Child Case Studies

CHILD(RENS) NEEDS /CONCERNS

1. Placement/ Safety: After the removal from their mother’s home, Desirea, Jasmine, and Zachary currently are living with their maternal grandmother, Ms. Walden. Zachary has his own bedroom, while Jasmine and Desirea are sharing a bedroom. Ms. Walden is the only other resident in the home. The home has plenty of space and can sufficiently suit the children’s needs and activities. The home appears appropriate; this CASA has no obvious safety concerns regarding this placement.

2. Educational: Due to the proximity between their mother’s and grandmother’s home, all the children are able to stay at the same school, IPS School 46- Daniel Webster, that they were attending while living with their mother. Desirea is the

Psychological, Medical: All children have a scheduled physical on March 1st. Desirea and Zachary are both currently taking medications for their ADHD. Jasmine is not currently on any medications. All children are currently up-to-date on their vaccinations. Both Zachary’s maternal grandmother and school teacher report some minor behavior concerns with his ability to share and to get along with others. All children appear developmentally on target and overall good health.

4. Visitation with Family/Siblings: Ms. Henderson has supervised visits with the children on Sunday and Thursday afternoons supervised by Ms. Walden. The visits are held at Ms. Walden’s residence and tend to last about an hour. During the visits, Ms. Henderson seems genuinely excited to be able to see and play with children. Not all of her children share the same enthusiasm for the visits. Desirea is courteous but faintly aloof with her mother. When asked about the reason for her distance, Desirea states “I cannot love a mother that has struck me before”. Desirea seems relieved when the visitations are over. Jasmine and Zachary love to see their mother. They appear to enjoy every moment of their visits. Ms. Walden says that Zachary cries and repeated asks for his mother once the visitations are

Financial/Material Needs: The children financial and material needs appear to be met by the relative care giver. They have adequate food, clothing and appropriate sleeping arrangements. This CASA has no concerns in this area.

6. Child/ Youth Comments: Jasmine and Zachary have no comments for the court at this time. Desirea would like the court to know that she is “way happier living with grandma and want to live with her forever and have no desire to live with mom ever again”.

7. Other: Ms. Henderson has tested negative on all drug screens since the removal of her children. She is seeking treatment for her mental health. She has secured safe housing for the children.

RECORDS