Ep 15. In Loco Parentis

In Loco Parentis is the fifteenth episode of the nineteenth season for the popular television crime drama, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The episode starts off with Carisi investigating the case of a teenage girl named Harper who is brought to the station by her stepmother, Abby. Abby claims that Harper is missing from school, however, Carisi discovers that the teenage girl was actually expelled for being pregnant. Furthermore, Harper's biological mother, Kelly, is an old friend of Carisi's and she tells him that Abby has always been too controlling of Harper and she suspects that she drove her away.

Meanwhile, Rollins' maternal instincts kick in when her sister Kim shows up unannounced with her newborn baby and her drug-addicted boyfriend, Josh. Rollins takes it upon herself to take care of the baby, much to the frustration of her colleagues. The team also has to deal with an uptick in hate crimes, specifically against Muslims, and tensions are high as they try to investigate and stop the perpetrators.

As the case of Harper unfolds, Benson and Rollins discover that Abby has been secretly drugging Harper with abortion pills, in an attempt to hide her pregnancy from her husband. The pills had caused Harper to stumble and fall, which was the actual reason for her expulsion. Abby is arrested and charged with child endangerment and attempted murder, as well as a host of other charges.

Rollins, on the other hand, has her hands full with her sister and her drug-addicted boyfriend. She and Benson try to come up with a plan to help Kim and the baby, while also keeping Josh away. However, their efforts are threatened when Josh shows up and tries to take the baby, leading to a physical altercation. The episode ends with Rollins struggling to balance her personal life with her demanding job, as she tries to find a way to keep her sister and the baby safe.

In Loco Parentis is an emotionally-charged episode that tackles a range of sensitive issues, including teen pregnancy, child endangerment, and drug addiction. The episode not only highlights the difficult work that the SVU team does, but also their personal struggles as they try to maintain a work-life balance. The cast delivers powerful performances that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats, with the show's signature twists and turns keeping them guessing until the very end.