Michael is a 13-year-old child who came to Five Acres from another residential treatment center after living on the streets for almost seven months. Upon arriving at Five Acres, he was withdrawn, distrustful and angry. During his first few months at Five Acres Michael was defiant, disrespectful and aggressive. He had difficulty allowing others to help him and was disconnected and isolated. He is, however, an amazing artist who often chooses to express himself through painting and drawing.

About four months after Michael was admitted to Five Acres, his behavior became markedly worse. He assaulted others and refused to follow any rules, often attempting to influence his peers to engage in negative behavior also. He identified with the gang culture and often put others at risk by wearing certain colors and types of clothing. His county social worker (CSW) began to look for an alternative placement.

At this time the Five Acres treatment team moved Michael to another cottage in order to stabilize his behavior. Several weeks later Michael began to form healthy attachments to staff and to his therapist. He participated in his therapy and expressed his grief and loss through art. He was assigned a Five Acres special friend who gave Michael the outside adult support that he desperately wanted and helped him learn to trust adults again.

Feeling hopeful for the first time Michael has become invested in his future. Today Michael is thriving and looking forward to moving to a lower level of care within the next two to three months and eventually seeking a permanent home with an adult family member.