"Bringing Ashley Home" resembles a docudrama in its attempt to depict the genesis of the Outpost For Hope, the organization founded by Libba Phillips to assist families who desperately search for adult loved ones who have been declared missing. But, at its heart, the film is really the story of the love of one sister for another.
Libba and her sister Ashley (Ash) were always close growing up. But whereas Libba was practical and an over-achiever, Ash was always late, unprepared, and unfocused. It was not until she spent time in rehab that she was diagnosed as bipolar.
When Ash went missing again, Libba discovered a complete breakdown in the "system" in which the police, medical practitioners, and rehab centers would steadfastly refuse to become involved in an entire subculture of human beings that might be best called "the lost people."
It is Libba whose rises to the occasion to recognize the series shortcoming and take charge of the Outpost for Hope Organization. Her obsession to this good cause costs Libba her marriage to the long-suffering David. But it does bring momentary success to the discovery of Ash, who is eight months pregnant and residing in a trailer in Olympia, Washington, due to a kind man.
Based on a true story of Ash, who would eventually disappear for good, when she walked out on her infant son Jake, never to return, the film offers a chilling look at what it is like when a loved one vanishes and no one seems to care. One person who did care and did make a difference was Libba, whose heroism demonstrates the unstinting love of one sister for another.
Libba and her sister Ashley (Ash) were always close growing up. But whereas Libba was practical and an over-achiever, Ash was always late, unprepared, and unfocused. It was not until she spent time in rehab that she was diagnosed as bipolar.
When Ash went missing again, Libba discovered a complete breakdown in the "system" in which the police, medical practitioners, and rehab centers would steadfastly refuse to become involved in an entire subculture of human beings that might be best called "the lost people."
It is Libba whose rises to the occasion to recognize the series shortcoming and take charge of the Outpost for Hope Organization. Her obsession to this good cause costs Libba her marriage to the long-suffering David. But it does bring momentary success to the discovery of Ash, who is eight months pregnant and residing in a trailer in Olympia, Washington, due to a kind man.
Based on a true story of Ash, who would eventually disappear for good, when she walked out on her infant son Jake, never to return, the film offers a chilling look at what it is like when a loved one vanishes and no one seems to care. One person who did care and did make a difference was Libba, whose heroism demonstrates the unstinting love of one sister for another.