Law enforcement was called to Lainey and Maya’s rural home on the edge of Billings when their mom and dad got into a physical altercation, and one of their parents pulled out a firearm. This fight took place in front of the girls. Unfortunately, this would be the second time the twins were in foster care in their short lives. They had been removed once before and then returned home.
Maya and Lainey first went to live with their aunt as they came back into the child welfare system. Soon after re-entering foster care, the twins were assigned a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate. The first time their CASA met the girls, they were wearing matching Minnie Mouse dresses, and Lainey put her shoes on the wrong feet, which made it easier to tell the sisters apart.
Right away, there were challenges in the case. After several months, the aunt decided the twins were too much for her to handle. They were struggling with out-of-control behaviors, and though they had just turned four, were still not potty trained. Lainey and Maya also had high medical needs which had to be addressed. The twins were able to stay together and moved into the home of an adult cousin. Though their behaviors and high needs continued to be difficult, Lainey and Maya’s cousin was able to provide a safe, stable, organized environment and routine for the girls. She also worked with their social worker, CASA, and medical providers to get the girls into much-needed services.
In March, the girls officially left foster care, and their cousin was granted guardianship. Maya and Lainey are now thriving and going to preschool and daycare. They are both officially potty trained (a big win), and while both girls still have big personalities and love to wear matching outfits, their behaviors are much easier to manage. Their CASA looks forward to watching them live happy, healthy childhoods.
