Risk and Protective Factors Jasons Case Study Reflection Paper Review the scenario (The Case of Jason): The Case Study of Jason.docx (see attachment below)
Risk and Protective Factors Jasons Case Study Reflection Paper Review the scenario (The Case of Jason): The Case Study of Jason.docx (see attachment below)
Please complete a 2-4 page paper.
Your paper should include*:
Briefly describe the terms risk and protective factors
Describe four of Jason’s risk and corresponding protective factors
Describe four of the familys risk and corresponding protective factors
Describe three community and environmental risk and protective factors
Describe specific social policy issue(s) that are relevant for Jason’s case study?
Briefly describe what an administrator should be mindful of when creating programs that could benefit Jason and his family
*Although there is information provided this week about risk and protective factors, you may also want to go back and review the resources about risk and protective factors that were introduced in Week 1. The Case of Jason
Adults:
Mary S., maternal grandmother and legal guardian
Susan, biological mother
Children:
Jason, 15 y/o
Case Details
Allegation: The boys mother, Susan, alleged that Mary S., the boys maternal
grandmother and legal guardian, is physically abusive and intimidating to 15yr old
Jason. Yesterday (9/28), she reportedly punched the adolescent in the face after she
told him to clean his bedroom. This is not the first time Mary has used physical
force to intimidate Jason. He is afraid of his grandmother, as she has threatened to
shoot him if he ever hits her back. Also, the grandmother goes out of town for days
at a time and does not leave Jason any money for food. The last time she left was
on Saturday and she did not return until Monday. Mary does not make an alternate
plan for Jasons care when she travels out of state.
Jasons mother, Susan, says she and her husband gave custody of him to her
mother when she was 17, because they did not have any health insurance. Susan
says she went to court and filed a petition to revoke her mothers guardianship and
the next court date is coming up soon (10/27). However, she has to serve her
mother the paperwork first. Susan says her mother is a retired New York State
corrections officer, and she may still have her weapon.
Family Background
This family consists of the 53 year-old maternal grandmother, Mary; her 32 year
old daughter, Susan; Susans 15year old son, Jason; her 9 and 5 year old
sons; her 43 year old companion, Stanley; and Stanleys 2 daughters, aged 13 and
18. Mary is a retired corrections officer. She receives $6400.00/month in pension
benefits and an undisclosed amount from disability. Mary has diabetes and high
blood pressure and takes medication for the condition. Mary was granted legal
guardianship of Jason when Susan was 17-years old. It was documented that Susan
and Jasons father signed over guardianship to Mary, so that Jason could be
This case was adapted from:
Real Cases: Integrating Child Welfare Practice Across the Social Work Curriculum
Carol S. Cohen, Tatyana Gimein, Tara Bulin, & Sharon Kollar – Editors
New York City Social Work Education Consortium & New York City Administration for Childrens Services
January 2010
covered by her medical insurance. Since that time, Jason has alternated between
living with Susan and with Mary. Susan moved to Chicago while Mary continues
to reside in NY. Jasons father is deceased; the cause of death was not mentioned.
In the summer of 2006, Jason asked to live with Mary and has resided with her
ever since. Susan filed a petition in June 2007 for modification of guardianship that
was awarded to Mary in 1992, but the case was dismissed because she failed to
appear in court. In September 2007, she filed another petition regarding the matter
of guardianship; the judge requested that ACS submit a COI (Court Ordered
Investigation) by October 21. [Please note: These dates are fictitious.]
A courtesy visit to Susans home was conducted by Illinois Child Protective
Services, due to the COI request. Susan resides in a Chicago suburb with Stanley,
her two other sons and Stanleys two children. They live in a two-story home with
three bedrooms. The home was equipped with carbon monoxide/smoke detectors
however there were no window guards. Susan works at a grocery store and earns
$650.00/bi-weekly. Stanley works at a hardware store and earns $800.00/biweekly. Stanley has a criminal background. During 1984-1989, he was arrested for
attempted robbery, resisting arrest and possession of stolen property. He was
imprisoned in 1989 and paroled in 1992.
Mary and Jason reside in 3-story private home in Upper Manhattan. The living
room and kitchen are on the first floor. The worker observed food in the
refrigerator. The family room, Jasons bedroom, bathroom and laundry room are
located on the second floor. Jasons room is equipped with a full size bed, dresser,
desk and closet. Mary lives on the third floor, which has an office, bathroom and
bedroom. The home, which is well kept and neat, is equipped with a smoke/carbon
monoxide detector.
Jason is slightly overweight, average height, and has a short haircut. He began a
new Catholic high school this month. Mary pays the tuition for his school. He was
reportedly left back in the 6th grade, while residing with his mother, due to
excessive absences. Jason is active in sports and plays baseball. This past summer
he participated in baseball camp, karate class and weight training. In addition, he
attended tutoring for math and English, once a week. The CPS worker observed
that he was free from marks and bruises. Reportedly, he has had no developmental
delays or disabilities, and no mental health needs.
This case was adapted from:
Real Cases: Integrating Child Welfare Practice Across the Social Work Curriculum
Carol S. Cohen, Tatyana Gimein, Tara Bulin, & Sharon Kollar – Editors
New York City Social Work Education Consortium & New York City Administration for Childrens Services
January 2010
Current Investigation
The S. Family first became known to ACS on 9/29, when the mother of the alleged
maltreated child filed a complaint with the State Central Registry. An Emergency
Childrens Services worker was assigned the case for intake. When the
case was received, the CPS conducted family clearances in WMS, CCRS, ACRS+,
LTS, and the SCR. It was noted that the alleged subject, Mary S. is listed in
Connections as a foster parent.
CPS called the source of the report in Illinois to confirm the allegations. The
source, the alleged maltreated childs mother, confirmed what was reported, and
also informed the CPS that she filed a petition with Family Court to terminate the
guardianship rights of Mary S. She told the CPS worker that she had her other two
children in her care, she had not relinquished her parental rights of Jason, and she
is seeking to have him live with her again. She also disclosed that Jason often
called her crying and told her that he fears his grandmother. Jason told her that
Mary S. punched him in the face for not cleaning his room fast enough when he
was asked to. She said this incident was not the first time Mary S. has used
excessive corporal punishment while disciplining Jason. The source also disclosed
that Mary S. has left Jason home alone for days at a time, the last incident having
taken place the week before when she traveled to Boston without him. Mary S.
reportedly left Jason without adult supervision and money for food. The source
expressed her concern for Jasons safety and well-being, because Mary S. is a
retired corrections officer that might still have a gun in the home.
Later that evening (9/29), another worker attempted an unannounced home visit to
the case address, but was unsuccessful. The CPS worker attempted to make contact
with anyone who might have been at the case address by repeatedly using the
intercom that was located at the top of the stairs, as well as calling the home
telephone number listed on the intake report.
The case was reassigned to the Manhattan field office and assigned to a CPS
worker who attempted an initial home visit. There was no one home then, but the
worker made face-to-face contact with the family the next morning.
This case was adapted from:
Real Cases: Integrating Child Welfare Practice Across the Social Work Curriculum
Carol S. Cohen, Tatyana Gimein, Tara Bulin, & Sharon Kollar – Editors
New York City Social Work Education Consortium & New York City Administration for Childrens Services
January 2010
Interviews
On 10/1, the CPS worker interviewed Mary and Jason at their home address. She
explained the reason for the CPS visit and asked Mary to discuss her relationship
with Jason. Mary began by saying that she and Jason get into conflicts because he
does not listen. She stated that he did not clean his room or bathroom and did not
do his homework when he was supposed to. Mary informed the CPS that she has
had legal custody of Jason since his birth. She showed the CPS the court
documents and the letters Jasons parents wrote to the court. Until 2004, Jason
lived with Susan. In the summer of 2004, Jason visited her with his two brothers
and stayed with her since that time. The worker inquired about the reason why he
stayed, and Mary stated that Susans boyfriend, Stanley, punched Jason in the
stomach. Mary stated she does not like the way Stanley treats the children. She
also said that all of the children wanted to stay with her, but Susan would not allow
it.
Jason told her that Stanley had his older son get a knife and cut his younger brother
on the back of the foot. He also told her Stanley knelt down and punched him in
the face. The 9 year old reportedly saw a gun in Susan and Stanleys bedroom. She
said she has told Stanley not to put his hands on her grandchildren. She asks her
grandchildren if anyone has bothered them, but the children are afraid to disclose
any information. She feels Susan does not protect the children. Mary S. contacted
the Child Protective Services in Chicago, but they did nothing.
Mary continued that she is very strict with Jason because she wants the best for
him. She did not feel that that he would do well living with Susan. He was left
back in the 6th grade because Susan allowed him to miss 34 days of school. Mary
stated she lives for her grandchildren. Jason has his own phone and is allowed to
speak with his mother at any time. Mary said Jasons problem is that he is lazy and
does not like to do what he is told. She sent Jason away to baseball camp last
summer and had him participate in weight training.
The CPS worker asked Mary if she punched Jason in the face. She stated that she
told him to clean-up, but got fed up with him and punched him in the face. The
worker asked if she hits him often, and she said that she has hit him only five times
in his life. She usually yells at him or takes things away. She denied leaving any
marks or bruises on him. She also denied hitting him with an object, but said when
he was little, she spanked him with a belt. Mary told the CPS worker that she has
This case was adapted from:
Real Cases: Integrating Child Welfare Practice Across the Social Work Curriculum
Carol S. Cohen, Tatyana Gimein, Tara Bulin, & Sharon Kollar – Editors
New York City Social Work Education Consortium & New York City Administration for Childrens Services
January 2010
diabetes and high blood pressure so she cannot get worked up. When the worker
asked if they get along except for cleaning issues, she said yes.
Mary explained that she is trying to rescue Jason from being a deadbeat. He has no
positive male influences, and she is trying her best to teach him dignity. She does
not want to hurt him, she just wants him to grow up and be something. Mary
admitted that she becomes hot headed when Jason does not listen. The worker
asked if she thought Jason would benefit from counseling, and she stated she
would be willing to accept services. Mary refused to provide her social security
number and sign the HIPPA form, but she gave the contact information for Jasons
physician.
The worker met with Jason and first asked him about his summer. He relayed the
he attended baseball camp, karate class, and weight training. He also said that he
has friends and speaks with them on the phone or when he goes outside. When
asked if he likes his new high school, he said that he has made a lot of friends
because of his involvement in sports. The worker asked Jason to describe his
relationship with grandmother, and he said they get into disagreements because he
does not do what he is told. He does not clean his room and bathroom when she
asks. When the worker sked him if he liked living with his grandmother, he
responded that he did, but missed his brothers. Asked if he wanted to live with his
mother, he replied, of course, what child doesnt. He continued that he wished he
could live with both his mother and grandmother, but knew it was impossible. The
worker asked why and he said because they do not get along.
Jason informed the CPS worker that he saw his brothers in June for his birthday
and graduation. He also stated that he went to Chicago for his spring break. He
stated he speaks with his mother daily. The worker asked Jason if he was scared of
his grandmother, and he said no. Asked how he is disciplined, he said that his
grandmother yells and curses at him. She hit him recently because he did not do
what he was told. When asked where he was hit, he replied that she punched him
in the face. The worker asked Jason about the last time she hit him, and he said
about a year ago. In addition, she has thrown a boot at him, and it hit him in the
arm. The worker asked if his grandmother threatened him, and he replied that she
told him she will shoot him if he hits her. The worker asked if she has a gun, and
he said he did not know. The CPS asked if he ever stayed home alone and he said,
no.
This case was adapted from:
Real Cases: Integrating Child Welfare Practice Across the Social Work Curriculum
Carol S. Cohen, Tatyana Gimein, Tara Bulin, & Sharon Kollar – Editors
New York City Social Work Education Consortium & New York City Administration for Childrens Services
January 2010
The worker attempted to contact his mother, the source, but she was unable to
reach her. She contacted the pediatrician, Dr. S, who confirmed that Jason was
seen recently. Dr. S. stated Jason has been coming to his office since he moved in
with Mary. He relayed that he has never seen any marks and bruises on Jason. The
CPS asked Dr. S if he suspected that Jason was abused and he said, no.
On 10/7, the CPS worker met the source, Susan, in court and spoke with her about
the case. The CPS worker asked Susan to discuss the issues and she responded that
Jason is constantly calling her stating he wants to come home. Jason has made
continuous complaints about his grandmother cursing at him and not feeding him
every day. Susan stated that she does not like what is going on. The only reason
she allowed Jason to stay with Mary is because he asked to, but now he hates his
grandmother. The worker asked how she knew he was punched in the face, and she
said he called her crying about it. She added that Jason had wanted to stay with his
grandmother to junior high school and return to Chicago for high school. She is
petitioning to terminate guardianship and that was the reason she was in court.
The worker received a message from Mary regarding the petition that Susan filed
for custody. When she spoke with Mary in court, Mary said she does not want
Susan to obtain custody. She feels that Jason will not have the same opportunities
if he leaves. She just wants him to graduate from high school, and then he can do
whatever he wants.
On 10/14, the CPS worker contacted Marys sister, Dorothy E. and asked her to
describe her sister as a grandmother. Dorothy stated that her sister is very caring,
supportive and concerned for her grandchildren. She stated that she has never
observed any marks or bruises on Jason. She said Mary and Jason are close, and he
never said he was abused. Asked if she knew where Jason wanted to live, she
replied probably with his mother because he misses his brothers. However,
Dorothy believes that residing with Mary would be the best for him because he is
more adequately cared for. The CPS asked Dorothy if Mary uses drugs and
alcohol. Dorothy stated that Mary was a corrections officer and a role model for
the family. The worker asked if she had any concerns for the child, and she
responded that she is worried that all of these current issues may affect Jason
psychologically.
The CPS worker contacted Marys neighbor, Mr. B. to discuss his relationship with
her. Mr. B. stated that he has been friendly with Mary for eight years. The CPS
This case was adapted from:
Real Cases: Integrating Child Welfare Practice Across the Social Work Curriculum
Carol S. Cohen, Tatyana Gimein, Tara Bulin, & Sharon Kollar – Editors
New York City Social Work Education Consortium & New York City Administration for Childrens Services
January 2010
asked what Mr. Bs perception of Jason was, and he relayed that Jason is a good
and happy child. He stated that Mary is a good caretaker and takes adequate care of
Jason. The CPS worker asked Mr. B. if Jason disclosed that he was abused and he
replied no. Mr. B. stated that Jason had his phone number and was told if he
needed to discuss male issues to contact Mr. B. Mr. B. denied having seen any
marks or bruises on Jason. He denied any knowledge of Mary abusing drugs or
alcohol. He stated that Mary keeps to herself and rarely has guests over to her
home. The CPS asked if Mr. B. had any concerns for Jason and he said no.
The CPS worker called Diane G., a friend of Susans for a reference. Diane said
that she has been friendly with Susan for four years. The CPS asked Diane how
often she sees Susans boys, and she said she sees them often. She said that the
children appear happy and they were clean. Diane stated she has not observed any
marks and bruises on the children. She felt the kids are well cared for. Susan is a
good mother, very caring, and always there for her children. Asked if she had ever
met Jason, she said yes. Jason gets along well with his mother, and they are
respectful towards each other. The worker asked if Susan misused drugs and
alcohol, and she said no. Also, she stated that Susan did not have people coming in
and out of the home.
The CPS worker contacted Tara J., another friend of Susans. Tara said that she has
known Susan for two years. She does not see the children often, but she speaks
with Susan often. Tara denied knowing of any drug/alcohol use. She has never
observed any mark or bruises on the children. Tara stated that Susan is very good
with her children so she does not have any concerns. She feels that Susan could
care for all the children including Jason. She said she has never suspected any
abuse and thinks the children are well taken care of.
On 10/19, the worker then made an unannounced visit to Marys home. She asked
Mary how things have been going. She responded that Jason has been doing well
in school, thus far. Mary denied that Jason was acting any differently since their
last court date. She said he has been his normal self. Mary told the worker that they
return to court on 10/26, and she will let the judge make the decision. She would
not fight the decision, but she is still not in agreement with Jason living with his
mother. She wants what is best for him, but does not feel that it is with his mother.
The worker spoke with Jason about school, and he said it was fine. Asked if he was
worried about the court matter, he said that he did not feel his grandmother and
This case was adapted from:
Real Cases: Integrating Child Welfare Practice Across the Social Work Curriculum
Carol S. Cohen, Tatyana Gimein, Tara Bulin, & Sharon Kollar – Editors
New York City Social Work Education Consortium & New York City Administration for Childrens Services
January 2010
mother should be in court. They should settle it within the family. Asked what he
wanted the outcome to be, he stated that he wanted to go with his mother. He
misses his brothers and his mother. The worker then asked how he felt about his
grandmother, and he said he felt the same. He knows that his grandmother just
wants him to make something out of himself and that she had his best interest in
mind. He denied having any recent arguments and being hit by Mary. The worker
asked when he last spoke with his mother, and he said the night before. Asked how
he felt when he spoke to her, he said that he was happy but sad when he would
hang up.
The CPS worker asked Jason if he liked Stanley, and he said yes. Jason stated that
he was nice and that they get along. Asked if Stanley ever hit him, he said yes. On
one oc…
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