In the film's opening scene, Tess picks up Robert, a diminutive 10-year-old boy, during the night at a Department of Social and Health Services office. The camera follows Robert as he trudges along with Tess. All of Robert's belongings are in a partially filled garbage bag, and he doesn't appear to know who Tess is or where he is going. While this situation may seem extraordinary, it is not uncommon for children being placed in foster care to be handed off on an emergency basis in the middle of the night to foster parents they've never met before. Although obviously it would be better for children to have some preparation for this moment, they are placed in foster care because they are perceived by social workers to be at imminent risk of abuse or neglect. Robert's situation was slightly different. He was in the process of being adopted by his foster parents when they realized they could not manage his intense needs. The family therefore relinquished custody of Robert to the state, which in turn had difficulty finding another home for him. He was turned down by nearly 15 foster families before being placed with Tess. While in Tess' care, Robert's behavior has improved considerably. Nearly a year and a half later, he is still with Tess and doing well at home. He is also getting along better in school with other children, and his academic performance has improved.