Sebastian, 11, started running away when he was only 6 after his mother became physically abusive. A natural caretaker, he took his 3-year-old sister with him, and was wandering in his neighborhood late one night when the children were picked up by concerned police. Sebastian became inconsolable when it seemed that they might be separated, and a social worker stepped in to keep them together. Sebastian’s grandparents wanted to take care of him and his sister, and found the Law Center. Caregiver Advocacy attorneys helped them get temporary custody, and later adoption, when his mom couldn’t keep him safe. Sebastian and his sister are thriving in their new home and are still the closest of friends.
*Name and story has been modified to protect the identity of the child