Jani Schofield
Six-year-old Jani Schofield, here with her toddler brother, Bodhi, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, exceedingly rare for someone her age. Her parents, Michael and Susan, have been unable to find a facility to care for her, and doctors have been unable to find medications to halt her severe hallucinations. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani’s father, Michael, shows Jani (in pink) the goodies he has stashed for her in the kitchen as mother Susan takes video and friend Grace Rolek looks on. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani plays in the bedroom in one of the two apartments her parents have set up to care for her. Michael and Susan will trade off staying with Jani, while the other stays in the other apartment with brother Bodhi. Jani is prone to violent outbursts, and the parents are ever-vigilant about keeping Bodhi safe. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani Schofield in an all-too-rare moment of calm. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani checks out the collection of toys in the new apartment. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani plays with makeup in the new apartment. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Mom Susan comforts Jani in a peaceful moment. Susan, 39, was laid off from her job in September, and although money was tight, she felt almost relieved, because Jani needs constant supervision. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani uses the family’s walkie-talkie system to talk with father Michael in the second apartment across the courtyard. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani wrote the number “400” on the chalkboard, the name she gave an imaginary cat. The cat told her to kick and hit other people. We realized she didnt control her imaginary friends. They controlled her, father Michael says. Many phantoms populated her mind: two little girls named 100 Degrees and 24 Hours; 200-the-Rat; Magical 61-the-Cat; and 400. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani rides her scooter as part of recreational therapy while her family watches. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Michael and Susan put together a daily schedule for Jani just as she had in the hospital. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani plays contentedly with a plush parrot while her father, Michael, arranges toys nearby. But since Jani was born, such moments have been all too few, as her case has thus far defied treatment despite the tireless efforts of Michael and wife Susan. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Jani and brother Bodhi stroll through the toy room in one of the apartments. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Susan comforts her daughter, Jani. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)