case study

 case study attached 

This assignment is worth 30 points each. All case studies must include or address the following:

• Thorough synopsis/summary of the case based on the questions at the end
• Clearly present solution strategy/idea on how to correct or address key issue 
• Reflection: your personal thoughts on the case, issue, or experiences with similar students/situation
• Case Study Responses should be double-spaced 
• Any citations and references need to follow APA rules for formatting. 
• Use language, spelling, grammar, mechanics commensurate with graduate level coursework. 
• Citations and references are not required for this assignment. You are free to include outside works and are encouraged to do so, if you include outside sources, or quote any materials, you must use APA format for those citations and references

CaseStudy #2 (Allen)

Allen is a 6
th

grade student. He was labelled “ED”, and was being placed at an Alternative

School following an incident where he started a trash can on fire in the school parking lot. Allen

resided with his grandmother, older sister, and 2 younger brothers. Grandma was in her 60s, and

also receiving chemotherapy treatment. Allen would eventually share that his father was in

prison, and he has not seen his mom since his youngest brother, Jo’Marin, was born. He is now 7

years old.

Allen presents as a complicated student, academically he is at or above grade level with the

exception of writing. His writing abilities, both the formation/production of writing as well as

spelling, grammar and mechanics is significantly below grade level. His writing skills are closer

to 1
st
-2

nd
grade. He receives services under ED, he has a BIP and FBA that includes breaks,

access to preferred activities, and clear routines/expectations. Given legal and educational

placements, the movement to the alternative school represents the 4
th

change of placement in 18

months.

Allen is seeing an outside counselor, but grandma reports he doesn’t talk much to them or share.

You learned that Allen’s mother used drugs, and therefore Jo’Marin was born exposed to drugs

and had to be in the NICU for several weeks. While hospitalized mom left and did not come

back. Allen and his older sister had several difficult experiences as kids, and his mother would

leave them with friends or neighbors for extended periods of time. They lived out of a car for a

few months. Allen was also placed in temporary care of the state twice due to his mother being

arrested. Grandma becomes very upset when talking about Allen’s mother, and makes statements

like “I raised her better than that.” The location of Allen’s mother is unknown, but parental rights

are in the process of being severed. Grandma has custodial care of Allen and his brother. Legally

they are in the care of the state and his CPS case manager has the full parental authority.

Allen is quick to anger, but his triggers vary day to day. He is often described as aggressive and

violent but has never directly hit any staff or peer, but he does knock over furniture and throw

items. His pattern is to become upset, angry, threaten violence, throw materials and then start

crying. He runs away but doesn’t leave the campus, he has been found hiding in different

locations. He interacts with peers but doesn’t really have any friends, he has been in trouble for

bullying and theft of other student’s belongings.

Allen’s older sister, Teresa, does not live with him or grandma. She is almost 17 years old, and

she lives with friends or her boyfriend, and has been detained for car theft. Allen will not discuss

her at all, but when she is mentioned or has been in the past, his reaction ranges very defensive

and aggressive or no response while shutting down.

He has inconsistent relationships with staff on campus, some days he is responsive and positive

and others very negative and verbally aggressive to them. Similarly, the interventions tried have

been met with limited success. Items that are highly motivating for Allen one day may change

the next day where he shows no interest. His grandmother describes Allen as a “troubled child”

and he reminds her a great deal of his father. Grandma has also made statements that “Allen

should be in a classroom by himself. I am worried he is really going to hurt someone, one day.”

She has also expressed concerns for her safety and the safety of his little brother. She is very

honest and states that she wants to take care of the boys, but also indicates Allen is difficult and

her health is in question.

Allen was detained for 16 days for evaluation at the last hearing which took place March 2nd.

The judge was interviewing Allen and when he began to ask about his mother, questioned where

he could live, and shared the options that existed including foster care, a group home, or

residential center, Allen began yelling and threatening the judge. Even after the judge and officer

tried to calm Allen, he continued to threaten the judge verbally, grabbed a pen and made motions

like he was going to stab the judge and officer.

The judge ordered a full psychiatric evaluation and observational placement. The evaluation

completed at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and lasted 4 days in the behavioral unit before he

was moved to a residential facility for 12 days. Allen was diagnosed with a Major Depressive

Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and though not

diagnosed the evaluation mentioned early exposure to trauma, abandonment and narcotics as

related factors. Grandma shared a copy of the evaluation with the school, and notes they have to

go back to court each month to check in with the judge, CPS, the counselor along with monthly

check-ins with the doctor at Phoenix Children’s Hospital who is looking at medications for

Allen. However, due to thevcourt ordered hold, spring break, and doctor’s appointments it is now

the end of March, and the team is meeting to explore how to support Allen.

1. Provide a synopsis of what you believe to be important about Allen, a summary of the
case?

2. What would you do you support Allen through the end of the year?
3. What supports could you provide him and/or his family to be successful in the future? 4.
4. What skills would you target for Allen, what techniques would you try?
5. Personal thoughts on the case, issue, or experiences with similar students/situations