Child Maltreatment Assignment | Online Assignment

evaluate the Sims case

Child Welfare
Child Maltreatment Case
Final Exam Summer 2020
Assignment Two
The Sims Case
Evaluate the Sims case by addressing the following points:
1. According to the required text, list and define ALL types of child maltreatment. (5 Points)
2. Identify all strengths in this family (Review the Strengths Perspective, Empowerment
Perspective) (10 Points)
a) List all examples of the strengths displayed by each family member and the
interacting systems.
3. List all types and examples of child maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and family violence that
are occurring or have occurred in this family. (10 points)
4. From the list in #2, choose two types of child maltreatment and for each of these identify
the following: (10 points)
a) What are three indicators of the selected maltreatment- identify the type of
maltreatment, abuse, neglect (physical, emotional, etc.)
• Remember, indicators are what you see or observe in a child or adult victim that
would cause you to suspect they are maltreated.
• You will discuss a total of six indicators (three for each type of child
maltreatment)
5. What are five risk factors present in the family. (5 points)
• Remember, risk factors are situations in a family or parent’s background that
makes it likely that maltreatment would occur.
• Refer to your supplemental text and required textbook to guide your response
6. From your response in question #5, what are the three most high-risk indicators in this
family? (10 Points)
a) Prioritize and justify your answer using knowledge gained in this class. Please
give substance to your response indicating you have insight regarding issues
related to child maltreatment and family dynamics
• Remember risk factors are those concerns present that make it likely
the family will experience maltreatment or hardship
7. Choose one family member and identify the following: (15 points)
a) The type of maltreatment he or she is experiencing or has experienced in the past.
How do you know this person has been mistreated? What are the indicators
b) List three short-term and three long-term effects or consequences of the
maltreatment the person has already experienced or is likely to experience as a
result of their incidences.
• Refer to your supplemental text and required textbook to guide your
response
8. Outline a minimum of five detailed questions to gain insight related to completing the
investigation of the case. (10 Points)
a) Identify which family member or members you would like to answer the question.
b) Please include a rationale of the question (such as what insight you are attempting
to gain). You are outlining why you would like to know such information.
• Please give substance to your response indicating you have insight regarding
issues related to child maltreatment and family dynamics.
• Make sure the questions are relevant to gaining information.
9. Identify three (3) systems interacting with the Sims family. (10 Points)
a) Is the interaction positive, negative, or tenuous?
b) Explain your rationale.
10. What type of interventions or services do you think would benefit the family? (5 Points)
a) Discuss at least three (3) types of services.
b) You can select services for the family as a whole or specify services for specific
family members.
Case Information
Leesa (25) and Jason (36) Sims have five children Nevaeh (10), Jase (8), Lena (7), Josie (3), and Lyric (10
months). Jason also has two children, Jason, Jr. (12) and Jonah (6) with his former partner Jessie Davis
(30).
Department of Human Services (DHS) has the following history regarding the family:
January 2016, Jason Jr. was left at school well after dismissal time. The school attempted to reach Leesa
via telephone since it was her responsibility to pick up the children and did not receive a response. The
police were called and completed a wellness check on the home. Leesa answered the door and
appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. She would not complete a breathalyzer, but, ultimately,
allowed Marjorie (the children’s aunt) to pick Jason up from school. There was no further involvement
with child protective services.
December 25, 2017, the police was called due to neighbor’s calling about reports of a woman
screaming. The responding officers arrived to find Leesa, Jason Jr., Neveah, and Jase at the family
home. Leesa was observed with a split and bleeding lip. The children had no visible bruises. Jason was
not home when officers arrived. Leesa reported she slipped on one of the kids’ new toy. However,
Neveah yelled out, “Daddy hit you because you didn’t like the gift.” Leesa denied the claim and refused
to press charges. There was no further investigation.
November 2017, Nevaeh’s school called child protective services after she came to school with
uncombed hair and soiled clothing. As she attempted to remove her sweater over her head, the teacher
saw a dark colored bruise that spanned across her back. She claimed it happened when she was playing
with her siblings and fell off the top bunk and landed on her brother’s hockey stick. A review of the
home by Child Protection Services did find a bunk bed and scattered toys on the floor including several
hockey sticks. Although the investigative worker noted concerns with the family’s disciplinarian methods
including isolation and restriction of food except very basics, there was not enough evidence to
determine if this was a case of physical abuse. There was no further investigation.
January 2018, child protective services became involved with the family after Lena and Josie were
spotted playing at the neighborhood park alone. The adults were not aware the children had left the
house until they were returned by the police. Leesa and Jason were required by the treatment plan to
install new locks and attend four sessions of parenting class. Leesa admits their parenting styles needs
improvement, but she isn’t quite sure of how to make the changes. During the parental course, she was
very attentive and involved in learning new techniques. The Sims completed the course and were
released from child protective supervision. The school reported Leesa joined the PTA and was very
active in assisting with the children’s classrooms.
August 2019, the school social worker along with representatives from Child Protective Services and the
local police department completed a home visit due to concern for the children. The children attended
the first day of school and then were absent for the next week. Jason allowed the workers to see and
examine the children. He explained the children’s absences were due to his company receiving a major
contract in Florida. It was decided the family would take a trip since none of them had ever been to
Florida. He insisted the kids really didn’t miss much from school since they are so little. The children all
had sunburns (the mother provided proof she had been treating the burns), but appeared to otherwise
be in good conditions and spirits. The children were all eager to share their adventures with the social
worker and Officer Johnson.
Officer Johnson began seeing the children on a regular basis as the Sims family lived in his neighborhood
patrol. He regularly encourages them to do well in school and often plays board games if time allows.
Current Case
On June 5, 2020, the police were called to the Sims residence following a neighbor’s report of a crying
baby. On arrival, the responding officer noted the front door was ajar and he could see a baby strapped
in a high chair in the living room front of the television. The officer attempted several times to announce
his presence and have the home owners answer the door. Once backup arrived, the officers entered the
residence. Upon inspection of the home, it was found there were seven children home including the
baby. The baby’s diaper had not been changed and her bottle was out of reach. The other six children
were locked in various rooms of the house with two in the basement, one in the master bedroom, two
in a closet, and one in their own bedroom. All of the children had various bruises and appeared
unkempt with uncombed hair and soiled clothing. They reported to have been behind locked doors for
at least one day and their last meal was over 24 hours ago.
Leesa, Jason, and Jessie were found sleeping by the pool and when awakened appeared to be under the
influence of narcotics and alcohol. Drug paraphernalia were found outside with them as well as in the
master bedroom and bathroom. They were all arrested. Child protective services currently has custody
as attempts are made to find relatives to place the children.
Family History:
Jason Sims was raised in a very rural mountain town located in the shadow of the Appalachian
Mountains. His father, Louis, and mother, Anna, also gave birth to seven other children, two of which
died at birth.
Raised in a very religious and strict family, Jason and his siblings were not allowed to attend public
schools and required to participate in church activities only.
Louis and Anna’s religious beliefs support corporal punishment and they frequently stated that the Bible
instructs parents not to “spare the rod.” When the children misbehaved they were also required to do
extra chores as well as physical activities. Jason was once hospitalized at age ten for dehydration after
being required to clear the land with only a push mower and garden hoe. He was also seen in the
emergency room for numerous injuries, which the parents always claimed were due to his daredevil
nature of play.
Jason is close with his older brother, Joseph (currently 40), and younger sister, Marjorie (currently 30).
When Jason was sixteen years old and Joseph twenty years old, they ran away. Marjorie joined them
later when she was twenty. Jason and Joseph enrolled and completed in a technical institute and
received certificates in electrical wiring, carpeting, and welding. They saved enough funds to open their
own business which allowed them to buy houses and help support their families.
Jason became addicted to prescription drugs following a work-related accident which led to a twomonth
hospitalization. He was able to complete rehab and remain sober for five years, but relapsed
when he met his ex-girlfriend Jessie.
Leesa Murphy-Sims was born to a very affluent family. She is the only child of Alexander and Victoria
Murphy. She attended a prestigious boarding school where she participated in orchestra, dance, and
learned two foreign languages.
Leesa was sexually assaulted by her French instructor while on a trip abroad at age thirteen. She
reported the assault when she returned home. Her parents received a settlement from the school and
Leesa attended therapy for three months. Leesa received a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) and Anxiety Disorder as a result of her sexual assault. When she confronted her mother about
not pressing criminal charges against her rapist, Victoria replied that it was “best to move on and tell no
one else about this little incident or she may be considered ruined for future husband with a good family
background.”
Alexander and Victoria were always traveling for his business which led to the family’s manager,
Susanne, to serve as a maternal role. Leesa’s parents often were out of the country on extended
vacation for months at a time although the trips were initially planned for two weeks.
When Leesa was fourteen years old the family remolded their mansion and used Jason’s company for
some of the contractual work. Leesa ran away from home when she discovered she was pregnant by
Jason. Her family hired a private detective and found her and newborn Nevaeh living with Jason and his
family. Alexander disowned Leesa and closed all access to her bank account. Victoria secretly
established a college fund for Nevaeh that she can use for a college education. Victoria is aware of the
remaining children as she has a private detective keeping her updated and have also established college
and trust funds. Alexander has forbidden anyone to mention Leesa’s name in his presence.
Leesa does not have a high school diploma and is unable to find work. She desires to complete a GED
program and eventually obtain in a Real Estate license.
There is not much information regarding Jessie. She and Jason met while in substance abuse
rehabilitation. In 2012, she was arrested for possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia and
remediated through drug court. She was sentenced to rehabilitated for a second time, which she
completed. Jessie is currently on probation until 2020.
Family Compiled Information
Jason Jr. is a twelve-year old boy. He wishes he could go and live with his maternal grandparents. When
he’s with his grandparents he has his own room, they go to the movies, play football, and eat dinner
together. He doesn’t like having to be the man of the house when his father isn’t home. He was
hesitant to share that his father calls him stupid and soft when his younger siblings don’t listen to him.
He is also made to work at the construction site when he misbehaves. Sometimes he isn’t allowed to
have water breaks. He refuses to say anything else because he doesn’t want to get in trouble. The school
reports that he is a very quiet and nervous child. He spends extra time checking his work and doesn’t
like to make mistakes.
Nevaeh Sims is a ten-year old girl. She enjoys going to school and participating in choir and Girls Scouts.
The school reports she is a straight A student and rarely misses school. During her free time at the end
of the week, she helps read to the kindergarteners. She doesn’t like being in a big family because “only
the babies get attention and then the older kids have to help with the younger kids because my parents
and Ms. Jessie are always sleep.” She said Ms. Jessie is nice most of the time and only pinches her if she
wakes her up. Her mother slapped her once, but it was her fault because she “should have moved
quicker.” She reports she’s her daddy’s princess and gets everything she wants except the pony.
Jase is the eight-year old son of Jason and Leesa. He refuses to answer any questions, but admits he’s a
good big brother because he helps to take care of Lyric. He knows how to change diapers and make
bottles. The school reports Jase is in danger of failing school because of absences. Leesa always sends a
note saying he was sick, but it is never accompanied by a doctor’s note. He doesn’t have friends and
only seems to enjoy music class. Jase has been referred to the school’s Intervention Team for evaluation
related to concerns of a learning disability in the areas of reading and language arts.
Lena is the very energetic seven-year old daughter of Jason and Leesa. She said she likes school
especially the science experiments. The school reports she gets in trouble sometimes because she can
be impulsive and talkative. It is also reported that the school has attempted several times to have her
parents agree for evaluations related to Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD) and a
learning disability in reading; parents have refused any testing. At home, Lena said she gets in a lot of
trouble for “not listening and sometimes has to stand in the corner while holding big books forever. If I
drop the books, I get a spanking with a ruler.” When asked where she gets a spanking, she responds all
over.
Jonah is the quiet, but physically active six-year old son of Jason and Jessie. He likes learning to read in
school and going to P.E. The school describes him as a dare devil who is always climbing on things he
shouldn’t. He always has a good attitude when redirected and his classmates love him. At home, he and
his dad are buddies and do a lot of things together. He says. “My mommy sleeps a lot and Ms. Leesa is
mean to me and says I’m a bastard child. Sometimes she gives the other kids candy and won’t give me
any. She doesn’t like me.”
Josie is three years old and can name all of her siblings. She is beginning to learn her alphabets and
colors. She knows how to spell her name and said that Jason Jr. helps her. She is not able to answer all
of the questions, but says it’s always “too much noise” at home.
Lyric is the ten-month old daughter of Jason and Leesa. She is a friendly little girl and loves to give hugs.
It is noted she did not cry and waved good-bye when removed from the custody of her parents. Her last
doctor’s appointment noted some concerns with hygiene but appeared to be in good physical health.
Marjorie and Jonah have both contacted the child protective service agency to ensure that the children
were being cared for properly. Marjorie is particularly distraught and has asked to see the children. She
reports that she asked her brother, Jason and Jessie to have temporary custody of the children so they
can go to substance and alcohol abuse rehabilitation. They became upset with her and banned her from
coming by the home or the children’s school. She was removed from the contact list on all of the
children’s approved contact at their schools.
APA format is required (10 Points)
EPAS Competencies
EP 2.1.1 Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
• PB#3 Attend to professional roles and boundaries
• PB#5 Engage in career long learning
EP 2.1.2 Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice
• PB#7 Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide
practice
EP 2.1.3 Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgment
• PB#13 Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals
EP 2.1.7 Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
• PB#23 Utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and
evaluation
• PB#24 Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.
EP 2.1.9 Respond to contexts that shape practice
• PB#27 Continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific,
and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services with
emphasis on rural and small communities