Finding the Courage to Come Home

The child’s and parent’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.

Eli was only one year old when domestic violence put his safety at risk. These safety concerns led to his removal from his mother Janet’s care and placement in foster care.

Janet loved her son, but love alone could not make her home safe. Before Eli could return to his mother, she needed to show that she could protect herself and her child from the violence that had affected their family and provide a stable environment for them both. 

The journey toward reunification was not easy or certain. Domestic violence often creates a complicated cycle of fear, isolation and dependence, and meaningful change requires courage. Janet faced difficult decisions, completed the services required of her and worked hard to make the changes needed to safely bring Eli home.

Throughout the case, CASA volunteer Trisha Rutherford remained focused on Eli’s safety and well-being. Because he was too young to speak for himself, Trisha helped ensure that his needs were heard and considered in every decision. She followed his progress, offered steady encouragement and advocated for what was in his best interest.

There were moments of uncertainty, but Janet continued moving forward. Each completed service, difficult conversation and safer choice brought her one step closer to her son. Eventually, the day they had worked toward arrived. Eli returned home to his mother, and the case closed through reunification.

For Eli, going home may have simply meant being held by his mother again, sleeping under the same roof and rebuilding the bond that separation had interrupted. Behind that moment, however, were months of hard work, accountability and hope.

Eli’s story reminds us that families can heal and that change is possible when people are willing to do the difficult work. Today, Eli and Janet have the opportunity to begin again with greater support, new tools and hope for a safer future together.