Dr. Maureen Brennan, a psychiatrist at a youth treatment center, encounters her newest patient, a bi-racial boy named America. Through their sessions, Dr. Brennan helps America come to terms with his roller-coaster life, which began when, as an infant, he was taken by authorities from his crack-addicted mother and placed into foster care. A short time of stability in his life occurred when he lived with Mrs. Harper, the elderly nanny of one of his foster families. He was reunited with his mother at one point, but she soon abandoned him and he went back into foster care. Full of anger and lagging behind in school, America retreats further away from society after years of sexual abuse. After attempting suicide, America is placed in a treatment center where Dr. Brennan helps him open up about his painful past and discover the support and courage he needs to get his life back on track.