Social workers in Los Angeles County are speaking out to correct the record after a misleading article was published in the Los Angeles Times.
Today Judge Michael Nash, who presides over the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court, joined the chorus with an opinion piece entitled “Family over foster care is still a priority in L.A. County.”
Social workers have submitted letters to the editor to the LA Times stating particularly that keeping families together is a primary goal of social work. (Read the letters below.)
“Fundamentally our work depends on not only keeping children safe and out of harm’s way, but helping create an environment where children can thrive. Whenever possible we reunite families because that is the best place for children to succeed,” said Blanca Gomez, a children’s social worker.
The article, which was later corrected by the newspaper, implied that the County is ending its emphasis on family reunification. In a follow-up article Department of Children and Family Services Director Trish Ploehn said “the department continues to remain steadfast in its commitment to reducing the number of children in foster care and to increasing the number of family reunifications.” You can read the entire article here.
The original article, “County to end emphasis on family over foster care,” is now entitled “L.A. County shifts approach to children in foster care.”
Social Workers Weigh In:
Dear Editor:
Your article “County to end emphasis on family over foster care” (Feb. 5) implies a shift that just hasn’t happened. Good social work is dependent on working with families and giving them the resources they need to get on track and create a stable home life. As long as I am a social worker in Los Angeles County this will remain my goal.
Walter R. White, MSW
Children’s Social Worker, LA County DCFS
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Dear Editor:
Social work is not easy. Fundamentally our work depends on not only keeping children safe and out of harm’s way, but helping create an environment where children can thrive. Whenever possible we reunite families because that is the best place for children to succeed.
Your article “County to end emphasis on family over foster care” (Feb. 5) implies a shift that just hasn’t happened. Good social work is dependent on working with families and giving them the resources they need to get on track and create a stable home life. As long as I am a social worker in Los Angeles County this will remain my goal.
Sincerely,
Blanca Gomez, MSW
Children’s Social Worker, LA County DCFS