One Positive Step at a Time

When a child suffers from chronic neglect at an early age, it greatly impacts his ability to form healthy attachments with others. One of our tasks here at Mount Saint Vincent is to encourage the development of safe and strong relationships. Through modeling and encouragement, we help children learn a new way of thinking, communicating and being.

For reasons known only to them, Billy's parents never picked up their infant son. For hours on end, they left him in a baby carrier, his cries unanswered. No cuddling, no hugs, no gentle caresses from his mother's hand.

After Billy was adopted by a caring family, the attachment issues caused by the severe neglect he endured became readily apparent. Because he was never exposed to them, he lacked the skills or even the knowledge of how to build and maintain relationships. That was when his parents realized they needed help. They turned to Mount Saint Vincent, a Denver-based treatment provider for children facing the challenges of trauma, mental illness, abuse or neglect. Billy was 6 years old.

"Many people don't realize that severe neglect can inflict as much harm on a child as physical or sexual abuse," says Mount Saint Vincent Executive Director Kirk Ward. "The long-term deprivation of a child's basic physical, developmental or emotional needs can lead to mental or even physical health issues well into adulthood."

Early in his treatment, Billy's therapist realized that the first step in helping him was to build trust. She scheduled positive relational time with adults throughout the day. At first, just one therapist would take Billy out of class for 10 minutes and spend time doing something fun, such as playing basketball or swinging on the playground swings. Then he would go back to class. Not only did the breaks build trust and relationships, they helped ease any stress or frustration he felt in school.

Billy enjoyed spending time with therapy animals and clearly cared for them. As he played with Harper, his favorite therapy dog, his therapist explained how he could parallel his caring toward animals and carry that over to the staff and his peers.

Over time, more staff members volunteered to spend time with Billy, and he began looking forward to his one-on-one interactions. "He started out with a very small group of people he trusted, which slowly expanded to include more and more staff in his circle of friends," says Residential Clinical Supervisor Teresa Coen. "It just took time and consistency."

By the end of his stay, Billy was a star student. He was focused, could complete his school work and was regarded as a positive peer.

The staff at Mount Saint Vincent was excited to receive an update that Billy's adoptive mother recently sent: "He's doing so well! He has made friends and really enjoys his new school," she wrote. "He misses you all a lot. You made such an impact on him."

Children who have been abused or neglected often exhibit challenging behaviors, but with clinical treatment and a healthy dose of patience, those challenges can be overcome.

You can help us continue to make a difference in the lives of kids like Billy. To learn more, contact your local foundation using the links below.