Introduction (01:08)

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This film follows an 89-year-old's struggles to prove to the child welfare system that she can care for her 9-year-old grandson.

Walter's Background (01:47)

Viola Dees' dying son asked her to take care of his four-year-old son Walter. Walter's mother was addicted to drugs, and he was sent to a foster home at birth--before she fought to get him out.

Grandmother's Care for Walter (01:55)

Walter was a disturbed child when she got him, his grandmother says. She talks about her love and ability to care for him.

Walter's Progress (02:15)

Walter is shown doing well in Sunday school and participating at a church event. His grandmother notes how he has changed.

School (01:51)

School officials talk about talk about Walter's grandmother's efforts to prevent him falling through the cracks and to improve his educational performance.

Viola's Heart Attack (02:20)

Viola had a heart attack. Walter visits her in the hospital. He looks out the window, shaking his head in a strange manner.

Walter Becomes Hostile (02:38)

Viola returned from the hospital. After Viola's heart attack, Walter became hostile and difficult to manage. She talks to a calm, seemingly ashamed Walter about an outburst.

Walter's Arson (02:09)

Walter set Viola's house on fire. The possibility that Walter will be taken from her is discussed. She despairs.

Walter at Psychiatric Hospital (01:25)

Walter goes to a psychiatric hospital, taken by his aunt and grandmother. The counselor blames Walter's actions on his mother's drug abuse.

Psychiatrists Take Walter Away (01:32)

Psychiatrists demand that Walter be placed in long-term residential care, against his grandmother's wishes. They will not send him back to her.

Viola's Birthday (02:21)

Viola's family reunites at her 89th birthday; Walter's psychiatrists prevent him from attending.

Visiting Walter (02:09)

Viola goes to the hospital to see Walter for a birthday celebration. They hug goodbye.

Walter Temporarily Back Home (01:30)

When Viola finally agreed to place Walter in long-term residential care, the hospital released him to her until she could find a facility that accepted him. Back at home, he is passively disobedient.

Visit to Residential Care Facility (02:02)

After refusing to speak in two admissions interviews, Walter must cooperate at a third facility or go back to a psychiatric hospital; his grandmother prepares him, and the visit begins.

Admissions Criteria (03:03)

An admissions director explains why the facility will not take some children, and the criteria for admission. Viola waits for a call from the facility and worries about what their delay means.

Admitted to School (02:42)

Viola gets a call: Walter has been admitted. They shop for clothes and prepare for school and eat a celebratory meal.

Walter's Reluctance (01:10)

Walter declares he doesn't want to go to his school and playfully argues with his grandmother. He agrees to give it three days.

Walter Moves In (02:40)

Walter is wild and misbehaving as his grandmother moves him in to his room at his facility. They say goodbye.

Epilogue & Credits: Big Mama (02:58)

When Walter finished his treatment, social workers felt Viola, 90, was too frail to care for him and sent him to a foster home. A lonely Viola walks out of the facility. We hear her words--hopes for Walter's future--as credits roll.

Credits: Big Mama (02:01)

Credits: Big Mama