Valeska and her younger brother Mateo come from a very abusive home. Both parents are drug addicts, and alcoholics and their mother suffers from a mental illness (schizophrenia).
The neighbors made many police reports stating that their mother would severely physically abuse Valeska and Mateo. They were picked up and taken to court, where an investigation was made. The authorities found that the mother was not taking her meds and that the children were in danger. They placed the children with a great aunt for three months. After three months, the great aunt took them back to the judge, saying that she couldn’t take care of them anymore. Their mother would show up from time to time and cause a lot of problems for the great aunt, who was 77 years old and didn’t want to have those kinds of issues. Valeska is very protective of her little brother, who suffers from brain damage, and has taken care of him his whole life before Casa Angelina.
They are both safe under the care and protection of Casa Angelina. Valeska is kind-hearted and is able to trust our team with Mateo, which has brought her a lot of peace. Having a home, new friends, and family has awakened Valeska’s heart in new ways!