Activity 1.2 (Part 3): Making a Difference in the Bleux Case

[Casa Volunteer Coordinator]

Part 3: After watching the video, consider how you might go about making a difference if you were assigned as the CASA volunteer for the Bleux case. Post your thoughts in this online forum by clicking reply.

[ljjuve1]

As a CASA for the little by for the Bleux case, I would try to find out what would be needed for me.  For a 2 month old boy, they need a lot of caring for and affection, to show that people are not bad.  He would also need to be cared for while in the hospital and he would need to be taken to future appointments. 

[Shea McFarland]

As the CASA for Deshawn the first thing I would want to do is make sure that his current living situation is a good one, that the foster family he is placed with is capable of caring for him. After that I would attempt to make contact with his parents. I will be traveling through the 'maze' on this journey with the child, so it is difficult for me to be precise in what actions will be taken and when. The main thing I would do is always keep in mind that I am that child's voice and my role in his life can never be underestimated.

[Anita Kennedy]

I cannot find the video

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Shea McFarland]

Anita,

If you click on the link below it should get you there. You may need to copy and paste it into your browser. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFGCmqShvac

[sarah.h.steelman]

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

Part 3: After watching the video, consider how you might go about making a difference if you were assigned as the CASA volunteer for the Bleux case. Post your thoughts in this online forum by clicking reply.

As the CASA assigned to Deshawn my hope would be for him to be returned to his parents after they learn good parenting skills and commit themselves to loving, protecting and raising Deshawn.  In the meantime I would make sure Deshawn's needs were being met by his foster parents; that he was safe, healthy, well fed and loved.   I would want to spend time playing with him, feeding him and holding him.  I would follow up with the parents to make sure they were fulfilling their responsibilities by training, and whatever else the court ordered.  I would continue to monitor and assess their level of commitment and their trustworthiness.  

[Carter LeFon]

As a CASA worker in the Bleux case, I would observe the infant for signs of abuse and achievement of developmental milestones. I would engage the parents and watch for potential problem areas.

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Casa Volunteer Coordinator]

Anita,

Shea gave you the correct link. The video can also be found in Part 2 of Activity 1.2. 

Let me know if you have any other problems. Thank you Shea for the help!

[Anita Kennedy]

as a CASA volunteer in this case I would try and find out more of the families history, is there a history of  any type of violence in this home either to mother or child.  I would recommend that all family members receive parenting classes before placing child back in the home

 
On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Victoria]

If I were assigned as the CASA volunteer for the Bleux case, I would pay special attention to the care that Deshawn was receiving. He experienced physical trauma and was treated at the hospital, so it's important that Deshawn be monitored for signs of recovery and adjustment. That's in addition to the standard expectation of nurturing that he should be receiving from his foster family and parents. How much time would I be allowed to spend with Deshawn? I don't know what exactly my role is making sure that the parents are following the agreed upon terms, but, for Deshawn's sake, I would encourage them to do those things, such as attend anger management and parenting classes. In all situations, as best I could, and as much as I am allowed, I would try to protect Deshawn. 

[rethaleenightingale]

I would visit the child regularly and develop a rapport, seeking to understand who they really are when all of the chaos of those around them is not dominating their energy.  When I understand their world from their point of view and am in possession of factual information from the various sources provided to us as CASA volunteers, I can report and make recommendations that will help the judge make the best decisions possible.  I really liked how one of the young ladies in the video summarized our role:  To provide the child a voice, then hope, then the world.  But let us not forget (seminarians taught me this)... It is not about how great we will be.  It is about what this child is intended to be.

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[rethaleenightingale]

I was able to read the actual case at the end of this week's training.  I want to thank Haydee for improving the on-line course.  My former employer had some of the same challenges with on-line training and I realize you have worked extensively to help us complete the course.  In regard to the Bleux case, an infant is unable to speak to us in the same way an older child can.  It is our responsibility to be as engaged as possible.  Talking to the social worker and reading the medical file will be important.  When I think of the long term efffects an ignored infant can experience in his/her long life, this child is no worse off in the system's care, which will at least keep the baby safe.  But the child needs daily loving interaction that will not likely be received in either environment.  

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[bzeanldy]

As the CASA volunteer after being at the family team planning meeting and listening to those involved with this case I would agree with the CPS recommendations for the parents and the child. However I would also recommend that the parents make more appropriate child care arrangement for Deshawn when they choose to party or entertain their friends.  If the parents follow these recommendations as stated they can hopefully rebuild their relationship and also become better parents.  Another positive outcome could be a more stable environment and family for the infant, Deshawn.

 

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Leigh Ann]

As Deshawn's CASA volunteer it will be very important to encourage the parents to attend the classes that are recommended.  It will also be important that Deshawn continue to have medical treatment and be monitored for future affects of his abuse.  He is at a critical age for development and everyone involved in his care will need to be watching for him to meet the milestones that all infants and children have during normal development. 

[Deborah McGill-Webster]

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 12:10:11 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

Part 3: After watching the video, consider how you might go about making a difference if you were assigned as the CASA volunteer for the Bleux case. Post your thoughts in this online forum by clicking reply.

Since the child is only 2 months old and suffered shaken baby syndrome, my main concern would be safety and the best interest of the child.

The court has ordered supervised visitation and as a CASA I have to document that the mother and father are abiding by the court order and ensure the baby is safe. 

the child would not be allowed to return to the parents until the court is satisfied that they will not harm the child.      

I would make sure that the parents continue to follow through with court ordered  education, stress management, anger management as well as coping skills and support systems for the parents so they will not harm the baby in the future.  

If the baby is placed in a family members house I would monitor the baby and make sure the baby's needs are being met and the baby is healthy, happy and safe. .   

DFS and the court have ordered psychological testing and again I would monitor everything the court has ordered and monitor how the parents are doing. 

I would monitor shelter, health, clothing food and the baby's attachments in the temporary home

I would work with the court and other referrals necessary to transition the baby back to the natural parents if possible. 

I would always remember to have the best interests of the child in any decision I would make as a CASA volunteer. 

I would go to court hearings, DFS meetings and whatever else I needed to do for the safety of the baby and what CASA trains me to do...

deb