Today is the final installment of Asher's Journey, however, it is not the actual END of their story.

Many things will continue to happen as the Amani Center supports Asher and Mom through their navigation of the justice system, follow up care and resources, and steps toward hope, healing and recovery. For now, we are happy to have shared, in real time, how a child interacts with the Amani Center and how many people are involved in the process. We hope we were able to adequately explain how our services help support a child and family experiencing possible abuse.

If you have questions, we are happy to talk more. You can reach us at info@amanicenter.org

If you have a group or organization that would like to hear more about our services or how to get involved, we enjoy sharing more about our organization. We also provide Mandatory Reporter training, as well as general information on recognizing abuse and what to do.

FRIDAY - WHERE WE LEAVE YOU

In the coming months Mom and Asher still have a lot to face. The work of the Amani Center, as well as our partners within the child-serving system in our community, is not over. Asher and Mom start the journey to healing in counseling, they start the journey to justice by meeting with the District Attorney and they start the journey of hope for what their future might become.

These are long processes, with many steps involved. The Amani Center provides support along the way. Sometimes it can take years before cases of child abuse go to trial and families need support through that process.

Our hope for Dad is that he can receive the help he needs to improve: that he can access counseling and intervention for his domestic violence behaviors; that he can get parenting education; and that he's supported to heal any of his own trauma he may be carrying. It is a beautiful thought that Asher’s family could end up happy and together, healed after all of this.

However, it may be that Mom needs to seek a restraining order or file for divorce and custody which can also be a years-long, expensive legal battle. It may be that, typical to the cycle of abuse, Dad comes and apologizes, displays his best behavior and says that he has changed. There is a possibility that Mom and Asher let him back in their lives but ultimately he ends up hurting both of them again. We truly hope this is not the outcome. We put every possible effort into ensuring that a family gets the support they need to interrupt the cycle of abuse. Maybe, the case goes to trial and Forensic Interviewer Terri and Medical Provider Jennifer testify on Asher’s behalf. Sometimes this is all the support it takes to give Mom the strength to stand up in court in front of her and Asher’s abuser (Dad) and say what he has done...that he has hurt them. And maybe Dad goes to prison and is held accountable for what he has done, but this is not always the outcome for the children we serve.

FRIDAY - WHERE WE LEAVE ASHER AND MOM

For now, we know that Asher and Mom have what they need to be safe and as we leave them, we see them in their home, together, decorating and preparing for their holiday meal together, without fear. 

If you have questions about our program, please don't hesitate to reach out to Beth or Amelia at info@amanicenter.org. We are happy to discuss what the Amani Center does for the children in our community.