The two mothers hug. They have already discussed Dasani’s “four-week adjustment plan.” Chanel is allowed one weekly phone call to Dasani, at a predesignated time. There are no visits for an entire month—a separation that is designed to help incoming students form new bonds, particularly with their houseparents. This can bring a swell of emotions: sadness, guilt, confusion, rage. Some children rebel, hoping their transgressions will send them home. But the longer they can endure this separation, the better they will do. The ultimate goal is for Hershey’s students to become independent and “lead
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