Social Work/Child Welfare: The Invisible Profession

November 18th 2010

There are times when I feel guilty for writing about some of the horrendous things I encounter at my internship with Child Protective Services.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of my readers don't even read my entries once they realize the content that particular entry will probably contain.

I write about what happens as a way for me to process my feelings.

I write about the children so that I never forget their stories.

But I could be doing that in a private journal, in entries that no one else but me will read.

Instead I share it with all of you.

I share it because child welfare work is what I like to call "the invisible profession"

Our society as a whole, doesn't like to acknowledge that child abuse and neglect happen.

I met a woman yesterday in the county I do CPS for, and she asked me where I was interning.

When I told her, she was shocked.

Not the usual shock that I get, the "why would you do that kind of work!" but shock because she didn't ever think that her rural county would NEED services like CPS.

She made a comment like "well, i can't imagine that there would be much for you to do around here!"

I told her nicely, but curtly, "you'd be surprised"

CHILD ABUSE HAPPENS IN YOUR BACKYARD, AND FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE IT DOES NOT MAKE IT DISAPPEAR.

It is not a problem specifically of the poor, of the minorities, of inner city families, of single headed households, of uneducated parents.

These kids are your children's friends, classmates. They are your students, your clients, your neighbors.

Another thing I struggle with, and this may seen selfish- but the intense lack of recognition child welfare workers receive.

I went shopping the other day, and saw in the window of New York & Co a flier advertising 20% off for teachers, EMT, firefighters, police, and military.

Those are all incredible admirable careers. Absolutely one hundred percent important. And they deserve the recognition.

A little voice in my head said "but what about social workers?"

Is it because we as a society prefer to believe that all parents take care of their children, like they are supposed to?

CPS workers are these evil creatures who are just "baby snatchers" as we've been so graciously nicknamed?

I don't know..

I guess i'm just trying to promote awareness.

Not for myself, I couldn't care less if people didn't recognize the importance of what I do.

Even with the New York & Co thing, It's not at all me being upset that I don't qualify for a discount.

It's just another recognition of helping professions, with social work left out. Which isn't to me so much of a denial of social workers (particularly child welfare), but a denial of the need for social workers. Which is sort of like a denial of the children who need our help.

Don't even get me started on the salaries of helping professions.

We've got a pretty messed up values system.

How can someone earn millions of dollars for getting a ball into a hoop, and someone who gives our future an education, or keeps them safe makes $30-40,000 /yr.

There are no words....