The Three Italian Foster Kids 6hyw

The Three Italian Foster Kids

Donald Rilla

Copyright © 2012 by Donald Rilla.

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-4797-1582-4 Ebook 978-1-4797-1583-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. This story was developed by the author and is not an accurate of any specific family, but gleaned from several sources. Names and characters are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Some of the incidents did occur and the places are set to offer authenticity to the story. Any information referred to in the ‘Record’ or Juvenile Court testimony is purely fictional. Any resemblances to any actual person, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Donald Rilla, Author

A social worker has to stabilize three Italian foster kids over the objections and undermining by the grandparents, and in the process earns their respect.

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Contents

1 Children’s Services

2 Grandfather’s Request

3 Visit to the Family Home

4 Devereux Visit-Attempted Runaway

5 Christmas Visit, Rooftop Scene

6 Juvenile Court

7 Al’s Acting Out

8 Al’s Juvenile Court Hearing

9 Tony’s Dilemma

10 Prologue

AUTHOR’S NOTES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dedication

To my Italian Heritage, in which I would not have been successful in being accepted by the ‘familia’. Knowing how to work with diverse ethnic, religious, cultural and racial groups is what makes a good Social Worker in spite of the Bureaucracy which can impede the development of family unity in order to give one a sense of belonging. Ciao.

CHAPTER 1

Children’s Services

T HE COOL AUTUMN air was refreshing after the hot summer months in New Haven, CT as Doug Roberts wove his way up the steps to the second floor of the Children’s Services Unit for the State of Connecticut. His first social work position after graduation from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst was to supervise foster children placed in institutions, foster care, or in their biological homes after returning to the family unit. Doug’s caseload consisted of 90 children ranging in age from a few months old to age 21. As a male social worker, Doug’s caseload consisted primarily of adolescent males reacting not only to their placements away from their biological families, but in the throws of pure adolescences that all teens go through. He had been on the job for a few months and still possessed the enthusiasm and desire to help children stabilize and adapt until such time as they were ready to return home or be on their own. Doug’s desk was one of six facing each other, arranged in groups associated with one Unit with Bob Donahue supervising approximately 550 cases. The office itself was comprised of 200 social workers in a large open area with the noise level reverberating off of the cement walls. The windows possessed no curtains to muffle the sounds as blinds were the only source of light control pouring through the windows. In the center of the open space were desks arranged in several long rows from one end of the building to the next. Along the perimeter were cubicles assigned to the supervisory staff. The records were kept in another section of the office complex with individual records signed out to workers and kept track of. Doug had spent the majority of his first two months reading records and responding to crisis, dictated by the ‘squeaky wheel gets the grease’ statement. For a while, Doug was reacting to a ‘steady state of chaos’. He commented to a colleague that it was “baptism by fire”. The office was tucked away in a quiet residential area off Bassett St. about a mile from the downtown area. Tensions were high in the city following the race riots during the summer in which many buildings were torched and whole blocks

were destroyed. Some of the commercial buildings were ravaged or windows broken instilling fear into shoppers who frequented the downtown shops or night clubs and restaurants. Yale University was only a few blocks away from the downtown area and protected by wrought iron gates locked at night with security patrolling the area. The blighted area destroyed by the fires and riot areas was a two block strip between the downtown shops off of Church and Chapel St. and Yale New Haven Hospital buildings stretching about ten blocks. Staff was warned not to drive into the inner city neighborhoods, especially after dark for fear of assaults even if you were driving one of the black State vehicles with the State of Connecticut emblem pasted on the side of the car. Doug likened this to the letter ‘A’ pasted on the forehead of a young woman in the book, ‘The Scarlett Letter’. It didn’t matter if you were black or white, male or female. You ran the risk of personal attack. The only parts of the city not touched were in the West Rock area where Doug rented a third floor apartment or in the ‘Little Italy’ section off lower Chapel St. just east of the downtown section on Wooster St. No one dared to tangle with the Italians who were fiercely protective of their ten block square area. One of the elementary schools was located in the center of ‘Little Italy’ with a Catholic Church, St. Michael’s, the center of their faith. Each year, a festival was held to raise money for their worthwhile projects. There were also some great restaurants in this section of the city, including Pepe’s Pizza, Sally’s Pizza, Lucibello’s Pastry and Consiglio’s Restaurant.

CHAPTER 2

Grandfather’s Request

“D OUG, CAN I see you a minute,” requested Bob Donahue, Doug’s supervisor. They both walked to Bob’s office. “Antonio Esposito, grandfather of his three grandkids wants to have his grandson Phil visit at his home. Phil was placed at Devereux in Pennsylvania, a residential facility about nine months ago. They have some strict policies about visitation so you may have to speak with the social worker there. His name is in the record. Mr. Esposito didn’t know who the worker was so I told him to expect your phone call. I assume you haven’t met the other two brothers at home. Have you read the record yet?” Doug replied, “Not yet. I’ve been too busy with the other emergency phone calls and visits to some of the other kids and foster parents.” “I told Mr. Esposito that you would give him a call back today. Introduce yourself, find out exactly what he wants and then call Devereux. Oh, by the way, we have our first softball practice tomorrow with a game after work next Monday with the Middletown Office. Loser’s buy,” as Bob smiled with high hopes of a winning season. Doug phoned Mr. Esposito. “Pronto,” he said. “mi scusi. Hello?” Mr. Esposito said in a heavy Italian accent. “Mr. Esposito?” Doug inquired. “Dis is Antonio Esposito. Who’sa dis?” “I’m Doug Roberts, the new social worker for Children’s Services. You spoke with my supervisor, Bob Donahue this morning. How can I help you?” “I wanna see Filipe, mia grandson. He’sa at da Devereux Schoola ina Pennsylvania. I’a sea himma Christmas time. I’a missa him. He’sa call anna saya

hea wanna comma homa.” “I haven’t met Phil or his two brothers Tony or Al yet. Let me give the social worker at Devereux a call and get back to you. It may not be till tomorrow as the social worker may be out.” “I’a understand. Calla me tomorrow. Tanka you.” They both hung up the phone. Doug couldn’t help but smile at the broken English as his mother was third generation Italian and he ed as a child going to weddings of his relatives whose uncles spoke fluent Italian and occasionally threw in a few English words to carry the conversation to other non-Italians at the table. He ed with fondness the polkas and Tarantella dances, and the vino and Grappa consumed. The wedding fiesta got louder and louder as more alcohol was consumed and the tingling of the glasses was more frequent signaling that the blissful couple should kiss, again and again. The newlyweds barely had time to eat one bite before the next tingling of the glass resumed. It got louder and louder until they did kiss. You couldn’t ignore the ‘request’. Doug made a phone call to social worker, Carl Evans at the Devereux School. He was out of the office until the morning, but Doug left a message. Doug took the opportunity to read the record. According to the Juvenile Record, “Antonio, Jr. and Maria (Rizzi) Esposito were married in 1954 in New Haven, CT. They always lived with the Paternal Grandparents, Antonio and Angelina Esposito. The grandfather immigrated from Sicily to the United States when Antonio was eight years old. The grandfather had difficulty adjusting because of the language barrier and non-acceptance by his English-Speaking peers. Antonio was caught stealing and sent to the Meriden School for Boys by the Juvenile Court after adjudicated a delinquent. It was said that Antonio helped build and construct the four foot wall surrounding the School. Both of his parents died when Antonio was 18 years of age. He had to fend for himself and eventually owned and operated his own driveway paving business. He married Angelina at age 22 and they had three children, Antonio, Jr. being the oldest. Unfortunately, Junior took the brunt of the physical abuse by his father, frequently hit with fists or a ‘bustone’, a sturdy stick kept in the kitchen area. Grappa, made from wine grapes imported from Sicily, was brewed at home and Antonio, Jr. regularly drank this brew on a daily basis beginning at age 13. He also was committed to the Meriden School for Boys, but always

returned home to the physical abuse and wine drinking. He was married at age 18 to Maria Rizzi, a petite 17 year old. They had four children, Antonio, 3rd (Tony), Filipe (Phil), Alfredo (AL) and Angelina. After several assaults and bar fights, Antonio, Jr. was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, received treatment at one of the State Hospitals and released back to the community with everyone living with the Paternal Grandparents. Antonio, Jr. stopped taking his anti-psychotic medications and resumed his drinking with occasional arrests for assault and short-term incarceration.” “The four children came to the attention of school officials due to numerous absences, undisciplined behavior, and Antonio Jr.’s threats against teachers and the Principal because of his paranoia and aggressive behavior.” According to the record after the Juvenile Court Hearing, Judge Reynolds committed the three boys to the Commissioner of Children and Youth Services with placement of Phil at Devereux. A deal was worked out with Defense Counsel, Attorney Michael Doughty to have Angelina, age four at the time, to live separately with her mother, Maria outside of the chaotic home situation. Since the commitment of the three boys, Angelina seemed to thrive in school even though she and her mother, Maria had nearly daily visits with her brothers and grandparents. Antonio, Jr., although still living at home, had little direct influence in the daily care of the children and eventually was a non-contributing factor in their daily lives. Antonio and Angelina Esposito were the major influences in the lives of these three Italian foster children. Although the entire family was monitored by the State, only Phil’s placement was paid for by Children’s Services. The other two boys were with the grandparents, and thus no money was paid for their . The father, Antonio, Jr. had received Disability Benefits, but drank all of it up with his daily trips to the local bar. Maria and her daughter, Angelina were monitored by Protective Services with payments made through Aid to Dependent Children to keep both of them separated from the Family Home. Doug blew out a breath of air and said, “whew,” when he was finished reading the record. “What a can of worms,” he said to himself. “Looks like Phil needs to stay apart from that family to survive!” The next day, social worker Carl Evans returned Doug’s phone call. “How is Phil doing?” Doug asked.

Carl replied, “Phil is still adjusting since his placement about a year ago. He still has one foot out the door and has at least one phone call from the family every weekend. They say they all miss him and want him home. We were even thinking of restricting the phone calls, but we haven’t made that decision yet. In all likelihood, Phil will be returning to the grandparent’s home following discharge from Devereux. How is the family situation there?” “I really don’t know,” said Doug. “I just came on board two months ago and I haven’t seen any of the family and only read the record yesterday after the grandfather phoned my supervisor and requested a visit by Phil, you know, one of those ‘I make you an offer you cannot refuse’.” They both laughed. Carl responded, “I don’t recommend a visit at this time. Phil still hasn’t adjusted here and so far nothing has been accomplished since Phil has been here. I speak with him on a weekly basis and he rarely says much except he wants to go home. Maybe in three months when school gets out, If he can internalize the program, make some gains in his relationships with his peers and start to do some of his homework in school. Then he may be ready. There was absolutely no structure or discipline in the family, especially with an alcoholic paranoid father and a meek, ineffective mother. And they all lived in the same household that the father was reared in. The kids only knew physical and emotional abuse. Not a way to start out in life. Is Angelina doing well outside of the family unit?” “She seems to be, but mother and daughter visit the home daily so there still is some ,” Doug replied. “I spoke with the Protective Service worker who said Angelina was doing remarkably well in her own environment and her marks in school have gone from D’s to high B’s. Let’s hope at least one of the kids does well. The other two boys I’m not sure of. Tony is quiet from what I read and Al may already be a character disorder at age eight.” “Well, keep me informed, Doug. If any changes are note-worthy, I’ll give you a phone call.” Doug hung up the phone and reported his findings to his supervisor, Bob. “Devereux is recommending no visit home yet and I think we can that,” Bob said. “It’s too early for a visit as Phil needs to get some distance from the family’s hold on him and the negative influences in his life. He needs some structure and some reality check. Good luck. Don’t forget the game tonight after

work in Middletown.” Doug called the grandfather and explained Devereux’s response to Phil visiting home. Mr. Esposito was upset. “Butta he’sa mia grandson. We’a familia. You’a understand? I wanna himma homa. He’a belonga witta hissa family, hissa brodders, hissa sister and hissa Mama. They alla missa him. I’a missa him. Hissa grandmama cries’a every night. Canna youa not do’a summating?” “I did speak with my supervisor and he also agrees that it is too soon to have Phil come home now. Maybe in three months,” Doug replied. Mr. Esposito’s tone changed from pleading to demanding. “I wanna speaka witta your’a supervisor. I willa comma to the office tomorrow. Abouta nine O’clock. It’sa O.K?” “I think the time will be alright. I’ll tell my supervisor, Bob. See you tomorrow,” Doug replied. Mr. Esposito hung up the phone. Doug reported his conversation to Bob and the time was confirmed. The next morning, Doug welcomed the hot coffee after Doug’s softball team lost badly to the Middletown squad and they had to spring for the beers after the game. He didn’t get home till nearly ten and his stomach felt a little queasy. Mr. Esposito arrived on time. The waiting room had 4 or 5 chairs with individual cubicles on either side of a long hallway. Each cubicle was just large enough for a small table and two chairs with barely enough room to close the door for privacy. Mr. Esposito was a muscularly built grandfather who kept in good shape running his own driveway paving business. The motto, ‘Owner works on every job’ seemed to fit him. He was initially polite, but firm in requesting that Bob and Doug enter the cubicle first. As Bob sat down on one of the chairs with Doug following, Doug felt a shove from behind throwing him into the wall. Mr. Esposito closed the door quickly and quietly reached down to the calf area where a .22 caliber handgun was taped to his leg. He pulled the gun up quickly and pointed it straight at Bob who was now frozen in his seat. In a low and nervous voice, Antonio demanded, “I wanna seea Filipe. He’sa mia grandson. He’a belonga atta homma. I’a no likea Devereux, but I wanna himma homma.” Doug was frozen in his spot. Mr. Esposito was clearly agitated and Doug had no doubt that if provoked further, he would use the gun if he had to. Mr. Esposito

kept the gun pointed at Bob, the one of authority, the one person who could change things and grant permission for Phil to visit home. Bob finally said, “What do you want?” as he was trying to calm Mr. Esposito down by talking to him. Antonio began to waive the gun up and down as if he was also talking with his hands. “I’a tolla you, I’a wanna seea mia grandson, Filipe, soona, notta threea months. It’sa important, he’sa parta the familia.” Bob replied calmly, “We can arrange that.” This caught Mr. Esposito off guard as he blinked his eyes, “You’a no foola me?” he asked in a questioning voice. “We can call Devereux and Doug can pick him up at the school and he can visit at home for a weekend,” Bob replied. With that said, Mr. Esposito stood up straight, pocketed the gun, and said ‘mia scusi’ and left the cubicle. Doug walked back to his desk in shock telling workers, “a guy just pulled a gun on me.” He didn’t know what to do or say. After a minute, Bob came out and asked Doug to follow him into the District Director’s Office where Bob had immediately gone to report the threatening incident. The event was rehashed in detail with concern not only for the safety of Bob and Doug, but for any staff crossing Mr. Esposito’s path. The Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Hartford was called and he wanted an immediate written report submitted to him directly by carrier. The Deputy Commissioner asked about notifying the police and Bob retorted, “I will quit immediately if you do that. You can have my resignation. He will come back with a gun and shoot me. He won’t even ask to see me. My family is more important to me than this job.” Doug didn’t know what to say as it was his first professional position after college. He thought maybe he could transfer to another office. However, he thought quickly and said, “I hadn’t met him before or any of the family . I think we ‘disrespected’ him and forced him into a corner. I should have gone to his home, his territory and familiar surroundings and spoken with him there rather than Mr. Esposito coming to our offices. I think I can work with him, but I would have to visit with him first in his own home. If he wanted to harm, shoot and kill us, he could have done so. He just wanted to have his

grandson visit. Family is important to him. I’d like to try a visit first.” The agreement was solidified and a report was made in case Bob or Doug was harmed in the future. The police would know where to look for Mr. Esposito. However, Doug was told never to see Mr. Esposito in the offices again in order to minimize the potential threat to office personnel. The riots in New Haven were scary enough and everyone was on edge. Doug was to notify Bob any time Doug was to visit the home and report back immediately after the visit. “Don’t tell the Devereux School of the gun incident. It may affect Phil’s placement,” Bob ordered.

CHAPTER 3

Visit to the Family Home

T HE NEXT DAY, Doug called social worker, Carl at the Devereux School. “I know we talked the other day about you not recommending that Phil visit the grandfather’s home. After some considerable discussion with my supervisor, Bob and the District Director, some issues have come up that we would like to have Phil visit home this weekend. I will be able to pick Phil up this Friday in the afternoon and return him to Devereux Monday afternoon.” Doug paused for his words to sink in. However, Carl was quick to respond and asked, “What are the issues?” Doug thought quickly ing what Bob had said about not divulging the incident with the grandfather and said, “There are some serious family issues that need to be worked out and a visit home this weekend may help to mitigate those issues.” Carl got the point and didn’t press the issue. He replied, “Alright, I’ll tell Phil you’ll pick him up although I disagree with your bosses. See you Friday.” Carl hung up the phone. Doug immediately called the grandfather. “Mr. Esposito, this is Doug Roberts. I just got off the phone with social worker, Carl Evans at Devereux School and arranged to pick up Phil Friday afternoon for a weekend visit. I have to return him by Monday afternoon so I should be at your house around nine in the morning.” “That’sa nice,” he said. “Tanka yous toa much. Mia esposa willa bea soa happy to’a seea Filipe disa weekend. His’a brodders, Angelina anna his’a Moma willa bea soa happy.” Doug noticed the absence of any mention of Phil’s father. “I want to tell you that we need your cooperation to get Phil back on time. It is

up to you to have him ready. He was sent to Devereux by the Juvenile Court and any refusal to return to Devereux will result in another Juvenile Court Hearing and possible placement in the Meriden School for Boys.” Doug thought that this seemed to hit home. “I willa get hima ready. Hea willa listen toa me. Youa keepa youra promise, I’a keepa mine.” “I was wondering,” Doug added, “if I can visit your home tomorrow to see where Phil will be staying and I know how to get there. If I come in the afternoon, I can also introduce myself to Tony and Al after they get out of school. Would that be alright?” This took Mr. Esposito off guard and he immediately agreed. It was almost as if the gun incident had never occurred. “Good, then I’ll see you tomorrow.” They both hung up the phone. Doug then explained the agreement to Bob and the fact that he would be visiting the family home tomorrow afternoon. “Be careful,” Bob said. “I’m still a little uneasy about the visitation so soon after the gun incident.” “I’m not too worried since Mr. Esposito wants to see Phil home for the weekend. The problem is getting him back. But I think I have that covered. I told him that if there were any problems, and since the Juvenile Court sent him there, Phil could end up in the Meriden Facility, the very same place where the grandfather and father were placed.” Bob could only smile. The next afternoon, Doug made his way into downtown New Haven to lower Chapel St., past the Elementary School and into the heart of ‘Little Italy’. School hadn’t let out yet and Doug felt that he could spend some quality time with the grandparents developing trust before Tony and Al returned home. Doug parked on the street. No one responded to the knock on the front door. The 3-story house was crammed into a narrow space giving only six feet between the grandfather’s house and the home next door. A paved driveway was on the other side of the house. There was another name on the first floor mailbox so Doug assumed that the Esposito family lived on the second and third floors. Doug walked slowly down the driveway and yelled out, “Mr. Esposito?” He made his way towards the rear of the house and noticed a tall retaining wall eight feet high leading from a second floor window and stretching about 40 feet to the back of the property line.

“What do you want?” a gruff and angry voice yelled out. Doug turned and saw a man in his mid-thirties coming toward him. He was muscularly built and had a suspicious manner about him as if he was ready to fight right then and there. Doug identified himself quickly. “I’m Doug Roberts from Children’s Services. I have an appointment to see Mr. Esposito.” That immediately took the wind out from under the sails of the son, Antonio, Jr. He stopped approaching and said his father was expecting Doug. Junior made his way up the second floor steps to the landing with Doug trailing behind. Grandmother, Angelina Esposito met Doug warmly and said her husband would be right out as he was in the bathroom washing the asphalt tar off of his hands. “Would you likka a cupa coffee?” she asked politely. Angelina was a slightly overweight woman in her late fifties standing about five feet tall. Her eyes took in everything and Doug felt that she ruled her house, but took second fiddle to the public persona of her domineering husband. In many ways, she was ‘the power behind the throne’. “I would love one,” he added, knowing to refuse would be an insult. Setting the coffee cup on the table, Doug caught the aroma. He took a sip. The coffee was strong and bold and appeared freshly brewed. Junior disappeared somewhere in the house and was not seen again during that interview. Shortly, Antonio Esposito exited the bathroom and sat down at his favorite seat at the head of the table at about the same time that Angelina brought him his afternoon cup of java. Her timing was perfect as she anticipated her husband’s movements. Antonio turned to Doug and said proudly, “Mia esposa isa soa happy toa bea seeing Filipe disa weekend. Shea likka youa already.” Doug shot a quick glance at Angelina and she smiled broadly. “You’sa Italian?” Doug nodded. “My mother’s family came from Naples and she spoke Italian when my relatives visited from Montreal, Canada. I ed a few Italian weddings I went to when I was young.” “Den youa knowa howa important toa us toa keepa mia familia together.” Doug nodded. “Soa tinka youa understand. Mia son, he’sa noa good. Drinka too much. Noa havea a job. Tooa many fightsa ina bar.” Mr. Esposito shrugged his shoulders. “Butta he’sa family. I'a takka care ofa himma. His’a wife, Maria, she’a family too. She’sa comma over every daya. Angelina, she’sa cutie. Makea

mea laugh. I givea her a quarter soa she’a can buya somma candy. I’a tinka you'sa seea her today.” The conversation was broken suddenly when the front door downstairs hit against the wall and two set of feet bounded up the stairs stopping at the top with just a look from Mr. Esposito. They waited and he said, “Comma in. Dis isa youra newa social worker, Mr. Roberts. Saya hi.” Tony and Al inched their way forward and both gave an awkward wave. “Showa himma youra room,” as he gave a nod for Doug to follow the boys. Their rooms were on the third floor in an area where the roof slanted. There were three beds and a dresser for each boy. The bathroom was located on the second floor. Tony was the oldest at age 13 and Al was eight. Tony was quiet and introspective while Al was energetic and a risk-taker. “How is school?” asked Doug. “What grade are you in now?” Al blurted out, “Third grade.” Tony said, “eigth, but I’m not doing too good.” They talked briefly about after school activities and what they liked to do. Doug heard some additional conversation downstairs of two women talking in Italian. A quiet set of footsteps came up the stairs and Angelina peered around the corner. “You must be Angelina?” Doug asked. She nodded. “I’m Doug Roberts, the new social worker. Are you in first grade?” She again nodded. “Are you doing well in school?” Angelina smiled broadly and then blurted out, “I got A’s and B’s. Wanna see?” This time Doug nodded and followed her downstairs where he introduced himself to Maria, the children’s mother. A few pleasantries were exchanged and Doug explained that he would be transporting Phil home for a weekend visit. Angelina showed Doug her school papers. Maria gave a quiet smile and said to Doug, “Thank you. I miss Filipe, but I understand that the Judge sent him to Devereux because he was not doing well in school and he was acting out and getting into trouble.” She stopped suddenly as if she had said too much. Doug thought he had seen an almost imperceptible glance from Mr. Esposito. Doug felt that his mission today had been accomplished, seeing the family and coming to some understanding with Mr. Esposito. He thanked them and then excused himself and said he would see them again on Friday when he would bring Phil home for a weekend visit. “Ciao,”

they all said as Doug left smiling with no bullet holes in his body.

CHAPTER 4

Devereux Visit-Attempted Runaway

D OUG TRAVELED THE two hours to the Devereux School in Pennsylvania through some of the most beautiful countryside along rural roads to arrive around 1:00 PM. Devereux is a sprawling campus in a rural area apart from the hustle and bustle of the inner city where most of the residents were familiar with. Here, there were no distractions, subways, car horns, pedestrians or pocket books to steal. It was peaceful and tranquil, and offered a respite to those kids who were referred by social workers or the Juvenile Court Systems in many of the surrounding states. Carl’s office was in the main istrative building. The secretarial and professional staff seemed to be relaxed and pleasant to deal with. The school and residential buildings were separated by a small distance from istration. Trees and natural foliage surrounded the sprawling campus. Carl was a handsome man in his mid-thirties, one of a dozen social workers and professional staff employed there. He said he was starting his ninth year at Devereux and loved the challenge of watching children grow and overcome their earlier negative backgrounds where beatings, alcoholism, drugs and sexual abuse were common. Doug noticed a picture of his family on his desk and copies of his degrees hanging on his wall. “I guess this is your first trip to Devereux,” Carl stated. “Yes, it is,” replied Doug. “You have peaceful surroundings, much quieter than the inner city of New Haven.” “I was in New Haven twice and prefer the tranquility of the natural beauty of the countryside, although I do understand that there are folks who would go stircrazy living here.” Carl reflected and then said, “Phil is not a happy camper. He appears depressed more so than just missing his family. We were hoping that he would have adjusted to the surroundings after nine months, but that is not the

case. It almost seems that he has a defiant attitude that he fiercely holds onto, not even trying to make friends with other kids or enjoy his stay here. He has no interest in any activities, sports, or even board games. The family’s hold on him is entrenched. We have made a referral for psychological testing to give us some avenues to explore to help Phil adjust and begin to accept his placement here. Depending on the results of the testing, we may recommend anti-depressant medication for a short period of time.” “I guess he’s experienced a lot in his eleven years of life,” Doug commented. “Phil’s father was abusive and is a mentally ill alcoholic. He still lives at home, and according to the grandfather, probably will remain in the home because ‘he’s family’. That situation we won’t be able to change. However, Angelina and her mother seem to be doing better since they have been living apart, although they have daily with the family.” Carl reflected, “I happen to agree with you. We can’t save everybody, but we sure do try. Would you like to see Phil’s room? After that, I’ll take you over to the school where Phil is now.” They made their way to the dormitory where each large room housed four residents each. The girl’s dorms were housed in a separate facility. The rooms were tastefully decorated without a lot of frills or ‘bells and whistles’. Each child had a dresser to store clothes or personal items, and each had a desk, chair and lamp to complete their homework, write letters or read books. A large bathroom was at one end of the living facilities and a community room with a ping pong table and chairs at the other. Housekeeping staff had done a nice job keeping the facilities clean and orderly. Messy rooms were dealt with by the live-in house parents who also were there to keep the noise down and arbitrate disputes. Doug had the impression that this was a ‘welloiled machine’ with discipline and ability. Phil’s room was clean and orderly and did not stick out any differently from the other rooms. The school was located a short distance away from the dormitories. As they approached, Doug could see papers and projects decorating the windows and walls attached with cellophane tape. The noise level was moderate with activities eagerly participated in by both the girls and the boys. Each room had a head teacher and an assistant. Carl pointed out that a few student volunteer teachers from the neighboring college helped out in school activities and supervised recess and lunch activities. During the school day, children remained at the school and cafeteria areas and were not allowed back in the dorms.

The school bell rang signaling the end of the school day and the noise level doubled as the kids stormed out of their classrooms heading toward their dorms. Carl pointed out Phil to Doug as Phil slowly scooped up his papers and books while making his way to the exit door. Carl stopped Phil with a soft, but firm voice, “Phil, this is your new social worker, Mr. Roberts. He will be transporting you home and returning you back by Monday afternoon.” Phil said hi and waved his hand. Doug said, “Glad to meet you, Phil. I already met the other family earlier in the week.” Phil was unimpressed. “Mr. Evans showed me your room. How are you doing in school?” “O.K.,” he said. Phil showed very little affect and seemed to be depressed. Kids this age never really tend to say a lot when first introduced to adults. “I would like to speak with your teacher, Miss Nancy, briefly. I believe you’ll be missing school on Monday so we will have to see what homework she’ll assign for you to do.” Phil rolled his eyes and Doug thought that the homework assignment would not be done at all. Doug and Carl met with the teacher while Phil waited outside the classroom. Miss Nancy was smart enough to only assign a half-hour of homework over the weekend. She said she would bring Phil up to date upon his return to Devereux. The ride back to New Haven was long and strained. Phil was quiet and rarely answered questions except in yes or no statements. Doug tried to give him openended questions, like “what do you like to do for fun?” or “What is your favorite subject in school?” or “Who is one of your best friends in school?” but none of these seemed to open Phil up for conversation. He sat nearly motionless staring straight ahead. The only reaction Doug got from Phil, and it was a small one at that, was a quick look towards Doug when he asked, “would you like me to stop talking?” Phil never answered the question and Doug got his answer so that the ride home was deafeningly quiet. Phil seemed to perk up when the State vehicle exited the highway onto the familiar streets of New Haven. Phil sat up straight in his seat and looked back and forth out the window of the car. As Doug pulled the car in front of the house, Phil saw his brothers playing outside. Phil couldn’t get out of the car quick enough. Tony and Al swarmed him and the talking between them escalated. Doug took the time to grab Phil’s belongings and bring them upstairs, giving

them to Angelina. She smiled broadly and said, “Grazie, grazie.” Doug did not feel his presence was needed anymore. He turned to Angelina and said, “I’ll be back on Monday at 9 O’clock. Have a nice visit.” The next Monday, Doug arrived at the Esposito home a little after nine. Al and Tony were in school, but Doug was met by the grandparents. There was some sadness in Angelina’s eyes. Mr. Esposito was sipping his cup of coffee and he had a stern look on his face. “Filipe isa ready. Hea no wanna goa back, butta I’a tella himma he’sa haffa to. I’a keepa mia promise.” Doug said, “Thank you.” It was more of pride, that your word meant something to Mr. Esposito. Phil was sullen and quiet. It was almost as if Phil had protested earlier and Mr. Esposito won the argument. Phil reluctantly got in the car and the ride back to Devereux was even more quiet than the trip home. There was not even a radio in the State vehicle to listen to. About five minutes from Devereux on a rural road, Doug stopped at a stop sign. Phil took the opportunity and bolted from the car running towards the woods. Doug ran after him keeping pace with Phil. Unfortunately for Phil, he ran into a thicket of snarly vines and branches that even a machete would have trouble cutting through. Doug was on him in a few seconds and grabbed Phil’s wrist and pulled him out of the thicket. It reminded Doug of the story of ‘Br’er Rabbit’. Phil protested, yelling, “Leave me alone. You’re hurting my wrist!” Doug did not let go and said, “Then stop wiggling and twisting your arm.” Doug held onto Phil and put him in the car through the driver’s side and held Phil’s wrist until Doug arrived at Devereux. The area was so remote that Phil would have had to catch a ride to make his way out of the area. To say the least, Phil was not a ‘happy camper’ as Doug explained the situation to Carl. Phil was escorted to school by another staff member who remained with him, “at least till he calms down,” stated Carl. Of course, Phil did not do his homework. After a week, Doug called Carl and asked how the ‘adjustment’ went. “He remained pretty defiant for the first 24 hours. We asked the house parents to keep an eye on him in case he took off in the middle of the night. The doors are wired to protect the kids and an alarm signal goes off if someone opens the door. He’s pretty quiet now and going through the motions. I spoke with Phil the other day and he said that his grandfather pulled a gun on you. Is that true or is he making

it up?” Doug was nearly speechless. Somehow Phil’s brothers must have told him during the visit. “Well, it did occur. This was before I saw Mr. Esposito. He was really angry at my supervisor and at Devereux. I made the mistake of not developing a relationship with the grandfather so he was pushed into a corner. I understand the ‘familia’ being part Italian myself and Mr. Esposito made good on his word to have Phil ready to return to Devereux when I arrived Monday.” Doug could not tell Carl that his supervisor, Bob asked him not to tell. There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds as if Carl was processing the information and Doug thought that Phil’s story had been made up. All Carl said was, “Thanks for the info, Doug.” The line went dead. Bob was brought up to date on the activities and he understood, although he wasn’t happy. However, Bob asked a curious question. “Was Mr. Esposito ever adopted?” Doug tried to recall any information in the file and finally said, “not to my knowledge. I don’t reading anything in the record, but it said he came to the United States when he was eight. Why?” The Esposito name is a common one, especially in New Haven where there is a large proportion of Italian families, many first and second generations. In Italy, children without parents were raised in orphanages called, ‘esposito’s’. After World War 2, there were many children without parents and there was no way to document their heritage or family name. So when the kids left the orphanages in their teen years, they were given the name of the orphanage, or Esposito.” “Interesting,” Doug replied. “Maybe I can inquire discretely when I speak with Mr. Esposito in the future. It won’t affect the status of the case or how we work with him, but it does shed some light on his personality.”

CHAPTER 5

Christmas Visit, Rooftop Scene

A MONTH LATER, Carl called Doug and informed him of the results of the Psychological Testing. “We had the testing done by our Consulting Psychologist, Dr. Rebecca Cornwall. She’s been on our staff for about five years and does some pretty remarkable work. She did the regular tests and spent about three separate days with Phil over a two week period of time. She felt that trying to do all the testing in one or two days is too much for these kids and they never score very high as they tend to get tired and lose concentration. Besides, they miss too much of their regular school work during the testing. Phil came out with a slightly below average I.Q. The score was a 92, in the below average range. In the Personality Assessment, it showed an Identity Disorder, not surprising when you look at the background history of a Psychotic, Paranoid, Schizophrenic, Alcoholic father and an aggressive, character disordered grandfather with explosive tendencies. Who would want to identify with those family ? Sometimes a long-term relationship with a ive social worker or ‘Big Brother’ can help to mitigate this problem. Phil hasn’t really accepted his placement here at Devereux nor has he had any positive male in his life.” “That’s for sure,” responded Doug. “Under the guise of the ‘fanilia’, the grandparents are really enablers. They protect the of the family, house then, make excuses for them and undermine any outside influences in their lives. The father still lives at home and drinks up all his Disability check. Marie is considered ‘family’ because of her marriage to Antonio, Jr. In spite of living apart from the homestead, she visits daily with Angelina.” “Exactly,” Carl replied. “The testing also showed a significant depression that Phil has had, probably for years and hidden or misunderstood by the family and masked by poor school performance and anti-social behavior in the community. Our Psychiatrist put Phil on a minimal dose of an anti-depressant yesterday. Right now, I don’t think the family will enforce having Phil take his med’s when he visits home.”

“The grandfather never even acknowledged his own son as having a mental illness, referring to his son’s disability due to alcoholism. To my knowledge, Antonio, Jr. takes no psychotropic medication and ends up in bar fights after he drinks. Sometimes he takes a vacation in the city Jail after assaulting someone. And they always take him back home because ‘he’s family’. Antonio, Jr. comes and goes as he pleases and has very little involvement with the kids. Can you send me a copy of the testing, Carl, for our records?” Doug asked. “Will do. By the way, the Christmas vacation is coming up in about two months. Do you have any thoughts about Phil coming home for the holidays? School will be out and many staff are planning vacations to warmer climates or taking cruises in the Caribbean. We’ll have a skeleton crew here for those kids who have nowhere to go.” “Oh, I’m sure one of the family will pick him up for the 10 days over the holiday period. I’ll call the grandfather to see what arrangements will be made,” Doug stated. “Talk to you soon,” Carl replied. The phone went silent. Doug made the arrangements for Mr. Esposito to transport Phil home for the holidays. Doug was busy with other kids whose parents also wanted to see their children during the holidays. Bob had warned Doug that in his experience, children had high expectations and inevitably were disappointed during and after the visit home. Parents made promises they never kept, they were drunk or high on drugs, or they never bothered to even visit their own children, leaving the foster child disappointed, again. The social worker had to somehow explain this all to the child, leaving them feeling worthless, that their own parents didn’t care enough to appear at all. Efforts to limit the parent’s interaction during this holiday period were usually met with a phone call from some attorney representing his client, at least for this occasion. On January 3rd, Doug received a phone call from Carl reporting that Phil had not returned to Devereux the day before. Doug called the Esposito home and spoke to Al. He said Phil was not there and he didn’t know where he was. Doug left a message for either grandparent to call him immediately. As a back-up, Doug phoned Maria and she said Phil was home yesterday, but she didn’t know where Phil was today. Doug called after hours and finally spoke to Angelina who was evasive and said she didn’t know where Phil was. Doug didn’t like the ‘cat

and mouse’ game and said he would be there tomorrow to transport Phil back to Devereux. The next morning, Doug was at the Esposito home at nine. The family welcomed him in, but made it clear that Phil was not there. They even told Doug to search the home if he wished. Doug knew Phil wasn’t there and declined. The grandfather could not produce Phil either, leaving Doug in a stalemate. After discussion with Bob, and since the Juvenile Court placed Phil at Devereux, the police were notified to arrange a raid on the house at night. A Police Detective and two squad cars met at the Esposito home at 9:30 PM. Doug was dressed in dungarees and sneakers. Doug positioned one of the rookie police officers in the rear of the building near the wall to cut off any escape. The Detective warned Doug that without a search warrant, they had to get permission from Mr. Esposito to enter the house. Even the police could not barge into the home to search for Phil, I didn't want to see Mr. Esposito standing at the top of the stairs pointing a .22 caliber revolver at me. Doug rang the front door bell, once and then again. The hall light came on and light footsteps came down the second floor steps. Al opened the door and Doug said, “We came for Phil. Besides, J didn’t want to see Mr. Esposito standing at the top of the stairs pointing a .22 caliber revolver at me. Ask your grandfather if we can come in and search for him.” Doug waited nervously as Al went up the steps. The wait was unnecessarily long, maybe two minutes and Doug just knew that Phil had been warned. Finally, Al came down the stairs and said that Mr. Esposito had granted permission. Doug sprang into action, bi-ed Al on the landing taking the steps two at a time and reached the top step in time to see Phil climbing out the window onto the large retaining wall. Doug heard the gruff voice of the police officer say, “Stop,” as he shinned his flashlight up to the window and reached up with his hand to prevent Phil from traversing the wall. Phil stopped, knew he was cornered and reversed his escape to the next level outside of the home to the roof. Doug followed in pursuit. It was three stories up and the roof was steeply slanted. Doug had him cornered and calmly said, “It’s over, Phil. Come on down.” Phil looked behind him to the area below between the two houses. Then he turned suddenly and leaped to the roof of the house next door. Then he turned and faced Doug. Doug viewed the drop below and then said to himself, “If this kid can do it, so can I.” And with that, Doug leaped to the roof where Phil was standing. Phil was shocked. He turned quickly, traversed to the apex of the roof line and down the other side. With the momentum, Phil

leaped again onto the next roof. Doug followed in pursuit. Phil kept running across the roof tops, down to a second story building, then onto a rock wall and onto the street level ten feet below. Doug followed. He wasn’t going to let Phil get away now after traversing the rooftops. As Doug landed on the street pavement, his ankle gave out as he landed sideways. Doug dropped to one knee and soon Phil was out-of-sight. The ‘wounded warrier’ hobbled back to the Esposito home feeling disheartened and dejected. The police combed the area, but Phil was nowhere to be found. The search was called off. It was only several weeks later that Phil said he jumped into a large dumpster filled with clothes for the Salvation Army.

CHAPTER 6

Juvenile Court

D OUG NOTIFIED SOCIAL worker, Bertha Potter at the Juvenile Court that Phil had refused to return to Devereux. He also explained the rooftop chase and the inability to corral him with help from the police. “Oh, don’t worry. It’s a matter of time,” she said casually. He’s 14 now and has to be in school. When they him in school, we’ll pick him up there. If the grandparents don’t him, it’s another charge against him and he’s headed for Meriden School for Boys. Many of these kids do something in the community and the police will have it on record to bring him directly to Juvenile Court. I’ll notify Attorney Doughty so it won’t come as any surprise. Maybe he will try to call the family and explain the consequences as Phil is looking at six months in ‘Juvie’.” “Devereux did some Psychological Testing,” Doug replied. “I’ll send you a copy. It may help the Judge in adjudicating him and making recommendations for treatment.” “What treatment?” Bertha blurted out. “He just blew his placement. Devereux won’t take him back. Send me the report anyway. Thanks, Doug. I’ll let you know if we find him. We’ll hold him until a new Hearing before Judge Reynolds.” Doug felt frustrated. Then he ed Carl’s words, “We can’t save everyone.” He expressed some of his exasperation with the other of his unit since they had heard the numerous phone conversations as their desks were touching one another. A month ago, Doug had provided some ‘tongue and cheek’ humor to boost moral within the unit itself. When mistakes were made or something went wrong, everyone in the unit knew about it. For instance, one of the social workers had a heated exchange over the phone with a foster mother and they both hung up the phone abruptly. Doug wrote up a short paragraph that

said: “Social Worker of the Week Award. For Mary Rice, for her excellent handling of a ticklish situation over the phone with one of her foster mothers, her delicate telephone decorum during tense moments, and her ability to defuse a situation that results in proper management of the foster child.” The worker had her name posted on the wall as receiving this ‘Social Worker of the Week Award” for all to see. Supervisors and Program Directors were impressed after reading the paragraph. Only the unit knew the real story behind the weekly award. After the fourth week when most of the unit were highlighted, Doug wrote his own. “For Doug Roberts, for his sensitivity in dealing with a three generational Italian family, his prowess in working with local police, and his excellent communication skills in fostering communication among various agencies to solidify placement of a foster child.” He posted his “Social Worker of the Week Award” on the wall. Doug notified Carl of his unsuccessful attempt to secure Phil and return him to Devereux and his with the Juvenile Court. Carl thanked Doug and said that in all likelihood, Phil would be discharged from Devereux for noncompliance. He confirmed that later in the day after notifying his istration. Several weeks went by and Phil still hadn’t been ed in school. So Doug waited. About the fourth week, Doug received a phone call from Bertha saying that, “Phil had been picked up for assault and was now being held in Juvenile Court. I don’t have the police report yet, but a Hearing is scheduled for one O’clock tomorrow. Attorney Doughty has already been notified. See you then.” Doug had mixed emotions. On the one hand, Phil was finally located with his living situation known, now and maybe for the next six months. On the other hand, the charge was assault, a serious felony depending on the circumstances. On more serious charges in Juvenile Court, like Attempted Murder, juveniles can be bound over to Superior Court. They face a possible harsher sentence, depending on the background information and the juvenile’s involvement, such as him being the leader, or just a ive observer when other kids are involved. Doug arrived a few minutes early for the Juvenile Court Hearing as he met with Bertha Potter. Bertha is an overweight woman in her mid-forties with a nononsense attitude. She had been with the Juvenile Court for many years and

probably saw her share of kids, crimes and background situations. Not much got by her and she was not afraid of, or cowed-down to, anyone, even Attorney’s. During a Hearing, she took a back seat to the Judge and his authority in Court. Doug thought that if her purse was to be snatched, Bertha would fight off the perpetrator and win. Bertha gave Doug a copy of the police incident report. “Happy reading,” she teased him. Undercover police had been patrolling the lower downtown area after a series of assaults with the same M.O. “Two teenage boys were beating up on a thin ‘girl’ in view of ing motorists. When one of these drivers stopped to assist the ‘girl’ and prevent further injury, all three began to assault the driver. This officer observed the incident, called for backup, and with the assistance of fellow officers, arrested all three teenagers. The ‘girl’ was actually a young male dressed in girl’s clothing complete with a wig in order to affect the ruse. All three were referred to Juvenile Court.” The ‘girl’ was actually Phil dressed in drag. Doug was dumb founded. He reflected on the ‘Identity Disorder’ referred to in the Psychological Testing. This behavior was purposeful and pre-meditated. An addendum to the police report stated that one of the boys itted to four previous assaults, “for kicks”. All three boys were charged with four additional counts of assault. Attorney Michael Doughty entered the Juvenile Facilities at about the same time as two other Public Defenders. Attorney Doughty was an amenable male in his late thirties who could ‘smooth out the wrinkles of a shirt’ with his quick wit and charming personality. He had represented the Esposito kids a year ago and knew the family well. It was his negotiation that led to Angelina and Maria moving into a separate residence. His negotiating skills caused much havoc with Bertha who had her own agenda during presentation of the facts. Attorney Doughty was given a copy of the Police Incident Report by Bertha. She introduced Doug to Attorney Doughty. He then excused himself and said, “I need to talk with my client.” Doug noticed a conspicuous absence of either parent or grandparent in Juvenile Court. Bertha said they were notified. After ten minutes, Judge Reynolds called the Hearing to order. Judge Reynolds was a small man who stood only 5' 6” tall, slightly over-weight and was in his mid-forties. He had been the Juvenile Court Judge for over five years. The Judge’s Bench was elevated about three inches to make Judge Reynolds appear

to be larger than he actually was. He always entered the Courtroom prior to a defendant being brought in, in order to increase his stature before the juvenile. He turned to Bertha and asked, “Ms. Potter, are we all present?” Bertha responded, “Yes, Your Honor.” “Good afternoon, Attorney Doughty. Are you ready to proceed?” “I am indeed, Your Honor. I’ve read the report and have spoken to my client. I would like to dispense with the reading of the Police Report. I know Your Honor has a copy. We are not contesting the facts in this case.” “Good. Let’s move on. Is there a parent or Guardian in the Courtroom?” Doug rose and identified himself. “Doug Roberts, social worker and Guardian for the State. Phil Esposito was committed to the Commissioner of Children and Youth Services a year ago on February 14th.” “Welcome, Mr. Roberts. I guess since Attorney Doughty has waived the reading of the Police Report and has stipulated to the facts in this case, I will make…” Attorney Doughty interrupted the Judge and clarified. “Your Honor, if I may clarify. I have no objection to the original facts in this case that Phil Esposito was present when the assault occurred. What I have an issue with is the additional four assault charges brought against my client. Another juvenile allegedly itted to the previous assaults. My client denies them. He had been at Devereux School when they allegedly occurred. We have heard no testimony from the kids themselves nor can their ission be considered valid as no parent was present when questioned by police. I would like to make a Motion to Dismiss the additional four charges.” Bertha rolled her eyes, but said nothing. Judge Reynolds pondered the Motion and then turned to Bertha and the Prosecutor and asked, “Are any of the Police Officers present to testify?” Bertha responded tersely, “No, Your Honor.” The Prosecutor answered similarly. Attorney Doughty smiled slightly, an almost unperceivable smirk that Bertha caught and he knew he had won his point. Judge Reynolds continued. “I will dismiss the four additional charges of assault. I will find Phil Esposito guilty of simple assault and adjudicate him a

Delinquent. The next order of business is the disposition. I believe Phil was sentenced by this Court to the Devereux Facility,” then he paused slightly looking directly at Attorney Doughty and continued, “that you referred to just now and if my memory serves me right, you, Attorney Doughty was representing Phil at the time.” The Attorney nodded. “And why is he not at that Facility?” Bertha piped up and said, “Mr. Roberts can testify to that, Your Honor.” “Swear him in. Mr. Roberts, please stand and raise your right hand.” The Clerk of the Court responded, “Do yoy swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” Doug replied yes. “State your name and affiliation for the record.” “Doug Roberts, Social Worker for the State of Connecticut, Children Services.” The Prosecutor began to ask the questions. “Mr. Roberts, are you familiar with Phil Esposito?” “Yes, I am.” “Can you identify him in Court?” “He’s seated at the right hand side of Attorney Doughty.” “Mr. Roberts, are you aware of the circumstances of Phil’s placement at the Devereux School?” “Yes, I am.” “Could you tell the Court what that is?” the Prosecutor asked. “Phil was placed at the Devereux School about a year ago and remained there as a resident until his refusal to return after a Christmas Holiday Visit with the grandparents. We made several attempts to enlist the help of family and I went out personally to return him to school, but family said he was not home. I even went out at night with the assistance of the police and he escaped. This is the first time I’ve laid eyes on him in over a month. He wasn’t even entered into school because I checked with the school system.”

“Can he return to the Devereux Facility?” the Prosecutor asked. “No,” Doug replied, “because of his non-compliance, they discharged him.” “No more questions of this witness, Your Honor.” Judge Reynolds turned to Attorney Doughty, “Any questions for Mr. Roberts?” “Just one, Your Honor. Mr. Roberts, Phil is committed to The Commissioner of Children and Youth Services and you, as his social worker, will still be involved with him if he is placed in another treatment facility or Institution, or even when he eventually is placed at home. Is that correct?” “Yes, it is,” Doug replied. “No more further questions, Your Honor.” “Any more witnesses?” Judge Reynolds asked. “Hearing none, based on the testimony, I sentence Phil Esposito to the Commissioner of Children and Youth Services and place him immediately at the Meriden School for Boys for a period not to exceed two years. Hearing is over with.” Doug watched Phil’s reaction as his eyes got big when he heard ‘two years’, a lifetime for a kid. Attorney Doughty leaned over and said to Phil, “They let you out in six months. Cool it while you’re there. Don’t give them any reason to keep you longer.” Bertha was still fuming as she left the Courtroom. She turned to Attorney Doughty and blurted out, “You know he was there the other four times assaulting innocent people who stopped and tried to help!” Attorney Doughty smiled politely and said in a soft and condescending voice, “You know, Bertha that we have to present evidence and testimony, not hearsay. That wasn’t done. That’s why we have Public Defenders to protect a client’s rights. We don’t want to go back 20 years and just lock everybody up who the police arrest on trumped-up charges, now do we?” He turned and left, leaving Bertha to fume by herself with nowhere to vent her anger. Doug left quietly out the side door. Following the Hearing, Doug called the grandfather and told him that Phil was

placed at the Meriden School for Boys for up to a maximum of two years. He warned him that, “If Phil behaves himself and doesn’t get into trouble, he could be home during the summer. Mr. Esposito thanked Doug for the information saying, “grazie.”

CHAPTER 7

Al’s Acting Out

E VENTS QUIETED DOWN in the Esposito home. Antonio, 3 rd , also known as Tony was not doing well in school, but so far was not inclined to involve himself in criminal activities. He was a quiet boy, now fifteen and stayed around the house not really doing much. Tony was not motivated to aspire to any greatness nor did it particularly bother him a great deal. There were no desires or goals set for himself and he was just as happy to remain isolated within the Esposito extended family. Doug’s softball team seemed to get worse from last year. After a couple of practices, they played the Attorney’s from Legal Aide in New Haven. Doug watched them work out before the game, honing their skills around the infield, looking relaxed and scooping up the ball as if it was a ball in the hands of a juggler. It reminded Doug of watching ‘Meadowlark Lemon’ and the Harlem Globe Trotters handling and ing the basketball between themselves. It was a joy to watch. However, Doug knew they were in trouble before the Attorney’s even took the field. It was pathetic. The final score was 17 to 2 and the losers paid for the beers after the game. With good behavior, Phil was discharged to the Esposito home. Doug had seen him at Meriden and had conferred with the staff there in setting up a discharge plan. Any placement in an Institutional residential placement was taken off the table as unrealistic. All Doug could do was to monitor Phil at home. Phil had to be ed in school to comply with State Regulations. During the summer, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, in the heart of ‘Little Italy’ held a week long festival to raise money for various parish activities. Carnival rides, games of chance to test your skills, and food, such as cotton candy, hot dogs, ‘sufrite’, sausage and peppers, and fried dough topped with powdered sugar were all consumed. Phil and Al were racing around the area, in an out of the main pathways as if it was a playground. They saw Doug and stopped

briefly, said ‘hi’ and continued their tag game. This was their turf and Doug was the outsider. During that summer, the trial of several of the Black Panthers was held in New Haven. The trial lasted several weeks and the tension in the city was running high. Staff at Children’s Services was warned about venturing into the inner city areas unless they absolutely had to. No staff was to travel at night into the areas. One of Doug’s fellow social workers was chosen to sit on the 12 person jury so that the entire office was tense and expressed concern for her personal safety. In the days that followed, increased police patrols were common, all leaves were cancelled, and many police officers did ‘double duty’. The Yale University Campus, only a few blocks from the Courthouse was closed down and students told to remain in their dorms behind the locked wrought-iron gates. Increased Security Patrol Cars were visible around the campus. City residents were told not to shop downtown and many restaurants secured their facilities and closed early rather than risk the lives of staff and patrons. Some of the smaller retailers were boarding up their shops to reduce the risk of damage due to riots and theft. The verdict was swift and clear, “Not Guilty on all counts” and the city averted another insurrection, like the one that occurred in ‘67. Slowly, the city came back to life and downtown merchants resumed their normal activities. Bertha called Doug during the fall. “Doug, you’re other Esposito boy Al, got picked up.” “For what?” Doug said exasperated. “Bike theft,” she said, “but with a twist. Get this. He steals this bike in the neighborhood and is riding around with it for 2-3 weeks. Then someone else steals the bike from him. He gets ticked off because now the bike belongs to him. So he goes to the police and makes out a police report saying that somebody stole his bike. A week later, the bike turns up with a flat tire and a broken handlebar. Now Al’s ticked off because ‘his’ bike was damaged. They did a check on the serial number of the bike and it was bought and reported stolen a month ago. Of course, Al could not produce any proof of purchase so he gets arrested and referred to Juvenile Court. I spoke with him and he still insists that the bike is his and he’s still mad. Since this was his first criminal offense, I came down on him pretty hard and tried to scare the hell out of him. I have some discretion and don’t bring all offenses to the attention of Judge Reynolds. I don’t

think it did any good. Al was still mad at having the bike stolen from him. I don’t think this is the last we see of him in Juvenile. I handled the case nonjudiciously.” “Wow, that’s some story. I noticed a year and a half ago that he had some of those anti-social tendencies. I guess he just got older and started to act on those impulses. I think I’ll check out the school system to see how he’s doing. Maybe the behavior of his older brother, Phil, is starting to rub off on him. I may have to begin a referral soon for placement. Let’s face it, nothing has changed in the Esposito home since I inherited the case. We may have to get some Psychological Testing on him. Talk to you soon.” Doug hung up the phone and called the school social worker. “This is Doug Roberts from Children Services. I’m the State social worker and legal guardian of Al Esposito. He was committed to the State over two years ago and I’m trying to get a handle on him to see how we can coordinate efforts to help him adjust better at home and in the community.” “That’s surprising,” Mary Klein said. “I didn’t know he was committed to the State. His records did not follow him when he entered 7th grade. Up until now, we’ve been dealing with his grandmother who seems to always have an excuse for Al’s behavior. Do you have any records to share with the school? Perhaps we can call a Planning and Placement Team Meeting and discuss his situation at home.” “I have a Psychosocial Report we did for the Juvenile Court that I can share with you. It gives a pretty good history of the family dynamics. What has Al been up to in school?” Doug asked. “Some minor things so far. He’s been talking back to his teachers, disrupting class and we have some reports unsubstantiated that he’s been extorting money from kids, a quarter here, you know, lunch money. None of the kids have identified him directly. I think they’re afraid of him.” “It sounds as if we need to coordinate our efforts. I’ll put the report in the mail today. See if you can set up a P. and P.T. Meeting for next week,” Doug asked. “It’s as good as done,” Mary replied. “Do we have to notify the grandparents?” “I don’t think so. Since you haven’t had much success with the grandparents,

maybe it’s best that we leave them out of the negotiations. They will probably tell Al what everyone in the school said and he could make it worse for your staff. The State is the Legal Guardian, but the grandparents have custody. For instance, any surgeries have to have the permission of the State, but the grandparents can sign his report card. After all, they are still Al’s grandparents. What complicates the matter is that the biological father still resides in the family home although he has little day-to-day with his kids. Al’s mother lives outside of the home with her youngest, Angelina. She is not committed to the State. She goes to a different school. The mother, Maria has nearly daily with the kids in the grandparent’s home.” “Well, I’m glad you cleared that up. Give me your phone number, Doug so I can you when the date and time of the meeting is set.” The phone number and extension was given. Doug mailed out the report that same day. The following Thursday at one PM, the P. and P. T. Meeting was held at the school. It was chaired by the Principal, but the lead was by the Guidance Department, the home room teacher, and Mary, the social worker. All three outlined a series of problems Al had displayed, generally of an anti-social nature. Doug summarized his knowledge of the ‘familia’ and the lack of cooperation as the grandparents were ‘enablers’. It was decided that the family would accept Psychological/Educational testing if it came from the school rather than if Doug made a private referral to an outside Psychologist. The reasoning was that the testing could be done during school time, thus eliminating problems transporting Al to the Psychologist’s office. Doug felt that Al may not be at home when Doug had to transport him. The educational testing part of the Psychological could be better understood by Al and the grandparents as it was ‘part of the school’s jurisdiction’. The testing would also focus on ways to enhance Al’s educational adjustment within the school system. The testing was completed within the next month with another P. and P.T. Meeting set to review the recommendations. The School Psychologist reviewed her findings. “Al Esposito is a personality Disordered individual with no psychiatric illness, but has strong anti-social traits which places him in the category of the need for social control. He has very little guilt or empathy for others and will satisfy his own personal needs over that of others. Unfortunately, the only means of control is restriction of his liberties, such as remaining after school or limiting recess for misbehavior. Any acting-out behavior in the classroom should be dealt with firmly, but without anger and he should be

immediately removed from the classroom and sent to the Guidance Department for a ‘cooling down’ period.” The Psychologist was not encouraged and predicted that, “Al’s acting-out behavior will eventually come to the attention of Juvenile Officials and steps may need to be started to place him in some Boys School.” Doug could see it all unfold: a referral, placement, grandparent’s undermining and enabling behavior, runaway and placement in Meriden School for Boys. This was not a happy situation for him or AL. However, Doug did realize that Al had to be held able for his actions with appropriate restrictions meted out. He knew that this would not be done by the grandparents. Doug returned to his office and discussed the situation with his supervisor, Bob. “There is nothing you can do,” Bob said. “Al has already started to act out at school and in the community. Sooner or later, the school will get fed up and refer him to Juvenile Court or he’ll get arrested and the Judge will do something. You could make a referral to Mt. St. John’s in Deep River. It’s only an hour away, better than Devereux. Besides, if Al gets arrested, which I think he will eventually, his Public Defender would see that you tried for a placement and it either didn’t work out or Al blew his placement. Attorney Doughty may try to stall the case and convince the Judge to place him in some Treatment Facility. By then, AL nor his Attorney will have a leg to stand on, leaving no choice for the Judge to place him at Meriden. You could try to enlist the help of the grandparents to cooperate, unless they want to see Al go to the same place as Phil. It’s your only shot.” Doug spoke with the grandparents outlining the behavioral problems Al was showing in school and his arrest for bike theft. Juvenile Court already had a file on Al and next time there would be a hearing before Judge Reynolds. Doug also summarized the findings of the School Psychologist. This led Doug to the conclusion that unless Al could get into some Boy’s School, Al was headed for Meriden School for Boys like his brother, Phil. The Esposito’s were not happy with the summary, emphasized the ‘familia’ and that Al would always have a place to stay at their home. Doug knew he was doomed, but he had to go through with the referral anyway. If by some miracle, Al did not act out at school or get arrested for some illegal activity in the community, then maybe he had a shot. The testing suggested that Al be removed from the classroom and disciplined. Maybe Al would be clairvoyant enough to realize that if he didn’t want to be committed to the Meriden School for Boy’s, he had better gain some insight and

stop his anti-social behavior. A referral was made to Mt. St. John’s School for Boys. An interview was set up for the following Tuesday. Doug was in a State vehicle with another social worker with Al and another teenager in the back seat. The worker and his foster child were to be dropped off at Juvenile Court for a Hearing. On the ten minute trip to Court, Doug checked his rear view mirror and saw a police vehicle driving behind them. Al turned around, saw the police, and then took his middle finger and rubbed the side of his head up and down giving the police officer the finger. The cruiser lights and siren became activated and Doug pulled to the side of the road. The officer approached the vehicle and with an angry tone asked Doug, “How old is that boy?” He pointed to Al in the back seat. Doug said 14. The officer faced Al and said, “I saw you giving me the finger. I could bring you down to Juvenile Court right now if it wasn’t that you were in a State vehicle. Do you hear me?” Doug turned quickly to the back seat before Al had a chance to say anything. He yelled out angrily, “What the heck are you doing?” Then he turned to the police officer and said, “Al has an interview at Mt. St. John’s for a possible placement. That’s where I’m taking him now.” That seemed to lesson the tension as the officer said, “If it wasn’t for your social worker, you’d be headed for Juvenile. Watch your behavior!” He then returned to his vehicle. Doug was still upset and chastised Al. “What were you thinking, giving the ‘bird’ to an officer? Do you think that was funny?” For once, Al did not have a come back. In a way, the officer did Doug a favor, Doug thought, it demonstrated that Doug could be useful. If it wasn’t for his position as Al’s social worker, Al would be processed in Juvenile Court facing another charge. After dropping off the other worker and the teenager, Doug asked if the worker would call Mt. St. John’s and tell them that they would be about 20 minutes late for the interview. The ride to Al’s interview was tense and strained. Doug tried to re-focus onto the facility, what programs they had to offer, and his impressions of the treatment a boy could expect. They were met by the intake supervisor, Frank Cutter who immediately said to AL, “I hear you almost got arrested this morning?” Frank threw it out on the table as it would be an issue to start with and judge Al’s reaction in order to assess Al’s need for and response to possible

placement. The interview with Al lasted about an hour followed by a tour of the facility, dorm and classrooms. On the trip home, Al said the visit and interview went, “O.K.” and based on Al’s somewhat neutral responses, Doug felt that maybe their program exceeded Al’s expectations. A week later, Doug received word that Al was not accepted for placement as they didn’t feel any treatment would be effective. “Based on the Psychological Report and the history, there is little at home and, in fact, they will probably undermine his placement. Al would be a negative influence on the other kids here. Sorry, Doug. Good luck with him.” Doug was not surprised and he decided to re-read the Psychological Report again to gain some insight of where to go with Al’s supervision. The only thing he could come up with is identification with a male adult figure, ‘him’. If further misbehavior in the community occurred, Al would have to face the consequences. It didn’t take long to prove Doug correct. Bertha called and said, “Your favorite family is at it again. Al Esposito was picked up for theft with a weapon. He’s in Juvenile now with a Hearing set for Monday. The police say he had a large knife and robbed a lady of her pocketbook. She identified him within hours. The knife was not found. See you in Court at one.”

CHAPTER 8

Al’s Juvenile Court Hearing

D OUG ARRIVED AT the Juvenile Court. “This was beginning to be routine,” he thought to himself. All the players were there; Bertha, Judge Reynolds, Attorney Doughty and surprisingly, Angelina Esposito, the grandmother. Doug was given a copy of the Police Report. The lady whose pocketbook was stolen had picked Al’s picture out of several teenagers. The police had arrested Al before on the stolen bike incident so they had a recent picture. Also, the robbery occurred not too far from the Esposito home. Doug approached Angelina and said somberly, “Hello, Mrs. Esposito. This is a serious matter. A knife was used to rob the lady of her pocketbook. Thankfully, no one was hurt.” Angelina responded, “I'a no understand whya theya arrested mia grandson? The police comma toa mia housea anna saya Alfredo steala a pocketbook. Hea wasa homma witta me.” “The police report said the lady picked out Al’s picture and she identified Al in a line up.,” Doug responded. Angelina just shook her head saying, “I noa understand.” She began to cry silently and took out a silk handkerchief to wipe the tears away. “Have you seen Attorney Doughty?” Doug asked. Angelina composed herself and said, “He’sa wit mia grandson.” Doug just nodded and gave Angelina a reassuring smile. Shortly after Attorney Doughty met with Al in lockup, the Hearing began. There was more of a somber feel to this Hearing, Doug thought, maybe because the

charge was more serious. Judge Reynolds called the Hearing to order with a bang of his gavel on the table. “The first case is Al Esposito. He is charged with Robbery, 1st degree and possession of a weapon for allegedly stealing a woman’s pocketbook while brandishing a knife. Is everyone ready to proceed?” Attorney Doughty, Bertha, and the Prosecutor all said yes. “Good, bring in your first witness.” The Prosecutor called Police Officer Ricker to the stand. “Swear in the witness,” Judge Reynolds ordered. The Clerk stood and with hand raised said, “Please hold up your right hand. Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” “I do,” he replied. “State your name and affiliation.” “Buck Ricker, New Haven Police Department.” “How long have you worked for the New Haven Police Department?” the Prosecutor asked. “Over six years,” he replied. “In the course of your duties over the last six years, have you responded to citizen complaints, investigated them and have made arrests?” “Yes, I have.” “On October 13th of this year, did you respond to a complaint of a woman whose pocketbook was stolen at knifepoint?” “Yes, I did.” “After taking down the information, what did you do next?” “I asked the woman to view some photographs of similar looking youth of the same age, height, race and weight.”

“And what was the result of viewing those photographs?” the Prosecutor asked. “The woman identified the photograph of Al Esposito.” “What did you do next?” “I visited the home of Al Esposito and took him into custody.” “Then what did you do?” “The woman was asked to come to the Police Station and she positively identified Al Esposito as the one who stole her pocketbook.” “Then what did you do?” “I arrested Al Esposito and charged him with Robbery 1st degree and carrying a dangerous weapon and placed him in Juvenile Detention.” “No more questions, Your Honor,” the Prosecutor said as he sat down. Judge Reynolds looked at Attorney Doughty and said, “Cross examine, Counselor?” “Thank you, Your Honor. Mr. Ricker, during your six years as a New Haven Police Officer, were you ever disciplined for misconduct, abuse, or an illegal arrests?” “Objection, Your Honor,” the Prosecutor exclaimed. “He’s attempting to harass the witness.” “I’m just trying to determine if Mr. Ricker is doing his job fairly and honestly or whether he’s prejudice against my client?” Attorney Doughty responded. “Objection over ruled. Answer the question, Officer Ricker,” Judge Reynolds ruled. “I was disciplined three times,” he responded reluctantly. “Thank you, Mr. Ricker. I will remind you that you are still under oath,” Attorney Doughty said. “Of those three disciplinary actions, were any of those for unnecessary use of force, violation of a client’s civil rights, or a wrongful

arrest?” Officer Ricker paused as the tension in the Courtroom was aerially quiet. He finally said, “yes.” Attorney Doughty jumped on the answer. “Which one was it? Or was it all three?” “Two were for violation of a client’s civil rights and one was for unnecessary use of force,” he replied. “Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Ricker.” Doug thought the Attorney was softening him up for the ‘killer question’ since Ricker was under oath and the Officer’s record was open public information. “You mentioned that two disciplinary actions were for violations of a person’s civil rights. What was the nature of those violations?” “Both were for not reading his rights,” he said. “Was Al Esposito read his Civil Rights?” “Yes, he was.” “Was his parent or guardian there because he was under 16 years of age?” “His grandmother was there.” “Mr. Ricker, did you know that Al Esposito was made a Guardian of the State two years ago so that the grandmother only has custody and neither a parent nor legal guardian was present? Attorney Doughty asked. “No, I did not,” Ricker replied. Ricker looked worried as his case was beginning to unwind. “Your Honor, I move for immediate dismissal of all charges against Al Esposito for violation of his Civil Rights in that a parent or legal guardian was not present when he was interrogated.” The Judge pondered the question. “I will hold it under advisement,” Reynolds ruled. “Continue, Attorney Doughty.”

Undaunted, but clearly disappointed, Attorney Doughty asked, “Mr. Ricker, what time of the day did this robbery occur?” “I believe it was around 9:30 in the evening.” “Your report said it was exactly 9:43 P.M. that you got the call. It was dark out, was it not?” “Yes sir,” Ricker responded. “And the victim clearly saw the face of Al Esposito in the dark and was able to pick out his photograph and identify him. Is that what you’re saying?” “Yes,” was his only response. “Did you ever find the weapon, Mr. Ricker?” “No, I didn’t,” Ricker responded. “Did Al Esposito ever it that he robbed the woman?” “No, he did not.” “No more questions for this witness, Your Honor,” as Defense Counsel rested. Judge Reynolds turned to Officer Ricker and said, “you’re dismissed, Thank you for your testimony.” The Prosecutor felt his case was unraveling, but he said, “No further witnesses, Your Honor.” Judge Reynolds turned to Attorney Doughty and asked, “Do you have any witnesses?” “Just one, Your Honor. Defense calls Angelina Esposito.” Angelina was sworn in, stated her name and identified herself as Al’s grandmother. “Mrs. Esposito, were you at home on the night of October 13th?” “Yes, I wasa getting ready toa goa to bed.” “Was Al, your grandson, home with you?” Doughty asked.

“I’a putta hima toa bed. Hea hada ona hisa pajamas.” “What time was this?” “Ita wasa after thea Ed Sullivan Show, abouta nine O’clock,” she said. “Then he was in the house with you when the crime was committed.” “Hea wasa wit me, ina mia housea. Anna hea noa havea a knife. I notta likka any knife ina mia housea.” “Thank you, Mrs. Esposito. No more questions,” as Attorney Doughty rested his case. Judge Reynolds turned to the Prosecutor and asked, “Any cross?” The Prosecutor responded, “A few, Your Honor. Mrs. Esposito, you love your grandchildren, do you not?” “I lovea alla mia grandchildren.” “Would you lie to keep them from going to jail?” “I’a noa lie,” she said. “You’re Italian. Do you cook Italian food?” “I’a cook good Italian,” she said. “Do you have knives in the kitchen to prepare the Italian food?” “I’a havea noa knives ina mia kitchen.” With that the Prosecution rested. All eyes were on Judge Reynolds. In a sudden burst of laughter by almost everyone in the Courtroom, the tension was lifted. Doug knew that Angelina would lie for her grandson. She would never testify if the results would send Al to the Meriden School for Boys. Everyone in the Courtroom knew she was lying about not having any knives in her kitchen. Everyone waited for the verdict. Finally, Judge Reynolds ruled. “Based on the evidence presented and the

testimony of the two witnesses, I find Al Esposito not guilty. Case dismissed.” Doug was surprised, Bertha was angry, the Prosecutor was resigned, Attorney Doughty was pleased and Angelina and Al were ecstatic. Angelina and Al left the Courthouse, choosing to walk the mile home on foot. It was two months later in a casual conversation with Al that he itted to a direct question whether he had ever tried to steal a pocketbook. Al replied, “I tried once. I was in the projects down the street and I saw this big, fat lady, must have weighed 300 pounds. I figured she couldn’t run very fast so I could just grab the pocketbook and run home. When I grabbed the strap, she didn’t let go. She swung me around and around saying, “You little white boy wanna steal my purse, you got another thing commen.” Then she started screaming and laughing and people started coming out of their doors and I had to let go and run home fast. I never did that again.” Doug could only smile and visually pictured the scene in his head.

CHAPTER 9

Tony’s Dilemma

C HILDREN’S SERVICES DECIDED to rent another space near the downtown area in the heart of ‘The Hill’ Section of New Haven, about a block from Yale New Haven Hospital and where the riots had occurred. It provided closer services to the clients to walk or take a bus trip into the office. However, the parking was atrocious with off-street parking quite expensive. Walking to and from your car placed you in ‘Harm’s Way’ with many workers using a ‘buddy system’. Walking to your car at night invited trouble. Inside the building was an improvement as there were several nooks and crannies to muffle the telephone sounds and loud talking reminiscent of a small corporation. Doug and his colleagues were instructed one Friday to come dressed in jeans and sneakers to help facilitate the move, organize files, position desks, tables and chairs, but no heavy lifting which was contracted out to an outside agency. There was sort of a festive atmosphere during the move and surprisingly, little disruption of services. Meanwhile, Maria Esposito and her daughter, Angelina continued to do well living apart from the grandparent’s home. Monitoring of the three Esposito boys at home still provided a challenge. Although Doug was now readily accepted into the Esposito home as another ‘paison’, It was only with the unspoken agreement that the children remain with the grandparents. Doug provided some monitoring and , offering encouragement when appropriate. Doug felt he was being ‘tolerated’ when it came to visits with the family . As long as no one made waves, the heat was off the family. It was ‘status quo’ and everybody accepted this status. In the meantime, Tony, 3rd dropped out of school on his 16th birthday without fanfare. He had never been a good or serious student and no one in the family encouraged him to aspire to more than what he currently was, a good Italian boy. Heretofore, he had never been in trouble with the law, was not a problem student in school, although his marks were only C’s and D’s, and he was not a disciplinary problem in the Esposito home. A few months after dropping out of

school, Tony obtained a minimum wage job at $3.25 an hour working at a local Italian meat market. The pay or work was not very exciting, but it was steady work and he was able to pay for his own clothes and even give some money occasionally to his younger siblings. Tony and his younger brothers were still Wards of the State until the age of 18, since the State law had been changed six months previously from 21 to 18. Doug received a phone call from an hysterical Tony stating that his wages were being garnished by the State leaving him with only $5 a week for expenses. “They’re going to take all of my money,” he screamed into the phone. “Why should I even work? I’m so mad that I want to go to the State Hospital in Middletown,” referring to a State Mental Hospital where his father had resided for several months. Doug calmed Tony down long enough to ask him some questions, like who wrote the letter, what department it came from, and what the actual letter said. What was told to Doug was that the State worker supervising Maria and Angelina and working in the same office sent the letter because the State was paying for their upkeep outside of the Esposito family home. A computerized printout showed that wages and benefits from eligible children can be garnished to pay for the of their parents. This didn’t make sense to Doug. The three Esposito kids were Wards of the State and the State wanted to garnish one of the kid’s wages, minimum wage as it was, to pay for of his mother and sister? Here, Doug was the Guardian of the three boys trying to stabilize them in a relative’s home and Children Services was not paying a dime for their upkeep. It boggled Doug’s mind. How was he going to stabilize the kids if the State takes away almost all of their wages? Why would any Ward want to work? Besides, Tony was now threatening to it himself to a State Hospital, costing the State more money with Tony loosing his job and the State coming up empty handed. Doug made an immediate visit to Bob and explained the situation to him asking for advice. Bob was ive and suggested he speak with the worker for Maria and Angelina. The worker was no help stating that this was the law and he was only a ‘bureaucrat’ working the system. Doug then went to the Program Supervisor who refused to even speak with Doug. Frustrated and angry, Doug couldn’t believe that the State and those workers would actually participate in undermining the stability of one and possibly all three foster kids, those very children that Doug was sworn to guide, and protect. Doug became incensed at the stupidity of the ‘system’ and the

insensitivity of some of these ‘bureaucrats’. Since Doug knew some of his softball colleagues at Legal Aide, he made a referral giving them the information needed to appeal the case. Two weeks later, a Hearing Officer arrived at the State’s Offices and set up his microphones to record the proceedings. Legal Aide had subpoenaed Doug, the worker for Maria, and the Program Supervisor. The Hearing Officer looked at both sides and asked a question, “The plaintiff works for the State in the same office as the defendant in this case?” Doug answered, “that is correct.” The Hearing Officer turned off the recorder and said, “I’m not going to hear this case today. The two sides should be talking with one another to resolve this internally.” Doug blurted out, “I tried to speak with the Program Supervisor, but she refused to even speak with me.” The Hearing Officer calmly said, “You two work it out.” The Program Supervisor was miffed and immediately went to the District Director. A half hour later, Doug’s supervisor called Doug into his office and asked, “how did Legal Aide get all this information for the Hearing?” “I gave it to them,” Doug responded without hesitation. “Why did you do that?” Bob asked. “Because my job is to protect these foster kids in my care and this stupid rule is undermining the stability of my kids. All three Esposito kids are Wards of the State. They are living in the grandparent’s home and we are not paying anything for their . The mother and the daughter are living apart so that Angelina was not committed to the State. And because the mother is on State Assistance, they are trying to take the wages of a child, a 16 year old drop-out from school who gets a job paying minimum wage to reimburse the State for aide to the mother!” Doug was hot by then and on a role. “They are undermining the stability of my foster kids, for what, $50 a week? Tony is threatening to go to the State Hospital in Middletown. Then the State pays more money for his hospitalization there and he looses his job and the State can’t garnish his wages

then. Besides, all Tony could do is just quit working and the State gets nothing. He gives money to his younger brothers now from the money he makes at his menial job. At least, he’s working and contributing to society and paying taxes. And they want to undermine this and force more of a dependency on the State?” Bob let Doug calm down and then said calmly, “This is getting kicked up to the Commissioner’s Office in Hartford. I’ll keep you informed.” A week later, Doug received a phone call from Mr. Jamison, the Deputy Commissioner in Hartford. He said, “Mr. Roberts, I reviewed the Tony Esposito Case and found a State Statute that exempts children under the age of 18 and committed to the State from having to their parents who are receiving State Assistance. I will forward this to the Hearing Officer, Legal Aide in New Haven and send you a copy and also the Program Supervisor. Tony’s wages will not be garnished.” “Well, that’s good news. Why didn’t we know about this law before, to prevent this sort of thing from happening?” “I can’t answer that, Mr. Roberts, but your case is settled. Have a good day,” he said. Doug was surprised that he had been so forceful and bold in his conversation with the Deputy Commissioner. He immediately spoke to Bob and informed him of the phone call. Then he called Tony and gave him the good news. A friendly phone call was made to Legal Aide as well saying that they had ‘hit a home run’. He notified the worker who said he would forward this information on to the Program Supervisor. Doug had protected his three Italian foster kids. Later, Antonio Esposito put his arm around Doug’s shoulders and said, “Youa a true ‘paison’, a friend”. He smiled broadly. Doug felt accepted by the Esposito Family.

CHAPTER 10

Prologue

T HE NEXT SEVERAL years were relatively quiet with no major issues with the three boys. All of them reached 18 years of age without getting into trouble with the law, at least coming to the attention of Doug. He closed each file out upon each child reaching 18 years of age. Tony continued to work at the Italian Meat Market and eventually advanced to a meat cutter’s position. He married an Italian girl and had three children, eventually moving into the downstairs apartment below his grandparent’s living arrangements where Tony spent all of his earlier life. He ed the Knights of Columbus Society through St. Michael’s Church and rose in rank to be one of the Directors at the National Headquarters located in downtown New Haven. Tony became a respected member of the Italian community and every Italian mother in ‘Little Italy’ knew him. Phil led a checkered life, getting arrested as an adult ‘running numbers’ and one serious charge of ‘loan sharking’. He never married. He was last working as a Used Car Salesman. Al graduated to Armed Robbery, spent his early 20’s in and out of local jails until his arrest for Bank Robbery. He was unable to negotiate or plea bargain the Fed’s and received a 15 year term with the possibility of parole after 11 years. His addiction to alcohol and prescription medications impacted his behavior. Angelina and her Mother, Maria lived apart from the family, but maintained nearly daily with the extended family. Angelina graduated high school, married at age 19 and has one child. Maria later married a non-Italian. Maria maintains weekly with her children, at least the ones who were not incarcerated. Angelina and Antonio Esposito died within a year of one another; Antonio a

year and a day after their daughter-in-law, Maria remarried. Grand-daughter, Angelina was the favorite of Antonio Esposito and inherited the family home where she presently lives with her husband and small child. Following the death of both parents, Antonio, Jr. had a psychotic break and was hospitalized at the Middletown State Hospital. His aggressiveness and numerous assaults on hospital staff resulted in his transfer to the Security Treatment Center where they were able to stabilize him with psychotropic medication, including Thorazine and Tegretol. Upon release to the community, Antonio, Jr. spent years in and out of community shelters and receiving at Salvation Army Shelters and Services. He remained on Disability Income, but drank most of it up on a monthly basis. His chronic alcoholism eventually led to organicity and early signs of Dementia. He is considered homeless, refuses to take prescribed medication to control his mental illness, and continues to drink on a daily basis. He seldom sees or interacts with his children preferring a nomadic life. For a short period of time in the lives of the three Italian foster kids, there was some stability. Each has graduated into adulthood choosing different paths depending on their personalities, upbringing and choices made whether bad or good. They were all impacted by their earlier years growing up in the ‘Little Italy’ section of New Haven.

AUTHOR’S NOTES

T HIS STORY OF THE Three Italian Foster Kids is a story developed by the author after working six years in foster care in Connecticut. The story is not an accurate of any one family, but some of the incidents did occur, such as the gun incident and running across the roof tops in an attempt to corral a foster child. The experiences, some contrived, are gleaned from many sources and are not to portray one specific family. Any of the references to the ‘Records’ or description of Juvenile Court testimony is purely fictional. The Foster Care System in Connecticut is, in large part, a good one. No foster care program, whether public or private, is perfect. Working conditions, stress of the job, untrained workers, poor decision making, all contribute to ‘worker burnout’. There are many great, dedicated foster parents and a few who have out-lived their effectiveness with the change in societal rules and moreys. Institutional settings can provide needed care for many teenagers when these youths are too old to find good foster parents, considering the normal issues all parents go through in raising a teenager. As demonstrated in this story, there are pockets of inner-city life that can be dangerous to workers, especially after the riots that occurred in 1967 in New Haven and also community unrest, such as the Black Panther Trial, which places undue stress on those workers who go into these areas on a daily basis. Projects are notorious for the proliferation of crime and drugs and, thus create an undue stress in the lives of these workers. Then there are the natural parents whose children have been taken away from them. They have their own issues dealing with drugs, alcohol and mental illness and occasionally, incarceration due to bad choices made or a reaction to their own personal issues. Many workers in foster care should have some experience and training on how to deal with these parents who blame the worker as a representative of the ‘system’ or threaten and assault them. Such was the case of the gun incident. Knowledge of different cultures, religion, and ethic groups all factor into how the trained worker should respond to a parent or family member. This was demonstrated in working with an Italian family. And finally, knowledge of the Court system can be over-whelming to an untrained worker who may testify on the witness stand that he ‘feels’ something

is wrong when facts need to be presented. In general, the goal of foster care is eventually to reunite the child to the parent, if at all possible. Placing a child in foster care or some therapeutic institutional program is only a temporary relief until the issues and the reasons for placement are resolved or the child is old enough to be on his own. Not all families are successful; that is the reality of the ‘system’. As pointed out in this story, bad choices continue to be made into adulthood with the consequences to follow.

Donald Rilla, Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

D ONALD RILLA IS a retired Psychiatric Social Worker and a Forensic Fellow having practiced in the Criminal Justice System for over 35 years. After obtaining his B.A. from the U. of Massachusetts, Mr. Rilla spent six years in Children’s Services for the State of CT. Part of his duties were to develop reports for the Juvenile Court on neglected, abused, delinquent and abandoned children. He also appeared in Superior Court as a Guardian ad Litum. After obtaining his Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, Mr. Rilla worked five years at Whiting Forensic Institute, a maximum security mental hospital for the State of CT. Some of his duties were to testify in Civil Court as to a patient’s mental illness under Civil Commitment, reports to the Superior Court as to Insanity Defendants, liaison to the Parole Board as to release of incarcerated defendants, testimony before the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) on recommendations for release, and supervision in the community of released Insanity Defendants/PSRB clients. Mr. Rilla transferred to the Hartford Court Clinic and for the next nine years performed Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations as part of a Team and testified in the Criminal Courts. He also performed Psychosocial Evaluations for the Courts and the Public Defender’s Office. After accepting the position as Director of the Bridgeport Court Clinic, Mr. Rilla was in charge of the training of Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatric Social Workers performing Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations. He continued with Psychosocial Evaluations and evaluated/supervised Insanity Defendants released to the community. Mr. Rilla was a Founding member of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW), became a Board Member and President. He held Diplomate Status and was a Past President of the Academy of Forensic Social Work. He submitted questions for the forensic testing and served as an oral examiner. Mr. Rilla has presented numerous times during the Forensic Conference on a wide variety of Forensic issues. He authored the Code of Ethics

for NOFSW. Mr. Rilla was a member of NASW, ACSW, LCSW, NOFSW, AFSW, Drug Court Professionals and Certified as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Following retirement from the State of CT,. Mr. Rilla was employed at LMG, a local Drug and Alcohol Facility where he completed intake interviews, was Court Liaison, worked with Probation Officers and eventually was named Director of the Drug Court where he completed intake evaluations and presented pre-trial defendants before the Court. Mr. Rilla’s last position was in Florida as Clinical Coordinator of the Adult and Children’s Crisis Unit at Coastal Behavioral Healthcare in which part of his duties were to monitor and testify in Civil Court as to the dangerous individuals referred for suicidal/homicidal behavior due to mental illness. Mr. Rilla resides in Sarasota, FL and can be reached at [email protected]