Noel's Case: Conflictual Relationship Patterns

Noel’s case is certainly sad and unfortunate. There are a number of conflictual relationship patterns within his family of origin. His case is quite similar to a young teenager who was residing in the homeless shelter where I completed my first field placement. His father was also incarcerated, and he craved the attention of his mother. She always seemed to be focused on her two younger children, who were also his half-siblings. I remember one Saturday morning walking downstairs to find him distraught and crying. I asked him what was wrong, and he refused talk to me. I let him know that I was going to go back upstairs to my office and he was welcome to come up if he changed his mind and wanted to talk. About 20 minutes later, he came in into
my office and asked if I would show him how to wash his clothes. I showed him, and then I wrote down the directions so he could do his laundry in the future. He thanked me and then said sadly, “I just wish she would be a mom.” It broke my heart to hear him say that. I knew it was his mother’s attention he so desperately sought. During the time I have spent with his family, I never once saw his mother cook, clean, do any of his laundty, or even show him a hint of affection.
Noel is at an age where he still needs his father. People often act out when there is an absence of a parental relationship. His father’s lack of contact and empty promises are having an emotional effect on his well-being. Perhaps, having a positive male role model could provide Noel with the support and encouragement that he needs right now