Timothy’s Story: Part 5

Based on what you learned in this lesson and throughout this course, write a different ending for Timothy. At each critical point in Timothy’s story, think about what could have happened to change the family’s trajectory. For each critical point in Timothy’s story below, describe the resources, supports, or conversations that might have made a difference for him and his family.

  1. March 3- Timothy is born to Candice and Trevor. Candice gives birth in her hometown in the U.S. Trevor is stationed in Europe and separated from the family.
    • Support group for new parents
    • Support group for parents separated from their partners
    • Tips for both parents to build secure, attached relationships with Timothy
    • Counseling or support groups to help Candice deal with the stress of the birth, single parenting, and the move
    • New Parent Support Group or support as part of prenatal care
  2. July 5- Candice and Timothy board a plane and join Trevor on the installation. The family is reunited.
    • Counseling or support group for the family focused on communication and relationship-building after separation
    • Home visiting or parent education programs focused on preventing abuse and neglect (i.e., how to soothe infants, dealing with stress)
  3. July 15- Trevor begins bringing Timothy to the CDC.
    • The center staff might have asked questions about Candice and made persistent efforts to get to know the family.
  4. July 23- Candice makes an appointment for Timothy at the pediatrician’s office. He has been crying more than he did before they moved. Something just does not seem right to her, and she is worried that he is ill.
    • New Parent Support Program might have helped the family recognize and deal with stressors.
    • Integrated systems might have let medical professionals know the family was experiencing multiple stressors (relocation, reunification, young infant) and screened Candice for stress or depression.
  5. Aug 12- Candice makes a second appointment for Timothy at the pediatrician’s office. She continues to be concerned about how much he is crying—especially when touched. She saw her husband shaking the baby, but did not associate the shaking with her son’s symptoms.
    • When Candice saw Trevor shaking the baby, she could have reached out for supports. Her decision-making might have been affected by the abuse she was experiencing within the relationship.
    • The doctors might have done a more thorough examination, but it can be difficult to detect broken bones in young infants.
  6. Aug 16- Candice comes home from a short errand and hears Timothy screaming. She discovers a large, severe burn across his shoulders. Trevor tells her that Timothy got burned in the bath.
    • A report could have been made at this time. Candice could have reached out to FAP for support.
  7. Aug 19-23——从CDC盖缺席一周。在那里is no explanation.
    • It is possible the CDC could have gone to greater lengths to check on the family, but their response was reasonable.
  8. Aug 26- Timothy returns to the CDC. He cries uncontrollably like he is in pain. Beckett discovers the burns on his shoulders. Beckett calls FAP and makes a report.
    • The CDC staff did the right thing.
  9. Aug 27- Candice takes Timothy to the pediatrician for his regularly scheduled immunizations and well-baby check-up. The doctors notice the burns. The doctors call FAP and make a report.
    • The pediatrician did the right thing.
  10. Aug 29- FAP conducts interviews with both parents and make a home visit. The Incident Determination Committee meets. Plans are developed to support the family.
    • FAP took the case and began their work. They did the right thing. A series of events was set in motion that could save a life.