At 16, he was at risk of losing his footing at school and home — until a two-week intervention changed his trajectory.
For Darin*, school had become a source of constant conflict. At 16, he was smart and capable, but without consistent routines and support, those strengths often showed up as frustration, poor choices, and strained trust at home. Disruptions at school and increasing tension with his foster parents made it clear he needed more support than discipline alone could provide.
That’s when his family turned to Turning Point, a two-week program from ACH Child and Family Services designed to help foster families avoid placement disruption.
Creating Structure, One Day at a Time
From the start, Darin’s days at Turning Point were structured and intentional. Clear routines helped him rebuild habits he would need both at home and at school, such as getting up on time, practicing personal hygiene, organizing his space, and following daily expectations.
“A lot of our kids haven’t had structure in a long time,” said Jean‑Michele De Goede, program supervisor at Turning Point. “Once they feel safe and know what to expect, you really start to see them settle in.”
Education was a central focus. Group sessions emphasized accountability, decision-making, and managing impulses, skills that directly translate to the classroom. Darin also participated in activities that strengthened problem-solving and self-reflection, helping him understand how his choices could affect his future.
Family Forward
Family involvement played a key role in his progress. Through visits and family sessions, Darin’s foster mother stayed engaged, reinforcing new routines and expectations he would carry home.
“Turning Point helps families get through a stressful situation, but it’s critical the whole family stays involved in our work so changes actually stick when kids return home,” explains Jean-Michele.
By the time Darin prepared to leave Turning Point, he had gained more than short-term stability. He left with practical skills, renewed confidence, and a clearer path forward, ready to re-engage with school and rebuild trust at home.
*Name and likeness changed for privacy purposes.
About Turning Point
Turning Point is a short-term crisis intervention and stabilization program for youth in foster care ages 10 to 17. Designed as a safe, home-like alternative to hospitalization, the program helps youth and families navigate moments of crisis while preventing placement disruptions.
Turning Point offers intensive mental health support, including psychiatric services, individual and group therapy, and structured daily routines that promote stability and healthy coping skills. Family involvement is central to the program, with counseling and personalized support focused on strengthening relationships and supporting successful reunification. The program is available to foster families throughout Texas.