Above: Social workers from the South County office display their “super social worker” T-shirts.
Social workers gathered Saturday, Oct. 17, for a forum on reforming the child welfare system.
Participants heard firsthand about intensive efforts underway to work with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the public, community groups and experts to ensure social workers are heard and our recommendations for system reform are embraced.
Check out photos from the event.
“The public’s focus is on child welfare right now,” said Tony Bravo, a supervising CSW in the Belvedere office and SEIU 721 executive board member. “We are using this opportunity to make sure positive changes that help children, families and workers are adopted as a result.”
Board of Supervisors Committed to Working with Us
For the past several months a group of dedicated social workers has been meeting with all five Board of Supervisors’ offices on proposed DCFS policy changes, and board deputies have been shadowing ER social workers as a part of our “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program.
In fact, the forum included Martha Molina-Aviles, Supervisor Gloria Molina’s child welfare deputy, and two social workers who participated in a ride-along. They reported that the experience has led to an open dialogue between the Supervisor’s office and social workers and improvements in Board motions about DCFS.
Social workers from several DCFS offices around the county broke into four discussion sessions centered on reform.
Social workers looked at:
1. Recommendations for positive change in LA County DCFS policies.
2. Forming alliances with community groups and advocates.
3. State and local policy
4. Improving social workers’ public image.