Shawn's real father died several years before he was abducted. And both families had the boys at their respective press conferences, and I believe the boys were not allowed to talk as requested by the police; investigation ongoing.
I remember the outcry about the Smart family being so unapproachable and hiding Elizabeth after she was returned. You can't please all of the people all of the time. Either they keep him hidden and people speculate and pester, or you get him out there to get that over with and people speculate and pester.
I really like this step-dad; I find him genuine and he truly seems to love this boy. Shawn has spent more time with his abductor than with his step-father, so there will be readjustment.
I read that Craig had been around since the boy was baby