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This is a fictionalized account of actual events that occurred on a U.S. military installation. The names, exact dates, locations, and service-specific terminology have been changed or neutralized. To create the activities in this and subsequent lessons, we started with the facts of a real criminal investigation and lawsuit. What you will read here goes beyond the facts recorded in the criminal case by imagining details of individual’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Although much of what you will read here is fiction, the sequence of events and the tragic consequences are very real. While the content in this case study is important in order to bring awareness to the topic of child abuse and neglect, we recognize that it may be difficult to read. After you complete this lesson, we encourage you to take some time to reflect on your own well-being and engage in self-care strategies as needed. 

Learn more about the scenario that you read in Lesson 1. This time, look for the signs of abuse and neglect that you might notice in your program. Please note again, the details and sequence of these scenarios are fictionalized and expanded to demonstrate what you might see or hear in a program. When you have finished reading Bethany and Braden’s Story, answer the reflection questions. Compare your responses to the suggested answers. The suggested answers will provide additional information that will be helpful when it comes to supporting staff members.

Reflection Questions:

1. What signs of abuse or neglect did staff members and neighbors notice?

   There are many signs that the children were being abused. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for all the people who care about a child to put the pieces together. Here are signs that people noticed:

   At the school-age program: Max and Sasha both saw and heard evidence that the children were being mistreated. Because the children were 10 and 11 years old, most of the evidence came from things the children said to staff members or other children. Max witnessed a physical interaction between Caleb and Braden. Bethany admitted her experiences to Sasha.

   In the Community: The neighbors heard verbal signs of abuse. Extended crying, screaming, or other distress is a likely sign that a child is in danger.

    
2. What signs of abuse or neglect were present but unknown outside the family?

   No one outside the family knew the extent of abuse the children were experiencing. No one knew that the older children were being forced to assault or discipline the younger ones. No one knew that food, water, and medical treatment were being withheld from Bethany and Braden.

    
3. What events in the Miller's family life could cause stress? What should have triggered family supports?
   • Two new foster children were introduced to the home.
   • Bethany and Braden had multiple foster placements prior to the Millers. The instability in their lives might have caused them stress.
   • Bethany and Braden might have used behavior that adults found challenging. Challenging behavior can increase stress in adults and make children more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
   • We do not know about the professional lives of Derrik and Melinda Miller. We know they are active-duty, so it is possible that they were experiencing job-related stress due to long or irregular hours, deployment, frequent moves, or other factors of military life.