Robin Shook was living in Connecticut when she adopted Aaron, an eight-week-old baby suffering from fetal valproate syndrome, a congenital defect that is usually fatal in infancy. But as Aaron grew, and it became clear that some of the most pessimistic predictions about his health — he would be blind, deaf, mute and profoundly disabled mentally — were inaccurate, his adoptive mother began what would be a long fight to get him the physical and mental health services that he did need. Her largely unsuccessful efforts continued during their years in Connecticut and through a move to North Carolina, where she continued to fight to get Aaron the medical treatment and counseling that he needed. Then in 1999 they moved to Buncombe County, where Eliada Homes and Services for Children and Families offered her hope for Aaron. Eliada’s Family Partnership Program provides in-home support services to prevent family disruption and out-of-home placements of children. FPP staff work primarily one-on-one with the parent and child, serving as educators, coaches, and facilitators; helping with medical and legal issues; and working with children who need individualized attention, especially in school. FPP also offers family and individual counseling for the children and families, and psychiatric services for families who need them. When the Shooks entered the FPP, Aaron had been suspended from school and “no doctor would take him on,” his mother says. But as he began receiving appropriate services, a different Aaron emerged. Today, at age 14, he is back in school, managing his emotions successfully, and even teaching classes on minibike safety and animal stewardship to other children at Eliada. “The only successful services we have had have come from Eliada,” his mother says. “If it hadn’t been for them, I’d have given up.” | 
