Abandoned Michigan Teen Finds New Hope with Foster Family After Ordeal in Jamaica

‘A Glimpse of Hope Amid Fear’: Michigan Boy Abandoned by Adoptive Parents Finds New Home

After nearly a year of living fraught with fear and uncertainty, being abandoned in Jamaica by his adoptive parents, a teenager from Michigan, Elijah Goldman, experienced a glimmer of hope. Following a publicized dispute with his parents, a willing foster parent came forward to take in the 17-year-old, who had recently returned from a distressing ordeal in Jamaica.

Stranded in Jamaica

Elijah’s adoptive parents had sent him to a boarding school in Jamaica in 2023 due to behavioral issues. However, allegations of widespread abuse led to the school’s closure, and Elijah, along with six other American boys, was pulled out of the school in February. Following this, he was left stranded in Jamaican group homes for another seven months by his adoptive parents.

With the assistance of child welfare advocates, Elijah returned to Traverse City, Michigan, last week. On his return, the Goldmans sought to send him to live in Utah, a move to which both Elijah and his lawyers objected.

A Fresh Start

On Wednesday, the Goldmans consented to Elijah being placed under the custody of local Child Protective Services (CPS), clearing the way for the teen to move in with a local foster parent. The foster parent, identified as “Teri,” a retired schoolteacher from the Traverse City area, offered to have Elijah live with her, stating that it was “just the right thing to do.”

Emotionally expressing her eagerness to support and encourage Elijah, ‘Teri,’ revealed that CPS still had to finalize paperwork and visit her home—where she already takes care of three rescue dogs.

A Fight Far From Over

Elijah’s lawyers continue to press abandonment claims against the Goldmans, who adopted Elijah and his younger sister from Haiti in 2018—the latter still resides with the Goldmans. While Elijah struggled to establish stability at home, he was sent to a series of boarding schools by his adoptive parents. The last of these was the Atlantic Leadership Academy in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. After he and six other boys reported numerous instances of abuse, the Jamaican authorities shut the school down, charging four individuals with child abuse. However, unlike other children, Elijah was not retrieved by his parents.

A Community in Support

Elijah’s story has elicited an outpouring of support from the Traverse City community and beyond. Among his supporters is Paris Hilton, who has used her platform to shed light on his plight and press for action. The teen’s case has also prompted a response from community members, including parents from his school and his former friend, who all attended Wednesday’s court hearing.

Despite his dense family issues, Elijah is hopeful about his future and looking forward to moving past his trying adolescence. As he told the press: “I’m staying strong, but it hurts. I have resources to become a successful man and take care of my family in Haiti—and one day make my own. I am hopeful.”