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Read the Allegations of Abuse Scenario . Allegations of Abuse…
Read the Allegations of Abuse Scenario.
Allegations of Abuse
The Family
Father: Jose Lopez – 34 years old – Hispanic
Mother: Maria Lopez – Deceased – Hispanic
Children: Juan Lopez – 8 years old – Hispanic
Bridget Lopez – 6 years old – Hispanic
Elena Lopez – 1 years old – Hispanic
Presenting Issue
Maternal Aunt, Mrs. Garcia, called PSC on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to request an investigation of her brother-in-law’s home. Mrs. Garcia believes their father is abusing her nephew and nieces. Nephew, Juan, is 8, and niece, Bridget, is 6, and niece, Elena, is 1. The mother (her sister) is deceased.
Mrs. Garcia reported her nieces and nephew spent two weekends a month in her home. They are currently with her, and she saw bruises on Bridget’s stomach and back and Elena’s arm while giving the girls a bath. She is also concerned that Juan has bruises; however, he is wearing a long sleeved shirt and pants and will not allow her to look. Juan and Bridget will not discuss what caused the bruises. Juan said his father did get upset with him and with Bridget but would not say anything further.
Mrs. Garcia did not want to send the children back home on Sunday morning. She said her brother-in-law had developed a serious temper, and she is afraid he has begun to abuse the children. She said since her sister passed away earlier this year, Jose has become increasingly angry and verbally abusive toward the children even in her presence. She has not seen him hit the children, but she has heard him yelling at them.
After discussing the call with the supervisor, the social worker made a visit to Mrs. Garcia’s home. He met with Mrs. Garcia, Juan and Bridget. Bridget was crying and refused to speak and Juan would only say his father’s temper has gotten worse since their mother’s passing.
The social worker observed several marks on Bridget’s stomach and back: four round shaped marks about 2-1/2 inch in diameter on either side of her stomach and two marks on her back, each about 1 inch in length and 1 inch in width. He observed 3 marks on Elena’s right arm all about 1/2 inch in length and 1/4 inch in width. The social worker asked, “You have several bruises, Bridget. Can you tell me how you got them?” Bridget cried harder and did not respond. The social worker said, “Sometimes I talk with children who are unsure about whether to talk to me. They want their family to get help but they don’t want anyone to get in trouble.” Bridget continued to cry. Juan said, “Please stop asking questions; we don’t need things to get worse.” The social worker explained that she and other social workers have been able to help other families before. She explained that she knew the children’s mother has passed and expressed condolences. She said, “Sometimes when families are grieving, people need extra help. Maybe what your family needs is extra help.” Juan remained silent while Bridget continued to cry.
The social worker spoke with her supervisor and concluded the children needed to stay with Mrs. Garcia until the father could be interviewed. The social worker instructed Mrs. Garcia to contact her immediately if Jose called or came to pick up the children. Mrs. Garcia, said that she would call if he tried to contact her or retrieve the children. Mrs. Garcia made a point to tell the worker she wants the children to be with their father but only if the children are treated well and remain safe.
After leaving Mrs. Garcia’s, the social worker tried calling the father at his home but received no answer. The social worker called Jose’s cell phone number provided by Mrs. Garcia. There was no answer, and the worker left multiple messages on the voice mail. The social worker continued to attempt to contact Jose over the remainder of the weekend.
Type a seven hundred- to one thousand fifty-word paper that addresses the following questions:
What were some of the indicators of abuse that were prevalent prior to determining abuse?
What are your concerns for the other children?
What impact on their development would future neglect or abuse have on the remaining siblings?
What questions will you have about the mother’s ability to protect her other children, if any?
What other questions would you need answered about this family?
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
