Family Advocate

How has your opinion of welfare systems changed, if at all, in working at this job?

Asked by Dr. Chad over 12 years ago

My main problem with the welfare system is that they are not requiring people on welfare to look for employment. WHY? I don't understand. To me, this is doing a great disservice to the community. I'm not kidding when I say I've met people who completely rely on the system for food and shelter but yet they're talking about wanting 2-3 more children, just because they've always wanted a big family. Why work when there's a guaranteed check in the mail at the beginning of the month and your rent is getting paid for? And the cycle continues.... Sigh....

Have you ever found yourself in danger when working with any of these families?

Asked by myra over 12 years ago

Luckily I've never been in immediate danger, but I do have co-workers in my position who have been in the middle of a home visit and all of a sudden policemen knock down the doors and are there for a drug bust, we've been yelled and cursed at (sometimes it's something as silly as the school bus being late), I've been in homes that I later find out may have had weapons/drugs..... I've read about attacks happening in homes I visit and I'm always thankful it hasn't happened while I'm there. :-/

What qualifies a family as “high risk”?

Asked by dan79 over 12 years ago

A "High Risk" family is a family who falls under several of these categories: Homeless, Incarcerated parent, Single Parent, Working with Child Protective Services, Substance abuse in the home, Domestic Violence in the home, Foster Child, Parent with a diagnosed disability, grandparents or if the child has experienced a traumatic event recently. Of course the only way we know is by the parent/guardian being honest with us during the application process.

What made you get into this field? Are you emotionally drained by the end of each day, or are you used to it at this pt?

Asked by ***poof*** over 12 years ago

Great question! The advocacy piece of it stems from my upbringing, I think. My family didn't have a lot of money and we relied on the community and the help the government was providing us with to live. In fact, without that help, we would've ended up in foster care, without a doubt. You see, my parents had twelve children. My dad being physically disabled, my mother being an alcoholic and having three brothers who are mentally challenged, I learned about the services being provided to us and I appreciated the help. The other piece of it, the parenting piece comes from being a mother. The beautiful thing about working with families in this age group is the fact that it's relatable, in some aspects. I could understand the tantrums, the picky eaters, the lack of listening, the rules, the expectations, etc. I learn from the families I work with too. I learn what works with them, what doesn't work, we bounce ideas off of each other on how to manage these behaviors.... It takes a village to raise a child, right? There are definitely days where emotionally it's hard and nights where I'm up worrying about a family. But, you get the good with the bad and it all balances out. I might have a family who I've had to call CPS on and another family who calls me to say they've completed their GED program... the lows with the highs all in one day. But, I have a great support system. I rely on my team, the other advocates, to talk me through problems sometimes. It is very helpful to have a strong support system. They understand the field, they understand these issues and they might be going through it themselves with their own caseloads. I also rely on my personal family. Going home to my safe haven, seeing my children and being with my husband, at the end of the day, TRULY makes you appreciate it so much more!

A parent accused of causing harm and neglect. Moves to from NC to NY to accept a government position. The parent has a 2 bedroom apartment and now married. What should parent do before court hearing?

Asked by Advocating for a family over 4 years ago

I completed all recommended to regain custody of my children. Social Worker threatened to put children for adoption and placed child support on me. How to regain custody of childrenfrom the state? If not being treated fairly.

Asked by Want custody of my children over 4 years ago

What would you say to someone who claims that "Homeless people are just lazy?"

Asked by TMac over 12 years ago