(Posted 2025 June)
By Matt Copsey, South County Unit Supervisor
Out of nowhere on a quiet summer morning, 19-month-old Samuel’s* life was in jeopardy. Kara*, his mother, frantically dialed 911 as her son gasped for air, his skin turning blue. Desperately, she administered Narcan, fearing an overdose. Samuel remained unresponsive.
The paramedics arrived within minutes and administered more Narcan with no change in his condition. As the paramedics administered IV fluids and continued working on Samuel, they rushed him to the nearest hospital.
Miraculously, Samuel began to stir but soon experienced violent twitching. At the hospital, he was placed on a ventilator in pediatric intensive care. A toxicology screen revealed a horrifying truth: Samuel had ingested cocaine and fentanyl.
Investigating the Cause
Kara was devastated and unable to coherently explain how Samuel encountered such substances. Her vague explanations about friends and family with histories of substance abuse raised suspicions. When law enforcement arrived, they intervened when Kara attempted to delete incriminating messages from her phone.
It was a relief when Samuel stabilized enough to be discharged, but the evidence of neglect led Child Protective Services to decide that Samuel would be unable to return home. Kara suggested her aunt and uncle, Carol and Alvarez*, as alternative caregivers who could provide the love and stability Samuel desperately needed.
A search of Kara’s home uncovered an unstable environment filled with a variety of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia—even powder on Samuel’s toys and other belongings in the home. Kara eventually confessed to relapsing and admitted to recent cocaine use. This revelation necessitated a decisive court action: Samuel would no longer stay with Kara.
The First Steps on a Long Road
In July 2023, the court granted legal custody of Samuel to the Fairfax Department of Family Services. Carol and Alvarez became Samuel’s guardians, offering him the care and stability he had lacked with his mother.
Meanwhile, Kara faced a long road to recovery, mandated to undergo substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and parenting classes. The journey to reclaim her life was fraught with setbacks.
Entering recovery in March 2024, she initially showed promise. However, the battle against addiction proved relentless. Frequent relapses and missed treatment sessions marked her tumultuous path. Despite multiple efforts, her struggle highlighted the unpredictable nature of addiction.
Samuel’s Steady Progress
Amid Kara's struggles, Samuel flourished under the care of Carol and Alvarez. His emotional and social development showed promising signs, bolstered by a supportive family network, including his grandparents.
Regular check-ups and specialist visits ensured his wellbeing and addressed emerging issues. By August, the court ruled that Carol and Alvarez Jones would continue as Samuel’s official guardians, solidifying his stable environment. They would receive ongoing support through the Kin Gap process.
Samuel’s days were filled with structure, love, and support, providing him with the consistency needed to overcome past trauma. Carol and Alvarez, along with his grandparents, ensured Samuel had everything he needed to prosper. Their unwavering dedication highlighted the importance of a strong support system in nurturing a child's growth after adversity.
The Road Ahead
Samuel’s future with his mother is uncertain as her struggle with mental health and substance use has continued to keep them apart; however, Samuel’s journey is one of resilience and hope. From a life-threatening crisis, Samuel found solace and stability with his extended family.
Though his early life was fraught with challenges, the commitment of those around Samuel to create a loving, secure environment ensured his future was bright. Samuel’s story stands as a testament to the profound impact of familial love and support in overcoming adversity.
*Names changed to protect confidentiality
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
Learn about what the Foster Care and Adoption program has planned for foster families - stay on top of trends, participate in trainings and learn about policy changes.