I recently read an interesting article about working for Child Protective Services and the responsibilities and stresses involved (see link below). My primary job function is to investigate Abuse and Neglect allegations and I can definitely relate to the remarks made in the article. I'm not so much worried of being arrested, but rather worried sick some days that I might miss something. What if I don't ask the right questions to get disclosure from the children, what if when I walk through the home I miss the drug paraphernalia, what if I can't respond fast enough to a new case, what if what if. It definitely is a taxing and emotional job. Many of my coworkers have been at it for years and I applaud their work. I would be lying if I didn't admit that I am somewhat looking forward to the day we move from Utah and I'm forced to leave. However, I do it because someone needs to. Because someone needs to give the kids in our community a fighting chance. Sure it interrupted my Conference Weekend when I got 3 cases that I had to respond immediately too, but I'm glad I could be there to help. The article mentions that recommended number of cases is 12... in my office we juggle upwards of 20 cases each month and it isn't slowing down. I clearly didn't choose this line of work because of the high pay or constant praise; because, lets be honest, those aren't a reality. I chose this field because I am passionate about making a difference and helping people. I don't intend on making this specific aspect of social work my career, but I'm glad I can get the experience now and hopefully help a few families along the way. Ultimately, I know I can only do so much and so I just do the best that I can on every case and pray daily that God will help me on the cases where his beloved children are at risk.
Its worth the read if you have a minute.
Also, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The following statistics were found on the website below regarding Utah:
- Utah ranks 10th in the nation for confirmed child abuse cases.
- There is a confirmed case every hour of every day in Utah.
- 42 percent of victims were younger than 5 years old.
Learn how you can help at
http://preventchildabuseutah.org/
3 comments:
Eww that makes me sick. Even when you see it all day like we do, it's still hard to face the looming statistics. I think after a while you learn to distance yourself from every thing & that is really not a good thing. I would give a lot to have my empathy for people back.
Those are horrifying statistics.
Thanks for making a difference Kirsten! You are blessing many lives!
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