Statement, DCFS Interim Director Debra Dyer-Webster

"When a child dies by suicide, there are no words to express the tremendously devastating feelings that accompany that loss. Byron Casanova was only 9 years old when he died and it is deeply troubling that this happened to a child so young. There is currently a pending investigation into this death and we will be doing a deep dive into all aspects of this case to understand exactly what happened and why. DCFS will be fully transparent with the public on the results of this investigation. As we move forward, DCFS is committed to taking real and concrete action alongside the administration to better serve our state's most vulnerable children and families.

Family

• Byron Casanova, age 9 at time of death

• Half-brother of Byron, age 6 ("Younger Brother ")

• Half-brother of Byron, age 2 ("Youngest Brother")

• Half-sister of Byron, age 3 months ("Sister")

• Mother of Byron ("Mother")

• Boyfriend of Mother ("Boyfriend")

   

Previous History

The Department's first interaction with this family began in February 2016.  DCFS received one allegation of injurious environment/substantial risk of physical injury, one allegation of mental injury, one allegation of environmental neglect and one allegation of substance misuse.  DCFS investigated all four allegations and three were unfounded.  The allegation of substance misuse was indicated. 

The Department did not have contact with this family again until December 2018, following the birth of the family's youngest child. At this time DCFS received one allegation of environmental neglect and one allegation of substance misuse. DCFS investigated both allegations. The allegation of environmental neglect was unfounded and the substance misuse allegation was indicated. DCFS offered intact services, including parenting classes, to the mother and her boyfriend after the birth of her youngest child in December 2018 and the mother and her boyfriend were cooperative with intact services at the time of Byron's death.

Byron Casanova Timeline

2/03/16               DCFS received a report related to Byron and his younger brother for allegations of injurious environment/substantial risk of physical injury and mental injury.  The reporter states the mother was arrested for domestic violence recently, but the children were not present at the time of the violence. The reporter states the mother is ingesting Byron's ADHD medication and Byron is acting out in school. The reporter also stated the mother slapped Byron in the face and told Byron that she hates him.  The report is investigated and ultimately determined to be unfounded.

3/25/18               DCFS received a report related to Byron and his younger brother for environmental neglect. The individual who made the report stated the boys were frequently absent from school.  The reporter was concerned that the mother and boyfriend were using and selling the children's medication prescribed for ADHD.  The reporter expressed concern that the boys may be exposed to methamphetamine due to the boys shaking and picking at sores.

3/26/18               A DCFS investigator was assigned and made an unannounced visit to the home. The home was cluttered, but not unsanitary. The mother and boyfriend denied using or selling the children's ADHD medications.  Byron did not report any concerns in response to the investigator's questions.  The mother and boyfriend did not appear to be under the influence.

4/02/18              The Investigator visited the home and found the home to be tidy.  A count of the boys' ADHD medication revealed the appropriate amount of pills present.  The mother and boyfriend did not appear to be under the influence.

4/05/18               The investigation was closed and determined to be unfounded.

12/23/18            DCFS received a report that the mother gave birth to a baby girl on 12/21/18. The mother tested positive for THC, Opiates, Oxycodone and Subutex.  The report alleges substance misuse by neglect.

12/23/18             The DCFS investigator spoke with the mother at the hospital. The mother admitted to marijuana use during pregnancy and continued use of prescribed Norco during her pregnancy. The mother agreed to have the children stay with their grandmother and family friend. The mother agreed to participate in intact services.

12/23/18             DCFS investigator observed the older three children with the grandmother and family friend and found them to be in safe environments. The children reported feeling safe with the mother and boyfriend and did not report the mother using drugs.

12/26/18             The mother tested positive for THC and opiates, but had been prescribed the opiates in the hospital. The boyfriend tested positive for THC.

12/28/18             Case opened with DCFS's High Risk Intact Unit.

1/03/19               DCFS received a report that the baby's meconium tested positive for oxycodone, cannabinoids, and norbuprenorphine.

1/03/19               The children moved back to the home on 1/2/19. Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed the younger brother and sister at home.  The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.

1/11/19               Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed Byron's brothers and sister in the home.  The intact worker expressed concerns about the condition of the home and suggested looking for a home in better condition. The mother stated she had an appointment to attend a suboxone program.

1/16/19               Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed all four children in the home. The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.

1/25/19               Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed the younger brother and sister.  The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.  Intact worker observed the younger brother, but was unable to see Byron as he was still at school.

1/29/19               Intact worker spoke with the younger brother at school and learned he had been absent from school 26 days and tardy 6 days.

1/30/19               Intact worker conducted an unannounced visit to the home and observed Byron, the youngest brother and sister in the home with the mother and boyfriend. Intact worker discussed truancy issues regarding school. The mother and boyfriend agreed to begin parenting classes.

2/01/19               Intact worker met the mother and boyfriend at the pediatrician's office and observed the youngest brother.

2/05/19               Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed all four children in the home. The mother reported her drug treatment program was going well.  The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.

2/14/19               Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed Byron's brothers and sister in the home.  The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.  The mother reported being arrested for missing a court date related to the minors' truancy.

 2/19/19                DCFS investigator learned that Byron had missed 16.5 days of school.

2/19/19               DCFS investigator learned Byron and younger brother had been seen by a doctor recently for ADHD follow up.  The youngest brother was in need of a two-year check -up and sister was due for a two-month check-up.

2/20/19             The investigation is indicated for substance misuse by neglect as to the sister.  An intact case is opened to provide services and monitoring.

2/22/19             Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed the children in the home.  Intact worker reported the family was making progress on cleaning up the home.

2/25/19             Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed all four children in the home.  The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.

03/08/19             Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed the sister in the home. Byron and siblings were at the grandparents' home.  The youngest brother showed no signs of abuse or neglect.

03/14/19            The intact worker conducted a home visit and observed all four children in the home.  The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.

3/19/19               Intact worker conducted a home visit and observed the four children in the home.  The children showed no signs of abuse or neglect.  Intact worker had some concerns about the cleanliness of the home and told them it should be cleaned.

03/23/19             DCFS received a report on the death of Byron. Byron's brothers and sister were taken into protective custody.  The children are placed in a relative foster home pending the investigation.

DCFS is currently conducting a full investigation into the death of Byron and how and why it took place and will be fully cooperating with law enforcement in this process.