I Am Your Social Worker

This week has been very much like the last few. Work has been crazy and hectic. I've been in training and in my office all week long. I finally have a desk which I've decorated and organized to the best of my ability. I'm still tired after my long days and I fight to stay awake at night but eventually my body gives way to sleep. I got my first case this week. I had exactly 3 hours to brief the case and meet the family. I had to make physical contact on Thursday no matter what. I eventually got the mother on the phone and it was weird to hear her reaction when I said hello So and So this is Kristilyn Choquette from DCF, I'm the social worker that has been assigned to your case. It was a combination of sadness and relief. She wants help but she doesn't necessarily want it from the department of children and families. I've seen a lot these last few years and I've done a lot of things that make families and strangers mad. I'm a monster in many peoples eyes. How can I rip apart families and take small children from the only world they've ever known. People don't understand that the world they are coming from is riddled with abuse, starvation, neglect, and maltreatment. I am not the real monster. However, despite all of that I still walk away at the end of the day being the villain. I was called a "cold-hearted bitch" last week and a variety of other names. The words don't hurt me and removing children doesn't phase me. I even separated siblings last week into different placements. I walked away fine and feeling comfortable in the fact I knew even though separate and sad they were safe. None of these things bother or taunt me at the end of the day. However my biggest fear is making the wrong decision and having a child die. Knowing deep down I am responsible for the death of that child.