SERG from European Union

Brothers Seb and Serge were born in February 2007 and January 2009, respectively. Their parents are deceased, and the boys have endured multiple placements since 2014. These brothers are physically healthy, but both have been diagnosed with unspecified disorders affecting development, behavior, and academic achievement. While SEB is capable of interacting and communicating with others, he tends to isolate himself and refrain from participating in group activities. He frequently exhibits oppositional behavior and tries to impose his wishes and control over others. If unsuccessful, he may react with verbal aggression, including complaints and threats. Seb prefers the company of older teens and likes sports, such as soccer and wrestling, as well as computer games and action movies. As an 8th grader, Seb is habitually truant and has difficulty following the rules at school and in the group home. He struggles to acquire the academic material, despite access to a resource teacher. Seb is motivated to work in order to earn money. He is a smoker. Although more socially reserved than his older brother, SERG faces similar challenges. He likes to impose his will on others and, if unable, may respond with verbal and physical aggression, including screaming and throwing objects. He attends school more regularly than Seb and works with a resource teacher, but he is distracted and poorly motivated. His academic skills are noticeably below grade level. Serg has difficulties in expressing himself verbally and, while he has established some friendships, he tends to play alone. He likes to run, draw, and watch movies. Both boys hope to work in the community as adults, serving as a firefighter and police officer, and both are open to being adopted into a family that may include siblings and pets. A family interested in pursuing these children must be prepared for the life-long effects of developmental trauma and to provide a variety of targeted and consistent interventions to support the boys’ academic, mental, and emotional well-being.