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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 18, 2017 03:00 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Katharine M. Watson |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | June 1, 2017 - Child Welfare Caseworker Appreciation Day in PA |
| I soon will introduce a House Resolution recognizing June 1, 2017 as Child Welfare Caseworker Appreciation Day in Pennsylvania. As Chairwoman of the House Children and Youth Committee, I have gained an even greater appreciation of the men and women who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of children and families as caseworkers in the Commonwealth’s child welfare system. These caring, selfless individuals have chosen an extremely demanding profession that routinely exposes them to emotional trauma, perilous environments, crisis situations and unwarranted criticism. More often than not their recompense is low pay, long hours, little gratitude and an adverse impact on their personal lives. Yet they do invaluable work that unfortunately is becoming increasingly essential in our society. It is the difficult work of investigating child abuse, assessing safety, and initiating steps to protect children. It is the compassionate work of providing necessary services to families so that those families are prepared to care for and nurture their children properly. Imagine a career in which on a daily basis you encounter children who have been victimized by physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and maltreatment. And on a daily basis you encounter families that are in the throes of drug addiction, alcohol abuse, poverty, mental health issues, or other crises. At times, the work can seem overwhelming, if not impossible. Caseload overload, paperwork pileups, unrelenting pressure. All of it explains the high rate of turnover in this profession. Those who remain are truly special individuals worthy of our respect and admiration. My House Resolution is one small way in which we can show child welfare caseworkers that we recognize the incredible work that they do. Affirmation of their dedication and sacrifice is the least we as legislators can do. Hopefully, we will be able to do something more tangible for them in the future. I would appreciate your support of this House Resolution. Please consider signing on as a cosponsor. |
Introduced as HR334