Maternal grandmother, Mrs. Dees, called DHR on a Friday at 5:00 p.m. to request an investigation of her son-in-law’s home. Mrs. Dees believes her granddaughter and grandson are being abused by their father. Grandson, Andy, is 17 and grand-daughter, Joy, is 14. Their mother (her daughter) is deceased. Mrs. Dees reported her grandchildren spend one weekend a month in her home. They are currently with her, and she saw bruises on Joy’s arms and legs. She is also concerned that Andy has bruises; however, he is wearing a long sleeved shirt and pants and will not allow her to look. Joy and Andy will not discuss what caused the bruises. Andy said his father did get upset with him and with Joy but would not say anything further. Mrs. Dees did not want to send the children back home on Sunday afternoon. She said her son-in-law had developed a serious temper, and she is afraid he has begun to abuse the children. She said since her daughter died earlier this year, Andrew 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 on-call worker made a visit to Mrs. Dees’ home. She met with Mrs. Dees, Andy and Joy. Joy was crying and refused to speak. Andy would only say his father’s temper has gotten worse since Dora’s death. The worker observed several marks on Joy’s arms and legs: two round shaped marks about 1 ½ inch in diameter on either side of her left upper arm and three marks on the back of her right calf, each about two inches in length and ½ inch in width. The worker said “You have several bruises, Joy. Can you tell me how you got them?” Joy cried harder and did not respond. The worker said, “Sometimes I talk with teenagers 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.” Joy continued to bow her head and cry. Andy said “Look, just please stop asking questions; we can handle it and you’re just going to make things worse.” The 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 that is so for your family?” The children did not comment. Mrs. Dees tried to get her grandchildren to discuss their home life but they continued to remain silent. Andy refused to show the worker his arms or legs.
The on-call worker spoke with her supervisor and concluded the children needed to stay with Mrs. Dees until the father could be interviewed. The on-call worker instructed Mrs. Dees to contact her immediately if Andrew called or came to pick up the children. Mrs. Dees stated she does not hear from Andrew when she has the children, and he does not respond when she calls. Mrs. Dees 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. Dees, the on-call worker tried calling the father at his home but received no answer. The on-call worker called Andrew’s cell phone number provided by Mrs. Dees. There was no answer, and the worker left multiple messages on the voice mail. The worker continued to attempt contact with Andrew over the weekend..