MSW IV-E students who are currently in a field placement journal about their experiences, perspectives, new learning, and awareness in their field work. Below, one of our current students reflected this week on the value of her experience and training within the IV-E program and her awareness of the power and influence child protection workers have when working with families.

“After attending a few sessions for new child protection workers at my county, I found myself questioning how newly hired social workers were able to navigate the complexities within the child welfare system in the past. Two things dawned on me after attending one of the trainings: (1) I understood more of the whys behind the low retention rates of county child protection social workers; and (2) my county internships are more valuable than I thought. As I observed how condensed these training sessions were, a sense of appreciation for having the opportunity to be a Title IV-E scholar became apparent. It had not dawned on me until that moment, when one of the trainers asked the group if they had any questions and all that were present had glazed eyes staring back after hearing so much information so quickly. The additional training and experiences I am receiving as a Title IV-E scholar is allowing me to increase not only my knowledge and skill set, but also, it has allowed me to experience the challenges and rewards that this field holds.

“Having interned for a few months now at my current county, the concept of differential power between social workers and families has been on my mind of late. While shadowing, speaking, and working with/beside other child protection social workers, I have observed how having the title of being a county social worker can enable a worker to hinder or assist a family. In a system that is very parallel and reactive, I think that it is easily forgotten that social workers make momentous decisions that affect the lives of children and families. This has led me to become mindful in how I work and converse with the families assigned to me. With more experience and knowledge, I hope to become more comfortable with this notion that my actions/decisions may have permanent effects on others’ lives.”