Our Work in Trenton
Shantier's Story
Sometimes, referrals of individuals to the Children's Futures program come from expected sources like the City's prenatal clinics and other collaborating organizations. However, in the case of Shantier, her simple question to a stranger about the nutritional value of a can of soup led this pregnant woman to Children's Futures.
The fellow shopper happened to work for one of the partner agencies involved in the Children's Futures program. He gave Shantier the telephone number of the South Ward Parent/Child Center. She called and was set up with a home visit for assessment by a family assessment worker.
Shantier opened the door to receive help...but only slightly.
She had major trust issues and was concerned about allowing anyone into her home. That's because her first three children were taken away by the Division of Youth and Family Services due to her past experience with drug abuse and episodes of psychiatric hospitalization
"When she did allow me into her home, I saw she really needed help and immediately began the referral process to Greater Trenton Behavioral Healthcare," noted the family assessment worker.
In addition to individual behavioral health counseling, Shantier received parenting skills training, transportation to prenatal care appointments and weekly group counseling sessions.
Because of her history, when her baby girl was born, the Division of Youth and Family Services placed the baby with another family. However, because of the progress made by Shantier as a result of interventions provided by Children's Futures, she was able to receive permanent custody of her baby after a short period of time.
From home visiting instruction and through programs provided in the center, Shantier now reads and plays with her baby and makes sure her daughter never misses appointments with the pediatrician.