*Miguel, a timid, seven year old who only spoke Spanish came into the state of New Jersey’s care after his parents tragically died in a car accident. Miguel previously lived in El Salvador with his parents, aunt, and cousins. For the last year he resided in the U.S. with his parents.
With the loss of Miguel’s parents, finding him a home was the first priority: not just any home, but with family. A New Jersey Social Worker determined to get Miguel placed with kin if at all possible, contacted ISS-USA for assistance.
ISS-USA advocated for Miguel’s Aunt, Jesenia in El Salvador to be considered for placement. She was eager to take her nephew in. ISS-USA conducted a home study of Jesenia’s home. The home study was very positive.
Travel arrangements were made for Miguel to return to El Salvador, where he was greeted by his Aunt Jesenia and cousins. Upon arrival, Miguel dropped his backpack and ran over to his aunt and cousins and embraced them with tears in his eyes.
Jesenia knew that Miguel had a long healing process ahead of him. She did as well, as she had lost her sister, Miguel’s mother. She knew Miguel would need therapy to help him cope with his parent's death.
“If he can’t be with his parents, there is no better home for him than here, with family.” -Jesenia
*Names and places and all identifying details have been completely sanitized to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of the people served by ISS-USA and the people we work with.
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