Case Presentation

Tanya Haislip

Case Background
In October 2013, a 13 year old Hispanic female
was placed into foster care after her mother
relinquished rights due to illness.
She spent the next 13 months in the care of a
former teacher.
The placement was disrupted in November 2014.
The child has made allegations of sexual contact,
had 2 separate hospitalizations for SI, cuts, and
is currently in a therapeutic placement.

Problem Statement
The child wishes to return to family
The mother has regained her health
The mother and one sister have petitioned as a
potential placement
I am completing a Home Study on the sister.

Services
In order to complete a thorough Home Study
Request/referral from the case worker
Criminal record check
If there is any history of substance related charges, a drug screen must be performed

Income/expense evaluation
Three character references
Fire safety plan
Discipline Agreement
Corporal Punishment is not allowed for foster children

Photos of the home

Thorough investigation into the potential caregiver

Background
Relationship with the child
Physical and mental health
Plan for care
Education
Employment

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Limitations

Familial Bond
Hard Working
Good Parenting for their
biological child in the home
Support from other siblings
and mother
GAL
Can provide the cultural
background the child is
missing

Close in age difficult

transition from sister to parent
Finances
The foster child requires a high
level of care
Family values that may allow
room for the child to continue
self-injurious behaviors
There are difficulties in
determining and locating
appropriate supervision

Goals and Interventions

This child needs a stable and secure placement
with rigid guidelines.
She needs to engage in weekly therapy sessions;
both individual and with her caregivers.
Due to the high level of risk associated with
recent behaviors, the family must provide
constant supervision.

Personal Reflection
Biases

Value Differences

I learned the father had been

deported
I had concerns about placing a 15
year old in the home
I have concerns about the ability to
parent such a difficult case at so
young an age

Potential caregiver was pregnant

at 15 by 22 year old boyfriend.
They had been dating a year.
May not see the childs needs
and behaviors in the same light
as CPS.

Life Experiences
The potential caregiver is the fifth child of seven. Many of her older siblings
were teen parents.
The husband had DSS involvement as a child and was essentially on his own
at 14. He doesnt understand a 15 y/o requiring a higher level of care.

Conclusion
Staff Recommendations

I recommend a long transition with clearly outlined steps for

reintegration
Research

Youth in foster care are at higher risk for attempting suicide

Behaviors to look for:
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings
Self-injury. Some youth injure themselves (e.g., by cutting or burning) to relieve intense feelings
such as pain, anger, or tension
Minority sexual orientation: Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth are at higher risk
Youth with more risk factors and fewer protective factors are more likely to attempt or die by suicide
than other children.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (March 2014.) Foster Care Providers:
Helping Youth at Risk for Suicide[Brochure]. N.P.