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Deja Brooks

Deja Brooks was a Black American social worker assigned to the evening rotation at St. James Hospital ER in Montgomery, Alabama. On January 15, 2019, she conducted the mandated abuse assessment after Sean Landry deliberately broke fifteen-year-old Elliot Landry’s left wrist. Deja adapted the interview to Elliot’s support needs, documented his disclosure, and filed formal reports with law enforcement and Child Protective Services.

Career

Deja worked as a hospital social worker. Her documented responsibilities included bedside assessment, adapting an interview for a disabled patient in crisis, and making mandated reports to law enforcement and Child Protective Services.

2019 Elliot Landry Abuse Intervention

Main article: Elliot’s Broken Wrist and ER Visit (Winter 2019) - Event

After Carleen recognized Elliot’s injury as suspected abuse and contacted social work, Deja came to his hospital bay to conduct the assessment. Jazmine Landry explained that Elliot was autistic, had moderate to high support needs under stress, and might mask or shut down if separated from her during the interview.

Deja allowed Jazmine to remain. She sat in the spare chair, lowered her clipboard, and told them they could speak together if that helped Elliot feel safe. She then asked Elliot to describe what had happened in his own words. After he disclosed that Sean had twisted his wrist until it broke, Deja paused before continuing the documentation.

Deja filed formal reports with law enforcement and Child Protective Services that night. She gave Jazmine her direct contact number and told her to call that line rather than the office or front desk.

Speech and Communication Patterns

During the interview, Deja used calm, direct language and an open-ended question rather than suggesting an answer. She adjusted her phrasing and physical approach after learning what Elliot needed to communicate safely.

Memorable Quotes

“Elliot, can you tell me what happened? Not what someone told you to say. What really happened to your wrist?”

(Source: Elliot’s Broken Wrist and ER Visit (Winter 2019) - Event; inviting Elliot to describe the abuse in his own words)

“Alright. Then we talk like this. Together. If that’s what helps you feel safe.”

(Source: Elliot’s Broken Wrist and ER Visit (Winter 2019) - Event; allowing Jazmine to remain during the interview)

“You call me directly from now on. Not the office. Not the front desk. Me.”

(Source: Elliot’s Broken Wrist and ER Visit (Winter 2019) - Event; giving Jazmine her direct contact number)

“Not this time.”

(Source: Elliot’s Broken Wrist and ER Visit (Winter 2019) - Event; responding when Jazmine asked whether Elliot would be allowed to fall through the system again)

Characters Minor Characters Living Characters Medical Professionals Black Characters Black American Characters