Case Study: Hennepin County Child Protection

Reason Case was accepted for investigation:

On 5/17/17, Hennepin County Child Protection accepted a report of alleged neglect and inadequate supervision of Miguel by his mother Estefania Perez-Gonzalez. Per reporter on 4/28/17 Miguel was left alone after school while his mother was picking up his brother, Gonzalo from school. Per reporter states that Miguel got home from school and his mother was not there and once reporter showed up, they waited an additional15 minutes before mother got home. Per reporter Miguel has autism and is not developmentally capable of caring for himself alone.

The outcome of the Assessment:

This worker met with Ms. Estefania at her home and her two children Miguel and Ganzalo were present. Ms. Estefania appeared

Ms. Estefania stated that she does not know anyone in the building and there is no family support. She reported that she has her mother who lives at Apple Valley MN however, their relationship is strained. Ms. Estefania stated that she has a child care for her younger child Ganzalo in Minneapolis but not with Miguel. Ms. Estefania stated that she will talk to her supervisor about changing her morning schedule to earlier schedule. This writer encouraged Ms. Estefania either leave home little earlier in the morning or finding someone to watch her son while she is at work. This worker discussed about safety concerns for her son Miguel and that he has autism and is not developmentally capable of caring for himself and requires adult supervision in all

Estefania agreed and stated that she will try to leave early at work since she does not have any other support at this time. She stated that she cares about her children and their safety. She reported that she will either come home earlier or find outside babysitter. She reported that she will talk to her on going case worker regarding childcare.

This writer asked Ms. Estefania about her own drinking. Ms. Estefania stated that she does not drink or use drugs. She denied childhood abuse, neglect and mental health. Ms. Estefania was asked about discipline techniques in the home and she stated that she used to hit Miguel on his butt area. She stated that she stopped and does not use any physical discipline. She reported that she communicates with him or takes away his games or phone. She denied the use of physical discipline. She reported no other concerns at home or school.

*Ms. Estefania stated that Miguel’s father is deported to Mexico and that they do not communicate with him. (Edgar Lozano Montano (DOB: 09/29/1989) is the father of her oldest child, Miguel Lozano Perez). She also agreed that Edgar Chavez (DOB: 03/04/1989) is the father of her youngest child, Gonzalo Chavez Perez (DOB: 06/10/2014) and that he had signed a ROP.

Ganzalo