The Redd Case

Nana A.
Mireku-Boateng
Completed on: 4/1/2016
THE REDD CASE

PROVIDED INFORMATION
Last Name of Case: Redd
Legal Number(s): 11-7-012345-7
Child(ren)'s Name: Mariah Redd
DOB: February 5
Age: 5 months
Ethn: AA
Sex: F
Current Location: Foster Care Placement - Julia Budd
Mother: Clarissa Ann Redd
Father (putative): Johnny Smith
Current Caretaker(s): Foster Mother - Julia Budd (not married)
Address: 1776 Grimes Creek Rd.
Phone: (476)555-1766
Attorneys for:
Mother: Darlene Wright (476)555-9898
Father: Walt Harris (476)555-1334
CPS: Robin Jackson (476)555-7544
Case History
Ms. Clarissa Ann Redd, African American, age 25, reported to SW that she has been
using "sherm" (cigarettes dipped in PCP) on and off since she was 18. She has a 10
year-old son, Buddy, who is in the legal custody of her mother, Lela Jones. Lela is
married to Clarissa's stepfather, Charles Jones. Clarissa stays with them when she
isn't with a boyfriend. Clarissa's second child, a 7 year-old boy named Tyrone, lives
with his father, Willy Monroe.
The local hospital notified CPS of an infant that was born on 2/5 and that tested
positive for PCP. The infant, named Mariah Redd, is the third child born to Clarissa
Redd. She was removed from the care of Clarissa Redd and placed in foster care
with Julia Budd. When Mariah was 2 months old, she and Clarissa went to Fresh
Start, a mother/baby residential treatment program.
CASA History:
Case Initially Assigned to: John Hill
Date Assigned: 2/19
Date Terminated: 6/30
Current CASA: Nana Mireku-Boateng
Date Assigned: 7/8
Initial CPS Social Worker: Heather Bunning
Current CPS Social Worker: Kim Ellis
Nana A. Mireku-Boateng
Court Ordered Services:

For the Child:
- Medical health needs reviewed per physician's orders due to high risk birth
- Educational needs met as appropriate
For the Father:
- Establish paternity
- If applicable: pay child support
For the Mother:
- Substance abuse evaluation and follow recommendations of service provider
- Urine analysis twice per week
- Parenting classes
Medical History: Mariah Redd Prepared by: County Health Clinic, Dr. Scott M.D.
Birth: Tested positive for PCP at birth. APGAR scores: 7/8. Child stayed in hospital for
a 5-day detox period experiencing tremors and irritability. Nurses reported to SW
that Mother was hostile and refused services. Mother was discharged the day after
the birth, she did not return to visit the baby. Rock-a-Baby volunteers held Mariah
every day and helped with feeding her.
County Health Clinic: SW referred Mariah to the county program for high-risk
infants. Mariah was followed by the County Health Clinic for 6 months and then
released into the regular well-baby program, as she showed no developmental
delays or neurological deficits. Other County Health Clinic items of note:
- Clinic ran multiple HIV and Hepatitis-C tests. All were negative.
- Infant tolerates formula with no problem.
Pediatrician: Foster mom has been on schedule with inoculations and well-baby
care. Mariah has had only the usual colds and earaches. Recent tests indicate
potential abnormalities. A follow-up appointment has been requested.
CPS Case File:
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Center Fresh Start
Release form has been signed by patient; records are accessible to social worker
and other necessary parties.
Fresh Start therapist explained to SW that Clarissa attended group sessions and
individual therapy but she "never seemed wholeheartedly committed to the
program." She seemed somewhat immature and self-centered. Her care for Mariah
was only minimally sufficient, and she required a lot of coaching to parent even that
well.
Clarissa was only in the program for two months before leaving AMA (against
medical advice). Per clinicians, the usual stay is 6 months, minimum. Clarissa got
into "petty disputes" with several other clients. Clarissa reported to this SW that an
especially nasty and protracted "feud" between her and another client led to her
leaving the program. Fresh Start staff stated that they tried to mediate, Clarissa
would not stop arguing with the other woman. Staff observed that Clarissa seemed
to enjoy the excitement of it.
Fresh Start therapist noted to this SW: "She was very guarded and defensive in
group but we spoke a couple times in private. When Johnny's paternity test came
up negative Clarissa was terrified he would leave her. She was sure he would
abandon her and just devastated when he did. That's the real reason she blew out
of here. Plus I think things were getting a little too real for her in group. You know
almost every addicted woman we treat here has experienced some kind of sexual
abuse in the past. Clarissa said that never happened to her but she would get very
uncomfortable when other women started processing around that topic. Her
reaction had that too close for comfort feeling to it."
The therapist stated to this SW that Fresh Start would be willing to take Clarissa
back into the program if she was willing to try again. They would have to interview
her first, to make sure she's really committed to her own sobriety this time.
CRIMINAL RECORDS FOR CLARISSA REDD:
STATE AOC CIS
CR/IF CASE PROCESSING
**** CAUTION **** 999 IMAGINARY
STATEWIDE NAME INQUIRY INDEXED SOLELY BY NAME NO GUARANTEE TO DENTITY
REDD,CLARISSA,ANN
BFO1311978 SSN#:
999 99CR 005729 (ADDRESS)
DL#: CITY, NC
CIT#: TRIAL DT: 041199
SID#:
STATUS: U
DISTRICT PROCESS: S SERVED: 022499 CK DIG#:
LID#: 9600723 CHG: M SIMPLE
ASSAULT
C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV:
CLASS: P: V: M:VD
DISP:041199
STATE AOC CIS

REDD,CLARISSA,A
BFO1311978 SSN#:
999 98CR 009145 DL#: NC 553638 MADISON
NC
CIT#: L101 TRIAL DT: 120298
SID#:
STATUS: DISTRICT
PROCESS: C SERVED: 112898 CK DIG#: CHG: M POSSESS MARIJUANA UP TO 1/2 02 C&F: CONV: M
POSSESS MARIJUANA UP TO 1/2 02 CLASS:P:GU V:GU M:JU DISP:120298 FINE:00050 COST: 0040
REST:
M PAID: Y TO BE PAID: NMFTC CHG: M POSS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CONV: M P SS DRUG
PARAPHERNALIA FINE:
COST:
REST:
M PAID: Y TO BE PAID: NMFTC
SPEC COND: J. ALLEN COMP: BULLINS, RL
AGY: CPD ORI:
STATE AOC CIS

REDD,CLARISSA
BFO1311978 SSN#:24519XXXX
999 02CR 01786 (ADDRESS)
DL#:
WILMINGTON, NC 28403
CIT#: C73880 TRIAL DT: 080502
SID#:
STATUS: U DISTRICT PROCESS: C SERVED: 061702 CK DIG#:
LID#: 9743200 CHG: M SIMPLE
ASSAULT
C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV: M SIMPLE ASSAULT
CLASS:2 P:GU V:GU M:JU
DISP:080502 FINE:
COST: 0065 REST: M PAID: Y TO BE PAID: NMFTC
SPEC COND: NO FURTHER CONTACT W/GINA M COMP: ADAMS,L,
AGY: CPD ORI:
STATE AOC CIS
**** CAUTION **** 780 ROCKINGHAM
REDD,CLAIR
SSN#:
780 02CR 005729 DL#: STONEVILLE
NC 27048
SID#:
STATUS: DISTRICT PROCESS: S SERVED: 021902
CK DIG#:
LID#: CHG: M SIMPLE WORTHLESS CHECK
C&F:
FTA:
OFA:
CONV:
CLASS: P: V: M:VD DISP:022802
SPEC COND: DISMISSED BY DA BECAUSE CHECK PD AND WITNESS WHO TOOK CHECK COMP:
CUTCHFIELD,DALE
AGY: CPD ORI
STATE AOC CIS

**** CAUTION **** 780 ROCKINGHAM
REDD,CLARISSA,ANN
BFO1311978 SSN#:
780 00CR 121758 DL#: NC 553638 EDEN
NC
CIT#: C1700823 TRIAL DT: 121400
SID#:
STATUS:
DISTRICT PROCESS: C SERVED: 111100 CK DIG#:
LID#: CHG: M DISORDERLY CONDUCT
C&F: CONV: M DISORDERLY CONDUCT
CLASS: P:GU V:GU M:JU DISP:121400 FINE:00050 COST:
0051 REST:
SPEC COND: J. TINDAL, -SUSO 9ON COND PAY FINE & COSTS COMP: FRAZIER,M
AGY:
CPD ORI:
STATE AOC CIS

**** CAUTION **** 640 NEW HANOVER
REDD,CLARICE
BFO1311978 SSN#:24519XXXX
640 00CR 000648 DL#: WILMINGTON, NC
28403
CIT#: 209472 TRIAL DT: 080502
SID#:
STATUS: U DISTRICT
PROCESS: C SERVED: 122999 CK DIG#:
LID#: CHG: M CHG: M MISDEMEANOR LARCENY
C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV: M MISDEMEANOR LARCENY
CLASS: P:GU V:GU M:JU DISP:012500
FINE: 00100 COST: 0050 REST:
SPEC COND: 24 HRS COMM SERV,EGT COMP: PAIT,R,H
AGY: CPD ORI:
STATE AOC CIS
*** CAUTION *** 000 ALAMANCE
STATEWIDE N E
INQUIRY
INDEXED SOLELY BY NAME NO GUARENTEE TO IDENITY JONES,C
BM06211950
SSN: 237981323 000 80CR 055328 709 AVON AVE
DL#: NC 3904029 NC 27217
0000
SID#: NC0389764A
STATUS: DISTRICT
PROCESS: W SERVED: 062603 DIG#: S66327V LID#: CJBM1323-000 CHG: M ASSAULT ON A
FEMALE
C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV: M ASSAULT ON A FEMALE
CLASS:A1 P:GU V:GU M:JU
DISP:081503 FINE:
COST: 0100 REST: 588.25 PAID: Y TO BE PD:
NMFTC:
SPEC COND: PAY REST TO ARMC (BY 092603), COURT COSTS TO BE PAID TODAY, COMP:
CONYERS,PATRICIA
AGY: ORI: NCO010100
STATE AOC CIS
STATEWIDE N E
INQUIRY
INDEXED SOLELY BY NAME NO GUARENTEE TO IDENITY JONES,C
BM05211950
SSN:
000 79CRS018076 510 LAKEVIEW DR
DL#: NC 27217 0000
SID#: NC0389764A
STATUS: SUPERIOR PROCESS: W
SERVED:080696 CK DIG#: P87573K LID#:
CHG: F PWIMSD MARIJUANA
C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV: F PWIMSD MARIJUANA
CLASS:I P:GU V:GU M:JU DISP:080796 DISTRIC CHG: F
PWIMSD MARIJUANA
C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV:
CLASS: P: V: M:SI
DISP:080796
SPEC COND: JUDGE W. STEVEN ALLEN COMP: COBB, JT
STATE AOC CIS

*** CAUTION *** 250 CUMBERLAND STATEWIDE N E
INQUIRY
INDEXED SOLELY BY NAME NO GUARENTEE TO IDENITY JONES,CHARLES
BM
SSN:
250 78CR 033945 137 BUCKINGHAM AVE
DL#: NC
CIT#: TRIAL DT:
091784
SID#:
STATUS: DISTRICT PROCESS: S SERVED:081084 CK DIG#:
LID#:
CHG: M ASSAULT BY POINTING A GUN C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV: M ASSAULT BY POINTING A
GUN CLASS: P:NG V:NG M:JU DISP:080796
SPEC COND: JUDGE KEEVER
COMP: GILLIAN,JARRETT,D
AGY: SHP ORI:
STATE AOC CIS

STATEWIDE N E
INQUIRY
BM05211950 SSN:
000 75CRS006977 510 LAKEVIEW DR
DL#: NC
CIT#:
TRIAL DT: 060396
SID#: NC0389764A
STATUS: SUPERIOR PROCESS: I
SERVED:040296 CK DIG#: P92555X LID#:
CHG: M POSSESS DRUP PARAPHERNALIA C&F:
FTA:
OFA: CONV: M POSSESS DRUP PARAPHERNALIA CLASS:I
P:GU V:GU M:JU DISP:080796 DISTRIC
SPEC COND: JUDE JAMES C SPENCER JR
COMP: COBB,J & PUTNAM,R
AGY: SFF ORI: NC0010000
STATE AOC CIS

STATEWIDE N E
INQUIRY
BM05211950 SSN:
000 73CRS012016 417 CRATER STREET
DL#: NC
SID#: NC0389764A
STATUS: SUPERIOR PROCESS: W
SERVED:090990 CK DIG#: E15417P LID#: CHG: M ILLEGITIMATE CHILD/NON-SUPPORT C&F:

FTA:
OFA: CONV: M ILLEGITIMATE CHILD/NON-SUPPORT CLASS:I P:GU V:GU M:JU DISP:092890
SPEC COND: SIGN WAGE WITHHOLDING. SUPPORT COREY MILES - $70 PER WEEK COMP: JOANNE
GUNTER
SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSESSMENT

Family Name: ____Clarissa Redd_____
Name: ________Clarissa Redd_______
Case No.: ______123.456_______

Date: _______3/28__________
1.
Presenting Problem/Reason for Assessment
This case was referred to me by Kim Ellis, the foster care worker for Ms. Redd's PCP
positive female infant, Mariah Redd, born 2/1. Ms. Redd was PCP positive and tested
at elevated levels of THC at the time of delivery. S/A assessment was requested to
determination feasibility of reunification. Ms. Redd has a 10 year-old son in her
mother's custody and a 7 year-old son living with his father. Ms. Redd is a single
African American female, mother of three, and she is 25 years old.
2.
Family of origin history in relation to
Chemical Dependency
She said on her mother's side of the family her grandfather was an alcoholic but her
mother doesn't drink. She said her stepfather is a drinker. She doesn't know about
the rest of his family. She doesn't know about her natural father's family.
Mental Illness
She said there was no mental illness on either side of the family.
Marital Status
She said her mother and natural father were divorced when she was 4 years old.
Her mother married her stepfather when she was 7. She has one sister.
Past Abuse
She said her mother never beat her but her stepfather did. He has not hit her since
she grew up (age 18). She said he was really hard on her sister, who ran away to
join the army when she was 18. She said her sister accused step-father of
attempting to have sex with her but she doesn't believe it. Her mother said it wasn't
true, "And besides, he never tried to touch me."
3.
Education
Graduated high school
4.
Employment
Not currently employed. Past employment include fast food preparation and
working at a car wash. She said she had never lost a job due to alcohol or drug use.
5.
Legal Status past/present
She has been arrested for assault, worthless checks, larceny, and in 2008,
possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She has never had
a DWI.
6.
Marital Status/Functioning
She has never been married.
7.
Mental Illness History
She said she has never had counseling for life issues, been suicidal, homicidal or
had
hallucinations.
8.
Chemical Dependency History
She started smoking cigarettes and drinking on weekends at the age of 14. After
her first
child was born when she was 15 years old, she began to smoke marijuana
occasionally.
When she was 18, she experimented with cigarettes dipped in PCP ("sherm"). She
liked it immediately and started using it whenever she had the money, almost every
weekend, even during her pregnancy. Her second child was born PCP positive the
summer after she graduated H.S. At age 20 she "got busted with some weed" and
states she was dealing marijuana at the time to get money for cocaine. She
experimented with inhalants, mushrooms and speed in her early twenties but didn't
use them often. She claims that she has not used PCP since her baby was born and
that she has only smoked marijuana about 5 times. She said she hasn't been drunk
in years and only rarely has a beer if friends are drinking. She denied having
shakes, achy bones, blackouts, night sweats, or hallucinations through the use of
alcohol or drugs.
9.
Treatment/Intervention
She attended NA weekly for 4 months in early 2010, as ordered by the court,
subsequent
to her drug charges. She did not continue to attend and never worked with a
sponsor.
10.
Prognosis Strengths/Needs
Ms. Redd identified her mother and her boyfriend as her main support system. She
does not see CPS as a support but stated that after court last week she understands
she will have to work with them to get her baby back. She seems highly motivated
to be reunited with her child. This may provide her with motivation to seek and
complete treatment.
11.
Recommendations
It is my recommendation that Ms. Redd enter Fresh Start or another mother/baby
in-patient program where she can be reunited with her child immediately. She said
she didn't want to leave town or be away from her boyfriend that long. Ms. Redd is
in denial about the level of her addiction. She should at least enter our agency's
pre-treatment program for women. I administered a drug screen today and
recommend random tests for the next 3 months. If she uses PCP again, either inpatient or intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment is recommended.
12.
Provisional Diagnosis
PCP Dependency. R/O: Dependent Personality Disorder
Signature: Grace Hanker, MS, CCAS
INTERVIEWS:
Kim Ellis, CPS Worker

Hello, you've reached the desk of Kimberly Ellis. I'll be on annual leave for two
weeks. If this is an emergency, please hang up and dial 9-1-1. If you need to speak
with someone immediately, please call my supervisor, Susan Givens. If you'd like to
leave a message, please do so after the tone and I'll try to return your call as soon
as I return. BEEP.
[Computer Malfunction No actions taken]
Julia Budd, Foster Mother
Thanks for coming to my home. There are so many people involved in this case
and you're the first to actually come out to my home since Mariah was dropped off.
It seems the social worker is either in meetings, out of the office or on vacation all
the time. She's never been here since she took over the case. But I can't leave
often since I have an in-home daycare. We'll have to keep our voices down, it's nap
time and as you can see, the four kids I look after are sleeping on their cots.
The first social worker, the one who dropped Mariah off was great. I still remember
that day. When they showed up, I asked, where's the baby?" She was so little and
just lost in the blankets. She only weighed five pounds. She qualified for a special
medical screening program because of her exposure to drugs in utero. She's since
been given a clean bill of health and is now in the 40th or 50th percentile in height
and weight. It was heart-wrenching when they took her away to go to that drug
program with the mother. But we have her back now.
Right now, Mariah's sleeping on my bed. You can peek in and see her if you want. I
have pillows all around the bed to keep her from rolling off.
I never thought I'd want to adopt. I have three kids of my own they're 15, 13 and
10. I thought I was done with kids, I just wanted to be a foster mom. But Mariah has
stolen my heart. All of our hearts, really. We'd like her to stay with us. Do you
think we'll be able to adopt?
My Choice:
It may not be what you want to hear, but I really can't tell you how the judge will
rule on this when it comes to ultimate, permanent placement and possible adoption.
The key thing right now is to be sure Mariah is well taken care of until there is final
resolution to the case.
Volunteer Supervisor Feedback:
Your response here has helped maintain the focus on the best interest of the child
for the immediate future. Being honest about the fact that the judge is the ultimate
decision-maker is the only thing you can do in a situation like this.
My Choice:
Do you have the contact information for the doctor you've been taking Mariah to? I
need to make sure I'm as informed as possible about Mariah's health and her health
needs.
Excellent idea to make sure you're getting accurate medical information on this
case since Mariah had a high-risk birth. The doctor's office may not be willing to
immediately share information with you because of HIPPA guidelines, but if you
share your paperwork appointing you to this case, you should be able to access
medical records.
Lela Jones, Maternal Grandmother:
We'll have to make this a fairly quick meeting. I'm on my lunch hour and my boss
really does keep tabs on how long our breaks are.
You asked some questions on the phone, but I didn't have too much time to talk.
Sorry about that. But yes, in my house we have me and my husband Charles, my
daughter Clarissa and Clarissa's son, Buddy. Clarissa was only 15 when she had
Buddy and she still acts young, so they're more like brother and sister. But Buddy
knows who his mom is. He also understands that in our house, Charles and I are
the ones in charge. When she was pregnant, Clarissa swore she'd be a
responsible mother, but after a month or two, she went back to playing around.
She did graduate high school while I raised Buddy. Sometimes she'd try to pull rank,
sometimes she'd even leave home with Buddy for a few weeks at a time. It really
wasn't good for Buddy, so I finally went through social services to get legal custody.
Buddy's smart, he gets very good grades in school. He goes to church with me on
Sundays and he's in the children's chorus he began doing praise dancing this year.
I'm proud of him. He'll get into scrapes at school from time to time boys will be
boys. He doesn't really have many father figures around. His own dad left the
state when Clarissa got pregnant. He was older and had no desire to stay with
Clarissa or be a real man when he found out she was pregnant. Charles leaves the
kids alone mostly, kids aren't his thing. He works too hard to be playing around.
But he's a good provider for our house. He's the reason our life is as good as it is
right now.
Charles came along after my divorce, when Clarissa was seven and my other
daughter, Sierra was ten.
My Response:
Do you think it would be all right if I spoke with Mr. Jones at some point? Would you
be able to tell me the best way to reach him?
Though there is some hesitation to put you in contact with her husband, it is a good
idea to get a more complete picture of what's happening by speaking with as many
sides of the story as possible. In addition, it's respectful to refer to people with
formal titles (such as Mr. Jones) until you've been invited to address them more
informally with first names.
Kim Ellis, CPS Worker (ATTEMPT II)
Hello, you've reached the desk of Kimberly Ellis. I'll be in the office all week. If this
is an emergency, please hang up and dial 9-1-1. If you need to speak with someone
immediately, please call my supervisor, Susan Givens. If you'd like to leave a
message, please do so after the tone and I'll try to return your call as soon as I
return. BEEP.
After leaving a message, you get a call back within the hour.
Hi, I'm returning your call. As to the questions you left on the voicemail: No,
Clarissa has not been back in treatment since she left Fresh Start against medical
advice. I worked very hard to get her and Mariah together into Fresh Start. It killed
me when she checked out.
Clarissa was completely out of contact for a few months, but she's resurfaced at her
mother's house. She called recently to request visitation. I don't see that
happening until she gets back into a substance abuse treatment program. I'd also
like to see a psychological evaluation on this one. But we don't have agreed orders
about services right now because Clarissa is so far out of compliance.
Mariah is doing great in her foster placement. Her health is so good. I really think
the primary plan at this point is for adoption with her foster mother if Clarissa can't
get it together.
As to your last question, I'm not sure about Charles Jones. I've never met him, but
I'll keep an eye out for him the next time I visit the home.
My choice:
What's happening with Clarissa's service plan? It looks like there are some orders in
place and Clarissa isn't in compliance. Have you been able to connect her with any
service providers?
Several of your primary responsibilities include monitoring progress toward the
service plan and trying to be sure family members have access to the services they
are required to complete. Checking in with the social worker to ensure she's been
providing adequate information about services to the birth family can help keep the
case moving forward.
My choice:
What are your thoughts on moving Mariah to the home of Sierra Redd Thomas and
her husband?
Collaborating with the social worker, even if you have different ideas on what
ultimately is in the best interest of the child, is key.
My choice:
Thanks Kim for getting back to me. This is helpful. You sound busy I'll let you go,
but I'll plan to wrap around with you by phone or e-mail next week.
If you have more questions to ask, be sure to ask them. Remember, a week may
not be a long time for you, but for a child in foster care, the longer the case goes
on, the longer the child is without permanency.
Clarrisa Redd, Mother:
Yes, I did leave Fresh Start. They weren't happy with me, but it was pretty easy. I
just had to sign a few papers, they said it was "AMA" something medical advice.
Against! Against medical advice. I really can't stand being in places like that.
Talking about my feelings individually. Then in a group. Then individually again.
Seriously, I just want my daughter back. I don't have a problem. I'll take their drug
tests. I'll get a job. But let me have my baby back.
Once I have Mariah back, I'll start to put the other things in place. I'll get a job.
Then I can get my own place, too. Honestly, I've been applying for things but I can't
get an interview anywhere. This economy is terrible.
I'm doing what's right for me right now. I'm not seeing Johnny any more. I'm going
to the NA meetings over at The Armory. I don't have a sponsor yet, but I'm going.
You can call them if you don't believe me.
I've had the substance abuse evaluation that Kim insisted I take. Why she made
me go there, I'll never know. They don't know anything about me. They can't say
what kind of person I am after only an hour or so. Apparently some drug test there
said I tested positive. I'm not using right now. Maybe I'll smoke a little when I'm at
a friend's house I don't have a job and I don't have to pay for it when I'm at his
place, but I'm not using sherm or whatever they said I was doin'.
I went to the parenting classes. It's cool and all, but I already know how to be a
parent. The teacher was nice. But I don't really have a chance to be a parent. Kim
is only letting me visit once every other week and it's not enough and it's not fair.
My choice:
What's your plan to get in compliance with the court orders to get Mariah back?
You've posed a non-judgmental, open-ended question which can open the door for
Clarissa to offer her own thoughts.
My choice:
Until Mariah is able to come home to you, are there any other family members you
think she could be placed with?
If a child must be removed from the home, then placing that child with appropriate
relatives is the number one goal. Appropriate is key. Placing the child with the
maternal grandmother in this case, as Clarissa is desiring, probably wouldn't be
feasible since the child was removed from Clarissa's care and Clarissa currently
resides with the maternal grandmother.
My choice:
Why don't you get in touch with Kim and speak with her about increasing your
visitation?
To the fullest extent possible, your role is to facilitate contact and services between
the child, her family, her caregivers and service providers. Encouraging and
empowering the family and caregivers to take direct action (as opposed to you
making those calls for them) is an important way to have them take ownership over
the situation
Sierra Redd Thomas, Maternal Aunt:
Hi, thanks for meeting me at my house. Things are pretty busy, I'm babysitting for
my 4 year old niece and she and my son are around here somewhere, playing. I
really need to watch them, so we'll have to make this a quick meeting if that's all
right with you.
I've been married for about five years now. My husband and I met when we were in
the Army. He's still in, making a career of it. Just back from active duty. I got out
after four years when I got pregnant. It was great, but I just decided to be a stay at
home mom while Antoine is still young.
I basically enlisted in the Army when I was 18 in order to get away from home. My
mother, Lela, was fine, but her husband, Charles, used to make sexual advances on
me when he started drinking. It happened more than once and honestly it got to
the point that I was scared he'd eventually assault me. And when I mentioned it to
my mom, she got upset and took his side.
I really don't get why Clarissa keeps living there. I've been worried about her for a
long time, ever since she had Buddy. Some people just can't get their act together.
I love my sister, but after trying for years, I'm not sure what else I can do to help.
I'm not ready, my family isn't ready for her to come live here and all the craziness
that would introduce to our home.
Mariah's a different story. If there's no place else for her to go, I could see her living
here. I definitely wouldn't want to see her in foster care. I'm pretty sure my
husband feels the same way. For now, I'm not going to say anything to my mother
or sister about this. I'd appreciate if you didn't say anything either. This is all
confidential, right?
Thanks again for dropping by. The kids sound like they're going crazy. I should
probably get back to watching them.
My choice:
That's wonderful that you'll consider being a placement option for Mariah. Two
things I'll suggest to you: be sure you and your husband are on the same page, and
if that's the case, then please call Kim Ellis. She's the social worker on this case,
and she'll want to know you're interested.
It's definitely important that she confirms that her husband is on the same page as
she is regarding placement. If that's the case, then it's totally appropriate to
connect her with the social worker in order to explore next steps.
My choice:
I'll do my best to limit the amount of information I share with your mother or sister,
but the truth is that anything that's said to me may make it into a court report. I'm
not going to share what you say unnecessarily, but if some of the information you
do share will serve in Mariah's best interest, I'll have to share it with others if it's
appropriate.
That's a very clear explanation of your responsibility with information that others
share.
Carlton Buddy Redd, Half-Brother:
Oh, hey. Yeah, I heard about you, what you do. Im Buddy. I guess you want to
know a little about me. Im in the fifth grade at Hardy elementary school. I just
made the honor roll. Again. And I play basketball.
Oh jeez, was grandma talking about church? Yes, I do go to church with her on
Sundays. I liked the choir, but now she has me doing that spirit dancing, too.
This? No, nobody hit me. I got this in basketball practice. No, coach didnt see it
happen. Why did I keep playing? Any time you watch a sport on tv basketball,
football, whatever. The announcers always say that the best athletes play through
their injuries.
Mr. Charles? Hes here. He's all right. He just wants me to stay out of trouble. I
guess you can talk with him if you really want to. Or you can just leave me your
phone number and I'll have him call you. He's really busy right now.
My choice:
Look Buddy, I know you might be a little nervous talking with someone you just met.
But my role as a volunteer advocate is to protect children. If there's anything you
need to tell me about that black eye, that's one of the reasons that I'm here.
Buddy is the first person you've met during this visit, so it's natural to want to
speak with him. But you haven't gotten anyone's permission to speak with this
child. When that's the case, you should make sure you speak with an adult first.
My choice:
Actually, I would like to speak with Mr. Jones. Thanks for giving me a few minutes,
Buddy.
If you have some questions, find a way to be sure you ask those questions and get
the information you need in as timely a manner as possible. Keep in mind that
expediency is important - a week may not be much time for you, but an additional
week without permanency for a child is another matter.
Charles Jones, Step-Grandfather
{dialog missing forgot to transfer information from online module}
My choice:
Hello Mr. Jones. I'm a CASA/GAL volunteer that's been assigned to work on a case
involving Mariah and Clarissa Redd. I spoke with your wife recently and she gave
me permission to speak with you. Could I have a few minutes of your time?
This was a good, concise but complete introduction to your role. In addition, you
were sure to extend the courtesy of addressing Mr. Jones with a more formal title as
a sign of respect when first meeting him. This is a good habit to be in, you can
always wait for interviewees to invite you to use more familiar ways of addressing
them (such as by their first name).
My choice:
I see that you're busy and this should only take a couple of minutes of your time. I
can come back if you'd like. I'm working on behalf of Clarissa's new baby. That's
my only interest. But I can come back if you'd like.
Mr. Jones clearly isn't going to be patient with this interview process. Being
respectful at every turn will be your best way to have a successful interview.
Offering a more complete explanation of your role and your sole interest is
important for any interview.
Willy and Pearl Monroe (First Contact)
Welcome to our home. Come on in. You kept calling us Mr. and Ms. Monroe on the
phone. Please call us Willy and Pearl.
Tyrone is next door playing with a friend. He's Mariah's half-brother, I guess. Willy
is his father, Clarissa is the mother. Right? That makes them half-siblings?
Anyways, Clarissa seemed all too happy to sign Tyrone over to Willy and I. Which
was fine. I can't have my own children.
Clarissa really is a mess. We see her from time to time around town, almost always
with a different guy. Technically, I guess she's with" Mariah's dad, Johnny. He's a
dealer. I'm not out to get Clarissa. I don't hold a grudge against her for hooking up
with Willy when we were already together. But she really is a mess.
My choice:
I'm asking this question of all family members since it's generally preferable to
place a kid with family as opposed to have the kid linger in foster care. If it came
down to it, do you think you'd be interested in providing a home for Mariah for a
while?
Response:
We really wish we could help you out, but we're already too busy as it is.

Making sure you've done a diligent search for any possible family connection and
placement is a critical role for CASA/GAL volunteers. Even if you've found family
members who are not willing to be caregivers, they can still provide connections to
the birth family such as visitation or simply providing you and/or a foster family with
information about family traditions and customs.
Julia Budd, Foster Mother (SECOND CONTACT)
Thanks for meeting all of us out here. I know it's fast food, but it's always a treat
for the family when we eat out. This is Michael, he's my 15 year old, the one
holding Mariah is Renee, she's 13 and then we have Aiden who is 10.
Just to let you know, we fixed the smoke detectors. Remember the random beeping
from your last visit? Well, that's fixed. Apparently, when batteries get low, those
things just beep and beep.
Mariah has been doing great since she came to our home. She's such a cute kid.
My kids are in love with her.
What did you want to talk about today?
My choice:
We're taking a long, hard look at the permanency plan for Mariah where she
should ultimately end up. Can you tell me a little about your thoughts and
motivations for wanting to adopt Mariah?
Response:
Our motivation is simple: we love her. And we're all attached to her. Honestly,
she's like family now. I'm afraid that if she goes back to her mother she'll be back
in the system within a year.
This was a simple, open-ended question that invites Julia to share her thoughts.
Lela Jones, Maternal Grandmother (SECOND CONTACT)
Why all these questions about Charles? Who have you spoken with? Sierra? You
need to know, Sierra and Charles have never gotten along. A little while back, she
even had a scheme to try to get us to divorce, bringing up accusations about this or
that. I really don't know where it all comes from.
Charles does drink, but honestly, who doesn't? Drinking isn't illegal. He's a good
man.
Ugh. Clarissa. She's my daughter and I do love her and I'll always be there for her.
But no, she's not in treatment. I've told her that she needs more help than we can
give her. So she goes to meetings from time to time.
My Choice:
I'm asking this question of all family members since it's generally preferable to
place a kid with family as opposed to have the kid linger in foster care. If it came
down to it, do you think you'd be interested in providing a home for Mariah for a
while?
Response:
We could probably afford to have one more in our home. Though I'm not sure
Charles would be thrilled with the idea.
Exploring all potential family placements is an important strategy in trying to keep
a child out of foster care and to maintain familial and cultural ties. Even if this
particular set of family members isn't an appropriate placement, they can still assist
the caregiver with knowledge about family customs and traditions as well as
provide visitation to maintain family ties.
Sierra Redd Thomas, Maternal Aunt (SECOND CONTACT)
Thanks for calling. I gave Kim Ellis a call last week to express my interest in taking
Mariah in to our home. I have to tell you, Ms. Ellis wasn't the friendliest person in
the world. I couldn't tell if she was annoyed that I called or annoyed that she had to
do her job.
Anyways, yes, we really want Mariah to be with her kin. And if we take her, it will
be a total commitment. We're only interested in adoption. Not guardianship. Not
custody. Honestly, I don't trust my family and I don't want future legal hassles over
this issue.
We're willing to come visit Mariah whenever the social services agency is ready for
us. The entire family will come. Except maybe my husband if he deploys again.
My Choice:
None of the responses were appropriate
Kim Ellis, CPS Worker (THIRD CONTACT)
<E-mail>
I know you mean well. Thanks for all the work and time you're putting in to this
case. I bet you've probably been trained on the theory behind the importance of
children being with family if possible. But honestly, you're role isn't to "play social
worker," you're role really is to look out for the best interests of the child. Don't you
think Mariah, who's now quite bonded with Ms. Budd, would be better off staying
where she is? Can you honestly tell me that you think she'd be better off being
placed with people she doesn't know, with a high probability of being placed back in
the system within a year? Seriously, if you've paid attention to the news you'd be
as concerned about a return home to family as I am. Over the past several years,
several states have been raked over the coals in the news for returning children
home only to have the children turn up dead within weeks of reunification.
GENOGRAM (in order of how I filled in the boxes available)
Charles Jones Lela Jones XXX
Unknown | Pearl Monroe Willy Monroe // Clarissa Ann Redd Johnny Smith
Carlton Buddy Redd | Tyrone Monroe | Mariah
RECOMMENDATIONS
Placement Plan
CASA recommends that Mariah remain in current foster care placement with Julia
Budd with visitation with mother, on the condition that her mother, Clarissa,
complete substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation and parenting classes
successfully. Additionally, CASA recommends that Clarissa's sister, Sierra Redd
Thomas be fully evaluated and examined as a possible permanent placement.
Permanency Plan
CASA recommends that Mariah remain in her current placement with her foster
mother, Julia Budd, with possible visitation with mother, Clarissa, upon successful
completion of substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation courses and parenting
class. In the event that Clarissa successfully completes the previously mentioned
conditions, reunification may be possible with further examination of the home to
determine if it is a safe and stable environment (concerns about Charles Jones &
Carlton Redd).
Additionally, CASA recommends that visitation and home study examination begin
for Mariah to possibly be permanently placed with her maternal aunt, Sierra Redd
Thomas.
If home assessment is successful, CASA recommends adoption by Sierra Redd
Thomas and termination of parental rights for Clarissa Redd.
Services for Father
Mariah's father is unknown.
The alleged father, Johnny Smith, had negative paternity test results indicating that
he is not Mariah's father.
No services may be rendered at this time with the information on hand.
Services for Mother
CASA recommends the following services for Mariah's mother, Clarissa Redd:
Parenting classes, substance abuse rehabilitation and counseling, sporadic and
ongoing drug tests, anger management classes, general psychological counseling,
and supervised visitation with Mariah upon successful completion of the services
above, prior to Mariah's adoption (if adoption occurs).
Services for Child
CASA recommends the following services for Mariah: medical monitoring for
potential health issues and abnormalities associated with fetal drug exposure, and
later if appropriate an educational assessment for children affected by fetal drug
exposure.
If necessary, a psychological counseling evaluation before final adoption
proceedings (if Mariah is old enough).

The Redd Case

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

The Redd Case

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Nana A.

Completed on: 4/1/2016

THE REDD CASE

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Court Ordered Services:

Completed on: 4/1/2016

STATE AOC CIS

STATE AOC CIS

Completed on: 4/1/2016

STATE AOC CIS

STATE AOC CIS

STATE AOC CIS

STATE AOC CIS

STATE AOC CIS

Completed on: 4/1/2016

SERVED:090990 CK DIG#: E15417P LID#: CHG: M ILLEGITIMATE CHILD/NON-SUPPORT C&F:

SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSESSMENT

Case No.: ______123.456_______

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Kim Ellis, CPS Worker

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Volunteer Supervisor Feedback:

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Completed on: 4/1/2016

Você também pode gostar

Case No.: 123.456_