When Andrew Came Home 2000

Kidnapping of Andrew

Ted and his girlfriend Patty kidnap Andrew, who is Gail's son. Gail learns of the abduction and contacts the police, but no formal report is filed. The incident upends the family and sets the stage for years of separation.

Gail reports the disappearance; no formal report filed

Gail reports Andrew's disappearance to the authorities, but the police do not file a formal report or pursue the case. The unresolved kidnapping leaves Gail anxious about her son's safety and future. The family continues living with the unresolved risk to Andrew.

Five years later: Andrew is returned

After five years apart, Ted returns Andrew to Gail. Gail has remarried and now has a younger son, changing the family dynamics. The reunion marks a fragile attempt at rebuilding trust.

Medical evaluation of Andrew

Gail takes Andrew to a doctor and a psychiatrist to assess his condition. They observe signs of arrested development and behavioral issues that signal the need for support. The professionals suggest next steps for his education and care.

Residential school proposed; Gail refuses; Andrew goes to state school

The doctors propose sending Andrew to a special residential school to help him catch up academically. Gail refuses to part with her son again, and Andrew ends up at a state-run school instead. The competing options create further tension about his future.

Bullying at school; removal from school

At the state school, Carl Rudnick bullies Andrew, who responds by urinating on Carl. The principal contacts both Gail and Carl's mother, and Mrs. Rudnick insults Andrew, calling him a freak. Gail argues with the principal and ultimately decides to pull Andrew out of the school.

Home life deteriorates; Eddie leaves with the baby

Back at home, Andrew is nonverbal and has difficulty trusting others, which causes tension within the family. Eddie moves out with his mother, taking the baby away from Gail and Andrew. Gail and Andrew's relationship strains under the weight of past abuse.

Gail begins homeschooling; progress and reunion

Gail starts teaching Andrew at home, and he gradually makes progress. Eddie and baby EJ move back into the house as the family attempts to rebuild. The home education plan helps Andrew grow, though academic challenges remain.

Social Services ultimatum

Social Services warns that if Andrew isn't on grade level by the end of the summer, Gail will be forced to send him to the special school. Gail pushes to accelerate his learning and avoid placement. The threat accelerates the family's efforts to keep Andrew on track.

Learning at the farm; new atmosphere

Gail takes Andrew to her brother's farm so he can learn in a new atmosphere with no history. He quickly learns to milk a cow and care for the animals, but his academic progress remains behind. The change of surroundings provides emotional relief but not full academic success.

Revelation of past abuse

Andrew overhears Gail expressing that, if she had a choice, she would not choose him as her son. He runs to the stables in tears, where she follows to apologize. He then tells Gail about the abuse he suffered from his father and Patty, and they share a tender moment of reunion.