This is Carlos. Carlos used to reside in New Jersey with his mother – until he wound up in the hospital with a head wound and a concussion. The hospital’s child welfare staff found evidence of abuse by his mother, and she was deemed unfit to care for him.
The State of New Jersey assumed custody, and discovered Carlos had an aunt in the Dominican Republic. Carlos’s parents understood the severity of the situation and relinquished their parental rights in order for his aunt to assume custody. The state began working with ISS-USA, and was able to locate an agency in the Dominican Republic fit to complete a home study on his aunt. Following a positive home study, Carlos was escorted by a social worker to his new home in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to additional support services like special education and hearing assistance, Carlos is thriving in his new home. Through the ISS-USA partner in the Dominican Republic, the state is able to ensure a safe and positive environment for Carlos through monthly check-ins.