Child Welfare and the Role Social Workers Play

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Being involved with the department of social services can be an extremely overwhelming experience to families. There are many aspects of the processes families go through that are unaware to the general public. To gain insight into the child welfare field and the role child welfare social workers play, Heather Makulowich and I interviewed Wanda Phillips on October 4th, 2013. The Department of Social Services in Pitt County is a very drab building on the inside and out. I noticed that the receptionist is completely separated from patrons by a wall with a hole in which to speak through. Though I realize that many buildings have this set up, I feel that it creates an impression of disconnection between the staff and clients. I did notice a small play area for children as a part of the waiting room, which I believed was considerate to parents. Halloween decorations were out as well, creating a more comfortable feel. Ms. Phillips met us in the waiting area and walked us through the very spacious building to the elevator, taking us to her office on the third floor. She explained to us that the building was once a hospital (W. Phillips, personal communication, October 4th, 2013). This explained the wide doorways, spacious halls, drab atmosphere, and considerable amount of walking it takes to get from one place to the next. Ms. Phillips’ office had very welcoming in décor. Pictures of her child and what seemed to be his artwork, and the work of other children, decorated almost every available wall space. Because the room was once a hospital room, the layout was very strange for an office. Visitors have to sit perpendicular to Ms. Phillips’ desk. Because Ms. Phillips provides in home services, I do not believe this would aff... ... middle of paper ... ...east favorite part about her position is the amount of paperwork involved. This is not surprising news after all the lengthy forms we have reviewed in our child welfare class. Ms. Phillips’ favorite aspect of her position is the children she works with. She loves the comfort she receives from helping these children attain safe and productive homes. Ms. Phillips provided a great deal of insight into child welfare practices of Pitt County (W. Phillips, personal communication, October 4th, 2013). I believed the interview was highly beneficial to Heather and I as prospective social workers. Understanding the amount of work that goes into positions such as Ms. Phillips’ will help us prepare for our future roles in the field. Ms. Phillips illustrated that though the helping field may require a great deal from the individual, the practice can be extremely rewarding.

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