Ellen, Karen and David's Story

Ellen and Karen, a lesbian couple in their mid-40's who live in San Rafael, adopted their son David three years ago from a Guatemalan orphanage where he had been severely neglected. David is seven years old now, and has serious emotional and behavioral problems. In his public school special education class, David has made very little progress in language and reading skills. He is depressed and hyperactive, with poor social skills, and acts out violently towards his peers, his teachers and even his moms. His behavior continues to get worse, not better.

Ellen and Karen have been at their wits' end. They tried taking David to an expensive child psychologist, but after Karen became unemployed and Ellen's hours were cut at her job, they could not afford to continue. A friend referred Ellen and Karen to Parents Place at JFCS' Marin office, where they met with a child development specialist and gained access to a wide range of partially subsidized services.

After one year of Parents Place services, Ellen and Karen have a better understanding of their son's special needs and difficulties. David's behavior has markedly improved, and family life has become happier and more fulfilling for all of them.

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