CHILDREN’S PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATION REPORT Department of Human Services of Michigan

Preponderance: Yes Risk Level: Intensive PS Case #: X0000000P Log Number: 0000000 Case Name: Sheryl James Complaint Date: 10/01/XXXX 2815 Risdale Address: Category: I Lansing, MI 48909 Phone Number: ( 517) 555-1908 Load Number: XXXXXXXXXX

Household Case Members: Name(First, Middle, Last) Relation Date of Birth Age Sex Race Role Amer.Indian Heritage Sheryl James Self 03/11/XXXX 31 F 1 Perpetrator No Steven Miller Living 05/10/XXXX 33 M 2 Perpetrator No Together Partner Amanda James Biological 07/28/XXXX 14 F 1 Victim No Child Melissa James Biological 03/25/XXXX 8 F 1 & 2 Victim No Child William James Biological 04/17/XXXX 4 M 1 & 2 Victim No Child

Non-Household Case Members:

Name (First, Middle, Last) Relation Date of Birth Age Sex Race Role Amer. Indian Heritage Mark Anderson Non- 04/12/XXXX 32 M 1 Other No Relative Address: Cooper St. Correctional Facility (JCS), 3100 Cooper St., Jackson, MI Phone Number: (517) 780-6175 49201

1. ALLEGATIONS Maltreatment(s): Physical Abuse

Training Confirmed Maltreatment(s): Physical Abuse, Failure to Protect, Threatened Harm

Comments: Complainant advised the children are disclosing violence in the home. William says he was hit with a bat for not cleaning his room. William is reported to have broken ribs. Melissa reports she was hit with an extension cord. Children report mom threatened to kill them and she does not want them.

2. CHILD WELFARE HISTORY of FAMILY TRENDS On 02/25/XXXX, (5 years prior) a complaint was received alleging improper supervision and physical abuse and was assigned for field investigation. During the investigation it was determined that the children, Amanda & Melissa, were left home alone for hours at a time on a daily basis. It was also determined that Amanda was being hit with a yard stick by her mother, Sheryl James, on a weekly basis. Amanda was observed by CPS to have injuries consistent with physical abuse. The children reported that they were afraid of being left home alone. Amanda disclosed being injured when she was struck with the stick by her mother. Welt marks were observed on Amanda by CPS and medical professionals. The facts and evidence of the investigation supported a preponderance of evidence for improper

DHS-154 (SWSS 10/2007) 1

Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 supervision and physical abuse.

The case was opened as a Category II with a risk level of High. A referral was made to Families First of Michigan to work with the family regarding utilizing alternative methods of behavior management coupled with appropriate supervision. There was no previous court involvement during this case. The family successfully completed the services and appeared to benefit from them as they were able to demonstrate skills learned and no new complaints were received by CPS. The risk level was reduced and the case was subsequently closed.

There is a direct correlation between the previous complaint and the current complaint as there are allegations that Sheryl James is using inappropriate discipline with the children and may have problems associated with her use of alcohol.

3. SOCIAL WORK CONTACTS CASE INVESTIGATION

Date of Contact Person Contacted Type of Contact Contact Method 10/01/xxxx Det/Sgt. Smith (Lansing PD) LEN Case Contact Telephone Contact 10/01//xxxx Becky Smith, RN (Sparrow Hospital) Collateral Face to Face 10/01//xxxx Dr. John Adams (Sparrow Hospital) Collateral Face to Face 10/01//xxxx Melissa James Case Member Face to Face 10/01//xxxx William James Case Member Face to Face 10/01//xxxx Sheryl James Case Member Face to Face 10/01//xxxx Amanda James Case Member Face to Face 10/01//xxxx Steven Miller Case Member Face to Face 10/01//xxxx Mark Anderson Collateral Phone 10/01//xxxx Ingham County FOC Collateral Phone 10/01//xxxx Honorable Judge Buck Collateral Phone 10/01//xxxx Honorable Judge Buck Collateral Documentation

10/02/xxxx Sheryl James/Steven Miller Case Contact Face to Face 10/02/xxxx Arlene James Case Contact Face to Face 10/02/xxxx Angela & Samuel Miller Case Contact Face to Face 10/02/xxxx Court (Preliminary Hearing) Case Contact Face to Face 10/02/xxxx Family Team Meeting Case Contact Face to Face

INTERVIEWED YES NO IF NOT, WHY NOT ALL CARETAKERS ALLEGED VICTIM ALL SIBLINGS ALLEGED PERPETRATOR

Training 4. VERIFICATION OF CHILD WELL-BEING THIS WORKER CONFIRMED THE WELL-BEING OF:

Child’s Name How? Date? Location? Whereabouts if not with caretaker? William James Face to Face 10/01/XXXX Hospital Melissa James Face to Face 10/01/XXXX Hospital Amanda James Face to Face 10/01/XXXX School

5. REQUIRED ASSESSMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION: Policy Requirement Will Pre-Fill from SWSS-CPS. Reason:

Criminal History Results: No criminal history was found for Sheryl James. Steven Miller has a criminal conviction for controlled substance possession from 07/05/xxxx in Ingham County. This information was verified by OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) and the 30th Circuit Court.

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Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 Mark Anderson has a criminal conviction for Attempted Murder from 09/07/xxxx in Ingham County and is currently lodged with the MDOC. This information was verified by OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) and the 30th Circuit Court.

6. REQUIRED ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL INFORMATION: Policy Requirement Will Pre-Fill from SWSS-CPS Reason:

Medical Exam Results: A medical report dated 10/01/XXXX, was obtained from Dr. Adams at Sparrow Hospital. The report showed William had sustained broken bones to his left rib cage. The report also showed previously fractured bones to William’s right rib cage which showed that they had healed. The medical report did not note scrapes and/or scratches on William as his mother, Sheryl James, reporting that the broken ribs were a result of William having fallen off his bike. Dr. John Adams advised that the injuries are consistent with being struck with a blunt object with significant force and appear consistent with physical abuse and are non-accidental injuries. A copy of the medical report was placed in the case record.

7. SAFETY ASSESSMENT NARRATIVES:

Caretaker(s) caused serious physical harm to the child and/or made a plausible threat to cause serious physical harm in the current investigation, indicated by. Sheryl James, mother, struck William with a bat causing him to sustain broken ribs to his left rib cage. During the investigation it was learned that Melissa and Amanda have been physically harmed by their mother. Melissa reported that her mother has given her a black eye and knocked out one of her teeth. Amanda reported that her mother hits her as well.

Caretaker(s) has previously maltreated a child in their care and the severity of the maltreatment or the caretaker(s)’ response to the previous incident and current circumstances suggest that child safety may be an immediate concern. There must be both current immediate threats to child safety and related previous maltreatment that was severe and/or represents an unresolved pattern of maltreatment. Check all that apply:

Prior confirmed CPS case.

Training Safety On 02/25/XXXX a complaint was investigated alleging improper supervision and physical abuse. During Factor(s): the investigation it was learned the children, Amanda and Melissa, were left home alone for hours at a time on a regular basis, approximately 1-2 times per week. It was also learned Amanda was being hit with a yard stick by mother, Sheryl, on a weekly basis. The children reported being afraid of being left alone in the home. Amanda reported of being hurt when hit with the stick. Welt marks were observed on Amanda. A preponderance of evidence was found for improper supervision and physical abuse. The case was opened as a Category II with Families First Services. This is the second compliant received where allegations are pertaining to physical abuse. There is a trend of physical abuse for this family based on the escalation of injuries as we now have severe physical abuse.

Caretaker(s) fails to protect child from serious physical harm or threatened harm. Steven Miller, father of Melissa and William, was aware of the extreme physical discipline techniques that the mother, Sheryl James, utilized with the children. Steven Miller did not prevent the children from being physically harmed by Sheryl James. Steven Miller failed to take action to remove his children from the home in order to protect them from further harm by Sheryl James.

Caretaker(s) explanation for the injury is unconvincing and the nature of the injury suggests that DHS-154 (SWSS 10/2007) 3

Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 the child’s safety may be of immediate concern. Sheryl James continues to report that William’s injury was caused by William falling off his bike. However, Dr. Adam’s reported that the injury was not consistent with a fall. Dr. Adam’s reported that the injury appears consistent with having been hit forcefully with a blunt object and the injuries appear consistent with physical abuse and are non-accidental in nature.

Child is fearful of caretaker(s), other family members, or other people living in or having access to the home. William advised that he was afraid to go home with his mom because she would be mad. William advised that his mother would be mad because they had to go to the hospital as well as because he has been talking about what happens when she gets mad at him and his sisters. Melissa advised that she is scared of her mom when her mom gets mad.

Caretaker(s)’ current substance use seriously affects his/her ability to supervise, protect or care for the child.

Amanda and Melissa reported that their mother becomes easily angered and hits them when she has been consuming alcoholic beverages. Melissa also noted that her mother falls asleep when she has been drinking and cannot be awoken. Amanda’s substance abuse impairs her ability to parent safely and appropriately. When Mom drinks, she gets angry really easily, and that’s when the abuse is the worst, because any little thing will set her off. Amanda thinks that yesterday, Mom was really drunk. She thinks that Mom didn’t realize that she had only given William a few minutes to clean his room, noting that sometimes Mom loses track of time when she’s been drinking.

Caretaker(s)’ behavior toward child is violent or out-of-control. William advised that he was told to clean his room by his mom. William advised that his mom became mad because he was not cleaning his room fast enough. William reported his mom hit him with his sister’s softball bat. Sheryl James reaction was extreme and she became violent as she hit William with the softball bat out of anger causing severe physical injury in the form of fractured ribs.

Initiating legal action and placing child: Unsafe Due to the nature of the physical abuse, as well as the children’s reports of being fearful to return home, a petition was filed requesting that the children be taken into protective custody and removed from the home. William and Melissa were removed from the hospital. Amanda was removed from her school. A Family Team Meeting was held on 10/02/XXX at which time it was decided to have the children remain under DHS care and supervision and remain placed in foster care. Prospective relative caregivers were identified during the Family Team Meeting. Home assessments were conducted by CPS and the DHS- 588 was completed.

SECTION 2: SAFETY RESPONSE - PROTECTING INTERVENTIONS

Training A protecting intervention is a safety response taken by staff or others to address the unsafe situation identified in the assessment. These interventions help protect the child from present or imminent danger. A protecting intervention must be deployed if any safety factor is indicated. If one or more safety factors are present, it does not automatically indicate that a child must be placed outside the home. In many cases, it will be possible to initiate a temporary plan that will mitigate the safety factor(s) sufficiently so that the child may remain in the home while the investigation continues. Consider the relative severity of the safety factor(s), the caregiver(s)’ protective capacities and response to the investigation/situation, and the vulnerability of the child when identifying protecting interventions.

For each safety factor identified in Section 1, consider the resources available in the family and the community that might help to keep the child safe. Check each protecting intervention taken to protect the child and explain below. Describe all protecting safety interventions taken or immediately planned by you or anyone else, and explain how each intervention protects (or protected) each child.

*Monitoring or direct services by DHS worker. *Use of family resources, neighbors or other individuals in the community as safety resources. *Legal action must be taken to place child(ren) outside the home, e.g., placement with a relative or a DHS-154 (SWSS 10/2007) 4

Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 licensed foster home.

Explain Safety Response-Protecting Interventions

If CPS is initiating legal action and placing the child: 1) explain why responses 1-7 could not be used to keep the child safe in the reasonable efforts section of the Transfer to Foster Care module of SWSS CPS; and 2) describe your discussion with the caretaker(s) regarding placement in SWSS CPS.

As a result of the sever physical injury sustained by William and the children’s statements that they are fearful to return home, a petition was filed requesting the children to be taken into custody and removed from the home. There were no other options available to keep the children safe in the home. William and Melissa were removed from the hospital. Amanda was removed from her school. A Family Team Meeting was held on 10/02/XXX at which time it was decided to have the children remain under DHS care and supervision. Prospective relative caregivers were identified during the Family Team Meeting. Home assessments will be conducted on identified relatives for relative placement of children.

If services were recommended but caretakers refused to participate, briefly describe the services that were offered.

SECTION 3: SAFETY DECISION Identify your safety decision by checking the appropriate box below. Check one box only. This decision should be based on the assessment of all safety factors, protecting interventions and any other information known about this case. “A” (Safe) should be checked only if no safety factors were identified in Section 1, Part A, Safety Factor Identification.

C. Unsafe:

At least one safety factor is indicated and placement is the only protecting intervention possible for the child. Without placement, the child will likely be in danger of imminent harm

INJURY TO THE CHILD Was any child injured in this case? (Note: Prenatal drug exposure is considered an injury to a child.) Yes

If yes, indicate the age of youngest child with most serious injury. William James (age 4)

If yes, indicate what was the most serious injury to the child. William James suffered broken bones to his left rib cage.

Medical treatment required, but no hospitalization.

Training

8. RISK ASSESSMENT NARRATIVES:

Primary caretaker is unable/unwilling to control impulses? Sheryl James is not able to control her impulses as she lashes out towards the children in a physical manner causing injuries. The children report being hit constantly by Sheryl James with different objects when she is angry.

Primary caretaker views incident less seriously? Sheryl James and Steven Miller have not acknowledged the severity of physical abuse to the children. Sheryl James and Steven Miller continue to minimize William’s injuries. Sheryl James has been deceptive in nature as she advised that William received the injuries as a result of falling off his bicycle which is not consistent with medical findings. Sheryl James and Steven Miller have failed to protect the emotional and physical well-being of all of the children, therefore putting the children’s safety at immediate risk of harm.

One or more is true of primary caretaker's social support? DHS-154 (SWSS 10/2007) 5

Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 Sheryl James and Steven Miller have an adequate social support network as multiple relatives have come forward and demonstrated an interest in having the children placed in their care.

Child is fearful of caretaker(s), other family members, or other people living in or having access to the home. William reported that he is was afraid to go home with his mom because as she would be mad. William reported that his mother would be mad because they had to come go to the hospital, as well as because he has been talking about what happens when his mom gets mad at him and his sisters. Melissa reported that she is scared of her mom when her mom becomes angry.

Caretaker(s)’ current substance use seriously affects his/her ability to supervise, protect or care for the child.

Amanda and Melissa reported that their mother becomes easily angered and hits them when she has been consuming alcoholic beverages. Melissa also noted that her mother falls asleep when she has been drinking and cannot be awoken. Amanda’s substance abuse impairs her ability to parent safely and appropriately. When Mom drinks, she gets angry really easily, and that’s when the abuse is the worst, because any little thing will set her off. Amanda thinks that yesterday, Mom was really drunk. She thinks that Mom didn’t realize that she had only given William a few minutes to clean his room, noting that sometimes Mom loses track of time when she’s been drinking.

9. INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS COMMENTS:

110/01/XXXX@10/010/0110/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Phone Contact --- Lansing Police Department A telephone contact occurred with Det/Sgt. Smith at the Lansing Police Department. Det/Sgt. Smith was advised as to the nature of the complaint received by CPS. The Law Enforcement Notification (LEN) form was faxed to him at this time along with a copy of the complaint. Det/Sgt. Smith advised that a joint coordinated investigation between CPS and law enforcement would be appropriate.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Face to Face Contact - Becky Smith, Nurse, Det/Sgt. Brooks An interview was conducted with Becky Smith, RN at Sparrow hospital by the assigned investigator and Det/Sgt. Smith from the Lansing PD. Becky advised that when William was brought to the hospital, his mother, Sheryl James, she had indicated that they were seeking medical care because William had fallen off his bike and was complaining of his side hurting. Becky advised that when Sheryl James left the room to smoke, Melissa and William reported that William was hit with a softball bat by their mom because William did not clean his room fast enough. Melissa also reported to Becky that he had previously been hit with an extension cord. Becky reported that each child advised that they were afraid to go home and scared of their mother. Becky stated that she was concerned for the children and their well-being.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Face to Face Contact - Dr. John Adams, Det/Sgt. Smith An interview was conducted with Dr. Adams at Sparrow Hospital. Det/Sgt. Smith was present during this interview. Dr.

Adams advised that Sheryl James had indicated to him that she had brought William to the hospital because William Training had fallen off his bike and was complaining of his side hurting and having pain when he breathes or lies on his side. Dr. Adams reported that he took x-rays of William’s chest which showed broken ribs to William’s left rib cage. Dr. Adams also indicated that the x-rays showed previously broken and healed bones to William’s right rib cage. Dr. Adams reported that he had not observed any scrapes or scratches on William that would be consistent with a fall from a bike and indicated that William did have several bruises on his arms, legs, and back which appeared to be of varying ages and stages of healing. Dr. Adams reported the position of the broken ribs did not appear to be caused by a fall off the bike but were more likely caused by being struck with a blunt object with considerable force. Dr. Adams advised that the injuries were consistent with physical abuse and were non-accidental. Dr. Adams reported he was informed by Nurse Becky that Melissa and William disclosed William was hit with a bat by mom for not cleaning his room, and that he believes that this explanation appears consistent with William’s injuries. Dr. Adams reported he is concerned for the children’s safety and well-being as it appears they are being physically abused.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Face to Face Contact - Melissa James An interview was conducted with Melissa James at Sparrow Hospital. The Forensic Interviewing Protocol was utilized during this interview. Melissa was observed to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed. Det/Sgt. Smith from the Lansing PD was present during this interview. Melissa appeared to be frightened and began crying. Melissa advised that she, her bother, and older sister Amanda are “whooped” by their mom when she gets mad. Melissa advised that DHS-154 (SWSS 10/2007) 6

Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 she and her siblings are whooped almost every day. Melissa advised she is scared of her mom when she is mad. Melissa advised her dad doesn’t hit her or her siblings, but does not stop their mom when she hits them. Melissa advised that she had been hit with an extension cord, hanger, softball bat, and her mom’s fist. Melissa advised that last year her mom gave her a black eye and knocked out one of her “baby teeth”. Melissa advised that she had to stay home from school and could not play outside until the black eye went away. Melissa advised that sometimes her mom hits her dad with her fist or throws things at him. Melissa advised that her mom has told her and her siblings that she did not want them and was going to kill them. Melissa advised that sometimes after her mom hits them she falls asleep for a while and does not wake up. Melissa advised it is hard to wake her mom up, and she thinks it is because of her mom having “grown up drinks”. Melissa advised her older sister, Amanda, does most of the chores because their mom sleeps a lot. Melissa advised Amanda was not at the hospital because she was at school. Melissa advised she was afraid to go home. Melissa advised her mom and dad, Sheryl James and Steven Miller, brother William James, and sister Amanda James reside in the home.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Face to Face Contact - William James An interview was conducted with William James at Sparrow Hospital. The Forensic Interviewing Protocol was utilized during this interview. Det/Sgt. Smith was present during this interview. William was observed to be well groomed as he was clean and neatly dressed. At the beginning of the interview, William was hesitant to talk. William advised that he was scared to talk because his mom would be mad that he was talking about what happens in the home. William advised that his mom, dad, and sisters, Melissa and Amanda, live in the home with him. William advised that he and his sisters are hit by their mom a lot. William advised they are hit with a lot of different things, and gave examples which included a bat, a belt, hangers, and an electrical cord. William advised that his dad does not hit him or his sisters. William added that his dad does not stop their mom from hitting them either. William advised that he remembers one time when his father spanked him on the bottom with his hand. William advised that it did not hurt. William advised when his mom hits him it always hurts for a long time. William advised that sometimes he is not allowed to go outside after he is hit by his mom. William advised that his mom told him to tell people he fell off his bike after she hits him. William advised that he never really falls off his bike because he is a good bike rider. William advised his mom had hit him yesterday with Amanda’s softball bat because he did not clean his room fast enough. William advised that his mom hit him with the bat before but it was his other side and it hurt then like it does now. William advised he was afraid to go home with his mom.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Face to Face Contact - Sheryl James An interview was conducted with Sheryl James at Sparrow Hospital. Det/Sgt. Smith was present during the interview and took the lead during this interview. Sheryl was observed to be agitated and her body language appeared defensive. He arms were folded and she would not make eye contact. Sheryl had an angry tone when she was questioned. Sheryl advised she brought William to the hospital as he was complaining of his side hurting after falling off his bike. Sheryl advised, “You people already told me I can’t whoop my kids when y’all was in my business before.” Sheryl advised, “That’s why they are out of control now.” Sheryl advised that William was telling people she had hit him because he was mad about not being able to ride his bike since he fell. Ms. James stated that William was lying to get back at her for not letting him ride his bike.

Sheryl James denied any Native American Heritage. Sheryl denied any previous or current issues associated with

substance abuse or emotional/mental health issues. Sheryl denied being on any medications. Sheryl advised that she Training has an adequate social support network that consists of family and friends. Sheryl advised that she is not currently employed but looking for employment. Sheryl denied any previous or current issues associated with DV. Sheryl voluntarily signed the DHS-1555cs. Sheryl denied having any criminal history. Sheryl advised that Steven Miller is the legal father of Melissa James and William James as she signed the Affidavit of Parentage (CPR #20XX-543210). Sheryl advised that Mark Anderson is the legal father of Amanda James via Affidavit of Parentage (CPR # 20XX-654321). Sheryl advised that there is no FOC order regarding custody or child support for any of the children. Sheryl James identified Arlene James along with Angela and Samuel Miller as potential relative placements if needed.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Face to Face Contact - Amanda James An interview was conducted with Amanda James at Sexton High School. The Forensic Interviewing Protocol was utilized during this interview. Det/Sgt. Smith was present during this interview. Amanda was observed to be neat, clean and appropriately dressed. Amanda asked, “Mom really hurt William bad this time, didn’t she?” Amanda was asked to elaborate her statement, at which time she advised that her mom hit William with Amanda’s softball bat for not cleaning his room fast enough. Amanda added that her mom had hit William before, about nine months ago, with the same bat. Amanda advised that her mom hits her and her younger siblings often, but that Amanda is not hit as much because she is older and can fight her mom off sometimes. Amanda advised that sometimes she will distract her mom by making her DHS-154 (SWSS 10/2007) 7

Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 mad or yelling at her in order to take her mom’s attention off of Melissa and William if she thinks her mom is “too mad” and might hurt her siblings. Amanda advised that her mom has not always been “this bad.” Amanda advised that her mom’s drinking has become more frequent since the passing of her mom’s father. Amanda reported that when her mom drinks she becomes angry easily and the abuse begins. Amanda stated that her mom’s boyfriend, Steven Miller, is Melissa and William’s father. Amanda stated that Mr. Miller is “okay, but he doesn’t stop mom from hitting us or doing whatever she wants.” Amanda reported Steven drinks with her mom as well. Amanda reported that her father is Mark Anderson, and that he is currently in prison in Jackson, Michigan. Amanda stated that she is unsure if her father knows how bad things are in the home, because she has not talked to or seen him since he went to prison. Amanda reported that when things get bad at home she usually goes to a friend’s house, maternal grandmother’s home or her paternal grandmother’s residence. Amanda advised that her maternal grandmother is Arlene James, and her paternal grandmother and step-grandfather are Margie and Phil Whitaker. Amanda stated that she had not told Arlene, Margie, or Phil about the abuse because she did not want her mom to stop her from visiting them. Amanda stated that she did not want to go home because her mother would be mad that she was talking to CPS.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Face to Face Contact - Steven Miller An interview was conducted with Steven Miller at his place of employment. Det/Sgt. Smith was present during this interview. Steven was informed that Ms. James, William, and Melissa were at the hospital because William had complained of his side hurting. Mr. Miller was informed that William had broken ribs and was asked how William had sustained these injuries. Mr. Miller replied, “He probably fell. How did Sheryl say it happened?” Mr. Miller was informed that William had reported that he had been hit with a bat by Ms. James. Mr. Miller denied knowledge of Ms. James hitting William with a bat or any other objects. Mr. Miller stated, “We know we can’t hit the kids with things. You guys already told us that a few years back.” Mr. Miller was asked about Ms. James’ drinking. Mr. Miller stated, “Sheryl has been drinking more these days, but no more than I do.”

Steven denied any Native American Heritage. Steven denied any previous or current issues associated with DV, substance abuse, or emotional/mental health issues. Steven reported that he was previous arrested when he was 18 years old for cocaine possession, but indicates that the arrest was due to another person possessing cocaine in his vehicle. Steven advised that he is currently employed full time. Steven denied being on any medication. Steven voluntarily signed the DHS-1555cs.

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Phone Contact - Mark Anderson, father of Amanda A telephone call was made to Cooper Street Correctional Facility. Mark Anderson was informed that CPS was conducting an investigation on the welfare of his daughter, Amanda James. Mark confirmed that Amanda James was his daughter. Mark advised that he has no contact with Amanda in the last “several years” and does not know what is going on in the home. Mr. Anderson reported he hears about Amanda’s well-being primarily through his mother as Amanda goes over to his mom and step-dad’s house sometimes. It should be noted that Mark Anderson, MDOC #456789 is currently incarcerated at the Cooper Street Correctional Facility, 3100 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49201 and the contact number for the prison is (517) 780-6175.

10/0110/0110/01/XXXX@10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Phone Contact - Ingham County FOC A telephone contact occurred with the Ingham County FOC who advised that there were no custody

orders or child support orders for any of the children. Training

10/01/XXXX@ 00:00 PM Successful Phone Contact - Judge Buck, 30th Circuit Court, Ingham County A telephone call was made to the Honorable Judge Buck requesting a JC05b, Ex Parte Order To Take Child(ren) Into Protective Custody (Child Protective Proceedings). The JC-04 was electronically submitted to the court. The Honorable Judge Buck faxed the JC-05 to the hospital. It should be noted that the children were subsequently taken into protective custody by CPS and law enforcement. Amanda was placed with Arlene James and both William and Melissa were placed with Angela and Samuel Miller.

10/01/XXXX @ 00:00PM Successful Face to Face Contact – Sheryl James/Steven Miller A face to face contact occurred with Sheryl James and Steven Miller at their residence. Sheryl and Steven were served with the JC-O4, JC-05, and provided the date, time, and location of the Preliminary Hearing. Sheryl and Steven were given the DHS Pub-460, Parents Guide to Children’s Protective Services. Sheryl and Steven were advised as to the Family Team Meeting that had been scheduled. Sheryl and Steven were advised as to the conditions of relative placement and agreed to not have any contact with the children until directives/orders are issued by the court. Sheryl James was given the DHS-1450. The scene was observed by CPS and law enforcement and photos of the bat used in the assault were taken along with other investigative requirements.

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10/01/XXXX @ 00:00PM Successful Face to Face Contact – Arlene James A field visit was conducted at the residence of Arlene James. The residence was observed to have ample food and operable utilities. The residence was free from any safety or health hazards and had appropriate sleeping arrangements. Arlene agreed to cooperate with DHS and the court. The DHS-588 was completed and can be located in the case record. Arlene was given the DHS Pub-457, Relative Caregivers Resources and Responsibilities. Arlene was provided with a copy of the court order and the DHS-3762. CPS conducted a criminal history check and central registry check for Arlene James who did not have any criminal history nor was she located on central registry.

10/01/XXXX @ 00:00PM Successful Face to Face Contact – Angela and Samuel Miller A field visit was conducted at the residence of Angela and Samuel Miller. The residence was observed to have ample food and operable utilities. The residence was free from any safety or health hazards and had appropriate sleeping arrangements. Angela and Samuel agreed to cooperate with DHS and the court. The DHS-588 was completed and can be located in the case record. Angela and Samuel were provided the the DHS Pub-457, Relative Caregivers Resources and Responsibilities. Angela and Samuel were provided with a copy of the court order and the DHS-3762. CPS conducted a criminal history check and central registry check for Angela and Samuel Miller with nothing found or located.

10/02/XXXX @ 00:00PM Successful Face to Face Contact – Preliminary Hearing A Preliminary Hearing was held at the 34th Circuit Court-Family Division. Mark Anderson participated via telephone conference from the MDOC. Sheryl James and Steven Miller were present at the hearing represented by counsel. The LGAL was present during the hearing. The petition filed by CPS was authorized and the children were ordered to remain in the care, custody, and supervision of DHS. The matter was scheduled for Pre-Trial.

10/02/XXXX@ 00:00 AM Successful Face to Face Contact - Sheryl James, Steven Miller A Family Team meeting was held to discuss the emergency removal of the children and concerns regarding the home of Sheryl James and Steven Miller. During the meeting, several relatives were identified for relative placement and were in attendance at the meeting. The status of the case was discussed at this time.

10. DISPOSITIONAL FINDINGS:

The facts and evidence support a preponderance of evidence of physical abuse and threatened harm of physical abuse against Sheryl James with William James being a victim of physical abuse and the other children being victims of threatened harm of physical abuse. The facts and evidence support a preponderance of evidence of failure to protect and threatened harm against Steven Miller with the victims being Melissa James, William James, and Amanda James. The facts and evidence support a preponderance of evidence of physical neglect against Mark Anderson with the victim being Amanda James. Training

William James suffered broken bones to his left rib cage. William reported to medical staff along with CPS and law enforcement during a Forensic Interview that he was hit with a softball bat by his mother due to not cleaning his room fast enough. William’s siblings, Melissa James and Amanda James, also reported that William was hit with a softball bat by their mother during Forensic Interviews. Sheryl James advised William hurt himself by falling of his bicycle. Dr. John Adams from Sparrow Hospital advised that the injuries were non-accident in nature and appeared to be as a result of being struck with a blunt object with significant force. Dr. Adams advised that the injuries were consistent with physical abuse. A copy of the medical examination that was conducted was obtained by CPS and can be located in the case record. Dr. Adams advised that William had no scrapes or scratches as would be expected if William had indeed fallen off his bike, although he did have several bruises on his arms, legs, and back which appeared to be of varying ages and stages of healing. Dr. Adams advised that based on the x-rays conducted on William’s torso support his medical findings.

William, Melissa, and Amanda all reported being hit with various objects including a softball bat, an extension cord, belt, hangers, and their mother’s fists. Melissa and William reported that they are fearful of their mother. Amanda reported she fears that her mother will hurt William and Melissa. All of the children reported that Steven Miller does not stop their mother from hitting them. Steven Miller denied that he or Sheryl hit the children, and further denied that Sheryl had hit

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Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614 William with a softball bat. Sheryl James and Steven Miller have minimized the severity of physical abuse in their home, therefore placing the children’s safety and well-being at imminent risk of harm. CPS and law enforcement was able to view the scene and took photos of the scene and specifically the softball bat that was utilized in the assault on William as described by him and the other children. Mark Anderson is currently incarcerated and will remain in prison for a significant number of years and is unable to provide legal care/custody of Amanda James.

A petition was filed by CPS with the 30th Circuit Court-Family Division and the JC-05 was received and the children were taken into protective custody and placed with relatives. The petition filed by CPS was authorized at the Preliminary Hearing and the matter has been set for Pre-Trial.

This case shall be opened as a Category I and remain open for administrative reasons, i.e., pending adjudication. The case has been transferred to Foster Care for oversight. The Risk Assessment was completed and scored as High. A Mandatory Override was utilized to raise the risk level to Intensive. Sheryl James, Steven Miller, and Mark Anderson shall be placed on Central Registry. CPS is required by the Michigan Child Protection Law and CPS Policy to request termination of parental rights at the Initial Dispositional Hearing therefore a Protective Services-Services Agreement will not be completed nor will services be offered at this time.

WORKER SIGNATURE AND DATE Disposition Date XX/XX/XXXX

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE AND DATE Disposition Review Date

CONFIDENTIAL “The confidentiality of information in this document is protected by the Michigan Child Protection Law. Anyone who violates this protection is guilty of a misdemeanor and is civilly liable for damages. (Act No. 238, Public Acts of 1975, as amended, being sections 722.621-722.636, Michigan Compiled Laws, Sections 7 and 13.)”

Department of Human Services (DHS) will not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, height, weight, marital status, political beliefs or disability. If you need help with reading, writing, hearing, etc., under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are invited to make your needs known to a DHS office in your area.

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Department of Human Services Foster Care James Scenario Office of Workforce Development and Training 0614