Psycho-social Evaluation #2

FMH/ PSY 520
Evaluation and Treatment of Court Involved Youth

Client Name: Jonathan Marsh

Date of Birth: February 11, 1997

Interviewer:

Date of Interview: March 11, 2012

Method of Interview:

Writer met with client, Jon Marsh, and his mother, Ms. Joanne Marsh, on March 11, 2012 to complete a court ordered clinical evaluation. Collateral and historical information was provided by the Saratoga County Departments of Probation and Social Services. No testing was administered at this time.

Identifying Information:

Jonathan (Jon) Marsh is a fifteen (15) year old Caucasian male, referred to this writer by Officer Joe Jones, of the Saratoga County Department of Probation. John’s referral comes following approximately two years of Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) and associated probation for chronic truancy and unruly, aggressive behavior in the home. Specifically, Jon has missed over thirty days of school this year and has been physically aggressive with his mother and siblings, recently causing injury to his brother, Chris Marsh (i.e., a black eye and fractured nose). Jon has recently been violated and is being considered for out of home placement by Saratoga County Department of Social Services. Saratoga County Family Court requested that this writer provide clinical/ diagnostic impressions, recommendations for level of care, and suggestions for further evaluation and treatment.

Family History:

Jon was born to parents Joanne and Jeff Marsh and is one of five children born to Ms. Marsh. Ms. Marsh stated that she divorced Mr. Marsh several years ago, after having three children together. Ms. Marsh has two additional adult children outside of her relationship with Mr. Marsh. These children are said to live out of state and were both the product of sexual assaults Ms. Marsh experienced as a young woman.

Jon shared that he was presently living with his mother and seventeen year old brother, Chris Marsh, in Saratoga, NY. His second brother, Brandon Marsh (age sixteen), lives with their father in Troy, NY. Jon indicated that he was raised by both parents and that his father had been extremely physically abusive of him, his brothers, and mother. Ms Marsh corroborated this and added that the police had been in the home “too often to count” and that Mr. Marsh had been arrested several times over the years.

Following the Marsh’s divorce, all three boys remained with their mother until September 2010, when she asked that they all go live with their father so that she could “get [herself] together” and address ongoing mental health concerns of her own. In September 2011, Jon and Chris returned to live with Ms. Marsh. Brandon continues to live with his father.

Jon was unwilling to describe the nature of his family relationships. Ms. Marsh suggested that he was “too protective of the family to say anything negative”. He was, however, able to say that staying with his father “sucked”. Ms. Marsh stated that all three brothers fought frequently and often frightened her. In fact, Ms. Marsh stated that she has had to call the police numerous times to intervene during fights between her three sons. Police were called again just a few weeks ago following a fight between Jon and Chris that resulted in Chris being injured and Jon being charged with assault.

Jon was unable to identify why the brothers fought so frequently, saying only that when his brothers “get on my nerves, I do something about it”. Ms. Marsh suggested that perhaps the boys were angry with her for leaving them with their father last year.

Educational History:

Jon shared that he had been enrolled in the Adult Learning Center (ALC) since September 2011 and was presently in the eighth grade. Prior to attending the ALC, Jon had been enrolled in the Troy (2010-2011) and Saratoga School (prior to 2010) Districts. Jon reported failing last year, due to poor attendance. John’s mother indicated that prior to the fourth grade, Jon had consistently been an “A student”, but then “just stopped going to school”. Ms. Marsh stated further that she “can never get him up and out to school”. This coincidentally began around the time when Mr. and Mrs. Marsh divorced. When asked what Jon did all day, he replied “stay home, watch TV, be alone, and play video games.”

Both Jon and his mother denied any pattern of school misbehavior other than truancy. Records indicated that Jon had in fact been written up for numerous acts of disobedience, clowning, and unruly, aggressive behavior in class. Records also noted that he missed eighty nine days throughout the ’10-’11 school year, which resulted in his failing the year. When asked about his potential and performance in school, Jon indicated that he feels he could do the work, but frequently feels unable to focus on the lesson and is easily distracted by peers. Jon does not appear to be classified for special education services and struck this writer as being of average intelligence.

Social History:

Jon stated the while he knows “lots of people” he prefers to stay to himself and spend his free time alone. He was initially unable to identify any hobbies or interests, stating further that “nothing is fun anymore”. With prompting from his mother, Jon later shared that he used to enjoy music, football, and reading. Ms. Marsh noted a significant reduction in John’s energy level and interest in most things over the last few months.

Legal History:

John’s instant offense (i.e., assault of his brother, Chris) represents his first formal and documented charge. He has, however, been on PINS and probation specific to his truancy for roughly two years. His current Probation Officer, Joe Jones, indicated that Jon is a “good kid” who seems potentially responsive to structure and routine, but “gets none of this in the home”. Officer Jones stated further that Jon is frequently sitting at home, alone, when he performs routine home visits.

Ms. Marsh stated that she has had no history of legal/ police involvement, but Mr. Marsh had (according to her) been arrested and involved with Child Protective Services several times throughout the years for his abuse of her and the children. He is also said to have been charged at least once for drug possession. Available probation records seemed to confirm Ms. Marsh’s assertions.

Substance Abuse History:

Jon shared that he tried alcohol once, with friends. He denied any continued use. Jon also denied any use of nicotine, marijuana, or other substances. Ms. Marsh agreed, saying that she has never had any suspicion that Jon was using drugs. Probation reports confirmed this.

Mr. Marsh is said to have had an extensive drug and alcohol problem with several related legal charges. Mr. Marsh’s present legal status and drug usage is unknown, but Ms. Marsh indicated that he had been in treatment once before. She added further the “he is probably still using”. Jon was not willing to respond the statement made by his mother or comment on his own experience of his father’s drug/ alcohol use while living there.

Medical History:

Jon denied any chronic medical issues and is not taking any medication. He has no known allergies and believed his immunizations to be up to date. Ms. Marsh stated that Jon frequently complains of headaches and stomachaches and that her family has a history of intestinal problems and cancer. Jon said that he had been evaluated and cleared of any specific medical ailment. Jon did report needing glasses, but stated that he refuses to wear them.

Mental Health/ Previous Treatment:

Jon initially denied having any previous treatment, but was reminded that he had participated in family therapy a few years ago to address aggression problems that his older brother was exhibiting. Jon went on to say that these meetings were “boring” and “a waste of time”. Upon further discussion, Jon also shared that he had been previously referred to a therapist by his Probation Officer at Saratoga County Mental Health. Jon refused to attend beyond three sessions and cited “boredom” as his reason for stopping. Ms. Marsh indicated that she was unable to get him to continue. Jon denied ever being prescribed any psychotropic medication.

When asked how treatment might be helpful for him now, Jon shrugged and stated that he did not feel that he needed counseling. Ms. Marsh indicated that she would like to Jon “work on his anger”.

Ms. Marsh indicated that she was in treatment for Depression and trauma related to her own exposure to domestic violence and sexual abuse. She stated further that the family had a significant history of mood disturbance and substance abuse. In fact, it was Ms. Marsh’s depressive symptoms that required intensive attention when she asked the boys to live with their father last year.

Summary and Recommendations:

Respectfully submitted by,

Your name here,
Student, FMH/ PSY 520