She explained how their assessment worked and what would happen next.

She asked about Hailey’s care, health, routines, and the people she trusted.

Then she spent time with Hailey separately in a comfortable setting, without allowing the adults to supply answers for her.

When Dana left, she made no promises about outcomes.

She did tell me something I would remember.

“Children don’t recover because adults win arguments.

They recover when the adults around them become predictable and safe.”

I wrote it down.