Boys Town New England offers many services including foster care in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Often couples become foster parents because they have friends who are a part of the program. That was the case for Laurence and Alyse Cobb. Their friends started as foster parents and ended up adopting. The experience really hit home with the Cobbs and in November of 2019 they began fostering Anthony.
Anthony was just 16 months old when the Cobbs picked him up as he was being released from the hospital. Having lived with abusive parents, Anthony was recovering from rib fractures, jaw and neck bruises related to strangulation, a right femur fracture and a list of other serious injuries.
After several months together as a family, Anthony started displaying significant aggressive behavior as a coping mechanism for his trauma. This included biting and hitting peers at daycare and doing the same to Laurence, Alyse, and his foster siblings.
At this point, the Cobbs began to doubt they were the right placement for him and were worried they might not be able to manage his behaviors. They were also concerned they might not be able keep themselves and their other children safe. It was an emotional decision, but the Cobbs decided to request that another home be found for Anthony. Luckily, that’s when Boys Town Foster Family Services® stepped in with assistance.
What makes Boys Town Foster Family Services different from other programs is the detailed and continued support from professionals within our system. In situations like this, Boys Town works with foster parents and connects them with resources that empower them. By learning the Boys Town Model® foster parents are better able to manage and negate the trauma involved in situations like this.
Thanks to Boys Town Family Services and their love for Anthony, the Cobbs were able to keep Anthony in their family.
In May of 2021, The Cobbs took in Anthony’s sister. Although they already had their hands full at the time, they knew it was best to keep the siblings together and were committed to helping both children feel safe and loved. Mira was two weeks old when entering the Cobb’s home and was born addicted to opioids.
“It is so nice to see everything come together for the kids and family,” Boys Town Foster Family Services Consultant, Gianna Cavallaro, who worked with the Cobbs throughout the process commented. “The kids had so many behavioral challenges, but the Cobb’s loved them and always felt they were a part of the family. They were tremendous advocates for both kids. I really admire their patience and perseverance and couldn’t be happier for all of them. One of the great aspects of Boys Town Foster Family Services is that families work with a consultant, which allows them to really know us and for us to really know them.”
Mira is now 3-years-old, and Anthony is 6-years-old. This past April the Cobbs officially adopted them both. The Cobbs are committed to providing a safe environment for Mira and Athony and are looking forward to building many happy childhood memories for them. With love and Boys Town Foster Family Services there’s no doubt that’s exactly what they will do.