I absolutely love to work with children and families in an attempt to overcome and change the behaviors in which led to our involvement.  I have told my staff as well as myself if you are able to help one child, you have made a difference.  Although this field is easily viewed as negative and can make the workers negative, I have strived to find something positive in each and every interaction with the families I serve to encourage them to overcome the difficulties of their situation. Alberta Gunter, Oklahoma

Child welfare workers provide a safety net for children and families while working to support families in our communities. They are on the front line, often risking personal safety to ensure the safety of children. Child welfare workers make a difference every day in the life of families. They do this often at their own personal sacrifice.

Child Welfare is a challenging field, but it is rewarding to see the difference made with the families in overcoming their challenges through the solution focused skills building engagement.  The community outreach in building and strengthening bonds and creating sustainable goals in addressing the many challenges faced by communities members.

Child welfare workers are heroes. Plain and simple!

I really appreciate the dedication of our Child Welfare Workers in a job that has very difficult and challenging times. During this pandemic our Child Welfare Workers have done an amazing job at adapting to the times and continuing to do their job and make sure the kids in our community are safe.

I have been working for the Division for 32 years now.  The work we do is vital in the protection of children.  I appreciate those that choose this as a professional as it can be both very challenging and very rewarding.  You have to find that balance and believe that the work being done is making a difference in the lives of children and families.

I love working with children and families. What motivates me is just being able to help others and provide resources and be a support. This worker makes a positive difference because we are always working on obtaining permanency for children. I appreciate when we can all work together as a team for the children and families.

 Child welfare frontline staff are some of the hardest working and most caring people around; it is a heartfelt commitment to act on behalf of children and their families when you enter this field. So proud of all CW staff for battling such tough winds.

I have been so impressed with the collaboration of parties in the child welfare system coming together and finding solutions to challenges brought on by the pandemic in an effort to better serve our families.

Child welfare is one of the most important careers we will ever have. I love how we can help families make meaningful changes that last a a lifetime and can break the cycle of abuse and neglect. The CW workforce amazes me with how adaptable and resilient you are. Thank you for all you do!

 After 20 years as a Child Welfare worker, i still love helping and making a difference in the lives of children and families.  One of the things i appreciate most about the child welfare workforce is their continued dedication and sacrifice for children and families.  They show up day after day working hard to make  a difference despite all the adversity and barriers that they face.

Child welfare workers are amazing, resourceful, resilient, courageous, and caring!!

Each and every day, our child welfare workforce across the country is engaged in critical work that makes a difference in the lives of children, families and the communities in which we live. We do this work because of our strong commitment to social justice and because we know that even one small intervention on behalf of a child and family can have an impact that is greater than we may ever know. We are catalysts of change and purveyors of hope. We do this work to make a difference in life.

 For 20+ years I have said that child welfare workers have one of the hardest jobs on earth and I can't even imagine how hard the job must be during a pandemic.  I appreciate all of the hard work our frontline child welfare professionals do every day to ensure safety, permanency and well-being for our most vulnerable children and families.

Children are the future. They are our greatest asset. Every effort should be made that each child is given equal opportunity to success. The child welfare workforce does heroic work in difficult circumstances.

I am always amazed at how a family can open their door to a stranger and share some of the hardest moments in their life, and at times when they are having the biggest struggles.  There is nothing more humbling than to be the listener in those brave conversations.  This true engagement allows us to form a partnership for positive change in the most unique of ways.  Very special humans enter into that work with a passion for helping and serving others.  I appreciate this moment to honor them.

Child welfare workers across the nation are building family capacity while helping children. There is no more worthy cause in this two generation work. Tireless, dedicated and visionary workers help families achieve their goals while aiding their children. Unsung heroes across the nation, we celebrate you!!!’

I am always in awe of the creativity, passion and resilience of our child welfare workforce.

I grew up discussing foster care and adoption in my family. My uncle and father were both adopted and my mother grew up with many foster siblings (her parents were foster parents). I have always felt called to this field personally which lead me to adopt my wonderful son from foster care. I love children and truly believe they are the change. I do believe that the work we do has powerful impacts on not just the children but our community. I love how dedicated this field is for a better tomorrow.

I love that I am surrounded by individuals that work hard for the safety of children and families. I am motivated by the growth and change that children and families experience with services. Children and their families are provided opportunities that they may not otherwise have access too. Children are in safer situations so that they can heal from their trauma. I appreciate the dedication and devotion of DHHS to grow and change with the research on trauma and the impact it has on families.