Through our Continuum of Care, Tara found safety, stability, and a family committed to her growth, safety and wellbeing.
Beginning with a Stable Place
When Tara entered the Secure Assessment Facility (SAF) program at ACH Child and Family Services, she was stepping away from years of sexual abuse and into a safe system designed to meet her needs every step of the way. SAF was Tara’s first experience with ACH, and it provided immediate stability during a time of uncertainty and helplessness.
For weeks, Tara, who was 14, was the only child in the program, which gave staff the opportunity to focus on her individual needs. They worked patiently to help her adjust and teach her basic skills, like healthy boundaries and emotional regulation. These skills would become the foundation for her progress.
SAF is often the first stop for children in crisis. The program offers a structured environment and therapeutic support. For Tara, it was more than a temporary placement; it was the beginning of a relationship with ACH that would span years and multiple programs. From day one, ACH staff demonstrated their commitment to going above and beyond, ensuring Tara felt safe and supported.
Growth Through Residential Treatment: Stability and Support
After SAF, Tara transitioned to the Robert and Jane Ferguson Residential Treatment Center (RTC), where she stayed for almost a year and a half. While long stays are uncommon, this longer placement proved essential for Tara.
At the RTC, she received consistent therapy, learned coping strategies, and began to trust the adults around her. ACH staff provided treatment paired with stability. Many of the same team members worked with Tara from her first day at the RTC until her last, creating a sense of security she had never experienced before.
She’s my longest-ever client,” says Amanda Bernal, her therapist and a clinical manager at ACH. “We celebrated every small win—because for Tara, each step forward was monumental.”
Progress wasn’t always easy. Tara faced challenges, moments of frustration, and setbacks along the way. But ACH staff celebrated every small victory. They noted shorter tantrums, better communication, and growing confidence. Therapists adapted her sessions to her interests, incorporating creative activities and outdoor walks to keep her engaged. Even when court delays and placement uncertainties made Tara feel hopeless, ACH remained her constant source of encouragement. Staff members attended hearings, advocated for her needs, and reminded her that she was not alone.
A Forever Family: Foster Care and Adoption
The final chapter of Tara’s journey at ACH began when she entered its Foster Care and Adoption program. After months of searching for the right fit, a special family stepped forward. ACH facilitated a careful, gradual transition that started with visits at the RTC, then soccer games, day trips, and eventually overnight stays. This thoughtful approach ensured Tara felt prepared and supported through every step.
“Because she stayed so long at ACH, her hope was beginning to waiver that she’d ever find a family,” says Amanda. “But I told her, ‘Good things happen to those who wait.’ And now she’s found her family.”
Today, Tara is thriving in her foster home, surrounded by a loving family and even a few dogs she adores. She’s decorating her own room, engaging in aftercare therapy, and slowly transitioning back to school with the help of an accommodating school district.
ACH staff continue to stay connected, offering guidance and support long after placement. From the SAF to the RTC to foster care, Tara’s story reflects ACH’s commitment to a true continuum of care—meeting children where they are and walking with them toward a brighter future.
Tara’s journey is a testament to what happens when an organization refuses to give up. ACH didn’t just provide programs; it provided people—therapists, caseworkers, and advocates—who went above and beyond to ensure one young girl had the chance to heal, grow, and belong. For Tara, and for countless children like her, ACH is more than a service provider. It’s a lifeline.
The Secure Assessment Facility (SAF) at ACH provides a safe and secure environment for children ages 5–17 who are in crisis due to self-harm, runaway, or other high-risk behaviors. The program offers intensive supervision, therapy, and assessment services to stabilize children and support their emotional and behavioral needs. Its goal is to collaborate with the child and stakeholders to determine the best next placement and ensure continuity of care.
The Robert and Jane Ferguson Residential Treatment Center (RTC) at ACH is a secure, innovative program designed for teenagers in foster care who have endured severe trauma, abuse, and neglect. It provides intensive therapeutic support and a safe environment where youth can begin healing, learn to trust adults, and focus on personal growth. The program prepares these teens for successful family living and independence by connecting them to a strong support system for long-term stability.
Foster Care and Adoption through ACH helps children heal by connecting them with loving families through foster care, foster-to-adopt, or matched adoption options. The program provides thorough training and ongoing support to ensure caregivers are prepared to meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its goal is to create safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive and, whenever possible, achieve permanency through reunification or adoption.
