What do Social Worker's Do?

You may have heard of the term “social work” or “social worker.” Yet, what is social work, and what does being a “social worker” actually entail?

When someone refers to a social worker, they are usually talking about a professional trained in the field of Social Work whose job is to help people navigate difficult life situations and connect them with the support they need. Social workers assist individuals, families, or entire communities facing challenges such as poverty, mental health struggles, illness, addiction, domestic violence, or family instability.

At Friends of Foster Children, our staff includes experienced social workers who specialize in child welfare. Additionally, FFC works closely with other social workers from partnering agencies across the community to support children and families. Depending on the agency and role, a social worker may investigate reports of maltreatment, visit homes to assess a child’s safety, or connect families to services such as the programs Friends of Foster Children provides.

Through programs such as Kinship Navigation and Foster Navigation, our social workers guide caregivers through the often complex child welfare system, helping them access resources, understand their rights, and ensure children in their care have the support they need to thrive. Our Responsible Fatherhood program provides fathers with mentorship, parenting guidance, and tools to strengthen their relationships with their children. In addition, our Navigating Adulthood program helps young adults who are aging out of or have aged out of foster care build independent living skills, set goals, and navigate adulthood with confidence.

We are proud of the impact that Friends of Foster Children is able to make as social workers. As we celebrate this month, let’s not forget the hard work that all child welfare social workers put in to help vulnerable children and families.