Case Study: Susie and Stephen Smith

The Smith family has been attending the childcare where you work for several years now. Their son, Stephen, 11 years old, is in the afterschool program. Their daughter Susie, 4 years old, is in the preschool program.

You know both children well as you work in the preschool program until 3 pm, at which time you transition to the school-age program during after-school care.

Last Friday, Mom arrived to drop Susie in the program and told you that she has a "restraining order" against her husband and he is not allowed to come anywhere near her or the children unless accompanied by a social worker and it must be a scheduled visit. She provided a copy of the order for the children's files.

Later Friday afternoon, you noticed that Stephen was unusually aggressive with peers and at times disrespectful with staff, not at all like his usual calm self. When you questioned him about how he was feeling, he told you, "I'm a bit upset right now, my family is falling apart!" When you engaged him in private conversation, he told you that the police were called to his home as his father was "beating the crap out of his mother".

Today is Monday and Susie arrives with Mom. When mom tries to leave, Susie begins crying and says, "I don't want you to go, I'm going to miss you" and Mom tells you, "I really have to go, I'm already late for work, we have had a very difficult morning!"

Susie is usually happy and calm but today is having trouble separating from Mom.

As you reach to take Susie from Mom, who is pushing Susie in your direction, you notice Mom's arm is black and blue and there is a cut that is covered with a large band-aid and there is blood coming through.

You ask Mom if she needs a new band-aid and she quickly answers, "no it's fine, it's a little thing!"

Susie cries for quite some time after Mom leaves and as you try to reassure her, she tells you, "I'm sad, I don't want my mommy to die!" You tell her, "Mommy will be back to get you later after work!"

For the entire time you are outside in the playground, Susie is stuck to your side and won't let go of your hand. You try to encourage her to play with the other children and even try to engage her in a small group playing with bikes, but she won't let go of your hand. Susie usually has no trouble finding friends to play with.

Once you return indoors, Susie sits on your lap during circle and as you read a story. After a discussion about what makes the preschoolers happy develops. One little girl tells everyone, she is "happy that her daddy is home from his work from China". Suddenly, Susie bursts into tears and tells everyone, "I'm sad that my daddy is home, he hurts my Mommy! He made her cry today!" Susie is crying so loud that you ask your co-worker to take over with another book and then remove Susie from the circle to spend time alone supporting her.

Using the case study, explain FULLY how you would respond as the educator in the situation. Include whom you WOULD and WOULD NOT speak with.