When coming in as a new worker, it can indeed be challenging to pick up a case that someone else has previously handled. The family and child already developed a relationship and trust with the previous case worker, and you are an entirely new person to them.
Honestly walking into the Child’s case was a whole new experience and I appreciated every moment of it. During my time with the Child’s case I noticed that the teenager really just wanted someone to talk to and understand things from their perspective. I was happy to be able to provide that and be another older adult she trusts. We talked about many things such as her pursuing to travel the world after she graduates, start driving, getting a car, and having her own room at her uncle’s house.
While having many other conversations I really started to know her for who she was and was happy to be a part of her journey. The mother during this case was active, always confirming visits and bringing things her daughter loved. This made it known that this mother and child will always have a bond that most would not understand. During my visits I noticed that the family felt comfortable with me and trusted me as a worker. Seeing the smile on their face when they saw each other always brought a smile to mine.
I like to think in the short span of 3 months I made a significant difference. I believe that I made a difference with the daughter by making her know it’s okay to get to know people and able to be comfortable with me. Also by making it known that sometimes life is not a straight path it is a maze that has multiple paths that define us. Also by connecting with the mother by knowing she has a worker she trusts with her daughter and case. As a PACT worker I realized that you don’t have to be present in someone’s lives forever to make a difference.
