“OFS has been my constant rock.” Jennifer’s Family’s Journey with Specialized Services for Youth
Before Jennifer connected with Oakland Family Services, life at home felt overwhelming. “It was a very crazy household.”
Jennifer lives with her husband, Irwin, and their two children, Dakodah (17) and Carson (15). The family’s home is filled with love, but also with energy.
For years, Carson’s behavior was out of control. The mental health diagnoses he received from doctors were not straightforward. Jennifer shared, “His pediatrician would say he’s ADHD… and then we would see another person, they would tell me he is ODD. And it’s like, what the heck are all of these initials? You’re just throwing the alphabet at my son.”
Jennifer was never given the tools she needed to help Carson, and things escalated into unmanageable chaos when he went to jail for domestic violence. There was no sign that his situation was going to improve. “I have never seen a 13-year-old be put in the back of a police car with no tears,” said Jennifer. Since then, Carson has been to jail eight times.
Through a Child Protective Services referral, Jennifer learned about the Specialized Services for Youth (SSY) program at Oakland Family Services. SSY is designed for families with a child or adolescent, ages 0-21, suffering from emotional, behavioral, or psychological stress.
Carson was able to get evaluated by a mental health professional at Oakland Family Services. With accurate diagnoses in place, the family could finally move forward with treatment.
Over the years, Carson has worked with multiple SSY team members, including his current home-based therapist, Genevieve. Carson also joined the Juvenile Mental Health Court (JMHC) program, which has helped him manage his violent outbursts.
Jennifer is thrilled with his progress. “He’s no longer putting holes in my walls. He is no longer physically going after anyone.” This improvement would not have been possible without the support of Specialized Services for Youth.
SSY didn’t just help Carson; the program supported their entire family. Jennifer has worked with a Parent Support Partner, Jenn, who offers guidance from lived experiences. "It is so nice to be able to talk with someone who’s gone through what I’m going through. She’ll throw questions at me like, ‘Well, why are you doing it that way?’ and ‘Why don’t you just do this?’ And it makes sense.”
Jennifer also joined an educational trauma group through SSY, which she recommends for everyone. The experience helped her understand herself and her children more and taught her how to intentionally listen.
“Oakland Family Services has given me a lot of tools to be a better parent, and I think just a better human being, because I've become more compassionate. I listen first. I’ve opened up more and I’m not as judgy. I’ve learned to breathe and slow myself down. Without OFS, I wouldn’t have known how to do that.”
The Specialized Services for Youth program has changed Jennifer’s family dynamic. She shared, “If this program weren't available… I wouldn’t even want to picture where we would be right now. Carson would probably be incarcerated. I did not have the tools in my toolbox for him.”
Her advice to others is simple:
“I truly recommend everyone take advantage of everything that Oakland Family Services offers. It's amazing how the community can come together to help families that need it. OFS has been my constant rock.”