Group Portfolio: Assessment 1

Vignette #8

1. Assess and identify the presenting child safety issue in the vignette

The children’s exposure to abuse is a safety issue. The neighbors have heard incidents of abuse
within the home and have called the police. If the neighbors are able to hear and report these
incidents, it is highly probable that the children have witnessed or heard the abuse themselves.
This presents a safety issue, in that, living with domestic violence can present physical and
emotional harm to the children involved. The children’s safety will become even more at risk if
Jennifer gets deported. They would likely face abuse and neglect if they end up in George’s
care.

2. Identify safety risks associated with the vignette (what are the potential
developmental impacts from the abuse?)

Some safety risks include:

● The children’s father, George, abuses Jennifer physically, emotionally, and

sexually. George’s abuse to Jennifer may have detrimental developmental
traumas, specifically with attachment. While their children may not experience
the physical abuse first-hand, the deprivation of care or neglect of a caregiver
may result in disorganized attachment. In this family’s case, that caregiver would
be George.

● The lack of access to many of the financial and other supports that assist families
in similar situations. Due to Jennifer’s status, she may not immediately qualify
for public benefits, but her children would. This would take care of many
immediate needs. However, with her status expiring, it’s crucial that her process
is not interrupted. Jennifer does not want her children to be in George’s custody
due to history of abuse.

3. What is causing the problem?

Causation Theory: Domestic Violence and Neglect

● The victim, who is usually the mother, conflicted and shattered from domestic
violence can be incapable of attending fully to her children’s needs. According to
Crosson-Tower, C. (2020), “…the mother may be so caught up in protecting
herself that she, too, is unable to meet her children’s needs” (p. 108).
Group Portfolio: Assessment 2

Dilemma: What is causing the problem?

● Jennifer is an undocumented immigrant therefore she does not have a

residential security in the US. She was granted DACA which can provide her
access to work authorization and protects her from deportation, but it is expiring
briefly. As a victim of domestic abuse, she is a battered wife and worries for her
own safety. Her children are at risk for paternal abuse, parental neglect, and
custody, in case she gets deported. Her high concern about her name being
reported to any government agency prevents her from seeking all the help that
she is eligible to apply.

4. What are the strengths or protective factors that could be built on with services to
alleviate the problem?

Jennifer’s case is a complex one. However, with DACA still currently active she is eligible to
reapply. She is able to do that electronically as of April of 2022. The first recommended action is
for Jennifer to reapply her DACA status. Under the ruling in Texas, Texas vs United States, it was
deemed that DACA is not a lawful policy. However, all current DACA recipients can continuously
renew (DACA | iAmerica, 2022). The more Jennifer can safeguard herself will strengthen her
ability to care for the kids if she were to remove herself and kids from the household. Jennifer
should also investigate hiring a pro bono immigration attorney to help guide her through this
delicate and difficult process. Immigrant Legal Services is a non-profit organization in Utah that
will most likely be able to help guide Jennifer about filing a protective order and/or temporary
removal of George from the household. Lastly, if she renews her DACA status, she will be able
to open a DCFS case on her own to help protect herself and the children. She will need to
contact a case manager at DCFS at 855-323-3237.

5. Recommend next steps to review with your supervisor (what would you think or
suggest would be the next step in the phase of child safety assessment?)

At this point in the assessment, CPS and law enforcement have been involved
due to an abusive incident. Jennifer and her children are already experiencing excessive
stress due to immigration status and domestic violence. Discussion with the supervisor
regarding further law enforcement involvement will be necessary as it will cause undue
stress and may result in separation.

Consultation with a supervisor on how to proceed due to the immigration status

and legal rights will be the next step in the assessment. It is important to discuss
whether the agency will file a child welfare petition. If so, the supervisor and case
investigator will need to compile the information for the child welfare case and a
Group Portfolio: Assessment 3

permanency plan. The children can remain in Jennifer’s care with immigration relief and
planning on legal protection and safety for the children.

6. Questions to consider:

● Would Jennifer be eligible for the U Nonimmigrant Status?

● Is Jennifer able to stay in her home? Where is George staying now?
● If Jennifer is deported, she believes the children are unsafe in George’s care.
There is currently no protective measure against George in place. Can CPS
pursue foster placement if biological father is an option?
● To promote family preservation, how can George be helped and get him
educated instead to become a good and safe parent?
● Does Jennifer have any outside support (family, friends, co-workers, etc.)?