This African American family consists of the 53 year-old maternal grandmother, Mary; her 32year old daughter, Susan; Susan’s 15year old son, Jason; her 9 and 5 year old
sons; her 43 year old companion, Stanley; and Stanley’s 2 daughters, aged 13 and 18. Mary is a retired corrections officer. She receives $6400.00/month in pension benefits and an undisclosed amount from disability. Mary has diabetes and high blood pressure and takes medication for the condition. Mary was granted legal guardianship of Jason in December 1992, when Susan was 17-years old. It was documented that Susan and Jason’s father signed over guardianship to Mary, so that Jason could be covered by her medical insurance. Since that time, Jason has alternated between living with Susan andwith Mary. Susan moved to Chicago while Mary continues to reside in NY. Jason’s father is deceased; the cause of death was not mentioned. In the summer of 2006, Jason asked to live with Mary and has resided with her ever since. Susan filed a petition in June 2007 for modification of guardianship that was awarded to Mary in 1992, but the case was dismissed because she failed to appear in court. In September 2007, she filed another petition regarding the matter of guardianship; the judge requested that ACS submit a COI (Court Ordered Investigation) by October 21, 2007.
A courtesy visit to Susan’s home was conducted by Illinois Child Protective Services due to the COI request. Susan resides in Chicago suburb with Stanley, her two other sons and Stanley’s two children. They live in a two-story home with three bedrooms. The home was equipped with carbon monoxide/smoke detectors however there were no window guards. Susan works at a grocery store and earns $650.00/bi-weekly. works at a hardware store and earns $800.00/bi-weekly. Stanley has a criminal background. During 1984-1989, he was arrested for attempted robbery, resisting arrest and possession of stolen property. He was imprisoned in 1989 and paroled in 1992.
Mary and Jason reside in 3-story private home in Upper Manhattan. The living room and kitchen are on the first floor. The worker observed food in the refrigerator. The family room Jason’s bedroom, bathroom and laundry room are located on the second floor. Jason’s room is equipped with a full size bed, dresser, desk and closet. Mary lives on the third floor, which has an office, bathroom and bedroom. The home, which is well kept and neat, is equipped with a smoke/carbon monoxide detector.
Jason is dark-skinned, slightly overweight, average height, and has a short haircut. He began a new Catholic high school this month. Mary pays the tuition for his school. He was reportedly left back in the 6th grade while residing with his mother due to excessive absences. Jason is active in sports and plays baseball. This past summer he participated in baseball camp, karate class and weight training. In addition, he attended tutoring for math and English, once a week. The CPS worker observed that he was free from marks and bruises. Reportedly, he has had no developmental delays or
disabilities, and no mental health needs.