Recently, a story from Boys Town’s Rhode Island Foster Care program came to our attention—a story of hardship overcome by patience, love and the power of trust, even in the darkest times.
Two children were removed from their parents’ home due to domestic violence and mental health concerns. One of them had significant trouble adjusting to foster care and being away from their biological family.
A great deal of this struggle stemmed from their father, who had instilled in them a deep mistrust of others, warning them never to trust anyone. This created a wall between them and their new Foster Parents. When they first met, the child’s response was heartbreaking: “You’re here to ruin my life.”
For weeks, they refused to open up to any adult—Foster Parents, caseworkers or teachers. They stopped showering, brushing their hair and taking care of basic hygiene. At school, they struggled so much that they started running away from the classroom, hitting other children, biting their principal and making threats to harm others or themselves. Within a month of placement, their behavior escalated to the point that they required inpatient hospitalization.
Boys Town’s Impact Despite these challenges, their first-time Foster Parents—driven by incredible determination and hearts of gold—refused to give up. In many cases, this might have been the end of the story. But these Foster Parents leaned on the support of the Boys Town Foster Care team, working closely with the child’s caseworker, who became a critical part of their journey.
Through unwavering commitment and the trauma-informed approach of Boys Town, this child slowly began to heal. Their Foster Parents used Boys Town’s evidence-based techniques to create a structured, loving environment, helping them build trust and regain a sense of security. Over time, they started opening up, expressing their emotions in healthier ways, and engaging more in daily life.
What once seemed impossible became reality—the child, who had once resisted love and care at every turn, now had a strong, trusting relationship with their foster family. They found stability in school, developed friendships and began to believe in a future filled with hope rather than fear.
This story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of deep trauma, healing is possible. With the right support, guidance and the unconditional love of a family, transformation can happen—one step at a time.
* Names have been omitted to protect privacy.