I am not casting any blame on the family at all - I'm simply wondering if this should happen - how far does one go? In this particular situation I found this MSM article about what was done to attempt to intervene for little Olivia:I think it is evident from reading the article that her grandparents recounted this story as an example of Olivia not wanting to go home, versus a whiny child who was having more fun with them. I'm sure they knew or suspected the dismal home life she was returning to.
It seems that they took her situation seriously and reported complaints to CPS. The file from CPS will verify if and when they made complaints. Apparently the grandparents were cut off from seeing Olivia in March, which is a common reprisal for abusers who resent family interference.
It is too early to cast blame on Olivia's extended family for not trying to help her. jmo
Grandmother says police were called weeks ago to check on Olivia Jansen
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Updated: 6:51 PM CDT Jul 13, 2020
Bianca Beltrán
KMBC 9 News Reporter
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. —
Olivia Jansen's grandmother said there were failed efforts to intervene on the 3-year-old's behalf before she was killed.
Elisabeth Jansen said she was scared to reach out to the Kansas Department of Children and Families because she was unsure of what the outcome might be. She hoped Olivia would be placed in her care.
All around Jansen's home, there are signs of the little girl missing from their lives.
"Everything is her. We fed the birds together. We watered the birdbaths together," she said. "All that's gone. I want it back," Jansen said.
Jansen said her stepson kept her granddaughter, Olivia, away since March.
In June, Jansen said she called 911, asking police to check on them after seeing Howard Jansen's girlfriend share a concerning Facebook post.
"They said they went up there. They knocked on the door, and there was no answer. So that's all they could do. So I have to call DCF. And I'm crying to him, 'That's all?'" Jansen said.
She said a call to DCF did not bring any comfort.
"Two days later, we get that email saying that they were going to put an investigator on it and I could send more information, but otherwise, I wouldn't be contacted," Jansen said.
Less than three weeks later, Olivia was found dead.
Now she is warning others to speak up if they suspect a child is in danger.
"Even if you are treated the way we were, just say something," Jansen said.
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KMBC reached out to both the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department and DCF for more information about the family's requests for help and any challenges they may have faced in the process.
Because of the ongoing investigation, KMBC is waiting for a response to an open-records request.
DCF provided a statement saying it is working alongside law enforcement to provide information specific to the case.
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BBM - so at first she was scared to contact CPS but then followed through and it would seem IMO she wasn't taken seriously because why wouldn't the child be removed? Did anyone visit the home in the meantime - and you are right, the CPS file will show what steps, if any were taken.
JMO