I am the step-father of a 15 year old boy who has been diagnosed Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Bipolar, Conduct Disorder, Behavioral Disorder, ADD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Emotional Detachment, Depression, and probably a few more. He is currently taking a mix of Lithium, Prozac, and Serequel.
Our problem is that we have no idea what to do now. He is currently at the Behavioral Center of a large hospital after having threatened to kill himself when police returned him home from running away this past Thursday. It was the second day in a row he ran away.
We have been told by numerous professionals over the past 3 years that he is headed to being diagnosed a sociopath.
He also has a significant learning disability with about a 3rd grade reading level.
We have continually worked with local DFS agencies to secure any available help for him trying dozens of strategies, disciplines, etc. Nevertheless, his IEP and behaviors from 2003 are identical to today.
Our specific problem is whether to bring him into the home or relinquish custody. We fear the safety of our family (2 parents, 3 female siblings ages 17, 12, and 9 months) as well as his own safety naturally as he is very spontaneous and can be easily misled or coerced in a negative fashion. His learning disability coupled with his Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) leads him into situations where he is far over his head (lost in the woods, foolishly stealing, etc.). Relinquishing custody may require his mother to take a charge of neglect or abandonement and the state will most likely require child support for his treatment despite not having custody of him any longer.
Behavioral Treatment
-He spent 15 months in a Children's Psychiatric Hospital and got out about 18 months ago.
-He has been in two "family treatment" homes - homes administered by a trained adult whose effort it is to help keep the child with the parents.
-He has seen counselors/phychiatrists/treatment coordinators/etc. consistently for about 5 years.
Abuse/Neglect History
-He was neglected and moderatly abused as a todler.
-He was raped by an older family member (currently in prison) around the age of 8-9.
Significant Incidents
-At age 11 snuck a vial of Pine Sol in his shoe and took it to school where he proceeded to drink it. Was rushed to the hospital but okay as fluid was non-toxic.
-At age 12 routinely snuck into a younger boy's room at a family treatment home, undressed, climbed into bed with the boy and masturbated on the boy who he knew was on sleeping pills. Was kicked out of this home shortly after another boy there found him naked in the boys room on multiple occcasions. He confessed to the action after 4 months in the Psychiatric Hospital.
-At age 13 he threatened to rape his sister if he had to stay at home
-At age 14 he snuck a knife and pills to school in an attempt to be sent to juvinille detention rather than go home
-At age 15 he dug disposable razor blades out of the bathroom trash, snuck them to school and later cut himself at school
-At age 15 he ran away from home, broke into a car and stole a cell phone, and stole candy from a store before being caught
-1 month later is where we are now.
-As reflected by his diagnosees he continually lies, manipulates, steals/sneeks, etc.
Any help/insight/advice is greatly appreciated.
Our problem is that we have no idea what to do now. He is currently at the Behavioral Center of a large hospital after having threatened to kill himself when police returned him home from running away this past Thursday. It was the second day in a row he ran away.
We have been told by numerous professionals over the past 3 years that he is headed to being diagnosed a sociopath.
He also has a significant learning disability with about a 3rd grade reading level.
We have continually worked with local DFS agencies to secure any available help for him trying dozens of strategies, disciplines, etc. Nevertheless, his IEP and behaviors from 2003 are identical to today.
Our specific problem is whether to bring him into the home or relinquish custody. We fear the safety of our family (2 parents, 3 female siblings ages 17, 12, and 9 months) as well as his own safety naturally as he is very spontaneous and can be easily misled or coerced in a negative fashion. His learning disability coupled with his Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) leads him into situations where he is far over his head (lost in the woods, foolishly stealing, etc.). Relinquishing custody may require his mother to take a charge of neglect or abandonement and the state will most likely require child support for his treatment despite not having custody of him any longer.
Behavioral Treatment
-He spent 15 months in a Children's Psychiatric Hospital and got out about 18 months ago.
-He has been in two "family treatment" homes - homes administered by a trained adult whose effort it is to help keep the child with the parents.
-He has seen counselors/phychiatrists/treatment coordinators/etc. consistently for about 5 years.
Abuse/Neglect History
-He was neglected and moderatly abused as a todler.
-He was raped by an older family member (currently in prison) around the age of 8-9.
Significant Incidents
-At age 11 snuck a vial of Pine Sol in his shoe and took it to school where he proceeded to drink it. Was rushed to the hospital but okay as fluid was non-toxic.
-At age 12 routinely snuck into a younger boy's room at a family treatment home, undressed, climbed into bed with the boy and masturbated on the boy who he knew was on sleeping pills. Was kicked out of this home shortly after another boy there found him naked in the boys room on multiple occcasions. He confessed to the action after 4 months in the Psychiatric Hospital.
-At age 13 he threatened to rape his sister if he had to stay at home
-At age 14 he snuck a knife and pills to school in an attempt to be sent to juvinille detention rather than go home
-At age 15 he dug disposable razor blades out of the bathroom trash, snuck them to school and later cut himself at school
-At age 15 he ran away from home, broke into a car and stole a cell phone, and stole candy from a store before being caught
-1 month later is where we are now.
-As reflected by his diagnosees he continually lies, manipulates, steals/sneeks, etc.
Any help/insight/advice is greatly appreciated.
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