On June 10th, 2005 my class went to the Provincial Building in Grand Falls-Windsor. We went there to visit my friend Tabitha. She is a child protection social worker with Child, Youth and Family Services.
Tabitha explained to us that her job is to protect children like us and make sure we are safe and happy. She does this by making sure children are living in a safe home. If their home is not safe she will find a home that is safe for them to live in. If the children don’t have enough clothes or food, her department will help them by giving them food and clothes. Sometimes they can even put people in the home to help parents care for their children if the parents are sick or have problems. If a child’s parents have problems and the child is not safe with them, Tabitha might have to put the child in a foster home with other parents until the child's parents get the help they need, and it is okay for the child to return home.
Another thing they do is help parents who have children with special needs. They can make sure the children get medical care and all the things they need to have a good life, like wheelchairs or workers to help them in school.
Tabitha explained that the whole purpose of her work is to make sure families stay together, and that the children can grow up happy and safe. There are many other people working with her, and we got to meet them and see their offices. They were all nice people, and now if I saw a child being hurt or in trouble I would phone Tabitha or one of the other social workers and let them know, because I know they can help.
Leah Martino (2004-2005)