Cesar and Nathan once dreamed of being adopted.  They had spent over four years living on the Ranch and had thought of moving into a home with a “real” mom and dad each and every day.  They made it a point to work hard to build the relationship skills needed for them to coexist together in a home as a family should.  Throughout their time on the Ranch the boys progressed in their treatment to the point where they could be put on the adoptive child waiting list.  And after four long years of waiting the boys found a “forever” home with an adoptive family through their State case worker.

Sadly, Cesar and Nathan needed much more structure than the adoptive family could provide.  The boys could not adjust to this new environment and after only two months the adoption failed.  Cesar called St. Jude’s Ranch himself and said that he wanted to “come home.”

At their request, the boys were immediately removed from the adoptive parent’s home and placed in an emergency shelter.  After two weeks, State workers were still unable to repair the relationship between the boys and the adoptive family.

Cesar and Nathan have since come back to live on the Ranch and hope to spend their remaining years here.  Cesar has moved into our Transitional Living program and continues to maintain a 3.5 grade point average.  He has set very high goals for himself and would love to become an Emergency Medical Technician.  Nathan has settled back into school and even joined the football team this past year.  He and his brother have rebuilt a strong relationship since moving back to the Ranch and both are hopeful for their futures.