If you are like me, residential treatment never crossed your mind as you held your newborn baby in your arms for the first time and rolled through the list hopes and dreams you imagined for your child. My dreams for my firstborn included sleep overs, dirt and sweaty play outdoors, team sports, hitting developmental milestones and so many other “normal” things you think of in childhood. Yet, that has not been our story. Rather, ours has been one of struggle, years filled with doctor and therapy appointments, and along the way an unexpected placement out of our home.
