Bless you, SLSH. I wish you and thank you all the luck in my world with finding the right placement for him.
I've been in his place and felt the pain of being so scared of the "undictated" ways of life.
I left my last long term placement at 16...and ended up on the streets. I had to leave because my mother lied to "the system" and said I'd be fine going home because the "issues" had moved out.
As soon as I got home, I left. The problems were still there, but nobody wanted to hear, nor fix it. Nobody listens to the child. Not the hospitals, not child protective services, not the therapists...not the parents. I was given up on.
I've seen too many friends leave placements totally unprepared and pertrified, but forced, because they didn't do anything but have an 18th birthday and a set of parents who just didn't want to deal with them, anymore.
I will think of you. I'll think and know that there are people out there who do give a darn about the kids' needs (which happen to be yours, as well! <3).
But who knows? Maybe 2 more years is all thank you will need until he's ready to take on the outside world. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
My heart goes out to you. <3
