Makayla, an eleven year old girl...

Was referred to Ascent because of depression, lack of stability in her home life, and persistent problems in school.  Because Makayla's mom was a chronic drug user who supported her habit through prostitution, care for Makayla and her siblings was split between her grandmother and great-grandmother.  This arrangement caused frequent disruptions in their living situation.  Makayla was being treated for her depression at a local mental health rehabilitation center.  The agency wanted to treat Makayla's depression with medication, but her grandmother resisted this treatment option.  She believed an eleven year old should not be medicated for depression and that surely there had to be another way.  At the first Child and Family Team Meeting (CFT), Makayla asked for help with her grades and someone to talk to as a friend, not a counselor.  The Wraparound Facilitator heard the family's voice and connected Makayla with a mentor and tutor from Big Brothers Big Sisters.  As a result, Makayla reported lower levels of depression and her grandmother was relieved to know Makayla did not need to use medication to treat her depression.