Roan nodded. “And Cody?”
Logan’s expression shifted, became more serious. “Tell me exactly what happened. The incident last night.”
Roan explained about Devon holding Cody’s face underwater in the sink, the Pattersons fighting in another room, Cody thinking he was going to drown.
Logan was already writing notes. “That’s assault. Attempted harm of a minor. This isn’t something we document for later—this needs to be reported immediately.”
“To who?” Roan asked.
“Cody’s social worker, first. And the Department for Children and Families. They have an emergency line.” Logan looked up. “Does Cody have any visible injuries? Bruises, marks?”
“There was a head wound from last week,” Roan said. “He said it’s mostly healed.”
“We should document it anyway. Photos, if possible.” Logan pulled out his phone. “What’s Cody’s social worker’s name?”
“I don’t know,” Roan admitted.
“Find out. First thing tomorrow, you call her or him and report exactly what Cody told you. I’ll draft a statement tonight that you can use. You need to be clear, factual, and urgent—this child is in immediate danger.”
Reese felt her heart racing. “What happens after we report it?”
“DCF will investigate. They’ll interview Cody, probably interview Devon and the Pattersons. Given the severity—attempted drowning—they’ll likely remove Cody from the home immediately while they investigate.”
“Where would he go?” Roan asked.
“Emergency placement. Could be another foster home, could be a group home temporarily.” Logan paused. “Or, if you’re willing to take him as an emergency placement, and if DCF approves it given your existing relationship through The BridgeProgram, they might place him with you while they investigate and sort out something more permanent.”
“I’ll take him. Right now. Today, if possible.”
“It doesn’t work quite that fast. You’ll report it tomorrow. DCF will investigate, probably Tuesday or Wednesday. If they remove him, they’ll need somewhere to place him. I can let them know you’re willing and able to provide emergency shelter. Given that you’re already his mentor, already have Marcus placed with you, and the situation is urgent, there’s a good chance they’ll approve it.”
“So he could be with me by the end of the week?” Roan asked.
“Possibly. If everything moves quickly and DCF determines he’s in immediate danger—which, given what you’ve described, they should.” Logan made more notes. “This also helps your case long-term. If Cody is placed with you as an emergency placement—and it goes well—it strengthens your application for permanent foster placement or adoption down the line.”
“What about the Pattersons?” Reese asked. “Will they lose their foster license?”
“That depends on the investigation. If DCF determines they failed to protect Cody from their biological son’s violence, ignored reports of abuse, or created an unsafe environment, yes, they could lose their license. At minimum, they’ll be under increased scrutiny.”
Roan leaned forward. “And Devon? Can he be charged with anything?”
“He’s a minor, but yes, he could face juvenile charges for assault. That’s up to DCF and potentially the police, depending on how serious they consider the incident. But our focus right now is getting Cody safe, not punishing Devon.” Logan closed his folder and looked directly at Roan. “I need you to understand something. When you make this report tomorrow, you’re setting a lot of things in motion. Investigations, interviews, potentialremoval of Cody from the only home he’s known for an extended period of time—even if it’s not a good home. And there’s no guarantee DCF will place him with you. They might decide another foster home is more appropriate. You need to be prepared for that possibility.”
“I understand.”
“But you’re still going to report it?”
“Absolutely. That kid tried to drown him. I’m not leaving Cody in that house another day if I can help it.”
“Good.” Logan pulled out a business card and wrote something on the back. “This is the DCF emergency line. If anything else happens with Cody before you can file the official report tomorrow, you call this number immediately. If Devon threatens him again, if there’s any violence—anything—you call.”
Roan took the card. “Thank you.”
“I’ll send you the information about foster parent licensing tonight. Even if Cody is placed with you as an emergency, you’ll still need to complete the licensing process for it to become permanent. Start that process immediately.” Logan hesitated, then added, “One more thing you should know. When it comes to permanent placement—adoption, long-term foster care—the system has biases. They strongly prefer two-parent households. Married couples. Stable family structures.” He looked at Roan. “As a single man, you’ll face more scrutiny during the home study. More questions. And if another family also requests Cody for permanent placement, a married couple will likely be chosen over a single parent.”
Reese drew in a long, shaky breath. He could lose them to a married couple?
“So I’m at a disadvantage,” Roan said.
