But I left without apologizing for my tone, and that felt significant.

A few months later, after the required review, the temporary parenting arrangement was revised.

Safeguards remained in place.

Contact between Curtis and Sadie was considered with professional input, court oversight, and attention to her well-being.

Her wishes were heard without making her the judge of her own parents.

Curtis’s criminal case proceeded separately.

In time he entered a plea to a reduced charge after legal negotiations, and the court imposed penalties, supervision, and conditions that included participation in appropriate services.

The precise outcome did not undo the harm.