Case Study: Mr. Cliff Thomason

Pat McGuiness – lawyer, he was the leading lawyer representing Brenton, after the trial he did more

The facts in this case are regarding the petitioner, Joshua DeShaney and the respondent, the county department of social services. In 1979, Joshua DeShaney was born and in 1980, a Wyoming court granted his parents a divorce and awarded custody to his father, Randy DeShaney. In January of 1982, Randy DeShaney’s second wife complained that he had previously “hit the boy, causing marks, and was a prime case for child abuse” (DeShaney v. Winnebago County). This would turn out to be the first of many complaints against Randy DeShaney regarding the abuse of Joshua DeShaney. Winnebago County Department of Social Services interviewed the father, and when asked if he abused his son, he denied such accusations and they did not pursue him any further. In January 1983, one year later, Joshua was admitted to a local hospital with bruises and abrasions, because of which, the physician suspected child abuse and notified the DSS. The DSS subsequently placed Joshua in temporary custody of the hospital but decided there was insufficient evidence of child abuse. They then recommended that Randy DeShaney enroll his son in preschool, provided Joshua’s father with counselling, and encouraged

The worker contacted Susie Hansen; who stated she was a mentor and mother figure for Mindy Cottier. Mrs. Hansen stated she didn’t have any concerns for Mrs. Cotter’s family, but she knew why she was being contacted by DHS. Mrs. Cottier stated “Sam and Maddie were having a birthday party at my house and Samuel was having a meltdown, you see Samuel has Oppositional Defiance Disorder and takes medication to keep it in control so every no a then he has these meltdowns and it hard to get him back under control, anyway Sam was having an episode at his party and Chris Mindy’s husband and Sam’s step dad was telling him to stand in the corner until he calms down. Sam refused and was yelling and thrashing around on the hard tile floor in front of the

in his case, on the part of DCS, ended up costing this child his life. This

The lawsuit transpired against Department of Human Services in Mississippi because the system deserted the children. In this case, a young girl named Olivia Y was abused by her mother and the foster home. While taking her out the home at the age of three, the system continually neglected her. Department of Family Children Service failed to present Olivia with adequate medical and health support. “This case is alleged that Mississippi’s foster care system was failing adequately to protect children in its custody and provide necessary services in violation of their federal constitutional rights (www.mdhs.state.ms/olivia-y-lawsuit/”).

EREPORT # 19021 stated the following: The incident happened last night, 2/8/2016. Destiny's mother has "taken off" as evidenced by empty drawers and closets. Destiny stayed home alone all night by herself. The concern is that Destiny is not supposed to be alone with her dad, per DHS. Dad never came home last night, but the concern is 1) dad comes home and she is alone with him or 2) dad doesn't come home and she is alone again by herself all night. I found out abou the situation because the teacher told me. estiny disclosed to her teacher about being home alone, mother "taken off" and that dad may come home and she has to be alone with him. During the Summer of 2014, father sexually abused her. The prior abuse/neglect was reproted but I do

The reporter stated the child did not have any visible marks or bruises and did not have to receive any emergency medical care. The reporter stated the floors are falling through and they have to use a board in some parts of the home to walk. Mrs. Jones stated charges have been filed against an unknown male that touched the child’s leg. The reporter also stated she was informed that two days ago, Cecilia was with her mother in Carrolton, MS while she drove around looking for pills. The reporter stated DHS or law enforcement was not contacted at that time with this information. Per the reporter, the child was taken from the home and left with Jessica Dixon, a family friend. The reporter stated the child was left with Jessica because she and Mr. Jones are truck drivers and had to leave for work. Mrs. Jones stated they leave for work on Thursday and return on

Reporter stated the following: He is in DHS custody. He (Issac) came to me on October 20th. He (Issac) was in foster care. He (Issac) told me this the other day and it was about 2 or 3 days ago, “I guess”. I have never reported it. I called today because Ms. Judith with MYPAC came in my home today and told me to make a report. Per intake worker (Gail) was on the phone also. Per Ms. Judith I was his (Issac) therapist with Youth Villages.

PER REPORTER: Ariyanna is in DHS custody. Reporter was in a session with the child today. She said a neighbor (Ann Moore) is at the home often with her children. Ann has two children in her home. Ann choked Ariyanna on two different occasions, pushed her head into the washing machine, and screamed at her. This has happened twice. Reporter observed a scar on the child's neck today. She said it was from Ann's long fingernails when Ann scratched her. Ariyanna said she didn't know where the foster parent was at first then said she was in her bedroom. She didn't tell the foster parent. Reporter did speak with Ariyanna's case worker. Ariyanna will change homes within a week. She doesn't need immediate medical

The member called and gave me her DHS worker name B. Wilkerson, phone number 313-387-7166 and her case number 121646891. The member report her worker said that she does have medicaid insurance but, the member had questions about her food stamp because she is paying $700 a month and is only getting $27.00. The member also states that her worker will not change her rent from $500 which was what she was paying on Appleton St and she is now paying $700 a month on Cedargrove

The worker contacted Brittany Blackburn; who is the sister of Bradley Blackburn. Mrs. Blackburn stated “Bradley is a good father and both parents love care and provide for their children. Aside from what I heard from the incident involving DHS I have never witnessed any fighting or drug use by either of the parents. Bradley and Lee both participated in church Wednesdays and Sundays with the children, and did activities as a family like going to the water park or out to eat. I have no concerns for the children’s safety being with either

The reporting party (RP) visited foster family on 7/6/15 and found foster father exhibiting mental health behaviors. The RP stated the foster father disclosed he suffers from epilepsy and doesn't take his medication since he doesn't need it. The RP also stated the foster father is prescribe medication due to anxiety and refuses to take the medication. The foster father believes the medication will cause him to "pass out." The RP states the home is a mess with "things all over the place." The RP did not give specific details regarding the "mess." The RP stated the foster father inappropriate behaviors caused him to "last out" at the children and confining the 5 year old child to the back of the garage. The RP stated the child has access to hazardous

On March 4, 2015, the subpoena sent to the address at 3412½ 7th Street, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 was returned stating, moved; unable to forward. The subpoena sent to the address at 3758 8th Street, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 has not returned. The agency has no notice of where that subpoena went. On May 5, 2015, the CP showed for the court hearing and was tested. A court hearing was scheduled for June 2, 2015. A court notice was mailed to the address at 3412½ 7th Street. The CP did not appear for the June 2, 2015 hearing. Therefore, a sanction was sent. According to Child Support Policy and Procedure Manual 5.10.1 which states, each person receiving child support services, regardless of whether (s)he is TANF or non-TANF, is required to cooperate with DHR. That includes activities such as, which is listed in Policy 5.10.1.B.2, appearing as a witness at judicial or other hearings or proceedings. In Policy 5.10.3.A, states when the CP in a TANF, foster care, or Medicaid-only case does not cooperate with IV-D activities, DHR must notify the appropriate referring agency, which in this case would be the Family Assistance of its client’s non-cooperation, which Child Support did notify TANF of this on June 4, 2015 for a sanction to be done. Another court hearing was

On this date worker visited Mr. Robert Thomas at Cherry Hill Health and Rehab, for the purpose of monitoring Mr. Thomas's health and environment. When worker arrived, Mr. Thomas was receiving assistance from nursing staff. Mr. Thomas recently went to the dermatologist and discovered he had skin cancer on his nose and surgery scheduled in three weeks. According to Mr. Thomas, his insurance coverage cancelled and he had trouble with getting an appointment with the dermatologist and he was receiving bills wanting him to pay the 20% owed after Medicare paid. However, the NH recently fixed the insurance

As we read through the case of Robin Henderson, we can easily understand that this woman had a rough childhood where both parents were abusive against her, both mentally and physically. Various methods of abuse from her family members led Robin’s psychical health to a few disorders, like dependency on alcohol and bulimia nervosa. Together with these disorders she had a suicidal mind and urge for hurting herself. Numerous instances of suicidal gestures and self-inflicting multiple cuts and burns made Robin’s consider her being “too dangerous” to public and herself. Hopefully, her family and husband were supportive and wanted Robin to get well as soon as possible, so Robin’s husband accompanied her to her first meeting