CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 1
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express approval of the Juvenile Court Judge
CASA Report
Last name of case Owens Case number 226615
Type of hearing Permanency CASA: Sonya Ko
Date of hearing 01/26/2021
Child(ren) Age DOB Sex Ethnicity Immigration Status
Owens,Aubrey 4 yrs, 1
mos
10/24/2016 F Black/African
American
US Citizen
Owens,Amyah 11 yrs, 6
mos
05/13/2009 F Black/African
American
US Citizen
Owens,Amariyon 6 yrs, 5
mos
06/27/2014 M Black/African
American
US Citizen
Nature of allegations
Aubrey Neglect, Caretaker's inability to cope
Amyah Neglect, Caretaker's inability to cope
Amariyon Neglect, Caretaker's inability to cope
Executive Summary:
Aubrey The children came into care on 3/09/18 due to the Mother’s inability to cope with parenting.
The Department has been monitoring the family and providing services to the family since June
2015. The mother has mental health issues (bi-polar and depression) that adversely affect her
ability to care for the children. Biological father, Mr. Gregory Withers, is currently incarcerated
in Fulton County jail on charges of domestic violence.
The children are placed together in a foster home with Ms. Angela Burnett since March 2020.
The children were moved from their previous placement due to allegations of abuse towards
another child in the home. The two youngest children, Amariyon (6 yrs old) and Aubrey (4 yrs
old), have been diagnosed with autism and ADHD; both received medication and support from
Hugh Spaulding Autism Center. A'Myah (11 years old) is enrolled in 6th grade and Amariyon is
in 1st grade; both attend virtual Atlanta Public School with the assistance of a behavioral aide at
Trinity A.M.E learning pod. Aubrey attends daycare at Trinity A.M.E.
Since early September, the visitation between Ms. Owens and her children has fluctuated from
weekly to every other week due to her temporary employment. Also, Ms. Owens has canceled
visits last minute due to feeling overwhelmed. DFCS is reinstating weekly visits to ensure
consistency and a regular schedule for both the children and the foster parent.
Currently, their biological mother, Ms. Lasheba Owens, continues to work on her court plan with
weekly individual therapy and parenting classes. Consistency in her medication management is
a critical component of her court plan. Also, her current housing situation requires the necessary
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 2
bedrooms and furniture for her children.
CASA Recommendations for Aubrey:
1. CASA recommends that the Owens children continue to remain in the care of the DFCS and
in the current foster home.
2. CASA recommends that the Owens children should continue to have supervised visits with
her biological mother every week. The biological mother needs to confirm these visitation dates
on a regular basis and strive to keep these regular weekly visitations (avoid last-minute
cancellations as the children are disappointed).
3. CASA recommends Aubrey attend a pre-school/daycare that supports children with special
needs due to her autism and ADHD.
4. CASA recommends that Aubrey be assessed for occupational and speech therapy.
5. CASA recommends that the Deparment ensure prescription eyeglasses are received and
correct for eyesight issues (not in place since first raised in Sept 2020; maybe causing issues
with autism and sensory issues).
6. CASA recommends Aubrey be assessed for occupational and speech therapy (associated with
autism and sensory issues).
7. CASA recommends Aubrey attend regular Opthalmology and Optometrist appointments to
ensure correct prescription.
8. CASA recommends regular visits for Autism (OT, Speech therapist, ABA for autism)
continue.
9. CASA recommends regular medical checkups are adhered to ensure the right level of
medication.
10. CASA recommends that the Department evaluate other long-term placement options for the
Owens children while the biological parents continue their court plan. Due to the long time
frame, the children have been in foster care (since March 2018), alternate placement options
need to be investigated and evaluated.
Amyah The children came into care on 3/09/18 due to the Mother’s inability to cope with parenting.
The Department has been monitoring the family and providing services to the family since June
2015. The mother has mental health issues (bi-polar and depression) that adversely affect her
ability to care for the children. Biological father, Mr. Gregory Withers, is currently incarcerated
in Fulton County jail on charges of domestic violence.
The children are placed together in a foster home with Ms. Angela Burnett since March 2020.
The children were moved from their previous placement due to allegations of abuse towards
another child in the home. The two youngest children, Amariyon (6 yrs old) and Aubrey (4 yrs
old), have been diagnosed with autism and ADHD; both received medication and support from
Hugh Spaulding Autism Center. A'Myah (11 years old) is enrolled in 6th grade and Amariyon is
in 1st grade; both attend virtual Atlanta Public School with the assistance of a behavioral aide at
Trinity A.M.E learning pod. Aubrey attends daycare at Trinity A.M.E.
CASA Recommendations for Amyah:
1. CASA recommends that the Owens children continue to remain in the care of the DFCS and
in the current foster home.
2. CASA recommends that the Owens children should continue to have supervised visits with
her biological mother every week. The biological mother needs to confirm these visitation dates
on a regular basis and strive to keep these regular weekly visitations (avoid last minute
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 3
cancellations as the children are disappointed).
3. CASA recommends A'Myah be enrolled in any enrichment after school classes to challenge
her and supplement her academic courses.
4. CASA recommends A'Myah receive weekly behavioral therapy to address issues with
domestic violence or abuse she may have been exposed to.
5. CASA recommends A'Myah receive weekly behavioral therapy to address issues with
domestic violence or abuse she may have been exposed to.
6. CASA recommends enrichment classes like advanced/honors academic path, dance, arts,
computer, etc to challenge and supplement her academic school work (strong A/B student).
7. CASA recommends that the Department evaluate other long-term placement options for the
Owens children while the biological parents continue their court plan. Due to the long time
frame, the children have been in foster care (since March 2018), alternate placement options
need to be investigated and evaluated.
Amariyon The children came into care on 3/09/18 due to the Mother’s inability to cope with parenting.
The Department has been monitoring the family and providing services to the family since June
2015. The mother has mental health issues (bi-polar and depression) that adversely affect her
ability to care for the children. Biological father, Mr. Gregory Withers, is currently incarcerated
in Fulton County jail on charges of domestic violence.
The children are placed together in a foster home with Ms. Angela Burnett since March 2020.
The children were moved from their previous placement due to allegations of abuse towards
another child in the home. The two youngest children, Amariyon (6 yrs old) and Aubrey (4 yrs
old), have been diagnosed with autism and ADHD; both received medication and support from
Hugh Spaulding Autism Center. A'Myah (11 years old) is enrolled in 6th grade and Amariyon is
in 1st grade; both attend virtual Atlanta Public School with the assistance of a behavioral aide at
Trinity A.M.E learning pod. Aubrey attends daycare at Trinity A.M.E.
CASA Recommendations for Amariyon:
1. CASA recommends that the Owens children continue to remain in the care of the DFCS and
in the current foster home.
2. CASA recommends that the Owens children should continue to have supervised visits with
her biological mother every week. The biological mother needs to confirm these visitation dates
on a regular basis and strive to keep these regular weekly visitations (avoid last-minute
cancellations as the children are disappointed).
3. CASA recommends a school with specializations in Autism and special needs be explored for
Amariyon.
4. CASA recommends Amariyon continue with occupational and speech therapy and continue
support from Hugh Spaulding Autism center (or similar autism support services).
5. CASA recommends the Department ensure prescription eyeglasses are received and corrected
for eyesight issues (not in place since first raised in Sept 2020; maybe causing issues with autism
and sensory issues).
6. CASA recommends an assessment be conducted for occupational and speech therapy
(associated with autism and sensory issues).
7. CASA recommends Aubrey attend regular Opthalmology and Optometrist appointments to
ensure correct prescription.
8. CASA recommends regular visits for Autism (OT, Speech therapist, ABA for autism)
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 4
continue.
9. CASA recommends regular medical checkups are adhered to ensure the right level of
medication.
10. CASA recommends that the Department evaluate other long-term placement options for the
Owens children while the biological parents continue their court plan. Due to the long time
frame the children have been in foster care (since March 2018), alternate placement options need
to be investigated and evaluated.
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 5
Child Petition Date Removal Date Attorney Appointed
Aubrey 03/08/2018 03/08/2018 Christy Bigelow
Amyah 03/08/2018 03/08/2018 Christy Bigelow
Amariyon 03/08/2018 03/08/2018 Christy Bigelow
Research Information
Persons interviewed: (includes parents, children, social workers, relatives, doctors and others with information.)
Name Relationship to Child Interview dates
Owens,Amariyon Child 8/20/2020, 8/29/2020, 9/17/2020, 10/05/2020, 10/22/2020,
11/12/2020, 12/2/2020, 12/16/2020, 01/07/2020
Owens,Lasheba Biological Mother 8/22/2020, 8/29/2020, 10/2020, 12/05/2020
Owens,Aubrey Child 8/20/2020, 8/29/2020, 9/17/2020, 10/05/2020, 10/22/2020,
11/12/2020, 12/2/2020, 12/16/2020, 01/07/2020
Solomon,Michael Case Manager 08/25/2020, 10/07/2020, 10/15/2020, 11/20/2020,
12/17/2020, 01/05/2020
Owens,Amyah Child 8/20/2020, 8/29/2020, 9/17/2020, 10/05/2020, 10/22/2020,
11/12/2020, 12/2/2020, 12/16/2020, 01/07/2020
Murrell,Loutina Clinical Therapist 8/27/2020, 10/8/2020, 11/8/2020, 01/04/2020
Records/Reports Reviewed:
Aubrey,Amyah,Amariy
on
- Biological mother (Lasheba Owens) monthly progress notes - individual therapy and parenting
skills session with Clinical Intervention Specialists (July-Dec 2020)
- Hugh Spaulding Autism Center - medical records (March - Oct 2020)
- Past court reports (03/02/2020, 06/02/2020 Permanency Reviews, 07/16/2020 Court Report,
GAL court report for 08/06/2020
- Onesource Learning & Development Center (Behavioral Aide) case notes
Review date(s)
Aubrey,Amyah,Amariy
on
09/2020, 11/2020, 12/2020
Background Information
Prior involvement with this court, law enforcement, or DFCS
Aubrey,Amyah,Amariy
on
04/03/2013 - The parents requested the temporary guardianship of Amyah be terminated
Sept 2014 - removed from the mother's care due to allegations of mental health issues
6-09-2015 Parents granted Protective Order
Lasheba Owens prior involvement with law enforcement:
Offense Date: 03/24/2020 Offense: Hindering Apprehension Or Punishment Of Criminal
Offense Date: 01/29/2005 Offense: Simple Battery, Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct,
Cruelty to Children 2nd degree
Gregory Withers' prior involvement with law enforcement:
Offense Date: 1/13/2005 Offense: Possession of Dangerous Drug, Possession Drugs in Orig
Cont, Criminal Trespass
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 6
Offense Date: 5/28/2005 Offense: Loitering
Offense Date: 6/5/2008 Offense: Transfer to Another Agency with Pending Charges (Cobb)
Offense Date: 8/6/2008 Offense: Possession of Cocaine, Aband of Controlled Substance
Offense Date: 10/9/2009 Offense: Transfer to Another Agency with Pending Charges (Cobb)
Offense Date: 4/02/2011 Offense: U/S Possession of Cocaine WID, THX Taking Auto, Party
to a Crime
Offense Date: 4/24/2011 Offense: Probation Violation
Offense Date: 09/11/2015 Offense: Probation Violation
Offense Date: 8/10/2018 Offense: Aggravated Assault Strangulation
Offense Date: 3/24/2020 Offense: Simple Battery (Family Violence)
Family's history of child abuse, mental illness or child abuse (based on CASA volunteer's research
Aubrey,Amyah Aubrey was diagnosed with autism (10/2020) and ADHD (10/2020)
Mother , Ms. Lasheba Owens, is diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, & Bipolar
Disorder and has been prescribed medication since 2013 when she first requested temporary
guardianship of A'Myah.
Father, Mr. Gregory Withers, was incarcerated at Fulton County Jail since March 2020 for
Domestic Violence/Abuse (previously charged in 2018 for similar issue)
Amariyon Amariyon was diagnosed with autism (7/2019), speech & developmental delay (2016), mixed
receptive-expressive language disorder and sensory integration disorder, aggressive behavior
(2018), repetitive movement, ADHD, temper tantrum (2019)
Mother , Ms. Lasheba Owens, is diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, & Bipolar
Disorder and has been prescribed medication since 2013 when she first requested temporary
guardianship of A'Myah.
Father, Mr. Gregory Withers, was incarcerated at Fulton County Jail since March 2020 for
Domestic Violence/Abuse (previously charged in 2018 for similar issue)
Visitation
Aubrey Owens
Adjustment to current placement The twins have adjusted very well to the placement. Amyah is having some issues in
the home.
Are visits between child and mother supervised?
No
Child''s degree of participation during visits There is active participation when visits occur.
Visitation comments CASA attended one visitation with Biological Mother and Owens children on
8/29/2020. Mother was engaged with Aubrey, helping her with her coloring, asking
her for hugs. Amariyon was in another room playing independently with his toys,
little interaction with mother. A'Myah was on her mother's phone using TikTok app,
both watching and making videos, without much supervision from her mother.
Amyah Owens
Are visits between child and mother supervised?
No
Amariyon Owens
Are visits between child and mother supervised?
No
Placement History
Aubrey
Number of prior placements is: 2
Amyah
Number of prior placements is: 2
Amariyon
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 7
Number of prior placements is: 2
Possible Relative or Fictive-Kin Placements
Aubrey
Name Relationship Willing Placement? Home Evaluation Complete?
Gregory Withers Biological Father No No
Amyah
Name Relationship Willing Placement? Home Evaluation Complete?
Gregory Withers Biological Father No No
Lynette Owens No No
Tammy Withers No No
Crystal Mcgary No No
Vinnett Person No No
Amariyon
Name Relationship Willing Placement? Home Evaluation Complete?
Shequita Withers Aunt/Uncle No No
Deonna Owens First Cousin No No
Gregory Withers Biological Father No No
Were attempts made to keep siblings together?
Aubrey Yes
Amyah Yes
Amariyon Yes
Explain.
Aubrey,Amyah,Amariyo
n
All 3 children are placed in the same home.
Education
Aubrey Owens
Current grade level 4 yr old daycare
Appropriate for age?
Yes
Attempts made to keep child in same school?
Yes
Attendance history As needed
Behavioral history Good
IEP
Yes
Additional
comments
Currently all 3 kids are together at Trinity A.M.E. due to Covid and virtual Atlanta Public School
Amyah Owens
Current grade level 6th grade
Appropriate for age?
Yes
Satisfactory grades?
Yes
Attempts made to keep child in same school?
Yes
Attendance history Good
Behavioral history Good
Additional Virtual school with a learning pod at Trinity A.M.E.
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 8
comments Amyah is very bright with A's and B's on her last report card.
Amariyon Owens
Current grade level 1st grade
Appropriate for age?
Yes
Attendance history Good
Behavioral history Has had issues with hitting, biting other students
IEP
Yes
Additional
comments
Virtual school with a dedicated Behavioral Aide to help supervise him due to his autism needs.
Parental Information
Aubrey Owens
Current housing (location) of
parent(s):
1220 Gun Club Road, Apt B1-8, Atlanta, GA 30318
Date CASA visited 08/29/2020
Condition 2 bedroom apartment at the 2nd level of the complex. The apartment has 2 bedrooms with one bedroom not
having furniture in it. There is concern that there may be a mold/insect-infestation within the apartment.
Current job status of parent(s) On and off temporary employment
Time employed Mostly unemployed
Services to parent(s) provided Ms. LaSheba Owens continues to attend individual therapy at Clinical Intervention
Specialists. She attends therapy once a week. In therapy, mother is focusing on
Anger Management and Domestic Violence. Ms. Owens also attend parenting
sessions with once a week at Clinical Intervention Services
Services to parent(s) recommended Continue individual therapy and parenting session, specifically for children with
autism
Compliance with court order and/or
caseplan
Biological mother, Ms. Lasheba Owens, attends weekly individual therapy and
weekly parenting sessions. Unclear on consistency of medication management due
to several incidents where she felt overwhelmed with the upcoming visitation with
the children which led the last minute cancellation of Saturday visits (usually once
per month). Staring in early September, Ms. Owens asked to move visitations from
weekly to every other week due to her work schedule and feeling overwhelmed.
Then due to last minute cancellations by Ms. Owens, the children's visits would be
only 1 per month.
Biological father, Mr. Gregory Withers remains incarcerated at Fulton County Jail.
Amyah Owens
Amariyon Owens
Child(ren)'s needs, wishes and observations And Court Attention
Needs of the child(ren) - includes pyschological, emotional, physical health, cultural and financial/material
Aubrey,Amariyon Issues with eye sight (needed eye exam and eyeglasses for many months)
Speech and occupational therapy for her Autism and Sensory issues
Amyah - Continue behavioral therapy sessions (weekly) to address any trauma or domestic abuse she
might have been exposed to
- Enrichment classes to challenge her academically (already A/B student) like music, dance, art
lessons
Wishes of the child (including custody placement)
Aubrey Aubrey is too young to articulate her desires for placement
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 9
Amyah A'Myah enjoys her weekly visitation with her mother. She wishes she could be with her mother
but she understands her mother is not often well enough to take care of them.
Amariyon Amariyon is too young to articulate his desires for placement
Specific issues/concerns for the court''s attention
Aubrey,Amariyon Ongoing issues with eyesight (noticed since early September); unclear reasons for delays in
receiving corrective eyewear as her eyesight is severely impaired
Amyah Unclear the impact of past trauma and/or domestic violence have had upon A'Myah
CASA Volunteer Recommendations
Current placement recommendations
Aubrey,Amyah,Amariy
on
CASA recommends that the Owens children continue to remain in the care of the DFCS and in
the current foster home.
Visitation between child(ren) and parent(s) and child(ren) and sibling(s)
Aubrey,Amyah,Amariy
on
CASA recommends that the Owens children should continue to have supervised visits with her
biological mother every week. Biological mother needs to confirm these visitation dates on a
regular basis and strive to keep these regular weekly visitations (avoid last minute cancellations
as the children are disappointed).
Educational
Aubrey CASA recommends Aubrey attend a pre-school/daycare that supports children with special
needs due to her autism and ADHD.
CASA recommends that Aubrey be assessed for occupational and speech therapy.
Amyah CASA recommends A'Myah be enrolled in any enrichment after school classes to challenge her
and supplement her academic courses.
Amariyon CASA recommends a school with specializations in Autism and special needs be explored for
Amariyon.
CASA recommends Amariyon continue with occupational and speech therapy and continue
support from Hugh Spaulding Autism center (or similar autism support services).
IEP recommended?
Amariyon Yes
Psychological
Amyah CASA recommends A'Myah receive weekly behavioral therapy to address issues with domestic
violence or abuse she may have been exposed to.
Medical/physical health
Aubrey CASA recommends that the Deparment ensure prescription eyeglasses are received and correct
for eyesight issues (not in place since first raised in Sept 2020; maybe causing issues with autism
and sensory issues).
CASA recommends Aubrey be assessed for occupational and speech therapy (associated with
autism and sensory issues).
Amyah CASA recommends Amyah continue attending all dental, health and eye check-ups as needed.
CASA recommends Amyah attend Medical advice/check-up at 12 years for health review
(puberty-related).
CASA REPORT: Owens APPROVED On 01/19/2021 Page: 10
Amariyon CASA recommends the Department ensure prescription eyeglasses are received and corrected
for eyesight issues (not in place since first raised in Sept 2020; maybe causing issues with autism
and sensory issues).
CASA recommends an assessment be conducted for occupational and speech therapy (associated
with autism and sensory issues).
Financial/material
Amyah CASA recommends enrichment classes like advanced/honors academic path, dance, arts,
computer, etc to challenge and supplement her academic school work (strong A/B student).
Treatment services for parent(s), sibling(s), caretaker(s), etc.
Aubrey,Amariyon CASA recommends Aubrey attend regular Opthalmology and Optometrist appointments to
ensure correct prescription.
CASA recommends regular visits for Autism (OT, Speech therapist, ABA for autism) continue.
CASArecommends regular medical checkups are adhered to ensure the right level of medication.
Amyah CASA recommends continued behavioral therapy for any trauma/domestic abuse she might have
been exposed to.
Other recommendations that are in the best interests of the child
Aubrey,Amyah,Amariy
on
CASA recommends that the Department evaluate other long-term placement options for the
Owens children while the biological parents continue their court plan. Due to the long time
frame the children have been in foster care (since March 2018), alternate placement options need
to be investigated and evaluated.
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
CASA Volunteer Signature/Date CASA Program Staff Signature/Date
The CASA volunteer has been appointed by the juvenile court judge pursuant to O.C.G.A. §§ 15-11-104(d) and 15-11-106(a)(2). This report is submitted according to
the duties of the appointed GAL as described by O.C.G.A. § 15-11-105(c)(15). The CASA volunteer reserves the right to amend this report based on additional
information obtained in the court hearing.
This report as well as any and all records and information acquired or reviewed by the GAL during the court of his or her appointment shall be deemed confidential and
shall not be disclosed except as ordered by the the court or applicable statute. O.C.G.A. § 15-11-105(f).