Tate's Story

Tate was only seven years old when his teacher noticed distinct bruises covering his arms. Medical professionals soon found that he had too many bruises to count. Tate soon confessed that his mother had beaten him with a shoe and that both she and her boyfriend sexually abused him. He was immediately removed from his home. Tate’s father, who had not seen him in several years, stepped forward to care for his son.

Tate’s father soon started noticing Tate exhibiting severe signs of past neglect, sexual and physical abuse. Tate also had difficulty when eating, using the restroom and had severe anxiety in public because of a fear that he would see his mother again. Tate’s father was concerned about his son and his ability to live a normal, healthy life.

Amy Hendrickson, a Children’s Law Center attorney who was appointed as a guardian ad litem, was able to connect Tate with a first-rate trauma based therapist. Amy was able to have the Victim Compensation Program cover therapy costs. Over the past six months of weekly therapy sessions, Tate has gained a sense of safety in his new home and is making both emotional and developmental progress.

Last year, Amy obtained a "no contact" ordering against Tate's mother and successfully advocated for his father to have sole parental rights. Tate continues to make progress after years of abuse, now in a loving home.