Social Essays

Alanna and Gracie

Alisa and Luis’ social worker discovered Alanna at a monthly meeting with other case workers; Alanna’s case had not become available until that month and she seemed to fit the desires of the family very well. Alanna was introduced to the family in March, various visits were held, and the family was happily impressed with her. Alanna was legally free for adoption, six years old and half Hispanic. Gracie was thrilled at the prospect of a sister so close in age and it quickly became clear that the two girls had very similar personality traits, talking and laughing, singing silly songs together. The home visit process went well and the step of approving Alanna’s transition to living with the family was expedited when the social worker realized that Alanna was at risk where she was.

Alanna joined the family in April, and the first few weeks were rocky; Alisa and Luis quickly found that Alanna had been more abused than her written history indicated. They quickly had to find effective ways of dealing with her acting out aggressively and other behaviors that made life challenging for the family. Alisa and Luis seriously considered sending Alanna back into the system for the safety of Gracie, but decided that they would keep trying. Consistent discipline, constant reassurance and love with lots of hugs have been liberally applied, and now five months later, Alanna and Gracie behave as sisters, with only occasional arguments. Around strangers, Alanna is a rather quiet, wary child, a bit unsure of where her place is, but she warms up to people quickly. She easily comes up to her new parents, gives them hugs and tells them she loves them. Gracie and Alanna are currently raising a caterpillar together; they run around outside with the dogs and seem inseparable, talking constantly. Gracie finally has her sister.
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