CASA Report to the Superior Court of New Jersey - Monmouth Vicinage

CASE NAME: T/M CASE No.: XXXXXXXXXXXX

Minor Child: AT (DOB: 10/16)

REVIEW DATE: 2017 REPORT DATE: 2017

CASA Volunteer: Veronica L. Trathen

Peer Coordinator: Andrea M
Case Coordinator: Lynn G

CONTACTS: Telephone In-Person Written

AT, Minor Child X
Ms. LT, Biological Mother X
Mrs. F, Resource Parent X X
Ms. M, Adoption Unit Caseworker X

BACKGROUND: At the birth of AT born on 10/16 at Riverview Medical Center, it was reported to
DCP&P that A tested positive for drugs. A biological parents are Ms. LT, age 27 and Mr. JM, age 27. The
medical staff at Riverview Medical Center reported the screening along with suspected drug activity by both
parents at the Hospital. Upon discharge, A was placed in her grandmothers care, Mrs. KT, with the
understanding that Ms. LT does not reside in the same home as A. When DCP&P suspected A maybe at risk
because Mrs. KT was allowing Ms. LT to stay at the home, the court ordered Ms. LT to be removed from the
home in order for A to remain with her grandmother. Visitation for both parents was ordered to be held in a
community site with A. It was reported that Mrs. KT was not complying with the court order and continuing
to allow Ms. LT to remain living in her home. It was at this time that DCP&P moved A to a Resource Home
with Ms. Q, with visitation occurring at the DCP&P office. Mr. Ms involvement has been inconsistent. Ms.
LT was visiting consistently with A along with her mother just prior to the last court date. CASA was
assigned to this case on 3/2/16.

CURRENT STATUS: This CASA has visited with A regularly in the resource home of Mrs. F and she is
doing very well. Ms. LT and this CASA continue to play phone tag and communication is inconsistent. Mr.
M is incarcerated at this time. CASA has had no contact with Mr. M since the last court date. This case has
been referred to the Adoption Unit and CASA has been in contact with the new case worker, Ms. M.

MEDICAL: A recently had her 15-month appointment. She is a very happy and healthy little girl. She is
meeting all her milestones. A now has a full set of teeth and it has been recommended by the pediatrician
she goes to the dentist, the resource family will be scheduling this. A will be going back to the eye doctor for
continued treatment of her right eye as previously noted. A has had drops once a month for the last four
months and though its improved it is still not 100%.

AT, MINOR CHILD: This CASA has visited with A monthly since the last court date. A is doing
wonderfully. She is walking and attempting to talk. She was not shy and quick to want to play with CASA
at each visit. She is a great eater and willing to try anything. A is sleeping through the night. She is
currently being taken off the bottle which has been a little tough of a transition. She is always smiling and is
very active. This CASA has no concerns for A developmentally or emotionally. CASA believes A is being
well taken care of in this current placement.

MR. JM, BIOLOGICAL FATHER: CASA has been informed by the Adoption Unit that Mr. M is
currently incarcerated and has been since early January.
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MS. LT, BIOLOGICAL MOTHER: This CASA and Ms. LT spoke on 2/7/17. She indicated that she has
moved into her new apartment. She has a new IOP evaluation scheduled and told this CASA she was unsure
of the date. Ms. LT claimed she has not been able to complete the urinary screenings prior to her visits with
A because she has a long standing bladder issue. Ms. LT said she could not go back to take the urine
screening within 24 hours because it is too far from her home. CASA expressed her concern for her lack of
compliance in the screenings and Ms. LT was adamant that she was following the court order. .

Ms. LT said her visits were cut from 2 to 1. She indicated that she cannot work because of a previous back
injury so she is looking to apply for disability. When CASA asked how she was supporting herself, she said
though funds she received in a law suit. Ms. LT recently changed lawyers again but did not have the
information on hand. Ms. LT is hoping that A will be returned to her mother and she was unsure of the
status of Mr. Ms sister as a potential placement option at this time. Ms. LT continues to state that she is
trying to comply with the court order, and stated she has requested parenting classes. Ms. LT said she would
sign a release with the IOP and would be drug tested prior to court. This CASA does not feel that Ms. LT
understands the gravity of the situation.

MRS. F, RESOURCE PARENT: This CASA has no concerns for A under the care of Mrs. F. This CASA
has witnessed a warm home environment filled with enjoyment, affection and security for A. A is very
attached to this family. A is very much a part of their entire family. They have expressed interest in
Adoption. They do have a vacation planned in April in which A is scheduled to attend.

MS. M, ADOPTION UNIT CASEWORKER: This was the first contact CASA had with the Adoption
Unit since the last court date. We updated each other on the details of the case to date. Ms. M updated
CASA that Mr. Ms sister is still being explored as a possible placement for A. She also indicated speaking
with the resource family and their interest in adoption. Ms. M confirmed that Mr. M is currently
incarcerated.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. That, Ms. LT and Mr. M comply with court orders as previously ordered.
2. That, A remain in the Resource Home of Mrs. F while all options are explored for any existing relatives
deemed suitable with consideration to the Resource Family.
3. That, the Resource Family also be considered as an option for Adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

Veronica L Trathen
Court Appointed Special Advocate