In the month of April, the team at Rundle Group Home helped three different youth successfully transition home to live with their families. Two of these were quick, unplanned transitions spurred on by the youth, families and team who advocated for the youths’ needs. Laying aside expectations framed by policies and procedures, their stories remind us that support is bringing it back to what a family needs rather than deciding the outcome for them.

Youth transition calls for a change of plans

Rundle Group Home had been at full capacity for some time when they planned for one of the youths to move back home. It was a slow, six-week long preparation that consisted of supporting the family with their transition plan, coordinating home visits, arranging rides and more.

Another youth had watched this process unfold and decided that they also wanted to go home. This came unexpectedly as the original plan was for them to stay in group care until they aged out of the system. Other professionals involved had expressed concerns and advised against the transition. Regardless, the youth’s family was set on making it work, so the team at Rundle got on board.

Over the next two weeks, they worked with the family to see what support they needed, and that included looking at what led them to group care in the first place to avoid ending up in crisis again.

“Whether it's safety mechanisms, coping skills or parenting skills, we're making sure that we are providing that so that we're setting them up for success and not failure six months down the road,” says Rundle Group Home manager Dessarae Harder.

Failure was a big concern for the other professionals, especially around natural supports. But the Rundle team stepped in to advocate for the family and shifted the conversation from “It’s never going to happen” to “How can we make this happen?”

The transition was a success, and according to Dessarae, the youth is happy and doing well. They have even come back to the group home to say hi. And those worst-case-scenarios that the professionals worried about? None of them have happened.

“We had to lean into the fact that it's not always about what we think families need,” says Rundle program manager Dessarae Harder. “Sometimes it is asking the families what they need and supporting them, regardless of what some of the professionals think.”

A heartfelt goodbye

Putting the emphasis on helping families reach their goals also led to a third youth transition that same month—what a celebration!

After collaborating with families and building relationships with the youth, saying goodbye was bittersweet. But the team is more excited to see families getting the opportunity to move forward in their journey together.

The busy month came to a perfect close when the team received an email from one of the parents:

“Good morning everyone,

I just wanted to send a final email thanking the Team at Rundle for their amazing care of my son. The staff always kept me informed daily on his activities. As well, they kept my son safe and watched him very closely on many occasions.

Angie, Cole, Deepi, Theresa, Sarah were key workers for my son and myself. They love and cared for my son as if he was part of the Family. I am beyond Grateful for all of you, and no words can express my respect for your team.

I am hoping to keep in touch as you all have a big piece in my heart.”