These young women have experienced enormous trauma. Some were sexually abused. Parentified youths don't know how to be young. And despite the hardship of their lives, they resist nurturing at Holly Hill, because they are so accustomed to being in charge. Behavior problems are common at the center.
Girls run away, fight with staff.
Others demonstrate reactive attachment - they are inappropriately clingy. At Holly Hill, many are introduced for the first time to concepts we take for granted. Eating dinner family-style. They have an incredibly low image of themselves,'' says Connie Wong, executive director. About 20 girls from 11 to 18 live at the center.