Gillis | for children and families since 1870

Gillis Stories - Casey's Story

Casey was in a large public school and had undetected learning disabilities. He was taken into foster care when his mother “bottomed out” after a long history of substance abuse. Casey had severe behavioral problems at school and he wasn’t able to do the work expected of him.

Angry about not being at home with his mother, Casey showed his anger toward his foster family. His behavior became so unmanageable that he made a suicidal gesture and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital where it was determined he should go to residential care on a short-term basis.

Casey needed structure and intensive services to stabilize his behavior and emotions. He was assessed at the hospital as having learning disabilities; these were addressed at Gillis. He learned that others had similar life situations after attending group sessions at Gillis, and was able to learn coping skills to help him manage his frustration and anger in individual therapy. He learned to play new games and to socialize with peers.

Casey’s mother was able to complete drug treatment and has remained sober.

Casey has transferred from residential treatment to the PACT Program (Parents and Children Together). The Gillis staff helped Casey’s mom secure housing and items for the house, and Casey began having weekend visits. Gillis staff helped Casey’s mom set up house rules and manage Casey’s visits.

Stories

Derik came to Gillis because he was having difficulty at his home school. He didn’t want to listen to anyone and didn’t want to play with the other kids; sometimes he would hit and kick. He was sent to the Principal’s office several times a week and his mom was called to pick him up from school often. He was diagnosed with a mood disorder. Gillis was recommended as a school which could help Derrick.

Read full story

Gillis News

As part of their community service hours at Rockhurst High School, two young men volunteered at Gillis, working with the residential students. One day they looked around and realized that the common areas were not what they, as “typical” teenagers, would like to look at every day. So, they undertook a cottage renovation project. READ MORE

Gillis is part of Cornerstones of Care, a partnership of agencies providing therapeutic treatment services for children and families.