Day 6 of Asher's Journey

Part 2 - Assessment Day Details

Here are the remaining details of what a child experiences during their actual assessment day at the Amani Center.

Tomorrow's email will share what's happening internally during that day, as well as report some initial findings from follow up medical referrals. A lot happens in this short timeframe.

ASSESSMENT DAY DETAILS

MEDICAL EXAM

Asher goes with Medical Provider Jennifer and Forensic Interviewer Terri into the exam room. Asher enjoys the fun sheets on the bed and joking with Jennifer about how tall they are.

During the head to toe examination Asher gets more and more comfortable with the assessment team and begins to share more information.

Asher explains the details of what happened the morning their shoulder got hurt. Jennifer notes some swelling and photographs the shoulder. In checking Asher’s range of motion there is notable limitation. Jennifer checks Asher’s teeth and eyes and lets Asher listen to the sound of their own heart. Jennifer answers Asher’s questions about a mole on their leg and helps Asher talk about parts of their body that have been injured in the past.

The team learns that one time during an argument between Mom and Dad, Asher tried to step in and got their foot stepped on. Another time Dad slammed the door and it caught Asher’s fingers.

FORENSIC INTERVIEW

Once they are done with the Medical Exam, Terri and Asher go into the forensic interview room and Asher settles in. Terri and Asher are coloring. Terri is warm and talks to Asher about their interests and life and little by little Asher begins to tell their story.

Asher discloses all the details of physical abuse, witnessing domestic violence, emotional abuse, struggles accessing food due to Dad’s anger, not being able to sleep at night out of fear and being tired, and struggling at school.

Asher asks for another snack and Terri steps out of the room to go get some options. She steps into the observation room to check in with Medical Provider Jennifer, Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services who have been watching the interview. They ask Terri to follow up on a few topics and get some clarifying information as she gathers some snack options to bring to Asher.

SUPPORT FOR MOM

When Asher went back with the Assessment Team, Victim Advocate Alexa began to meet with Mom. Alexa talked with Mom about how she was doing, shared information about the investigative process and child welfare systems and answered Mom's questions.

Alexa talks with Mom about her life and asks if she has supportive people. Mom identifies the family friend who is a safety service provider, but notes that her connections are limited. She struggles with feeling isolated. Alexa tells mom about a local parenting group and provides her some information about local counseling options and offers to make referrals if needed.

Alexa talks to mom about how to support Asher after the assessment. She shares that Asher might be tired, may have extra energy and behaviors, or that Asher could be emotional but that not all kids are. After talking for a while Alexa gives mom a break to rest and goes to check on the progress of the assessment.

While checking in on the assessment team, Alexa is informed that Asher is making disclosures that are concerning for significant domestic violence and that the team has safety concerns for Mom.

Alexa knows that when Kimmy initially spoke with Mom about SAFE of Columbia County that Mom was dismissive but decides to offer the referral again.

Alexa sits with Mom and talks some more and expresses that the team has concerns for Mom’s safety. Alexa explains what SAFE does. They have confidential advocates that are able to provide support and offer resources and information, as well as safety planning. Mom is reluctant, she is fearful of what might happen, but she agrees to sign a release to allow Alexa to call SAFE of Columbia County to make a referral.

Alexa steps aside to call SAFE and speaks with confidential advocate Janelle. Janelle offers to come down the street from her office to meet with Mom and is at the Amani Center office in under 5 minutes. Alexa gives Janelle and Mom private time to speak so that Mom can get the support she needs for her and Asher’s safety.

FINISHING ASSESSMENT DAY

When Asher is done with the interview, Terri brings Asher back out to Mom. They have both had a tough challenge, talking about what has been happening at home, but they hug each other and both feel a sense of comfort and relief. It isn’t a secret any more.

Asher begins to play with the toys again and the assessment team debriefs with Mom privately and provides information on what they found during the Interview and Medical Exam. Medical Provider Jennifer lets Mom know that she has concerns for Asher’s shoulder and lets Mom know that she will order X-rays. Mom is worried about how hurt Asher might be and quickly agrees to the x-rays.

Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services make a plan to follow up with Mom and to interview Dad. They meet privately with Mom and express concern for her safety and are relieved to hear that she has been connected with SAFE and is going to get support. Child Protective Services lets Mom know that given the disclosures made by Asher, they are leaving the Safety Plan in place and would like Mom and Asher to continue to stay with the family friend until they complete their investigation.

Before Asher leaves the center, the Assessment team presents Asher with a hand made quilt from a local donor/volunteer who made or provided the quilt with love and care. Asher is comforted by the blanket and hugs it close.

Asher asks when they get to come back to see everyone again. While the team says “Any time!” aloud, in their heads they are thinking, "We hope with all our hearts you never have a need to come here again."

We are grateful for all types of support (in-kind, material or financial contributions).

If you are wondering how you can help the most, financial contributions allow us to address the most pressing needs of our organization in the most efficient ways.

For more information on how to donate, click the "Support our Services for Asher" button above.

To learn more, email Beth or Amelia at info@amanicenter.org.

If you have questions about our program, please don't hesitate to reach out to Beth or Amelia at info@amanicenter.org. We are happy to discuss what the Amani Center does for the children in our community.