September is Child Welfare Workforce Development Month, and we asked several employees about their experiences working in child welfare. Whether they’re helping a child transition to a new home, providing therapeutic services on campus or teaching families skill-building techniques, their roles are critical in supporting families. Thank you to all our child welfare workers – we appreciate your commitment to nurturing a healthy and more equitable Western New York for the benefit of current and future generations!
Q: Why is child welfare work so important in our community?
“We work with underrepresented and underserved communities like refugees, immigrants, people of color and many others who have financial or personal struggles. This work allows us to provide them with skills and tools so they can lead successful and healthy lives.”
Xavier DeLuna, Intensive Case Management (ICM) Case Coordinator
“Until you work in the field, you don’t really realize how many gaps and underserved populations there are in our community. Through this work, I’ve seen a lot of holes where families get lost in the cracks. At Child and Family Services, we have multiple programs that address housing, domestic violence, mental health, skill building, etc. We have everything a family might need to prevent them from falling into the system.”
Roemello White, Case Planner, Residential Treatment Center (RTC)
“This work really impacts a broad range of people; there’s no one size fits all. Lessons and resources I give to one family are passed along to their friends and the information spreads from there. It turns into a preventive source of helping others.”
Ainsley Owens, Case Planner, Preventive Services
“Our child welfare programs work together to create positive change for future generations. Whether it’s a big or small change, it’s rewarding to see how the children recognize their own growth and become little leaders in themselves. Once they leave our program, they end up doing many successful things. It’s great to see the impact our work has on them.”
Maia Berroa, Case Planner, Residential Treatment Center (RTC)
Q: How does working in this field impact you?
“On a professional level, there’s always going to be a need for social services. This field allows me to be part of that change and help future generations in our community. On a personal level, I’m able to share my perspective and experience as a child of an immigrant to connect with families.”
Xavier DeLuna, Integrative Case Management (ICM) Care Coordinator
“This work is something I have a deep love for. I’ve been doing this for seven years and have worked with different children and families of all backgrounds. It always makes me happy seeing reunifications, children being discharged from our programs and families being advocated for and getting the help they need.”
Roemello White, Case Planner, Residential Treatment Center (RTC)
“Over the years, I’ve seen families be reunited and children become adopted and it’s a reminder of why the work we’re doing is so impactful. We are working to reunify families, and all children deserve to have a stable, loving home environment. It makes me feel great inside knowing how many families we’ve helped achieve this goal.”
Amber Burhanan, Foster Care Supervisor
“My favorite part about working in this field is seeing families gain my trust and becoming someone they can depend on throughout their journey. Witnessing parents make changes for themselves and their family is one of the best feelings.”
Lauren Wogick, Case Planner, Preventive Services