3 answers
Addyson
Student
Coral Springs, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What is it really like helping kids/teens who need it the most and Is it worth it?
I'm a high school senior and I've always wanted to help people who need it most, and especially kids/teenagers. Ive taken early childhood for 4 years and I'm getting certification in it. I have been interning at an elementary school for 3 years and have worked with Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Taking this course in general has helped me find my passion more for helping kids and my passion for social work. My dream is to get to work with DCF and become a Child Protective Investigator and help kids/teens who need it the most and make sure their safe. Ive been told that this will be a very very hard job and I'm aware of that. I really just want to help these children who need someone on their side. I just want to know is it actually rewarding helping kids/teenagers? I feel it is, but many people have tried to get me to quit saying it won't be.
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Addyson !
This is a very important question and with sensitivity, I want to advise you and put things into perspective.
You are already being helpful to the children that you work with. Look at what you are doin g - teaching children, keeping a caring watch over them, You are a large part of their initial foundation for education and really do make a difference with the 5 and7 year old children. I think most people really remember their Kindergarten teacher. My mom was a Kindergarten teacher and taught 2nd grade for a couple of years, too.
Okay, I'll try to be sensitive. I had been a social services case manager for many years and interacted with CPS. I also interacted with lots of parents, social workers and other case managers. Child Protective Services is just not the niche you want to work in. Besides it having enormous amounts of vicarious trauma from the things you'll hear, see and smell, it has great liability factors. An important thing in general is that the guidelines in place at the particular CPS agency you work in may not align with your logical, reasonable, traditionally done ways of "helping" the child or keeping the family together. The guidelines, or lack thereof, in the past 8 years have been different and you will be told what to do for the child regardless if you think it's right or not.
You will have to deal with angry and upset parents, false alarms which take a lot of investigation to know that they're false alarms, and deal with people in their worst moments. This is every day. Colleagues have stated to me that it's the worst type of social service there is. Of course this is going to depend on exactly the specific CPS office you'd work at, but the consensus from professionals I've heard speak who lived it, I'd say don't do it. Many of these children do not recover, either.
If you want to work with a troubled population, my opinion is to consider being a teacher or Child Psychologist. As a psychologist, you would only be responsible for providing clinical therapy to the child. Many careers in social services at all levels have liability, but it is especially so with a children population in any career. So I am in agreement with the people whom you spoke with. They should at least have been forthcoming as to why this is not a pleasant or good niche. CPS can be sad and frustrating working with serious issues everyday. Then to see the child traumatized and no progress, only what the guidelines say to do.
You would have a better role and experience working with children at a school or in the field of psychology. The reality of abused children is not shown in the media or talked about much, so it's excellent that you are asking for advice. You do indeed have a future in which you can make great impact with children, but I wouldn't say it would be through Child Protective Services.
Sorry to be so frank, but I hope this helps and I wish you all the best. Your love for children will take you far !
This is a very important question and with sensitivity, I want to advise you and put things into perspective.
You are already being helpful to the children that you work with. Look at what you are doin g - teaching children, keeping a caring watch over them, You are a large part of their initial foundation for education and really do make a difference with the 5 and7 year old children. I think most people really remember their Kindergarten teacher. My mom was a Kindergarten teacher and taught 2nd grade for a couple of years, too.
Okay, I'll try to be sensitive. I had been a social services case manager for many years and interacted with CPS. I also interacted with lots of parents, social workers and other case managers. Child Protective Services is just not the niche you want to work in. Besides it having enormous amounts of vicarious trauma from the things you'll hear, see and smell, it has great liability factors. An important thing in general is that the guidelines in place at the particular CPS agency you work in may not align with your logical, reasonable, traditionally done ways of "helping" the child or keeping the family together. The guidelines, or lack thereof, in the past 8 years have been different and you will be told what to do for the child regardless if you think it's right or not.
You will have to deal with angry and upset parents, false alarms which take a lot of investigation to know that they're false alarms, and deal with people in their worst moments. This is every day. Colleagues have stated to me that it's the worst type of social service there is. Of course this is going to depend on exactly the specific CPS office you'd work at, but the consensus from professionals I've heard speak who lived it, I'd say don't do it. Many of these children do not recover, either.
If you want to work with a troubled population, my opinion is to consider being a teacher or Child Psychologist. As a psychologist, you would only be responsible for providing clinical therapy to the child. Many careers in social services at all levels have liability, but it is especially so with a children population in any career. So I am in agreement with the people whom you spoke with. They should at least have been forthcoming as to why this is not a pleasant or good niche. CPS can be sad and frustrating working with serious issues everyday. Then to see the child traumatized and no progress, only what the guidelines say to do.
You would have a better role and experience working with children at a school or in the field of psychology. The reality of abused children is not shown in the media or talked about much, so it's excellent that you are asking for advice. You do indeed have a future in which you can make great impact with children, but I wouldn't say it would be through Child Protective Services.
Sorry to be so frank, but I hope this helps and I wish you all the best. Your love for children will take you far !
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1828
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Addyson,
I have to agree with Michelle on this! Child Protective Service agencies tend to have employees who have an un-manageable case-load. You will find yourself doing copy and paste reports rather than taking the time to write each one from scratch, because, there just isn't enough time. You will always feel frazzled and fried, and will likely have difficulty decompressing on your days off. It is emotionally draining work, and will take a toll on you. Sorry!
Look for other ways to help kids - art and music therapy, coach, etc. There are so many people out there doing great things for kids. Child Protective Services is a bureaucracy with bureaucratic policies that will stand in the way of you doing things you feel should be done. And, when you decide to leave a child in the home and get supportive services for the family, and that goes wrong, that's a tough decision to live with.
Please. continue your interest in kids. But, look elsewhere. Please!
I have to agree with Michelle on this! Child Protective Service agencies tend to have employees who have an un-manageable case-load. You will find yourself doing copy and paste reports rather than taking the time to write each one from scratch, because, there just isn't enough time. You will always feel frazzled and fried, and will likely have difficulty decompressing on your days off. It is emotionally draining work, and will take a toll on you. Sorry!
Look for other ways to help kids - art and music therapy, coach, etc. There are so many people out there doing great things for kids. Child Protective Services is a bureaucracy with bureaucratic policies that will stand in the way of you doing things you feel should be done. And, when you decide to leave a child in the home and get supportive services for the family, and that goes wrong, that's a tough decision to live with.
Please. continue your interest in kids. But, look elsewhere. Please!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Addyson. Working with children, particularly in roles like social work or child protection, can be both rewarding and challenging.
Helping kids and teens who have faced difficult situations can feel like a true calling. Every day, you have the chance to make a positive impact on their lives, even if it's in small ways at first. For example, a simple act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or just being there to listen can mean everything to a child who feels alone or unheard. As you build trust with them, you'll see their progress, and that's one of the most fulfilling aspects of this work.
However, it's also important to recognize that this kind of work isn't always easy. There will be times when you feel frustrated or emotionally drained, especially when you encounter cases where kids are dealing with severe trauma or neglect.
In the end, yes, it is definitely worth it. The challenges will be tough, but the rewards (seeing kids grow) make it all worthwhile.
Helping kids and teens who have faced difficult situations can feel like a true calling. Every day, you have the chance to make a positive impact on their lives, even if it's in small ways at first. For example, a simple act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or just being there to listen can mean everything to a child who feels alone or unheard. As you build trust with them, you'll see their progress, and that's one of the most fulfilling aspects of this work.
However, it's also important to recognize that this kind of work isn't always easy. There will be times when you feel frustrated or emotionally drained, especially when you encounter cases where kids are dealing with severe trauma or neglect.
In the end, yes, it is definitely worth it. The challenges will be tough, but the rewards (seeing kids grow) make it all worthwhile.