Amanda Gaddy is director of the Parent-Child Reunification Program at Women in Recovery (WIR), a program of Family & Children’s Services (FCS). A licensed marriage and family therapist with 13 years of experience at FCS, Amanda transitioned into her current role after focusing on work with children earlier in her career. Now, her efforts – and those of the parenting staff she supervises – center on supporting mothers in fostering safe, nurturing environments for their children. 

“Women in Recovery was such a draw to me,” she says. “I see this as an opportunity to help moms create a new culture and environment for their children. By supporting the moms, we can influence entire families.” 

B&G: How often do you work with mothers and children together?

Gaddy: While our primary focus is on the moms, we create opportunities for mothers and children to connect as they progress through the program. The moms participate in individual and group parenting sessions, and when appropriate, we schedule site visits in safe, child-friendly environments. These visits are often significant reunions and emotional moments for both the moms and their children.

Our staff observes these interactions to provide support and guidance when needed, always prioritizing what’s best and safest for the children.

B&G: Can you describe the parenting sessions and what women learn in the program?

Gaddy: Women participate in parenting groups for several months, complemented by individual sessions that continue until graduation. The curriculum is evidence-based and tailored for parents involved in the criminal legal system.

We start with foundational topics, such as effective communication with the caregivers currently raising their children—relationships that are often strained. From there, we move to bonding strategies, understanding child development, and how past struggles with addiction or separation may have impacted their children.

We also focus on practical skills, like recognizing developmental milestones, identifying children’s love languages, and managing behavior in healthy ways. The goal is to help moms build stronger, healthier relationships with their children.

B&G: Does the curriculum address the challenges of reunification?

Gaddy: Absolutely. It’s very comprehensive. We cover traditional parenting topics and delve into the unique challenges of reunification. For example, we discuss the emotions children might feel—anger, confusion, or mistrust—and how moms can navigate tough questions.

We also explore co-parenting with caregivers, establishing boundaries, and understanding how the relationships moms choose can impact their children.

B&G: How do you approach situations where parental rights have been terminated?

Gaddy: In some cases, parental rights were terminated before a woman entered the program. For these women, reunification may not be possible, and we respect their choices about how they want to proceed.

We take a trauma-informed approach, helping them process their feelings and identify ways to move forward. Sometimes, women hope we can reverse past decisions, but we guide them toward focusing on the future.

B&G: What does reunification look like in practice?

Gaddy: Reunification looks different for every family. For some, it means their children can eventually return to live with them full-time. For others, it may start with a phone call after years of no contact.

Sometimes, moms choose not to pursue reunification because their children are safe and stable in their current environments. That’s okay. We honor their decisions without judgment, focusing on what’s best for the children.

B&G: What changes do you see in children’s relationships with their mothers during the program?

Gaddy: It’s incredible to witness the transformation. Children who were once closed off start opening up. They begin to trust and connect with their moms again.

For mothers, being part of their children’s lives—whether through small milestones or full reunification—is a powerful motivator. Seeing both moms and kids feel more stable and secure is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work.

B&G: Do you find some children are resistant to rebuilding relationships with their moms?

Gaddy: Yes, especially older children. They’ve often experienced significant trauma and may feel anger or mistrust. We ensure these children receive support to process their emotions, and we guide moms on how to answer difficult questions in an age-appropriate way.

If a child isn’t ready to reconnect, we help the moms work through that disappointment and focus on what they can control, such as continuing their personal growth.

B&G: What lessons have you learned about helping women develop parenting skills?

Gaddy: Every situation is unique, and we’ve learned never to make assumptions. Many women didn’t grow up with healthy parental role models and may not know what positive parenting looks like.

We address cycles of incarceration and addiction, teaching moms how to be present for their children’s milestones and support their education. The moms are eager to learn and become the best parents they can be.

B&G: The graduations we’ve attended include a focus on children’s accomplishments. Is that typical?

Gaddy: Yes, we make it a point to celebrate the children’s successes during graduation ceremonies. Moms share their children’s achievements, from honor roll to sports to personal growth.

These moments emphasize the importance of being present and celebrating both small and big milestones—a crucial part of creating family rituals and building stronger connections.

B&G: Can you share an example of how site visits lead to meaningful conversations?

Gaddy: During site visits, we often observe interactions that spark important discussions. For instance, a mom might struggle with setting age-appropriate boundaries, such as oversharing about her past. We guide her on maintaining a healthy parent-child dynamic, where the child isn’t placed in an adult role.

We also address behavioral challenges, helping moms develop positive parenting strategies to handle difficult situations in healthier ways.

B&G: Do the women support each other throughout the program?

Gaddy: Absolutely. One of the most inspiring aspects of the program is the sisterhood that develops. The women learn to trust and support each other, becoming a network of encouragement not just for themselves but for their children as well.

B&G: Any final thoughts?

Gaddy: Our message to the women is simple: “We’re with you every step of the way.” Change takes time, and the path is never linear, but we’re here to support them and their families as they work toward a brighter future.

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