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Debra
Student
Heidelberg, Mississippi
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What is the best route to take to further my educationas a 38 year old?
So I am 38 years old and I am a high school graduate with a associate degree in early education k-2... but I'd love to work with children that are going through cps and the court system to help fight for thier rights
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Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Debra !
A good route for working for Child Protective Services would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree in sociology, social work or psychology and apply for CPS jobs afterwards.
Get an idea of how large your local CPS agency is and what would be the likelihood of open positions with them. Being an advocate for children may include advocating for families, too. Look into Advocacy Certification as well. An online training for it is at https://courses.philanthropyu.org/courses/course-v1:PhilanthropyU+Advocacy101+1_1.0_20180611_20180729/about
but I am sure that there are many more and any certifications you can obtain would be impressive and increase employment opportunities.
If you don't get a CPS job right away after college, do not worry. There are many more positions you can obtain while you wait for a CPS opening. Many social service agencies have a child and family services base that can provide you with good experience and growth as a professional. Read about the places that serve people at the following links:
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH https://msdh.ms.gov/page/42,0,167.html
FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES - MISSISSIPPI DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES https://www.ms.gov/Agencies/family-and-children-services-mississippi-department-human-services
MISSISSIPPI STATE PERSONNEL BOARD https://careers.mspb.ms.gov/social-serv
If you go for your Bachelors Degree in your local area, you will become familiar with all of the services that exist and you can gather those resources for when it comes time to apply for work right after graduation. Transfer your Associates Degree to a four year college for the Bachelors Degree. Your Associates Degree is a good one for going into CPS, so you already have a good foundation.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
A good route for working for Child Protective Services would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree in sociology, social work or psychology and apply for CPS jobs afterwards.
Get an idea of how large your local CPS agency is and what would be the likelihood of open positions with them. Being an advocate for children may include advocating for families, too. Look into Advocacy Certification as well. An online training for it is at https://courses.philanthropyu.org/courses/course-v1:PhilanthropyU+Advocacy101+1_1.0_20180611_20180729/about
but I am sure that there are many more and any certifications you can obtain would be impressive and increase employment opportunities.
If you don't get a CPS job right away after college, do not worry. There are many more positions you can obtain while you wait for a CPS opening. Many social service agencies have a child and family services base that can provide you with good experience and growth as a professional. Read about the places that serve people at the following links:
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH https://msdh.ms.gov/page/42,0,167.html
FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES - MISSISSIPPI DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES https://www.ms.gov/Agencies/family-and-children-services-mississippi-department-human-services
MISSISSIPPI STATE PERSONNEL BOARD https://careers.mspb.ms.gov/social-serv
If you go for your Bachelors Degree in your local area, you will become familiar with all of the services that exist and you can gather those resources for when it comes time to apply for work right after graduation. Transfer your Associates Degree to a four year college for the Bachelors Degree. Your Associates Degree is a good one for going into CPS, so you already have a good foundation.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much, Michelle! I really truly thank you... it's crazy but how should I do that.. I am dumbfounded when it comes to choosing which route to take ... see I didn't know if I should jump right into getting a bachelor's masters etc...
Debra
Glad I could be of help. Please don't hesitate to ask more questions in a separate post here at Career Village. Have a great day !
Michelle M.