Marisol* lost custody of her daughter because of her alcoholism, which severely limited her ability to parent. It was a wake-up call. She realized how unmanageable her life had become and wanted more than anything to reunite with her daughter. But her sobriety was intermittent, and she struggled to follow the county’s plan to re-establish custody. 

The child welfare department warned Marisol that she had one last chance. If she couldn’t comply with their requirements for reunification, then her daughter would be adopted by another family. To give Marisol the best chance at success, the county referred her to Stanford Sierra Youth & Families’ Parent Partner program.  

Here she met Gabriela*, a parent partner with Stanford Sierra. Gabriela had navigated the same county departments and faced many of the same challenges that Marisol was now facing. Gabriela used these experiences to develop trust and share wisdom with Marisol. They agreed that treatment for Marisol’s alcoholism was a necessary first step. Together they found an inpatient program. After completing the treatment, Marisol found a nearby 12-step program which she began attending regularly.  She also completed the required parenting and other skills classes and kept all her appointments with the county to provide proof of her compliance with their plan.

With Gabriela’s help, Marisol then secured a two-bedroom apartment that she hoped one day would also be a home for her daughter. Next, Marisol found a fulltime job. Soon, Marisol was granted visits with her daughter and then the ability to take her daughter to her medical and dental appointments. 

Marisol continued to comply with the county’s requirements and was eventually granted custody of her daughter again. Marisol understands why she was successful this time. She’s developed her ability to respond productively to stress and challenges, and she knows she’s not alone.  She has support in her fellow 12-step program members and in Gabriela. “I don’t ever want to go back to the way it was before,” Marisol says.  “And I know I don’t have to.”

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​