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Samantha Greene |
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After quite a bit of long,
hard work, I am now officially a CPS Conservatorship worker! It is very
rewarding to know that I am making a difference in the community by working
with children and their families. This job is very challenging, but I’ve
been fortunate to have been placed in a great unit that is easing me into
things so I can get adjusted to having my own caseload and all the tasks
that are involved with it. I would recommend the CPS experience to anyone
who thinks they may be interested in it. The wide range of issues
encountered while working with clients gives experience in so many different
arenas. Thanks to all of the TWU faculty for helping me get to this point!
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Katrina White |
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One thing I have learned is
you never get bored in this job, it keeps you on your toes. I have learned
so much in such a short period of time here and I would have to say it is
all invaluable. I can't imagine a job that would better prepare someone for
the world of Social Work you really get it all here. I'm in a interesting
spot as conservator of the children on my caseload. I have found its
made me tougher and much stronger as a person but most importantly more
determined to do good in this world. |
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Crystal Martin |
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In my transition from TWU
student to CPS worker I can appreciate my time in the Academy and the
extensive On the Job Training (OJT). I have learned a significant amount of
information in 3 months, however, I am really learning the bulk of my job as
a worker in my new Unit F2 with Tracie Harper. My commitment to work hard
for the small caseload I have now helps to prepare me for the larger load
next month. I want to personally thank Michele Bland, Dr. Linda Marshall,
Mark Sandel, Dr. Abigail Tilton and Erin Lansmon for all the hard work you
instill in all Social Workers…Especially me. I also love having my own
office which is rare in some offices in CPS. I am blessed! |
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Kelli Johnson |
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I am officially a
conservatorship caseworker for the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services, assuming the title CPS Specialist II. While completing my last few
weeks of the CPS training academy, I was offered and accepted a CVS position
in Dallas county. My career is now centered around protecting children from
abuse, neglect, and exploitation by involving clients, families, and
communities. I advocate for children and their families by providing and
arranging for services necessary to prevent abuse or alleviate maltreatment,
as well as making referrals to other service providers and outside
resources. My role within this agency is to ensure that every child is
afforded the opportunity to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency,
while promoting family preservation or reunification. I am so appreciative
of the staff of the Social Work Program at Texas Woman's University for
preparing and equipping me with adequate knowledge, skills, resources, and
support to be both an effective and efficient social worker. overcoming
obstacles encountered within this profession. I would like to encourage
students to consider the Title IV-E program. It is such a rewarding
experience.
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Caresha Holland |
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My role as a CPS CVS-worker
is to provide Child Protective Services to children in substitute care. CVS
refers to conservatorship as CPS is the managing conservator also known as
guardians for children in substitute/foster care. This is an exciting
position where there is truly never a dull moment. The direct work with
children and their families is meaningful and uses those skills introduced
through the Social Work Program. As we have transitioned from interns to
workers I have come to understand how our role as the worker connects
children and families to laws and policies that affect their lives daily.
CPS is a world all its own and I'm glad to be a part. |
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Patty Mosqueda |
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As a
TWU Title IV-E recipient, I have been a Conservatorship worker in Denton, TX
for nearly two months now. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I
began, but I have discovered that I learn something new and entirely useful
each day. I entered a supportive unit that has more than welcomed me, which
made the transition from the Academy to "real life" CPS casework go much
more smoothly. Although my caseload is currently high for a new worker, I
have found it manageable through good time management and organization. I
believe that having a system of organization will help to make any caseload
manageable. An important thing to remember is that there are so many
resources (namely, your co-workers) that you can turn to for help and
guidance. Despite the many challenges, the rewards, no matter how minute
they may seem at times, far outweigh those everyday challenges. The IV-E
program has been a great way for me to begin my social work career, working
to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
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Sharlotte Watson |
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I
graduated from the CPS Academy and TWU in the spring of 2007. Shortly
following graduation I was offered a CVS position with Child Protective
Services in Wichita Falls. I accepted this offer and have now been employed
about six weeks. The unit I am in works well together and my coworkers have
been very supportive and encouraging. I currently cover three counties,
which include Archer, Montague and Clay, so I do travel quite extensively.
While this job is very challenging I am very satisfied with my placement. I
am always on the go and there is never a dull moment. |
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Alexandra Buntain |
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I can now say that I am
officially a conservatorship caseworker for the Texas Department of Family
and Protective Services in Dallas County. It’s an awesome feeling to
actually be out there using the skills I have acquired throughout my social
work training at Texas Woman’s University. So far, I am really enjoying the
job. It is very unpredictable and stressful, but there is never a dull
moment. I have an awesome unit and supervisor, which definitely helps. I
am very grateful for the Title IV-E program because with it I was able to
graduate with a job where I can fight for what social work is all about:
social justice. I do encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in the
lives of children and families to take advantage of the IV-E program.
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Tabita Gonzalez |
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I
successfully completed academy training at CPS through the Title IV-E
program at Texas Woman's University. I am a legal caseworker in Dallas. I
work within a cohesive unit with a great team of unit members. I face
challenges often and still, at the end of the day, I am optimistic in
knowing that I am influencing positive change and growth in children and
families. This job highly satisfies my need as a professional to encourage
and promote a thriving existence in the lives of people. I am able to
advocate on behalf of my clients and work with the courts to strive for
safety, permanency and the well being of children. I continually gain
knowledge relating to how the Departments operates and ways to assist our
clients within the scope of our Social Work values and ethics. It has become
a great pleasure to be able to begin my career path at DFPS through the
Title IV-E program. |
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Vicki Garza |
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Hi, my name is Vicki
Garza. I am a recent graduate of TWU and Child Protective Service Academy.
Now I am full time employee of the state of Texas as Caseworker for Child
Protective Services. While going through the Academy helps to understand the
history of how evolved has evolved in its protection of children. It also
gives individuals knowledge and some basic skills from instructors who have
been there, done that work. Their vast knowledge will help others to
understand the big responsibility we have to keep children safe and secure.
Academy can only give a person so much. Once in the field and a person
begins to receive cases, realization is that this position is a calling;
it’s not for everyone. Staying on tasks and be organized from the beginning
will save many a heart ache. Even through the chaos, I sometime feel this
over whelming joy of knowing I am helping somehow to ensure children are
secure and safe. |
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Beth Bottkol |
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I
have been an official employee of CPS for about a month. I currently have
six cases and I am definitely getting my feet wet when it comes to legal
actions. Many of my cases are moving quickly and I hope to be taking on more
soon. I love my unit! Even with only six cases, my supervisor is a huge help
and I couldn't do it without my unit! The benefits are great and long
lasting because not only do you start right out of college with a steady,
great job, you can also use that information for any other activities or
career paths you may decide to follow later in life. I have high hopes for
my future with CPS and I can't wait to see what's ahead!
Some quick advice to incoming students: PAY
ATTENTION IN TRAINING. Specifically, pay attention
to deadlines, court processes, and accessing resources. There are so many
things that happen in a case that if you don't start with a good ground it
is difficult to gain it. Also, things that you might want to ask how to do
is for each deadline what do you need and how far in advance! During your
training DON'T BE AFRAID TO JUMP IN! Ask questions about everything, even
when you aren't sure what to ask!!!
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Audra Williams |
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I have been a CPS employee
for one month! What I enjoy most is the interaction with the children! I
really have the opportunity to make a positive impact. There is also ample
opportunity to work with parents. During my short tenure, I have witnessed
the reunification of a child with the parent. This was made possible
because the parent really worked hard to eliminate all risk factors and is
now able to provide a safe home for the child! The positive outcomes are
truly inspiring!
I work in a very supportive
unit! It is the guidance and reassurance from my supervisor that keeps me
encouraged also! The workload is intense; however the support I receive
makes the job easier to handle! I strongly believe that the support from my
colleagues and my supervisor affords me the opportunity to build a strong
CPS career! |
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Teresiah Owens |
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I am a proud Title IV
graduate and very proud to be working for CPS. My experience as a Title IV
participant has provided me with an opportunity to gain practical experience
while increasing my career potential. As a CPS caseworker, I am presented
with new challenges and learn new things on a daily basis. I am surrounded
by great mentors who provide invaluable assistance in my career progression.
It has been a monumental experience and I highly recommend the program to
students who are seeking a career in social work. I urge students to
strongly consider participation in the Title IV program, because it's
definitely worth the hard work and sacrifice. |
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Magda Alvarado |
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I graduated from TWU in December
of 2005. I am currently working as a legal/ongoing worker in Dallas.
Although CPS can be a challenging and an overwhelming job, it has provided
me the opportunity to begin my social work career. CPS has provided me with
a great overview of the social work field. |
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Mary Jokisch |
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I graduated
from Texas Woman's University in the spring of 2005. I was a recipient of
the Title IV-E grant and during my last semester in the Social Work
Program I attended the CPS Academy, which is a Basic Skills Development
Training, as well as on the job training. Upon graduation I was offered a
position as an ongoing worker for the Department. This, by far, has been one
of the most challenging jobs I have ever had. However, the rewards are
remarkable. This job gives you the advantage of learning multiple skills.
For example I have gained experiences working directly with clients,
children, foster parents, private placement agencies, service providers,
attorneys, and have even learned to testify in court. School can only
prepare you so much for what you will encounter in the real world today. I
feel that accepting the Title IV-E grant opened the door to have those hands
on experiences, while completing my degree. |
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Marnie Sadri |
The Child Placement Unit is making a
big change in CPS! Assembled in March 2005, we are a new
program and a new idea! My team of seven coordinators are
responsible for finding all of the foster children in Region 3
(consisting of Dallas, Fort Worth and 17 outlying counties)
temporary and/or long-term foster homes. The Region 3 Child
Placement Team is the busiest unit in the state, matching
between 650-800 children every month to their homes!
Our primary goal is to keep siblings
together in the same home. We continuously accomplish this goal
as we have the highest percentage in the Nation of keeping
sibling groups intact! During our recent wide area surveys, of
all the groups that were contacted, 100% were placed with at
least one sibling!
When possible, we allow our teenage
foster children to choose their home (when more than one option
is available). We also ask the children, “What do you want
in a home?” We have discovered that when children feel that
they have choices, they are more likely to be successful in
their placement.
I am privileged to work with foster
parents, caseworkers, guardian-ad-litems, and psychiatric
hospital social workers. Being a Child Placement Coordinator is
a position that does not involve direct contact with our
children. However, every day I am given a new opportunity to
make a difference in the life of a child.
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Youree Edwards |
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I graduated from
TWU in May of 2005. I am currently working at the Dallas County
Child Protective Service (CPS) office as a legal/on-going worker. I
love my job!!!! Since I started my position in June I have
encountered a lot of situations that I was not prepared for due to
my own socialization. The situations were turned into successful
victories due to the expertise of my co-workers and supervisor. I
can truthfully say that I have had a successful journey so far. If
you are seriously considering a job where you are able to help
children and families I would suggest looking into the IV-E Child
Welfare Grant. I do want to “Thank” the professors and staff members
of TWU for the strong foundation that was given to me. |
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Eleata Oakes |
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I graduated from TWU in August of 2004. I
am currently working at the Denton County CPS office as an on-going/legal
worker. I enjoy working there very much. My job is very hard and stressful but I
have a great unit and an awesome supervisor. I love working with the
families and the children. I would really encourage people who are strong in
their social work skills and their dedication to working to protect children to
apply for this job. |
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Florence Olugbuyi |
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I am currently doing my
internship at Child Protective Services. Doing my field at CPS has been a great
experience. The classes at TWU and the training at the Academy have prepared me
for what I will experience at CPS. I strongly encourage anyone who is interested
in child welfare to complete their Field Practicum at CPS. |
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Jody Tripple |
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I graduated with a Bachelor of
Social Work in August 2002. I am a recipient of the IV-E program, which allowed
me extra incentive and the ability to do my internship at Child Protective
Services without having to maintain employment. I continue to work for the
agency and am planning to start graduate school in the spring with another IV-E
grant. While my employment at CPS has been challenging and frustrating at times,
it has been extremely rewarding. Although my work here is on a micro level of
social work, I know that I make a difference in the lives of others. |
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TWU Home
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page last updated
February 27, 2008
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