Justice Schmustice

One of the painful and frustrating things about interning where I do is the extreme ball drops that happen from time-to-time, and usually from the social worker. Take this case for example.

Imagine 4 kids being severely sexually abused by their uncle. The older kid tells his teacher, the school nurse but no one helps him or his siblings. Or so he thinks.

Come to find out, those mandated reporters had been calling but the complaints were going unheard despite the state law requiring a follow-up within 48hrs. Eventually a CPS worker did make it out to investigate but claimed the allegations were 'unfounded', meaning no evidence was found to support them (never mind that he didn't conduct a forensic interview or take into account he bore a strong resemblance to the uncle and dad).

And now, a year later, after the kids were finally removed and placed into foster care, yet still not given any trauma counseling, there is a 95% chance they will be returned home. There is talk and speculation about the kids possibly "making it up" because they are "mentally retarded", too.

It all just makes you want to SCREAM! sometimes.

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My 2nd Job

Or would you consider it my 3rd? Maybe even 4th?

Anyway, On Tuesday's and Wednesday's I've been interning at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). I've been learning A LOT about the court system, how CPS (Child Protective Services) and in turn DSS (Department of Social Services) work and that abuse and neglect of children happens Way. More. than. Anyone. Can. Imagine.

I have also learned that I really really really wanna be a macro social worker because I want to effect change in a big way, not one person at a time. However, I think practicing at the clinical level will make me more effective at the policy level. So one I plug away....

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