Episode Overview
Dash finds herself in a precarious situation when social worker Tim Ryan persuades her that the overwhelmed welfare system is failing to protect children from abuse. The Heelers and the Department of Human Services are not pleased with Tim's perspective. His evident frustration with superficial solutions to violent domestic issues is likely to spark conflict. The tension escalates when Dash intervenes in a heated altercation between long-time family friends, where a father is choking his son, who then stabs him in self-defense. After the boy is hospitalized, he reveals he suffers regular abuse at home. When he mysteriously vanishes after returning home, the Heelers struggle to uncover clues. Dash suspects Tim may be hiding crucial information about the boy's disappearance, especially since two other missing children are found in his care. Tim ardently defends his choices, insisting that someone must step in for these kids when the system fails. Dash respects his commitment to their welfare, even if it puts him in jeopardy.