The six-page report, issued Oct. 4 by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, details the actions of the Dodge County agency and its staff in the months prior to the death of the 3-year-old toddler at a Waupun foster home.

Camron Gardner and his younger brother, Ethan Schwartz, now 3, were punched in the stomach by their foster father, Shane Marquardt, 32, on May 5 after Marquardt allegedly flew into a rage, according to the complaint.

Camron died at a Waupun Memorial Hospital of internal bleeding just hours after the apparent assault. Ethan has recovered from his injuries.

Marquardt is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and first-degree reckless injury. He is expected to appear in court on Nov. 8 for a motion hearing.

In the aftermath of Cameron's death, the state Department of Health and Family Services served notice to Dodge County child welfare officials of its intent to review the case to identify any factors or conditions that may have contributed to or resulted in Camron's death or Ethan's hospitalization.

According to the report, an Independent Review Team (IRT) was assembled to perform a records review and to conduct on-site interviews with DCHSHD supervisors, workers and a parent aide from Lutheran Social Services.

Foster care

Prior to the September 2005 licensing of Jessica and Shane Marquardt as foster parents, a comprehensive Foster Family Assessment was conducted by the DCHSHS foster care coordinator. References rated the Waupun couple from good to excellent as potential foster parents.

Although the couple had no children of their own, the report states that the couple often volunteered for activities with children through their church. The Marquardts also completed a 36-hour pre-service training program for foster parents.

Taking into consideration the Marquardts' role as new foster parents, county welfare officials placed Camron and Ethan (considered to have no special needs) with the couple to help them gain experience.

In November 2005, in response to a compliment received about the Marquardts' involvement with children, the DCHSHD foster care coordinator sent a letter to them thanking them for their excellent work with the boys.

The Marquardts' foster home license was revoked by Dodge County in July 2006.

Outward appearances

From all outward appearances and documentation, the Marquardts presented the picture of the ideal foster family, even refusing respite services. According to the report, the couple preferred to use family members to care for the children as a way to reinforce their sense of belonging in the family.

County staff also observed that the boys seemed very comfortable with the Marquardts and witnessed many positive interactions and hugs initiated by the children.

Several agency and worker strengths were noted in the course of the case and on-site review.

Agency workers assigned to the case had considerable amounts of experience, appeared dedicated and closely monitored the case. The report said workers were easily accessible to the children's biological family and foster parents, responding in a timely manner to all calls and visits.

The report also said the staff's adherence to practice standards, in addition to its direct practice with the families involved, went beyond what was required under state statutes.

Shock

The report, in conclusion, noted that the death of Camron Gardner shocked the community and deeply impacted his family as well as child welfare officials who work diligently to keep Wisconsin's children safe.

Following Camron's death, DCHSHD made inroads in attempting to expand its support of Dodge County foster parents by informing them of the tragic incident in Waupun and the availability of respite care.

A letter sent by Dave Titus, director of Dodge County Human Services and Health Department, reminded foster parents that help is available and should be utilized before reaching the "breaking point."

In June 2006, another letter was sent stating that all Dodge County foster parents could use the agency's on-call pager for after-hours crisis situations. Direct after-hours numbers for social workers were also made available.

Titus could not be reached Tuesday for comment on the report.