Social Workers and Abused Children

The headline in the Sept. 14 Conversation interview that read “Social Workers Pretended to Care, but I Was Always Sent Back,” leaves the distinct impression that a social worker’s involvement is superficial, even deceptive toward a child in crisis.

I’m in no way denying this story of abuse and neglect of a child [by her mother], or her commentary on how the system works. It’s all too real. What I am taking issue with is the assumption regarding social workers.

As a volunteer child advocate for more than seven years, my observation is that social workers tirelessly put themselves on the line every day on behalf of abused children. They are knowledgeable and caring.

They work in a system where the mandate is for children to be returned to their parents whenever possible, despite unresolved neglect and abuse issues. Social workers do not make the rules. They, more often than not, attempt to do everything possible in a child’s best interest--without “pretending” in any sense of the word.

This report is a heartbreaking. But to cast blame on the very people who’re trying to make things better for children is a slap in the face to those who deserve much more honor and respect.

EVELYN GIBSON

Long Beach