Opinion ID: 810539
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Foster Placements

Text: Plaintiffs first allege that defendants’ failure to remove Thor from foster care with Collins violated his right to bodily security and integrity under the Fourteenth Amendment. To support this claim, they point to the May 4, 2009 incident in which Thor’s wheelchair rolled down the Collins’ driveway while in their care. Thor was in fact left unattended for a brief period of time and did suffer an injury requiring stitches. However, the facts viewed even in the light most favorable to plaintiffs clearly indicate that Thor’s fall was the result of an accident, rather than abuse or neglect. Even if Collins or her husband had failed to set Thor’s wheelchair brake (as opposed to Thor himself having released it, a point that the parties dispute), the Xiongs point to no evidence suggesting abusive intent or disregard sufficient to rise to the level of neglect on Collins’ part. Collins promptly responded to the incident, brought Thor to the emergency room, and informed Wagner of what had occurred. Wagner per- formed an investigation the following day. In light of these facts, a reasonable caseworker would not have developed a suspicion or have any actual knowledge that Collins had abused or neglected Thor, or would do so in the future. No. 12-1737 19 The Xiongs next allege that defendants’ failure to remove Thor from foster care at Lakeview violated his right to bodily security and integrity. To this end, they identify the repeated instances of Thor falling or rolling out of bed during his time there, sustaining minor injuries on one occasion. The Xiongs argue that these instances constitute evidence which would place a reasonable caseworker on notice of a pattern of neglect in the facility. The daily Lakeview logs indicate that Thor fell from his bed on three different days (June 1, June 3, and June 11, 2009). The record also indicates, however, that the Lakeview staff adopted various appropriate measures to promptly respond to these incidents. Following Thor’s June 1, 2009 fall, the only fall resulting in injury, Thor was quickly treated and staff performed follow-up neurological checks throughout the rest of the evening and following day. Lakeview staff also placed protective mats around his bed to provide cushioning in the event of another fall. Upon learning of the June 1, 2009 incident, Wagner contacted Weller at Lakeview to inquire. Weller ultimately relayed the above information regarding Thor’s fall and treatment, and she described the precautions taken to prevent further injuries. At Lakeview, Thor was at all times under the care of licensed physicians who took protective measures to ensure his safety and responded promptly to all incidents. Armed with these facts, a reasonable caseworker would not have actual knowledge or a suspicion that Thor was being abused or neglected at Lakeview. Contrary to plaintiffs’ assertion, Wagner’s awareness 20 No. 12-1737 that Thor suffered injuries while in foster placement at Lakeview does not compel the conclusion that a reasonable caseworker would know or suspect that Thor was likely to be neglected in that facility. Indeed, the facts surrounding the incident at Lakeview, like those surrounding the circumstances at Collins’ home, indicate a contrary finding: that the injuries were the result of accidents. Defendants are entitled to qualified immunity for any alleged breach of Thor’s right to bodily security and integrity based on the decision to continue his placement with Collins and at Lakeview.