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Deja Brooks

Deja Brooks was a young Black American social worker assigned to the evening rotation at St. James Hospital ER in Montgomery, Alabama. In winter 2019, she conducted the mandated abuse assessment after Sean Landry deliberately broke sixteen-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 on the evening rotation. Her 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. She had tired eyes and held her clipboard close as she entered. 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 first crouched a few feet from the bed rather than moving directly into Elliot’s space, then sat in the spare chair, lowered her clipboard, and told them they could speak together if that helped him feel safe. She 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. When Elliot blamed himself for not screaming or saying what Sean demanded, she told him that nothing he had said or failed to say caused the assault.

Deja filed formal reports with law enforcement and Child Protective Services that night. She took a card bearing her direct number from her badge lanyard and gave it to Jazmine, telling her to call that line rather than the office or front desk. She also promised to keep them informed as the reports moved forward.

Personal Style and Presentation

Deja wore practical, professional clothing suited to long hospital shifts. Her badge and clipboard identified her role. She appeared tired during Elliot’s assessment, but lowering the clipboard and giving him more space made her approach less imposing.

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?”

(Inviting Elliot to describe the abuse in his own words during his winter 2019 ER visit.)

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

(Allowing Jazmine to remain during the interview.)

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

(Giving Jazmine her direct contact number.)

“Not this time.”

(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