The Children
Today marks my 6th official day as an employee of the state. My job title is case worker for the Department of Child Safety... or commonly known, social worker for CPS (child protective services). Regardless of the agency name or what people know it as, my job is to help children and families. Period.
Many people have their preconceived notions regarding what the organization does and its responsibilities. Basically, people think that I am the devil. They believe that I am out to remove their children from them for no reason, for things that are trivial and ridiculous. The fact of the matter is, it's not true. So far, I've come across a wide range of situations consisting of teenage runaways, physical abuse, neglect, addiction, sexual abuse, etc. I haven't had to delve too deep into it, but there are some disturbing things that I've read and seen so far.
Why would anyone want this job then, you ask? To make a difference... and I can honestly say that I am already. See, what people may not realize, is that there is a strong push for reunification of families DCS doesn't want to keep your children. We have a hard enough time finding temporary placement. We'd much rather you keep your family together. Our job is to strengthen your family. To ensure that everyone is safe and taken care of. I've had a chance to meet some amazing children who have persevered in spite of their circumstances with both poise, humor, and intelligence. Ones that are flourishing in their temporary or new surroundings. Children have the ability to be resilient and my job is to help them to be the best they can be. My position is in the ongoing unit, which means that I'm helping children and families after the fact. Helping with resources, counseling, classes, whatever I can to ensure that the children are safe and families are happy.
It's not all sunshine and rainbows. I've already seen reports of things that I could have gone the rest of my life without knowing. One thing that has surprised me thus far though, is my ability to shut the part of my brain off that obsesses about things and I've been able to kind of block it out before it becomes too painful to think about. It's not to say that I'm becoming cold and distant, but there has to be a point where I just leave it where it needs to be, or I won't be effective at my job.
So here we are. Week 2, a week or so away from my official training where I learn as much as I can so that I can help out as many people as possible. It's hard to say that I'm excited to go to work. It will never be a glamorous or fun job by any means. I was put here for this though. Maybe not this "particular" job, but nevertheless, a job where I can be of service and help as many people as I possibly can. Altruism is in my nature, and I have been naturally pulled towards a position of service. We're only here for a short time, and I want to spend my life helping those with a difficult life, get through it with a little love and support.
Also, if you have the ability, please sign up to be a foster parent. Loving homes, both temporary and permanent, are desperately needed. If you have any questions about the process or need more information, I'm happy to help provide it. <3 p="">
Many people have their preconceived notions regarding what the organization does and its responsibilities. Basically, people think that I am the devil. They believe that I am out to remove their children from them for no reason, for things that are trivial and ridiculous. The fact of the matter is, it's not true. So far, I've come across a wide range of situations consisting of teenage runaways, physical abuse, neglect, addiction, sexual abuse, etc. I haven't had to delve too deep into it, but there are some disturbing things that I've read and seen so far.
Why would anyone want this job then, you ask? To make a difference... and I can honestly say that I am already. See, what people may not realize, is that there is a strong push for reunification of families DCS doesn't want to keep your children. We have a hard enough time finding temporary placement. We'd much rather you keep your family together. Our job is to strengthen your family. To ensure that everyone is safe and taken care of. I've had a chance to meet some amazing children who have persevered in spite of their circumstances with both poise, humor, and intelligence. Ones that are flourishing in their temporary or new surroundings. Children have the ability to be resilient and my job is to help them to be the best they can be. My position is in the ongoing unit, which means that I'm helping children and families after the fact. Helping with resources, counseling, classes, whatever I can to ensure that the children are safe and families are happy.
It's not all sunshine and rainbows. I've already seen reports of things that I could have gone the rest of my life without knowing. One thing that has surprised me thus far though, is my ability to shut the part of my brain off that obsesses about things and I've been able to kind of block it out before it becomes too painful to think about. It's not to say that I'm becoming cold and distant, but there has to be a point where I just leave it where it needs to be, or I won't be effective at my job.
So here we are. Week 2, a week or so away from my official training where I learn as much as I can so that I can help out as many people as possible. It's hard to say that I'm excited to go to work. It will never be a glamorous or fun job by any means. I was put here for this though. Maybe not this "particular" job, but nevertheless, a job where I can be of service and help as many people as I possibly can. Altruism is in my nature, and I have been naturally pulled towards a position of service. We're only here for a short time, and I want to spend my life helping those with a difficult life, get through it with a little love and support.
Also, if you have the ability, please sign up to be a foster parent. Loving homes, both temporary and permanent, are desperately needed. If you have any questions about the process or need more information, I'm happy to help provide it. <3 p="">
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