting his sibling and his peers. He was easily angered and frustrated and would strike out at anyone in his presence. He reportedly lied often, was defiant toward adults and threatened to stab his mother. He had a history of setting fires in his home and he made statements of "wanting to be dead." He would sneak out of his home in the middle of the night and one night during a storm, he took his younger sibling with him. His parents tried various techniques to handle his behavior however they were not successful. His parents reported that they were overwhelmed, didn't know what else to do and were afraid for Jeff's future.
Jeff was assessed by the SVFC psychiatrist and was diagnosed with depression and oppositional defiant disorder. He was placed on medication and enrolled in the partial hospitalization program. In addition to attending the partial program, Jeff received individual and group therapy to help him learn to manage his anger, express feelings in a safe manner, and develop appropriate social skills. Since Jeff was living at home, a crisis/safety plan was developed with the family to be used in the event of out-of-control behavior and respite services were provided. Jeff and his family participated together in family therapy.
After four months of intensive treatment, Jeff's behavior improved and he was discharged from the program. He was able to return to a regular school setting and has continued to be maintained in that setting. His parents are pleased with his progress. They report that he is continuing with his medication, generally uses safe methods to express his feelings and that his aggressive and defiant outbursts are infrequent and reduced in intensity. His teacher reports that his classroom behavior has dramatically improved and that they have seen a positive effect on his concentration and performance in school.
