Jennifer Marando’s narrative of the Ponish case

As filed with (though not written for) ODJFS.     

March 23, 2002.

Received call from Building Blocks reporting that [Margaret and Peter Ponish] were in need of respite/family preservation services.  A call was made to the [Ponish] family and they reported that they felt unprepared to deal with the behavorial concerns of a 2.5 year old that they just brought home from Russia.  An appointment was set that afternoon to remove the child and place her in respite.

[Mrs. Ponish] repeatedly stated that she could not handle the child and felt that she was a “wild child”.  That afternoon, this assessor spent several hours with the child and family.  [Margaret Ponish] felt that her behaviors were too extreme and that she had “severe psychological problems”.  Major complaints as follows: aggressive, self-abusive, demanding, temper tantrums, clingy, hyper, defiant, oppositional, poor sleep and eating habits, potty training regression. 

[Peter Ponish] was more open to the needs of the child than his wife.  [Margaret’s] reports seem to be exaggerated.  The behaviors she was reporting were all normal transitional issues that the family was ill-prepared to handle.  [Peter and Margaret] each had a different position in terms of the child.  [Peter] seemed to be more attached to the child and more willing to work through her issues.  [Margaret] seemed unattached and critical of the child. 

Because there were differences in how the parents felt, as was decided that the child would be placed in temporary care and that they would consider a reunification plan by March 30, 2002.

March 25, 2002

Phoned the family to report that the child was progressing in the foster home.  [Margaret] seemed closed to the idea that the child was demonstrating transitional issues.  The child had had only one temper tantrum in the last two days.  She was also eating and sleeping better.  This assessor stated that the prognosis for the child was good once transitional issues were dealt with.  It is this assessors position that she is developmentally delayed slightly but is very bright and verbal.

I also feel that the child has attachement issues but that she is able to attach.  The child demonstrates good eye contact, will receive and give affection appropriately, and has stranger anxiety/separation.

It appears that this family had unrealistic expectations and are inflexible in their parenting style.  This assessor attempted to explain the child’s current needs to the family, but again, they were not receptive  [……..] to attempt a reunification with the aid of services.

March 26, 2002

Phoned and spoke with [redacted] who asked if her could speak to the current foster parents.  He seemed open to the child today and stated that he was researching options for the family.  The foster parents reported that [the Ponishes] called and asked about the child.  They were invited to come to the home for a visit but it was declined.

March 29, 2002

[redacted] calls to report that the couple has decided to surrender the child.  An appointment was set.

March 30, 2002

Went over the Ohio Adoption Laws and permanent surrender.  [Margaret Ponish] was adamant that the child was “disturbed”.  She was closed to this assessors assessment.  Attempted to work through [Margaret’s] feelings but she was unreceptive.  The couple signed the permanent surrender and court proceedings were explained.

Signed:  J. B. Marando, PCC

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