Once in the custody of DCFS, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. After a month in the custody of the state, my maternal aunt, Elizabeth, was granted guardianship when I was 12 years old. Isabella Ambrosio's adopted mom Elizabeth, left, and mom, right. And I realized then that all I'd needed was for her to acknowledge that my mom was still my mom and that she could never be replaced. Calling Cary and Elizabeth "Mom" and "Dad" felt quite natural afterward.

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Persons: DCFS, Elizabeth, Isabella Ambrosio's, Isabella Ambrosio I, John, Cary, Tim, we'd, didn't, Cary —, I'd, Isabella Ambrosio, Elizabeth ., Isabella Ambrosio She, I'm, hasn't Organizations: Service, Department of Children, Family Services Locations: Ireland, Illinois, Tennessee