Joel entered the care system several years ago, along with his siblings, due to neglect. He is currently placed in a residential treatment facility nearly 350 miles from his hometown, which has left him separated from everything and everyone he knew before entering care. Joel has a close bond with his older sisters, who were adopted or aged out and are now living independently. His oldest sister is in the process of remodeling her home to pass a home study so that Joel can move in with her. Joel is a kind and intelligent teenager who enjoys playing football, basketball, and video games.