What I do

Well Julie asked what I do for a living. I'm a social worker. I work in the foster care area. I actually work with families whose children are in foster care. My goal is to reintegrate children with their bio families when possible. If it isn't safe or not possible for some other reason we work towards adoption or another permanency option.

I get to do all kinds of crazy stuff! UA people, testify at hearings, write court reports, explore incredibly dirty home, I've battled roaches and rats and I'm quite good at detecting the smell of drugs or roaches from several feet away! I get to deal with some of the craziest people and some of the coolest people in the world in my opinion.

My job is crazy stressful which is why I'm grateful to be off work for awhile. FMLA is my friend. But it's pretty rewarding too. Today I testified at a hearing to terminate a parents rights to their children. Sad in some ways, really awesome in others. I know now that the kids involved have a shot at a real family now. People that will be invested in their lives. And that is pretty freaking amazing in my book. So sometimes the stress of it is worth it... The payoff doesn't come often but just enough to keep me going back for more.

Jess