[shecandoit]

I knew it was the right decision for me to post here as you all have given me some good things to think about. Let me see if I can answer all the questions.

This boy went into foster care at the the age of 10; went directly from the birth mother to foster care. He has been in the same foster home since. He has been very tight lipped in counseling. His doctor then changed his medication to prozac and he had a very hyper reaction, which eventually resulted in hospitalization, where he is now. He has been hospitalized for about three weeks while they evaluate and get medication settled. While he was very hyper, he finally disclosed the sexual abuse. It went on for awhile and looks like mom knew, but we don't know how long it went on. Thus far, he has not been fully diagnosed; they are working on that.

We know there is neglect as he came into foster care with little knowledge on basic things like how to use a fork and knife; clean yourself; put clothes on correctly, etc.

He is able to focus and thus is an A student in school, excellent athlete; does not do well without structure, not great with peers.

As for us, yes, we have an 18 yr. old headed to college in the fall. My husband and I both work fulltime. No family in town, and our support system is not real big. We have good friends to talk with but I do not feel we have the strength of the support systems some people have. He is getting excellent therapy and doctor care now (since his hospitalization) and our social workers will assist us in finding him good therapists. We know he responds well to cognitive behavioral therapy.

I appreciate the information on PTSD; I did not know all this info and will do more research. I have done a lot of research on RAD and do not believe this is an issue for him. He has some difficulties making relationships, loves his foster mom, and has attachment to one of his teachers. I am more concerned of the possibility of bipolar.

His current therapist has said that he is the 'most intact damaged kid he's seen.' I like to think that is a good sign.
Thanks.
Val