Sarah* was just six when her mother entered alcohol treatment for the third time. Sarah has never known her father. At a young age, Sarah knows terms like “relapse, DUI, recovering, cops, probation.” She also knows the obscenities used when her mom is “back on the bottle.” She knows how to search for food and how to dress herself, though taking a bath is seen as a treat.

Sarah came to Watson Children’s Shelter when her mom was ordered to alcohol treatment after being incarcerated for her fourth DUI. Sarah explained to the staff that her Mommy gets better after awhile and that she was going to have a birthday party next week. Her mom promised.

The realities faced by children are painful.

Sarah’s mom completed treatment and made faithful visits to Sarah at the Shelter. Sarah began to blossom in school and made friends with ease. Sarah continued to hang onto her hopes of returning home to live with her mom. The social worker who placed Sarah informed Shelter staff that Sarah could return to live with her mom in one week.

It was Sarah’s going away party at the Shelter, one day before she was to leave. And then the phone call came… The social worker requested a longer stay for Sarah; Sarah’s mother had violated her probation. She had left the state and there was a warrant for her arrest for various charges. How do you explain this to a seven-year-old child?

Sarah’s mom never returned. Sarah was placed on an adoption list and lived at the Shelter for six more months. She learned to let go of her hopes for a normal life with her mother, though she was convinced that her Christmas presents were secretly sent by her mom.

We are pleased to report that Sarah is doing very well now and has been adopted by a loving family in Montana.

*name changed for confidentiality

Eight-year-old Tyler* has big brown eyes and a smile with dimples to warm everyone's heart.  He loves to play baseball, draw, read Harry Potter books and wants to be an architect when he grows up. For now, he is enjoying the chance to go to school every day and to just be a kid.

Tyler came to Watson Children's Shelter after police arrested Tyler's mother and boyfriend for meth use. The family was discovered living in their car in the Missoula area. Further investigation into Tyler's background uncovered additional hardships. Tyler spent the first five years of his life in the Seattle area exposed to continuous adult drug abuse. Tyler's mother earned additional income through prostitution. Tyler was often present during his mother's encounters with various partners. As a result, Tyler requires special supervision and therapy to address his sexualized behaviors, the adult behaviors he was taught to be "normal."

Tyler left Watson Children's Shelter after a two month visit. He is living with his aunt and uncle in Washington state. Tyler's aunt explained that she was relieved to finally have the chance to intervene and take Tyler from her sister’s destructive, abusive lifestyle. We won't soon forget Tyler's smile, blossoming talents and desire to just be a child.
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*names changed for confidentiality
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