Helping Foster Care Children
Jaelyn
Experience Information
Employer: Wellspring Lutheran Services
Job Title: Foster Care Intern
Major: Psychology
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Wellspring Lutheran Services is a family service center in Kentwood, Mi. that assists foster families in reunification and resources for families and children in need. Within the company, there are foster case workers, licensing case workers, enhanced foster care, supervisors, and managers. Each supervisor has a team of approximately two case workers and a licensing worker. It is a medium sized facility with no more then 50 workers. The work itself is hybrid, as there is paperwork to be done in office, and visits to be conducted outside of office at the family's home or in a public area.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My main task throughout the semester was to scan and organize various forms that were required for each case every 30 days. There were forms for gas mileage, monthly reports, determination of care forms necessary every 6 months, and reimbursement forms for foster families. I also shadowed my supervisor, Lydia, while she worked on referral calls and team meetings to assess a child's progress or placement. Monthly my supervisor would have house visits and I would attend with her. When a case aid was not available, I also helped in transporting kiddos to/from school, to parent visits, or dropped off court reports to the district court. Occassionally, I attended court hearings in reference to my supervisor's caseload, though rarely.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I went into this internship with the intention of learning how to interact with vulnerable communities. Throughout my time there, I have learned that and more. While interacting with families, it is very easy for the moment to get heated, especially when talking about the parents rights being taken away or a dirty drop for drug tests. I learned how to remain calm and talk to them in a way to decompress the tension. I also learned how to communicate and collaborate in office, helped on the morale board to foster interpersonal relationships within the office, and learned how to adapt to changes in schedule, which is often in foster care.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was attending court meetings. I enjoyed watching my supervisor advocate for the kids on her caseload and testify in the courtroom. There was one adoption hearing that I was able to observe, and it was a very sweet moment for everyone involved!
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I hadn't thought of working in foster care before, but after working with this company and the people there, I do plan on returning once I graduate from Grand Valley in the Spring. It also enhanced my future career goals as I hope to go to law school and potentially specialize in family law.
Internship Format
Hybrid (some in person and some remote)