Kolby Case Interview

Kolby was seen for evaluation at the office of Gerena and Associates located in Coral Springs, Florida for 2.5 hours. He was initially accompanied by his mother, albeit assessed outside of her presence. He presented as a Black male who appeared to be of average weight for his height, and he appeared his stated age of 15. Kolby was dressed in casual attire wearing a shirt and a jean shorts that was held up with his hand. The youth was observed with a cellphone hanging from around his neck. He did not evidence significant impediments in grooming or hygiene. Importantly, there were no significant impediments noted with respect to ambulation. He was often seen slouching in his chair and playing with his hair. Kolby did not demonstrate difficulties
He denied any placements outside of his mother’s home. The youth reported his parents were not married when he was born, but later married each other, but he could not remember the length of their union. Kolby reported he has two brothers and three sisters by both of his parents. He stated he currently lives in Coral Springs with his three older sisters (ages 23, 21 and 18) and two brothers (ages 20 and 15), his mother and his father. The youth stated he has a good relationship with his mother and sometimes turns to her for emotional support. The youth reported that he would often times get upset with his mother when she constantly repeats the same thing to him over and over again, but for the most part they get along. Kolby described his relationship with his father as “straight,” he noted that they do communicate, but his father usually would go to work and return home. Additionally, he reported that his relationship with his siblings is good. He stated that they usually spend time together and go on family vacations. In terms of discipline, the youth noted that when he was about 12 years old, he typically would get in trouble for leaving home without permission. Although he did not indicate the form of punishment received, he indicated that it was not effective. Kolby advised he has household chores of keeping his room clean. He stated he normally has a curfew imposed by JPO Smiley, which he claimed he always follows. Kolby described his childhood as a “rough” he reported that it had many ups and downs which resulted in a struggle for the family to live, but did not elaborate on the what lead to the family problem. The youth denied running away from home or ever being kicked out of the home and his parents sometimes knows his whereabouts. Kolby denied a history of DCF involvement with the family, or