DC Child Welfare

I read that some of the caseworkers that were discharged by Mayor Fente have won an appeal and are to be reinstated in their positions with the city. I can't comment on that but will comment on a related issue.
In the article I read, it was noted that almost 25% of the workforce left the agency after the discharge by the mayor. News flash---this is happening around the country whether workers are dischargedd or not. They are leaving in droves. This is a crisis. And no, this is not an exageration. It is this serious.
Who will care for the children? Who will accept this thankless job? Who will struggle to support themselves and their family on the meager salary earned by most child welfare workers.
And if there is no one, where do those children end up?

Disproportionality

Today the House Ways & Means Committee held a hearing on disproportionality in child welfare. It is great that we have elected officials who are interested enough in child welfare in general, and specifically in disproportionality, that they felt it worthy of special attention. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend but I look forward to listening to and reading the testimony when it becomes available.
Cheers to McDermott and others for bringing attention to this important issue!

Revolving Door

In the last week or two, I've noted that three child welfare directors/commissioners have announced their departures. I won't comment on the individual circumstances. Rather, I want to pose a very broad, and very basic question. That is, how effective can child welfare leadership be when they are likely going to be in the position less than two years? How many Fortune 500 companies have built successful organizations with leadership turn-over similar to that of child welfare? (Seriously--I don't know the answer to that but I'm guessing it is zero.)

I think it is time we have a dialogue about this system and what needs to happen in order for public child welfare to effectively protect and serve children, families, and communities.

Intro

I thought I'd start with the obvious and answer the questions, 'who am I' and 'why did I start this blog'.
Well, the first answer...Connie Hayek. I have worked in child welfare for 20+ years in various capacities. Now I'd describe myself as an advocate although that doesn't really say anything about what I actually do. I'll leave that piece for later. Other things I've done include direct casework in a public agency, supervision/management in a public agency, management in a private non-prof, trainer of workers and fos/adopt parents, consultant, CASA volunteer, foster parent...you get the drift. I've done almost everything except lawyering and sitting on a bench. (If I had a law degree, I probably would have done that too....)
Why did I start this blog---well, a couple of reasons. One is that it is the medium 'de jour'. Another is because I periodically read blogs by other so called child advocates and want to present a different/more reasonable perspective. And I just want to educate people a bit on child welfare.
I'm hoping others will chime in occasionally---I love a good discussion!